I’m personally not into retro or vintage clothing for myself but do love it when I see someone who carries it off well. Many of those folk come here – to Hunter Gatherer in Fitzroy.
This place is jammed with the most amazing array of clothes from boots, pants, skirts, dresses, hats, gloves, bags and more. For the guys you will be able to find nice fat ties, cravats, blazers and the occasional pointy toed shoes.
Entering Used is like entering an olfactory sensation of oils including ‘Organoil’ products which help bring out the best in timber and preserve the items as well.
Stock is always changing so head on down to find that one-off wow piece to add to your own space and that brings back memories and niggles something inside you that arouses times gone by. Add the beauty of the vintage pieces as well as the visual cannonball of goods – this place is a must visit.
Nook Vintage in Johnston Street Fitzroy has this other outlet in Clifton Hill. It accommodates those larger pieces as well as having its own unique style with its wares.
The Warehouse is hidden down a little laneway just behind Queens Parade. Packed to the roof with amazing treasures this place will rock your socks off!
Johnston Street is becoming a hot spot for retro, vintage and secondhand stores that sell a multitude of items that are unique to each store. I discovered this little shop nearly five years ago where I bought myself a hospital bedside table. I now have about four of them sprinkled around the house as kitchen items, bathroom storage and more.
Voted as one of the best second-hand furniture stores in Melbourne by Timeout Magazine, Nook Vintage has the most awesome range of vintage treasures and vintage inspired homewares. (more…)
I can’t stop dropping into this little treasure trove of goodies set in the not so trendy end of Johnston Street Collingwood. But – it’s starting to find its mojo and more and more funky places are popping up nearby.
Went in last week and was greeted by a lovely woman with her two dogs – Bacon and Googey. My daughter was totally charmed by the long-haired dachshund and when we got home, she was googling where to buy one.
I’ve been visiting this Op Shop for years and today I introduced myself to Ken who has worked for t
he Lions Club for over 30 years and at this Op Shop for 16 years. What a guy. Over the years they’ve donated over $1.2 million to local charities and community projects. Staffed totally by volunteers, this is a little gold mine of treasures. You may need to hunt around but take the time and you’ll be rewarded.
This isn’t one of the fancier Op Shops around but it does have the most delightful staff and their passion for serving the community id exemplary.
Plus you have got to love an Op Shop that is run by the Lions Club and keeps all the lion stuffed toys and statues that come in and put them at the back of the store. Nice touch.
This used to be a cute little Op Shop but has now taken over another store next door and now it’s twice as big. 
This doesn’t mean it has twice as much stop but it does mean the layout is far friendlier for anyone who is disabled. It also means that the people who work here put a lot of time into making the store presentable and desirable to shop in. Whether it’s the clothes hung in colours or a display for Spring Racing Carnival or upcoming Christmas – they take the time to make the store looking inviting.
The day I visited was my first time with the new layout and meant I was able to spend around 20 minutes checking through racks, shelves and boxes to see what was on offer. Everything about the store is pleasant. The staff are just gorgeous and very helpful. The themes of upcoming seasonal events are always appreciated. (more…)
I have passed this Op Shop so many times, meaning to drop in but always on a mission to somewhere else.
At last, I made the time and what a treat it was.
The staff are absolutely delightful and full of enthusiasm and passion for Rotary and what it has to offer the community. As volunteers they put a lot of work into making the store well displayed and the layout of fashion (Spring Racing Carnival time) was excellent.
What I found surprising was the amount of items that are brand new, mostly with tags still on them and selling for a bargain. Some of the shoes were stunning, even though I’m not into high heels, they looked brand new and ready for someone to snap them up.
Everyone loves owls and these are easily made from everyday items which you can source from Op Shops, trash and treasure or the cutlery drawer at home.
These two little cuties were made from two holed ladles with the handles cut off.
I collected a few bolts in different colours for the eyes of one and the other are like checkers pieces. Using clear adhesive, they attach easily.
One item I see a lot in secondhand stores and Op Shops are tea and coffee pots. Seems to be one of those items that people buy and collect then realise they have too many and dispose of them. However, here are some clever ideas on how to give them a new life. Don’t forget those cups and saucers either, by giving them a new life too.
