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Sunday 22 July 2012

Save the Whales - Brooch



Over the past week I've been op shopping to find jewellery.  Usually I would be open minded about op shopping around town in charity shops and my favourite haunts in the city and keep an eye out for anything worthwhile and interesting, but not for any particular item or accessory.  However, it has occurred to me that I could really do with more quirky pieces of jewellery to go with my numerous jackets and winter coats.
I found this beautiful humpback whale brooch that I fell in love with at first sight.  It has a silver mark on the back and I managed to get it for $10.00.  I intend to wear it to an assistive technology course coming up on Wednesday.   


The day after finding the whale I came across these sterling silver and shell pendants at one of my favourite op shops.  All seven of them still had the new tags and original prices, after being priced down I bought five of them for $1.99 each and two for $2.99.  They've all got silver stamps and must be the best bargains I've found for some time.

Cowry shell
Paua shell
The paua, cowry and mussel shell pendants.
Silver bargains.





Sunday 1 July 2012

Bags of Style

Source
I haven't bought a new handbag for many years, since I began op shopping as my main wardrobe source.  Basically I am very hard on any bag I use, to the point that not many last for any length of time; the linings rip from being full to the brim of my daily essentials, or the handles give way from the strain of being overfilled.  This is one of the reasons why I decided to buy my handbag stash second hand.  I appears that many women get bored of their purchases reasonably quickly and purchase more bags as the mood takes them, therefore, I have obtained some great op shop bargains over the years.  
Handbag heaven


This selection of bags was op shopped; some locally and from further afield.  If I'm able to I look for leather, but failing that I will settle for good quality bags with plenty of wear.  
Floral fabric Cellini handbag


Black, leather Cellini handbag.


Here I have two Cellini bags; the fabric bag was bought for $6.00 from a charity shop in a small town not far from Perth, Australia.  Even when we travel I like to send time op shopping, especially in small towns.  The black, leather Cellini handbag was bought from my favourite op shop at the nearest city from here.

Green faux reptile bag.


Leaf & flower patterned leather handbag
I use the green satchel when I'm attending a course; it holds lots of paraphernalia.  I also used it as a carry-on bag on our last trip to Australia.  The black and white leather handbag is one I go back to often when I wear one of my favourite colour combinations; black & white.  I treasure all my op shop finds and truly enjoy putting together different combinations when I dress for the day.  I'm currently on the look out for a daily work bag that I can take to school and which I won't be able to over load with folders.