These are a few of my fave vintage things // shoe and purse edition

I’m becoming increasingly obsessed with all things vintage and second-hand, as much for the thrill of ferreting out something lovely from the messy jumble of op shops as for the ethical and environmental benefits of recycling rather than buying new. Plus, it’s nice to know you’re wearing a one-of-a-kind.

As part of a new series, I’m going to share some of my most treasured finds to prove there really are beautiful things to be found second-hand if you just know where to look. It also gives me an excuse to photograph some of the pieces that I most adore.

I find my treasurers in a mix of places including op shops, retro stores, eBay and online sellers. Where I can remember, I’ll let you know where things came from and how much they cost.

These little reds by Australian shoemakers Jane Debster were $30 from Retro Metro. They remind me of Dorothy’s ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz, which we watched countless times as kids. I especially love the heel and toe peep-hole detailing.

These outrageously 1980s Bruno Maglis are my most recent op shop find, scored at the massive Red Hill Salvos op shop for the princely sum of $30 – for both! I’m still gasping with joy over finding two pairs of these beautifully made and insanely loud Italian shoes. And yes, that is our little cat Mimi walking casually by in the bottom photo.

I’ve recently starting poring over the blog of professional thrifter Teresa Prowse, a dangerous move as this lady has an eye for all things beautiful and has set up an online store to sell her finds. I couldn’t resist this 1980s Faigen purse, which was in immaculate condition for its $30 price tag (including postage). Do pop over and check out what Teresa’s up to at Bess Georgette. She lives in Australia, too.

Given it’s slightly dilapidated state, this little glomesh clutch was a tad pricey at $15. Here’s why: I picked it up at the Paddington Antique Centre. Buying at stylised vintage or antique stores will also be more expensive but the upside is you don’t have to rummage so much because someone’s already done the hard work for you. I still get a lot of use out of this purse, despite it’s wear and tear. Unfortunately I snapped it’s metal shoulder chain clean in half during one outing but I have plans to make a simple replacement – I’ll post a DIY if my idea is successful.

That’s it for now. Do you have any thrifted treasurers you adore?

- Koren