Sunday, June 13, 2010

Flea Market Finds


So, I've had a bit of a rethink since last week, and have replaced my Op-shopping guilt with pride. Sure, I don't have much space for more stuff, and I may take a while to make practical use of my purchases, but if I'm going to indulge in occasional impulse buying, it may as well be impulse buying that is more financially, environmentally and ethically responsible, and that helps introduce my girl to the concept of mending and reusing things.

That said, I have exercised some restraint - my main purchases were these pinnie style aprons, bought for a total of $1.50. We haven't actually baked in them yet, but they proved to be excellent dance costumes for our at-home retro dance party. They also remind me quite vividly of my early years in the small town where I grew up - wearing similar aprons at a friend's house making gingerbread cookies, and watching older women working in the kitchen making hundreds of sandwiches at community and fundraising events.

I think that's another thing to add to my list on the benefits of op-shopping - revisiting, reclaiming and protecting our history.

For more treasures, visit Sophie.

15 comments:

sharingjam said...

Well said! I have to say that i very rarely NEED what I purchase at oppies... but I think it is better buying trinkets 2nd hand and helping out people in need then wasting resources to buy things i WANT!!

I'm glad you are feeling PROUD... you should be!!

Seaside Siblings said...

those aprons are very cool, love em.

Snooze said...

you've listed all the things i love about op shopping except for the thrill of finding that little something after trawling through a store.
My Flea Market Find

Jennie said...

Loving the retro fabric of those pinnies!
There are so many reasons to shop at the oppy - so there should be no guilt. We can always donate things back, if it gets too much!

Thea said...

There can be no guilt associated with op shopping op and don't forget that you are rescuing these gorgeous aprons from landfill.

nadine paduart said...

you could actually stand in my kitchen, wearing that first apron, and you would look stunning against my kitchen curtain!!! [somewhere on my blog, if you scroll down a bit, you'll recognize it... :)))]
well amost, give or take a bit...?

Beck said...

Nice pinnies! I liked reading about your memories of similar aprons when you were a child. Just think what memories you are making for your own little girl? Nice visiting you, see you again xo

Nick said...

Funny, I have been telling my husband the same thing this week. Also remember when you buy something it goes to charity, so you are helping out in a big way. (I think I will tell this to the phone marketers who are always calling...I gave at the op shop! Ha ha.)

Christina's Creative Side said...

Visiting from Flea Market Finds...
Cute aprons! Very retro, indeed. :)

petals and vintage said...

Well said! Thrifty shopping is good for the soul! Love the aprons.
Pam

Loo xx from Jumbles and Pompoms said...

Stunning aprons. Charity shopping is the best! I charity shop daily (yes, I did say daily) and my little daughter, her little cousins and some of her friends are all charity shop mad. Keep up the good work!

emma @ frog, goose and bear said...

I agree - an op shop purchase can always go back to the op shop if you decide you have no room for it after a while and for $1.50 you can afford to just get it anyway!

Kate said...

We call the op shop the swap shop. We take so much stuff there but always end up bringing stuff back home.
Love those pinnies and the memeories they evoke.
Have a great week.

Katyha said...

I LOVE your blog. I wish I was as lucky as you, I have bad luck when visiting op shops.

Gina said...

Oh, how I LOVE these pinnies. Just perfect!