The Janelle Wind Collection

Thrifty Thursday...

It's been a hugely busy week for me, so as a little reward, I popped into my favourite Op shop yesterday afternoon for a quick look around. I hadn't let myself do anything 'fun' until after my studio move was complete and I was all set up, so I really was looking forward to my little reward.

I was pretty happy when I found this Crossroads jacket hanging on the racks, it is really soft and something I can see myself wearing over jeans and trousers a lot in the cooler months. And with a price tag of $5, I was very happy to bring it home with me.

I also had a good look through the trousers section as I really want to add some trousers to my wardrobe. I seem to be grabbing jeans as my first choice and am kinda getting tired of my same old clothes, so was happy to add a pair of Temt grey coloured trousers to my wardrobe for $4 as well. (I will take a pic of me wearing them for a What I wore Wednesday post soon).

So that is all the Op (Thrift) shopping I could squeeze in this week. I did however, finish the BIG move to my studio and am super excited to tell you all about it. I will be back soon, to share lots of pics of my 'new' workspace. I hope you have had some thrifting goodness this week too. xx Janelle

Thrifty Thursday...

In between Christmas and New Years, our little family decided to head out for a little day of Op (Thrift) shopping. We wanted to head further afield, and try some Op shops that we hadn't previously visited. We were all pretty excited because we all really love Op shopping and we are secretly wishing and hoping that we find a vintage Kenner (Blythe) at an Op shop one day too.

The first Op shop we went to was wonderful! It has a very high turnover of clothing, all beautifully presented and one we will return to again and again I am sure. At this store we found a cute pair of shorts for Emily as well as two pairs of jeans for me and top that I love.

After our great finds at this first shop, we headed further into town to see what else we could find open. We were excited to find a big Salvo's store open, so headed inside to see what we could find.

Hubby was pretty happy to find a cycling top for Jasper to wear on their daily bike rides together. Jasper was pretty excited too. On a side note, I just can't believe how grown up my little boy is looking. I wish I could slow time down just a little.

We kept wandering around this store for a while, and found some super cute shoes for Emily. Her very first pair of wedges as well as some cute shoes with cream bows on them (we later found these shoes currently for sale in Valley girl for $20). For $5 each they definitely needed to come home with us.

I was pretty excited when I spotted these retro parfait glasses too. Even more happier when I found a few more elsewhere in the shop which completed a set of 8 for me - four yellow and four orange. At $2.50 each, I happily brought them home as well.

When we were at the counter paying for our goodies, we had a little chat to the lady working there and showed her a picture of a vintage Blythe doll in the hope that she might have one for sale. To our surprise, she had heard of them and thought that they may have even had one for sale in the past but it had long ago sold. It gave us even more hope that we might find one in an Op shop one day - how exciting!!

A great day was had by all and some gorgeous goodies found for us and our home too. I just love to go Op shopping, it is so fun to see what goodies are waiting out there for us and it is a fun way to spend a day with my family too.

Have you had any good Op (Thrift) shop finds lately?? xx Janelle

Thrifty Thursday...

Just a little thrifty goodness to share with you today. I did pop down to my local Op shop a few times this week but only managed to bring home two things. I am pretty thrilled with one of my finds in particular though.

Firstly, after trying on a few different clothing items, I came home with this top, once again from Temt and one that I think will compliment my wardrobe. I love the frills and line of buttons down the front too.

And, my super exciting (to me) find for this week is the most gorgeous, retro looking table cloth. It is made from fabric that I ADORE!!! I am just trying to decide if I should cut it up and make some cushions, and add bits into a vintage quilt or use it as a tablecloth. What do you think? What would you do with it? For $3, I couldn't be happier. I just LOVE it.

(Click on the photos if you would like to see them bigger)

I hope you have had a great Thrifty week too... xx Janelle

Thrifty Thursday...

Just a little bit of Thrift shopping to share with you this week. I am still finding my Op shopping groove again after my little break. I am however, very excited to show you my finds from this week.

On Sunday on my way home from a quick look at a local fair, I saw a Garage (Yard) sale up ahead. I decided that I would pull over and have a little look see. There wasn't a lot there but it didn't take me long to spot this beauty leaning up against the fence.

This beautiful old bed caught my eye straight away, so I was off to enquire how much it was. To my excitement it was only $25 the perfect price for our family. After a quick call to hubby to make sure he liked it too, we paid the $25 and brought this beautiful bed home for Emily's room.

Later that day, with hubby's help, we took Emily's old (and falling apart) bed out of her room and popped in the new one. It fitted perfectly and once we had Emily's things all set out on this new bed, Emily loved it too.

Then on Monday I headed into my local Op shop. Again, to be honest I wasn't really in the Op shopping mood but was determined to find my groove again. Just as I was leaving the bric a brac room, I spotted this bag. After enquiring how much it was, I paid my $3 and headed home.

If you take a close look at the name on the V shaped silver part on the front, you will see that it says 'Versace'.

To be honest, I don't think this bag is a real versace, but who knows, it could be. It is beautifully made, and is in perfect condition, and I really like it, so that's really all that matters to me. Although I would secretly love to know if it is a real versace.

So that is all of my Op (Thrift) shopping for this week. I think I did pretty well for a total of $28. I hope you have had some great finds at your Op shops this week too. x Janelle

Thrifty Thursday...

Confession time. I must confess that my head and heart haven't been in the right place for Op shopping over the last few weeks. All of my energy and focus has been on all of the stitching I had been doing both day and night. I have however tried to change things back around this week by heading back to my favourite local Op shop. I didn't have a lot of success but I was very happy to be back looking and getting my Op shopping groove back too.

So this week I found a pair of Just Jeans jeans for me that are really comfy. It is always nice to have a new pair of jeans I think. I aslo bought my rapidly growing boy a pair of jeans from Pumpkin Patch too.

I also purchased this quite loud print, maxi dress. It is halter neck and I am hoping that one day it might be warm enough to wear it (if I feel brave with the bright fabric). So this one is still kinda on the maybe pile. I will have to see how it feels on once the weather is warmer.

So this week, I really proved to myself more than ever that to have successful Op shopping you have to be in the mood or groove and be a regular at your Op shop too.

I hope you have had some good Op shop finds this week. x Janelle

Thrifty Thursday (a little late)...

I am popping in a little late again today with my Thrifty Thursday (sorry). I have had a ridiculously busy week, burning the midnight candle and beyond but thankfully today I crossed one of my major projects off my to do list. However, because of my busy working week, there was very little time for thrifting. I did manage to pop into my local Op shop for a few minutes this week and was very happy to find another cute little cardigan.

I really love the dark watermelon colour and it fits really well too, I couldn't be happier. The brand is Dotti, not one that I have ever seen in 'real' stores but one I seem to find quite often at the Op shop.

I hope you have had a successful Op shopping week this week. xx Janelle

Thrifty Thursday...

I must confess I wasn't really in the Thrifting mood this week. That happens from time to time and I am really OK about it. I feel so blessed with the gorgeous things I do find, so to have a quiet week is perfectly OK with me.

That being said, I did find a few goodies this week at my local Op shop and when I look at the photos I realise that my week wasn't that quiet after all. Anyway, here is what I found this week...

This pretty top from Crossroads. I really love that it will go with my aqua and teal goodies.

This little crop jacket in yellow and aqua, two of my favourite colours. I am wearing it today too = love!!

And then I found this pleather jacket. I am not 100% sure that it is 'me' but I do love the little gathered sleeves so will give it a wash and see how I go. If not, it might just end up back at the Oppy.

I also bought a little white shrug kind of cardi that was brand new wth tags still on it, a great pair of jeans for Jasper that fit him perfectly as well as really gorgeous dress for my neighbour.

And finally, the bargain of the week goes to this green cushion. I really liked it when I found it and thought it would be a perfect match for the vintage cushion I bought a few weeks ago - and the best part is, it was only 20c. Crazy I know!!

So there you have my thrifting from this week. I hope you have had a great week of Thrifting too. xx Janelle

Thrifty Thursday...

It's Thrifty Thursday again today. I have a few goodies to share with you - I have had fun rummaging through my few Op shops and finding a few goodies.

I LOVE reading so was excited to find a few good books to bring home and add to my library. I know e-readers seem to be the way of the future but I LOVE books, turning the pages - everything about them so for now, I am happy to keep adding to my library. I found a vintage sheet too. I am loving orange right now, so am happy to add this to my stash.

Last week I visited a Vinnies in a town near mine that I hadn't been to  before and was very excited to find some gorgeous dresses for my girl. Once the weather warms up I just know she will get lots of wear out of them. I paid $3 for each of these dresses and my girl loves them!!

I wanted to share a little Op shopping story from yesterday. While teaching my Wednesday ladies I was chatting to one of my lovely ladies about Op shopping and told her that I had a feeling that something great was going to be at the Op shop today, either for me or someone else. As she left class she mentioned she was off to the Op shop, and I told her I might see her there later.

Long story short, I was in the changeroom trying on some clothes when my phone rang. It was Maris, my lovely Wednesday lady. She quickly asked me if I had seen the dolls house in the furniture room and I answered that I hadn't. Maris told me it was beautiful and that I needed to come see it. I quickly dresses and literally ran to see it - and lovely Maris was waiting there to make sure that I didn't miss out. I LOVED it and knew it would be perfect for our growing Blythe family too. After a hug and thank you with Maris, I paid $20 for the dolls house and bag of furniture and excitedly popped it into my car.

We had a great time setting up the dolls house and the Blythe dolls love it. I think it was $20 very well spent and I feel VERY thankful to Maris for being so beautiful and helping us add this to our home.

I hope you have had a great Op shopping week too... xx Janelle

Thrifty Thursday...

It has been a GREAT week of Thrifting here this week, I have lots to show you - so you might want to grab a cuppa and a comfy chair. Here goes...

My thrifting started on Sunday morning when Jasper and I ducked down to our local Sunday Op shop to find out their closing hours. We had a super fun Op shopping trip planned with special friends - so since we were there we really needed to have a quick look around. The first thing I spotted was this cute yellow lamp, perfect for Emily's room as she didn't have a bedside lamp. It was only $3 and even came with a working bulb - bonus!

I also found a gorgeous top that came home with me for my friend Natalie, and a beautiful black dress from Jacquie-E that is heading to live with Mardi, both for $1 each - gotta love that!!

As well as the above goodies for my friends I found a super cute white dress that I thought Emily might like. It was kinda vintage and made for a smaller girl BUT thankfully Emily loved it and popped it on straight away - teamed with a cardi from another op shop and a cute necklace, she felt really great in her new outfit!

Early afternoon our very special friends arrived and we headed back to the Op shop together. They are from interstate so had never been to our Op shop before. The kids had the BEST time hunting out all sorts of goodies and my friend Hailey (their Mum) found some great goodies to take home too. It was a great day of Op shopping.

On Monday I had my usual quick look around my local Op shop and was excited to find a few goodies. The top and grey cardigan that I wore yesterday - see my What I wore Wednesday post, came home with me as well as a cute Pumpkin Patch dress for Emily.

Wednesday saw me do a quick dash into the Op shop before work, and I was excited to find this cute green cardi there - I love it so much I am wearing it today.

It is shorter at the back with a little gathered section - I really like it and it is SO soft and comfy.

On this trip I also found a pair of white linen pants. Now I wasn't 100% sure about these and didn't have time to try them on but decided to take the risk. I tried them on later and they fit me perfectly - yay. I don't mind if they aren't in fashion, they are really comfy and I love them, that's the main thing right.

I headed off to teach my ladies, happy with the purchases that I made. After class I decided I would pop in for one more look around, it is on my home and doesn't take long. I am glad I did! I found just a few more goodies...

A cute strapless green dress from Portmans for $4.50 (it looks better on!)

A red floral top that I adore and think I will team this with the linen pants and my teal heels for summer.

I also found this green silk top in a really pretty green - it had to come home with me too!

And last but not least, I found this black and white polka dot top that I thought would make a cute dress for Emily. If not, I knew it would probably fit me as a top.

Thankfully Emily loved it and was happy to pop it on for a night time photo. I love to find fun clothes for my kids at the Op shop.

So as you can see I have had a really great week of Op shopping and couldn't be happier with the goodies that I purchased this week. It was a real treat to Op shop with some special friends too.

I have received a few emails lately from some lovely blog readers of mine who have found some great bargains at the Op shop. I am SO thrilled and happy to hear all about your OP shopping. I really do think that this is such a fun way to add pieces to your wardrobe or like me, find almost all of your clothes this way. Thank you to those who have taken the time to email me, I really love to hear all about your Op shopping. I hope you have had a fun and successful Op shopping week too... xx Janelle

Thrifty Thursday...

This week has been a great thrift shopping week - I feel very blessed and excited about the goodies that we found while Op shopping so am very excited to show them to you too. Here's what I found this week...

On Sunday, Jasper and I headed down to a little but great Op shop that is only open on Sunday's. It is a busy little place and really affordable too, so I was excited when we spotted something special outside. It was a dolls house, especially for small dolls. It had 5 rooms, complete with wallpaper and flooring and a few pieces of furniture. Jasper was VERY keen to buy it for his little pet shop Blythe dolls, so we quickly asked how much it was. We were excited to bring home a great dolls house for $4.

Here is a close up of the lounge room. I just love this wallpaper.

Jasper happily set up his dolls house, and the blythe doll and La La Loopsies were so happy they had a little rest on the couch.

And when it is bedtime, they can retire to the bedroom.

After we popped our purchase in the car we headed back inside for a look around. I was excited to find a gorgeous white dress/top for me, still with the tag attached, so it was new.

I adore the lace fabric and the butterfly at the front too. I have already washed and worn this over my skinny jeans with my boots. I just LOVE it.

My friend Lisa Pate popped into the Op shop while we were there and we happily looked at things together. While looking at the shoes, Lisa found a gorgeous pair of black shoes for me, in my size. They are Portland brand and look brand new too. And while heading off to pay I found a lovely silver bracelet that had to come home with me as well.

On Monday morning I popped into my other local Op shop for a look around.  It is lovely to start meeting familiar faces there and saying hello to new friends. This Op shopping seems to be a regular event for lots of other locals too!

I was super excited to find the most divine vintage pillow for my bed, that just HAD to come home with me. And I also found the above vintage doily that was begging to come home too. I happily headed home happy and content with my Op shopping for the week.

Then yesterday, my kiddies were home for the day to celebrate Emily's 13th birthday, so after my class, we headed to the Op shop together. As we were walking in, Emily said that she would love to find something special since it was her birthday - well find something special we did. In the bric a brac room, the kids spotted a small dolls house. It was sitting backwards with two bags of wooden furniture in it. After a closer inspection, and turning it around to see the gorgeous tudor style front, we just HAD to buy it for Emily's little pet shop Blythe dolls - all for $10 (including the furniture).

Emily had just the right spot for this smaller dolls house on top of her Blythe dolls house, and she set to work giving it a good clean.

On the inside is the cutest vintage wall paper, that totally suits us pefectly!

Emily then set about working out where the furniture was going to sit, and set up each of the rooms for her little dolls. I think she did a great job!

After popping this lovely dolls house into the car, we headed into the clothing section for a quick look. I can't NOT look, I would forever wonder if I missed something LOL. I soon spotted this gorgeous top as it was being brought out from the back. It is such a pretty top made from super soft fabric. I just love it.

It seems I have a butterfly theme  happening with my clothing purchases this week too. This one also has a lovely lace butterfly at the front. I can't wait for warmer weather to wear this top as well!

So as you can see, it has been a BIG Op shopping week for me. I could honestly take weeks off Op shopping and still be super happy with what I have found this week. But of course, I am sure I will be popping back into my favourite stores next week.

Be sure to pop on over and see Mardi's thriftyness from this week. She always amazes me with the wonderful and clever ideas that she has.

I hope your week has been touched with some thrifty goodness too. x Janelle