Leather Retro Handbag and a New Op-Shop in Logan City

For those of you who don't know, I've been off my feet lately and in hospital for day surgery at Greenslopes Hospital here in Brisbane.  But the recovery has taken a few weeks; and today was my first time out and about on my own shopping here in Logan again.

Today, I caught a bus to do my grocery shopping and found a new Op-Shop had opened around the corner from the Life Line Charity store.  This Op-Shop Store was in aide of the blind and so I thought to take a quick look at their gear before walking on to Life Line - as it was on my way to my usual place.
I liked a lot of their stuff; but I couldn't try on anything seeing I wasn't really well enough to be changing clothes all the time.  So, I'd have to wait for a few weeks until I'm feeling better.
The same went for Life Line.  I wanted to try on clothes, but couldn't because of my stomach muscles were still healing.  So, I looked handbags and other things around the place.  And I did find a lovely leather retro handbag!  The moment I laid eyes on it, I wanted it.  It's the kind of handbag I've always wanted to have and now it's mine, I don't ever want to let it go!  I scored this lovely beauty for around $15 - down from $25 when I used my discount card.  I'm very happy with my purchase and will use it on Saturday and let you all know how it goes.  
So, what kind of bargains have you scored recently?  Do let us know.  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting.

Great Finds

This week, I wasn't feeling great.  I had the worst headache in the world dogging me all day while I went out to do the shopping; and so I had to popped some painkillers to skim the edge off it in a big way... and that was only the edge of it.

However, I did find a great find at Life Line of a Trent Nathan handbag; which was at a huge price of $25!  But when one of the ladies took a closer look at the handles, she said they were ready to give way; and brought the price down to $10... with great relief I bought it with the intent to get the handles fixed up, because it's a great bag.  It's two-tone, had red interior and hardly any wear, but the vinyl handles are its downfall.  The last owner had put too much weight into the bag and destroyed them; and so gave it away.  Personally, what a waste!  So, yesterday, I took it into the boot repair man at Arndale at Springwood and asked if he repaired handbags as well; and to my relief he did.  He took one look at those handles and recommended for me to have them replaced with leather and not vinyl again.  It would cost me $50 and it'd be ready next week.  So, I left it with him.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of the bag as yet.  So, I'll upload one when I pick it up.  

Another great thing I found was a little manicure/pedicure set.  It's unused and has everything with it.  It's also in great condition with a little zip to keep it all together.  I'll be taking this one with me when I travel to the coast or overnight somewhere... it will come in use; and it's quite pretty as well.  I actually thought it was a purse to start with, but was pleasantly surprised of its real function.

What have you picked up lately?  A great bargain?  Or something you haven't seen since you were young in almost new condition?  Until my next post, happy bargain hunting.

Welcome Back To A New Year of Charity Shopping!

Happy New Year to you all!  I went out to do my usual shopping today and dropped into Life Line at Logan Central for the first time in about a month or so; and was greeted with a few lovely things that I thought would be lovely to own.  

First, though, I found I was in great need of a new handbag; a handbag that would be taken everywhere and would fit everything in it.  So, I picked up the first on off the top shelf and found a 'Tosca' bag... a leather one!  It was in a great condition and at a great price of $20.  So, I tucked that under my arm.  

I rummaged through some of the boxes and found a pink Lipstick Purse and it was in good condition.  I always love finding these as I can find uses for them over the time I have them.  It was the most gorgeous colour with green and blue flowers all over it.

I looked through the glass cases and found a keyring/locket with a very familiar face on it:  The Elegant Lady - the very same one I have as a coin purse - came as a keyring/locket as well!  So, I nabbed that out of the case.  So, with my three collectables in hand, I handed over my keycard and purchased them all.  It was great to have them in my bag.

Once outside, I went to a nearby seat, swapped over all my stuff from the old Pinelands bag to the new Tosca bag and then took the old handbag inside to be resold.  I would rather somebody else have my preloved bag; as I have taken care of it as well as I can and it will have looked just as good when I hand it back.  Well, I hope you have found some goodies over the holiday period... if you have, leave a comment and let us know about it.  Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed your Christmas and NYE time with your family.

Stylish Green

While I was out on Wednesday, and around the same time I spotted the Audrey Hepburn bag, I spotted this one.  I was drawn to its lines and colour; it was the classic handbag taken out on the town way back when it was something you only took your essentials in and nothing else. 

There's no brand name on this bag; but the style and colour are just lovely.  It's in very good condition and it's obvious that somebody loved it; and did use it a lot.  The handle is the classic short strap that is designed to only fit over your arm and that's it; as it gets stuck if you try to slip it over your shoulder.  But I'm sure if I put a longer strap of the same design on it, it would look just as lovely.  A very desirable bag for a night out somewhere.

Crete Coin Purse

I had a muddled up day; forgetting a multitude of things but it got figured out in the end.  And my day got even better once everything was unpacked at home and I walked to the post office to check the mail to find a little parcel sitting in the PO Box for me.

On the way to the service station (to buy some milk), I found one of my dear friends from Bookcrossing had been to Crete and has sent me a lovely little coin purse from there.  She had contacted me and asked what my address was about a week ago; but I didn't think this lovely little darling of purse would be waiting for me; she has such great taste!  

Immediately, I put my $5.00 note into it and tried it out.  I love how it has a definite sharp clip and none of the money pokes out the sides.  Then, once I received the change from the man at the counter, none of the money fell out the sides (sometimes this happens; it all in how the item is made and nothing else).  Definitely a great purchase made by one of my friends.  I will use this one again.

Lovely Suede

Last Saturday was supposed to be a day of my Mum and I learning more about our digital cameras.  But it wasn't meant to be.  Instead, we ended up at the Life Line at Creek Road where I found some great bargains in handbags; and Mum saying I really must stop buying them (mainly because I'm running out of room; which I am). 

This lovely suede handbag was one I just couldn't pass up.  It was hanging next to some others that just didn't look as good as it did.  And when I picked it up, it held together quite well.  The zips all work and it I do love how it feels; and now I can't wait until I use it.

Athens Is The Place

I was amazed to find this next little darling of a coin purse at the same shop as I found the bag below.  It's a lovely little coin purse that was a souvenir from Athens.  I just love anything Greek.  Years ago, I went through a big phase where I ate Greek food at authentic Greek restaurants for my birthday... and my family loved it!  It was such a changed from our ordinary food.  But my love for this country started

way back in high school when I learnt about it in my senior year (year 11) and I did Ancient History.  The love of that place never has really left me.

And so when I found this little purse, I smiled and thought it would be so lovely to travel there some day and venture through the ruins that have been there thousands of years.  However, all I have right now is this little coin purse that nobody wanted but me.

Plain Brown

You know, I've found that it's the plain purses that are usually the most lovely.  This ordinary-looking brown purse was found at a local Life Line and it appeared to be used only a few times; or if it a busy life, you wouldn't guess it.  It's a lovely hand-crafted leather purse that was well-cared for; and I love plain ones as well as ornate purses  for my collection.

I'll be getting in and using it very soon; as I've made a promise to use all my purses this year and let you all know when I've used them.  Also, I'm going to use all my handbags too... so they have a story to tell too!

I See Red!

This lovely little beauty is from the Redland Bay markets. I bought this one for around $5.00 at a leather goods stall - and another for Mum because I love her. However, I got this one mainly because of how gorgeously red it is... and not just any red; it a certain kind of red that I love.

When I found it amongst all the brown and blues, it jumped out at me and I just knew I couldn't leave without it. And so I have it in my possession. It's an absolute must in my lot of purses; but yet to be used. And it will be soon; as my days get busier and more social with Winter around the corner.

Colorado

I do love to use wallets; and this is because of their versatility and ability to have a lot of money in them and yet still stay thin, also because you can shove it into your back pocket and it'll stay there most of the time. However, this wallet isn't designed that way. This is a wallet to be used by a woman, who doesn't mind getting a lot of change, having a place for all of her credit cards and needing a handbag to stash once she's clipped it closed.

And what I love about this wallet is that I bought this one at a charity store and it looks and feels brand new. I've yet to use it; and most probably will in the next few weeks. It's got such a lovely soft feel to it. However, seeing it's a Colorado, it may not find another like for a while. I will find the official website and put it up on the side bar for you to have a look at.

New Zealand

I received a lot purses last year; and this is one of them. This beautiful purse was received in a parcel full of presents during a time of year on another website called HGG (Holiday Gift Giving) and it's when you go and give things to others on this site because you feel good about giving. A wishlist is put up and everyone gets to have a go granting wishes off that list. On my wishlist was coin purse from all over the world. And I received a few; including this one.

I do love this one for another reason. It's my second one from New Zealand and it's a lot sturdier than the first one I bought when I was there. So, it's just as special as my last one; and I will get to use it one day.