You know, even if I was very wealthy, I think I'd still find it difficult to walk/drive past an opshop without feeling an irrepressible urge to stop.

It's the thrill of the chase, the kind that archeologists must feel when they're sifting through tonnes of sand and dirt hoping to unearth a pot. Or those old men you see on beaches with metal detectors and their pants rolled above their ankles.

I decided I needed a proper sewing tin, because the nasty plastic purse my sewing kit came in was, frankly, depressing me. And call me sentimental, but all sewing bits and bobs just seem to belong in a hinged tin.

I was thrilled to find this French chocolate tin in the perfect size. For $1.

I also picked up a book called The Art of Growing Up by Veronique Vienne (how gorgeous are French names?) for $3. I already bought one of her books called The Art of Imperfection: Simple Ways to Make Peace with Yourself, primarily for this line… "Our innate idiosyncrasies are actually more endearing to others than our most glorious personal achievements."

Anyway, The Art of Growing Up appealed to me because – in case you haven't noticed – I'm kind of going through a phase where I'm out of my 20s but not really sure how to be in my 30s yet. One review wrote, "In a society seemingly fixated on youth, it's often difficult to appreciate the charms of becoming a real adult. In The Art of Growing Up, Vienne celebrates the journey into adulthood, reminding us of what we gain with each passing birthday."

I just love this page

At the same opshop I found this brand new (tags still attached) Country Road superfine wool cardigan for $18.

I've wanted one of these since I saw a girl on the street wearing one with a black pencil skirt and it looked so vintage, so I'm very pleased with this fantastic bargain.

And these awesome brown suede boots. I'm not usually one to wear shoes from opshops but these are practically unworn, so with a little bit of suede shampoo and a special suede brush, these came up perfectly. Wedge heels are so comfortable, don't you think? And these wedges are nice and low. Gotten lots of compliments already

I tell you, this opshop is a little goldmine (and I am terribly, terribly sorry but I just cannot reveal my favourite opshops, dear readers! I am forever scarred since sharing my local Ulta3 chemist and going in merely 3 days later to find it raided by a locust plague! I am very selfish, I know… )

I managed to pick up this train case and it is perfect for holding all my Ulta3 nailpolishes (plus my nail-dryer and other bits and pieces). And ideal for taking with me when I want to do other people's nails – which I LOVE to do!

LSE, if you're reading this, when am I going to do your nails, lovely??

Now, one last pic… remember how I said my sister has The Eye when it comes to opshopping and totally kicks my butt in finding treasure amongst the trash (omg, you should see the retro vase she bought the other day… I'm going to tuck it under my jumper next time I'm there, and sneak out…)?

She found me these two absolutely adorable vintage sake cups because she'd heard me whingeing about how none of our mugs fit under the coffee machine. These are the perfect size for one shot of espresso.

Aren't they just too sweet for words?

My sister and I always keep an eye out for things in opshops that we know the other wants. At the moment I'm collecting vintage napkins for her, and I have to say, it's great having justification for haunting opshops and pretending I'm not really in there for me.

An obsession, I tell you.

xx Kiki

You may also like: