Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Limoges love

When on an op-shop mish these days, I tend not to look at the clothes much. I used to bring home some real gems, most of which I still wear and some that I will never be able to get rid of despite not being able to fit into them any more. (This is, of course, why I had a daughter - to pass them on to her ;-))

The last few times I've sifted through the nasty, synthetic stuff (why is it all from Millers 'Fashion' Club??), I have only come across more of the same. No hidden gems, nothing I could even be paid to wear. Once upon a time this saddened me, but these days my attentions are drawn elsewhere: to the two long, shining shelves of bric-a-brac (laaaaaaaaaaa!). I've recently had to impose a ban whereby I do not bring home any more cute teacups or Johnson Bros plates.

Here is some of my favourite loot - Limoges-looking plates and saucers in pretty gelato hues:





Oh, and tablecloths! This lovely linen one has been awarded official 'good' status - I'm slightly terrified of using it unless it is a special occasion that does not involve beets or red wine..





Just look at that detail! I cannot believe I was able to buy it for all of $3, when someone has clearly put in many hours of work and a lot of effort.

14 comments:

Lavender said...

I never have luck like that with tablecloths, but I'm always looking. So pretty.
I operate on a strictly 'no Millers' policy when I'm op-shopping. That label is the scourge of thrift racks across Australia.

Anon said...

Hahaha! That cracks me up! I'd always thought I was a really really bad op-shopper, because to me the whole op shop looks like Millers Fashion Club. But now I realise why...

Actually, I think some people (like you) have a better eye for style, and identify a beautiful item amongst the rubble, and picture how it would look in their home. I think I struggle a little more at this, which is why styling of op shops and stores in general is important to me! I will generally be the annoying person in the charity shop that wants that item that's on the mannequin: because I can see how it looks with a whole outfit!

Anonymous said...

I sure don't want to be part of Miller's famous "fashion club", nor do I know anybody who does.

Gorgeous finds. I love the gelato colours. I definatley need to find myself a "good" table cloth. I have some that were embroidered by my grandma, but every time I bring them out I'm afraid a bottle of wine will leap off the shelf and smash itself nearby.

K.Line said...

The plates are great but the workmanship on the table cloth is just amazing. You are a very shrewd shopper!

beth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
beth said...

Thanks for your post on the Rachel Cooke article. I wasn't aware of all the intense feeling out there. Having a baby (or not) used to be relatively uncomplicated. Now it's just scary.

Iris said...

@Lavender: Ugh, Millers. Op-shops should be divided into two categories: those wishing to carry Millers, and those who'll avoid it. Although, the Millers ones would likely get zero business...

tam said...

Those plates and saucers are so lovely I too have a thing for vintage plates I must stop buying them as I don't even have my own home yet! x

Anonymous said...

You made me giggle. I was only saying the same thing yesterday about Millers gear. It's everywhere in op shop land, huh? Same with Valleygirl. I had a big op shop day yesterday and both brands featured strongly...

I agree, clothing in op shops can just look like an unmangagable jungle. I usually go for a few key areas only - dresses, skirts, maybe tops, and kids clothes. And def. shoes. I steer clear of pants - too hard. And I'm a brand snob. I tend to just flick through all the labels.

But homewares? Hmm. There's another area I should get into. Well done - I dig those plates.

Aya Smith said...

Oh my, the colors are gorgeous!!!

And you are right... the details are amazing :)

Aneets said...

I have some of those plates and I love them!

So agree that Millers is taking over the op shops of Australia- I find it plus Target and Valleygirl to be the most common labels.

Is so hard to find anything good lately.

Meaghan Kelly said...

HOLY MOLY those saucers are INCREDIBLE!

Hannah said...

Lo-ho-ving the saucers - they are delectable!

I feel you on Millers in op-shops. No bueno.

Iris said...

Thanks, all!

It's unanimous, then - the Millers encroachment pretty much sucks!