Party on Wayne…in Catland, That Is

When I was nary but a wee lass, way back in the 90s, there was one collection of books that set my heart racing like no other.

They were the ‘Party in Catland’ series by Alice Goyder.

Stakeout: Braybrook Salvation Army Family Store

If you like to buy stuff from barn-sized, warehouse style stores where the signage is in primary colours and there’s probably a plushy mascot involved, then Braybrook is for you (then again, so are most main roads in the outer suburbs of Melbourne).

Thusly the Salvos Family Store in Braybrook, at 296 Ballarat Road, is a barn style place nestled among a bunch of other barns, giving the general impression that one is gadding about in the Land of the Giants.  

One thing that should be noted about these huge, suburban Salvos stores is that they are usually

Vintage Shopping Secrets From the Author of the Treasure Hunter’s Guide

Last night, I went to a talk given by Kristie Montagu, of ‘Treasure Hunter’s Guide’ fame, at North Melbourne Library.

Before I get into the nitty gritty of the discussion, let me say that the North Melbourne library did a bang-up job of hosting the event. It was free, but there was wine (Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, no less!) and food, which included hot pastries etc and a fruit and cheese spread. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve gone to paid events where the hospitality hasn’t been half as good.

But anyway. Ms Montagu was exactly as you’d expect if you’ve seen the guide books (at least, I think that’s her on the front…) 50s (I think) dress, heels, lipstick, vaguely Amy Winehouse-like hair (not in a rat’s nest sort of a way, just in a ‘What? You have a problem with beehives?’ kind of way).

She had some great tips to share. Some of it was obvious, and aimed at the novice – look for craftsmanship, look for signatures and hallmarks, read as much as you can, develop an area of expertise etc etc.

Some of her info was a bit more unusual, however. And here it is.