Back to school...

I know personally, with 2 children in school this year (and only one income) it's going to cost us a motza to put our children into school this year!

Even though my girls both will attend a local Public School, book lists alone for the 2 girls this year topped $350, uniforms about $300 each (only buying basics) and decent school shoes around $80-120 per child.  That isn't including the Compulsory levy of $100 per child.  Hello New Year, buh-bye all the money I had in the bank.  

At a local Public High School where a young refugee boy will be starting high school it will cost his single mum $415 for their resource levy, and about the same again in uniforms ... that is without the book list.  

We are trying to help out some of our most disadvantaged clients with the increasing costs of our "free" education system.  

One of our lovely supporters, Erin from Repeated Originals has kindly donated to us this stunning Vintage Bridal Gown, to try and raise funds for the cause.

Desley has described the dress as "The guipure lace is wonderful quality and the two garments are in wonderful condition.  The guipure lace is European (maybe swiss) cotton guipure and would cost close to $1,000 to replace" 


The measurements are :
Bust 34"
Waist to 29"
Hips to 36"
Approx height to 5'4" - however the sheath dress does have generous side seams for alterations of up to 2" and the hem can go down about another inch comfortably.


We have listed it on eBay and would really appreciate it if you could share it with all your vintage loving friends.

Here is the :

Link for Vintage Swiss Guipure Lace Wedding Dress and Coat

have you visited since we remodelled?

Remodelling is almost complete and we would like to thank all our wonderful customers for their patience during our crazy shinnanigans (aka the shop refit). 

The refit has been a huge success, with more people than ever visiting our humble little shop since we reopened with our new floorplan.  We have been receiving many compliments from people visiting ever since!

There is more space to walk around inside, our fitting room has moved, and our front window has had a complete transformation with new shelving which allows us to display many more items than we ever could have dreamed of !!

I must try to remember to take some pictures and upload them to the blog and the website!

Right now I only have this picture, which was taken Thursday night after many hours of frustration trying to assemble the shelves that form the new window display...

The window display is constantly changing as things are sold and new items are donated or unearthed from storage.

Recent new additions to the shelves include some great science fiction novels by Robin Hobb,  Lian Hearn and many many more (we received about 2 full boxes of sci fi books so if this is your genre, please pop in and have a look - we have many that don't even fit on the shelves yet!).

So if you haven't popped in recently please call by and tell us what you think of our new look shop! 

all the cool people come to Sandlewood Op Shop.... seriously!

Yesterday we had the pleasure of having Katie in our shop. 

Katie is a personal style blogger and has created the blog Be Inspired. 

Her blog aims to "teach you a thing or two about how easy it is to be fabulous, confident and stylish, on any budget".

She's also a guest blogger for MTV fora.
Last month Katie bought a great jacket from the shop, which you can read all about by clicking here

Her next piece will also feature another purchase from the shop, so be sure to check it out.

NEW VINTAGE CLOTHING THIS WEEK

This week we have several new vintage/retro clothing items which have come in. 

We're currently in the process of laundering and marking - some is already out on the racks, but there is more to come!  If you are a vintage clothing lover, call in and take a look!

What's in the window this week?

1940's VINTAGE FUR CAPE 

This is the most gorgeous fur cape with pockets. 

It is fully lined in satin, and the fur and satin lining is in gorgeous condition.

  

What's in this week's window ??

Thanks to our customers who regularly comment on how inviting and interesting our shop window display looks.

I try my best {even though I'm not a window dresser} to display a range of interesting items from within the shop in our front window.   I thought I might try and regularly blog what's in the window, in order particularly to give some of our interstate lookers a chance to see some of the wonderful items we get.

Above : Vintage ceramic Bookends,   Vintage Cake Plate now SOLD

Above : Vintage Teapot

Above : Painted Timber Sewing Box {school project circa 1946}, Vintage Candleholders & Dish, Vintage Oil & Vinegar jars, Vintage Cut Glass Sherry Decanter, Vintage Small Round Frame with roses {circa 1950's} 

We've also got a collection of gorgeous Olga Berg Vintage inspired handbags.  Most of them will convert to a clutch look simply by putting the strap inside.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Olga Berg, they make lovely bags - mostly evening bags.  Sitting behind them in this photo are some whimsical little wooden birdhouses.  Too cute!!

The Op Shoppers Guide to Brisbane and Surrounding Areas

Sandlewood Op Shop is proud to have been included in the latest 'The Op Shoppers Guide to Brisbane and Surrounding Areas' published by Suellen Retschlag.

Click HERE to see the website and details on how to purchase the book.


The Book Launch for the publication will be held on Saturday 19th June 2010. 

Hopefully Suellen has visited our shop and knows that even though we are small in size, we are a bit like the tardis - full of treasures and great quality items inside !!

** have you visited our website?? **

http://www.sandlewoodopshop.com.au/


We recently started a website, including information about the Shop and who we support, how to make a donation and other information about us.

There is also an "Items for Sale" page - and I will be listing things as they come in - in addition to our eBay auctions, this allows people from interstate to purchase items from us.

I have just uploaded 2 items - a great pair of vintage leather knee high boots- perfect for winter!, and a fabulous Country Road top that I just adore (if only it would fit me!!) .... so please stop by and have a look.... more items to come as time permits!

http://www.sandlewoodopshop.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=2&Itemid=4