Five Vintage Spots in the Region
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Five Vintage Spots in the Region

There’s no doubt there’s an abundance of vintage stores and op shops across the region. If you close your eyes, point your finger and spin around, you’re sure to land on something of the second­hand variety.

In saying that, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed or you’re a beginner wanting to plunge into the depths of the musty and occasionally overpriced, here are five places to start with!

The Amazing Mill Market (Geelong, Daylesford, Ballarat)

Plan of attack: Set aside a day for this place, because walking in can potentially be like walking into a time warp­ – a dimension of stalls filled with every knick-­knack, furniture piece and clothing from the ’70s and ’80s to now.

If you’re set on buying, come with a heavy wallet because as vintage stores go, this is on the pricier side. But don’t let that deter you, for I have spent many hours just prancing around in a giant ball gown and white leather boots. Also, if you’ve ever wanted to really set off your birthday party with a giant prop of a Gorilla, the Mill Market is the place to go.

The Salvation Army (Settlement Road, Belmont)

This particular Salvos is one of my favourites when it comes to finding furniture pieces and items of clothing. Having a shed to the side just dedicated to discarded furniture items means I have spent much time and $$ perusing and restoring cool finds. If you wade through enough crap, you’re sure to find that hidden gem!

Vinnies (Chapel St. Bendigo)

When I was 18, after years of searching for the perfect pair of jeans, I finally found a pair for $4 at this very op shop. It was one of the greatest victories in my life. I think I heard a sigh of relief from the Gods of fashion itself and my ass – which never looked better.

Australian Red Cross (Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo)

This op­shop is for those who need to feed their desire for granny cardigans and jumpers. In fact, I think it was this very op ­shop where I bought an oversized red knit for $3, one that was emulated years after by commercial shops for like a bajillion times the price. If you’re looking to wrap yourselves up this winter in knits that emanate that wonderful mothball smell,­ this is the shop for you! Bottle that shit up I say.

Ruby and Leo (Highton, Geelong)

[Main image] This isn’t an op­ shop, but rather a quirky and gorgeous millinery and vintage store that is one-­of-­a-kind in that the owner sources out vintage hats and makes them!

For those who like browsing, buying vintage knick-knacks, trying on hats and gloves, or who are interested in vintage jewellery that make you feel like Rose from the Titanic, this place is ­ definitely worth visiting!

Have fun coasting through time with these five places – after all one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!