When I was a teenager, my mother used to take me clothes shopping for my birthday each year.  She’d give me a budget and we’d take the train to the city.  The day would be spent browsing, noting down prices and then meticulously adding and subtracting figures so that I could figure out how to get the most bang for my buck.  After lunch we’d go back and buy all the things I wanted to bring home.

That tradition carried on until I got a job and was able to buy my own clothes.  I have such fond memories of those outings with Mum.  This year, she wasn’t sure what to get me for my birthday, so she decided to take me on a vintage clothes shopping spree.  Last weekend we drove to Shepparton and did some serious shopping.

Today I’m going to show you all of the gorgeous things that I got on my birthday spree.  Most of them are vintage but some are just second-hand.  Sadly, I’ve had to make do with photographing the items on the hangers, because I’m under strict instructions that I’m not allowed to wear any of my new clothes until my birthday.  Eventually, I’ll have outfit posts featuring all of these items, but for now, we’ll have to make do with just pictures.

Our first stop was Threadsville, which is an awesome vintage clothing store off the Maude Street Mall in Shepparton. They have a huge range of vintage and retro clothing for sale and hire.  Their prices were very good and the layout of the store was gorgeous.

These 1970’s mega-flares are so gorgeous.  I spotted them from across the room and prayed that they were my size.  They are a great fit and I adore the gigantic flare.

The best part about them is that they are covered in butterflies.  I have a bit of a thing for butterflies.  Fun fact: Vanessa actually means ‘butterfly’.

I’ve been after a red pencil skirt to replace the almost-worn-out one that’s tucked away in my wardrobe.  When I saw this leather version, I knew that it had to be mine.  It’s a gorgeous fit, with a high waisted cut.  It’s going to be perfect for channelling my inner Rizzo.

I just love vintage clothing tags, don’t you?

Can we just take a moment to stare at this 60’s mini dress?  On the hanger, she doesn’t look too special, but once I zip her onto my bod? Oh baby!  I feel like Twiggy in this gorgeous dress.  I think this is the item that I’m most looking forward to styling.

I just adore the bow detailing.  My mum was actually the one who spotted this beauty.

After Threadsville, we grabbed a coffee and then headed to some op-shops in the CBD.

So, these next two shirts aren’t vintage.  But they are mighty pretty.  I love the sheer ruffles on this blouse.

I’ve been looking for the perfect tunic for a while now, and I think this one is just the ticket.  It’s originally from Sportsgirl, and for $5 I just couldn’t leave her behind.

This 1980’s jumper is going to be a perfect addition to my collection of Cosby sweaters.  My mother was very reluctant to buy this for me, because she hated it.  Oh well, you can’t please everyone.

Another gorgeous vintage tag!

On the way home we stopped off at the Dookie Emporium.  I hadn’t been there since this shopping spree.  There were a lot of fun things there, but a lot of the items were very expensive and I was running out of money.  Also, a lot of the vintage clothes at Dookie aren’t stored well, and I resent paying $55 for something that’s crumpled up and shoved into the bottom of a basket.  I wound up with just this fun wrap skirt:

Even thought I like yellow, I don’t normally wear it because it really doesn’t suit me.  I’m willing to experiment with this skirt to see whether wearing a different colour next to my face will make it work.

So now all I have to do is wait for my birthday to roll around.  Then the trickiest thing will be deciding which item to wear first…