What a weekend! As I ease myself into the week needing many hours more sleep and a boat load of coffee, I can tell you it was all worth it. On Friday I got up at the crack of dawn to pack my suitcase, set my hair and get ready to fly to Sydney for the opening of the Vintage Show that evening. It was the sixth such occasion the show has been held, and by all accounts keeps on getting better each time. With around 80 exhibitors it was entirely impossible to get around each one on the opening evening, but like a kid in a candy shop I tried my darnedest.

The crowd on Friday evening was filled with vintage enthusiasts serious about their passion and eagle eyed in their selections. It was at your own peril that you would lay down any item you considered purchasing to rummage in your bag, as before you know it, it would be snaffled in a heart beat. I went with a shopping list in mind, attempting to remedy a few gaps in my working wardrobe.  You wouldn’t be looking for serious high end vintage garments, (think Chanel, Dior) at the show, but I did spot some excellent buys in accessories from these houses. A lovely pair of creamy satin Dior evening shoes with rhinestone buckles AND the original box? $130 please. Not too shabby if you ask me. (Note, I didn’t actually buy these for myself even though they were my size. I uncharacteristically stuck to my list!)

The Friday night saw me laden down and footsore by closing time, but rather pleased with myself and anticipating another day of vintage bliss. When it came to heading back on Saturday to tackle the rest of the stalls, I chose more sensible attire (flat shoes) and carried a large bag for my swag.  It may sound all very consumerist and indulgent, but I confess that I didn’t even spend all the cash I brought with me, such is the beauty of vintage shopping. Day two of the show was filled with lectures, demonstrations and dances.  I took the opportunity to interview a few key participants (just wait till you meet Mistress Christine), and extol the benefits of selling online to others.  After all, I can’t tell you about all this and then not let you know where to find them! It was also a lovely surprise to meet so many readers as I wandered around. I often wonder who you all are, and now I have a few more faces to put to names.

So with a suitcase full of goodies, I’ve made it back home to now to wash, sort and catalogue all my finds. I even found some extra special somethings to add to the Mad Men Competition prize pack! I’ll show you all of these pretties in another post, but for today here is a look at some of the tasty offerings that are to be found at such a show. All in all, if you live in Australia and vintage is your thing, then you had better start making plans to head to Sydney for the next one in October.

Choice picks

From Here to Eternity - I picked up a couple of lovely dresses from this great seller.

20th Century Froxx – Soon to be opening an online store. Currently on Myspace and eBay. I was cursing my ribs for being too big to fit into a stunning vintage Valentino suit dress they had on offer.

Empire 47 – Flash website, stunning dresses and great photography.

Ra Ra Superstar – eBay store. I found some fabulous dresses from these girls. Beautiful quality, excellent prices.

Online Antiques – Huge range of just about everything collectible, vintage and antique.