The Night Market

Wednesday nights have never been more interesting. 

What am I talking about? Why the Queen Victoria Market of course! A social hub of activity, with food, drinks, music and stalls (stalls as far as the eye can see!).

The market runs every Wednesday night, from 5pm till about 10pm, from November till end of Feb. You need to get there early, because parking is a son of a b*tch, but well worth the hassle.

Now, let me tell you a bit about the market...

The Food:

As soon as you turn the corner into Queen street, you are hit with some of the most amazing smells you could imagine. Food from around the world, all under one roof! There are over 60 food stalls, serving goodies like Crab Burgers, Peking Duck, Afghan, Jamaican, Mamak’s famous roti, Macarons, Gelati1 and more.

The Drinks:
If you've ever walked around the Queen Vic Market, you will know it is a thirsty venture. There are so many stalls to see, you just keep walking, without realising how parched you are. Well fear no more, there are several bars, coffee houses and stalls offering drinks. 

The Stalls:
There are too many stalls to describe, I would be here for hours! But when we went, we were only there for a couple of hours, and we saw; an entire row of vintage stalls, hand made handbags, fisherman pants, paintings, make up, book signings etc. 

The Music:
They have local bands & musical acts playing on several stages around the market. 

I love the night market, and have now done most of my Christmas shopping. there are so many hidden gems, that you won't be able to find them all in one night. It just keeps drawing you back, week after week!

Love,

Jayde xx

1 - http://www.qvm.com.au/night-market/suzuki-night-market/

2 - 

A Homemade Christmas

If only money was no object, I would spoil my friends and family with such amazing Christmas presents. But unfortunately we have to work hard for the pittance of money we earn. We have to make it stretch but it seems like an almost impossible task, especially with the holidays coming. Almost impossible...

But I'm here to help! This year I intend to give handmade gifts. Not the macaroni covered angel decoration, something classier. Which got me to thinking, how can I make every present this year?

Unfortunately I can't, mainly because I'm not overly talented in the art department (thankfully, I have friends who are much more arty inclined than I, and are giving me a hand this year). But what I can do, are hundreds of things in the kitchen! Let me begin...

Home Made:

• Vanilla Extract
• Infused Alcohol
• Shaving Cream
• Moisturising Bars
• Infused Cooking Oils
• Bath Salts
• Taco Sauce (actual food)
• Scented Candles
• Body Wash
• Lip Balm

And I can also be quite crafty, just not artsy...

• Animal jewellery hanger
• Dream Catcher
• Stamped scarf/handkerchief
• Candle Holders (Tea Light Candles)
• Cupcake Stand

Then there's how to wrap it. Of course I could scour the stores looking for the perfect wrapping paper and gift tags. But I could also...make my own! I'm debating between:

• Word search, put lots of peoples names on the paper, then circle the gift recipient
• Stamped paper, themed to the recipient
• Black paper with white markers
• Butchers/brown paper with 3D flowers
• Vintage style labels (for jars etc)

Anyway, I'm sure there are even more things I could make for people this year, but for the moment, this is what I have.

Now, a note to any of my family and friends reading this post - Just because I've listed it, it doesn't mean I'm going to make it. You still have no idea what I'm getting you, so ner!

Lots of home made love!

Jayde xx

What's Coming Up In The World Of Jayde

So, there have been quite a lot of things going on in the past few weeks.

I know I’ve been a bit slack with posting new things, but I promise I’ll fix that!

So in the next week or so, I’ll be posting about:

Dupe Tests

New Fashion Buys

New Vintage Finds

My Favourites

Reviews

And a few other random things as I go along!

I hope all is well in your world (where ever you are!)

Jayde xx

WTM: Retro Hunting

It was 1:30pm, the sun was shining, the birds were singing and I was hunting for the perfect retro gem. I didn't know exactly what I was looking for, but I would know when I saw it.

*Please note: you're in for a bit of a read, so feel free to grab a glass of wine and relax :)*

Walking down Smith Street, on my way to L&F, I stumbled across a lovely little store:

The Virtual Goddess

306 Smith Street, Collingwood

0438 989 834

www.thevirtualgoddess.com

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Virtual-Goddess

A cute little store, with trinkets and outfits for the retro queen in all of us. A lovely collection of vintage inspired cards and envelopes. They also have a lingerie section in the rear of the store, with a great selection of beautiful bras and knickers. At the front of the store they also have some lovely vintage kids toys still in boxes, and some replicas as well. Unfortunately I wasn't able to take any photos, so I've grabbed some from their website. 

Lost & Found Market

1-5 Perry Street, Collingwood

9419 4477

http://www.lostandfoundmarket.com.au/

www.facebook.com/lostfoundmarket

I have never felt so at home in a store! The L&F is a collection of several permanent stall holders, all selling the most stunning items from eras long past. There are mens leather jackets, womens shoes, scarves, hats, jewellery, some amazing furniture, and knick knacks. It's two levels, and you end up walking in a large circle, but I could happily get lost in there for hours. There are racks upon racks of the most delightful vintage dresses from the 30's, 40's and 50's, as well as amazing retro outfits from the 60's, 70's and 80's. I happily went home with a vintage American bandana with the sweetest love hearts on it! I also happened upon Ms Kitty Vintage's stall (stall 38), which was filled with animal horns, clocks, and postcards (among other things of course), you can also look her up on Facebook, www.facebook.com/MsKittyVintage .

*N.B* There is also The Lost Weekend Vinatage Market, and I went down to East Brunswick trying to find it, but came up empty :(

A huge collection of Simpsons memorabilia!

Who doesn't love some peacock feathers?

This is such a sweet little corner

The Aquatic Vintage

Oh heavenly leopard print!

Stunning glasswares

One of the most amazing umbrella's I have ever seen, and only $25!

The Lovely Ms Kitty Vintage

Retrostar Vintage Clothing

First Floor, Nicholas Building

37 Swanston St (Cnr Flinders Lane), Melbourne

9663 1223

www.retrostar.com.au

It look me a little while to find Retrostar, because Flinders Lane isn't signed very well, but after a chat with a lovely fruit stall holder, I walked into one of the largest retro and vintage stores in Victoria. To be honest with you, I wasn't all that impressed. I love rifling through hair accessories and jewellery, but when I looked at their selection, everything was brand new and made in China. Not wanting to be completely put off, I moved past that section, and went looking at the dresses. Now this is what I'm talking about! The dresses are delightful! I didn't find one reproduction (not that I saw anyway), and they do have a very large selection. I went and had a look at another section of the store called "Retro Rock", which is filled with Americana styled items, including some great jackets, boots and belt buckles. Unfortunately, I also found many replicates and modern styled items, like sunglasses and jewellery. 

All in all it's not a bad store, I just wish the staff were nicer and more attentive, and they didn't play rubbish trance music.

Out Of The Closet - New & Vintage Clothing

238B Flinders Street, Melbourne

9639 0980

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Out-Of-The-Closet-new-and-vintage-clothing/199853713366271

InstaGram: @otcvintage

I stumbled across this store while walking back to my car, and by gosh am I glad I found them! This is a little gem of a store! They have all the head scarves you could ask for, as well as some amazing evening gowns. I went in search for some new additions to my coat rack, and left with two beautiful scarves. The staff were so helpful, and they even have a costume section!

The costume section

If you like what you see above, but would like some more ideas, please head to:

Vintage Shops Australia

www.vintageshops.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/vintageshopsaustralia

For stores in Melbourne:

Melbourne Vintage Clearance Centre (Pop Up Store)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melbournes-Vintage-Clearance-Centre

Minette's Vintage

https://www.facebook.com/MinettesVintage

376 Burnley Street, Richmond

9421 1884

Olivia Marcheline

https://www.facebook.com/oliviamarchelinefanpage

20 Collins Street, Melbourne

0403 503 577

For Online Stores:

That Retro Piece

http://ThatRetroPiece.etsy.com

Nouveau Retro

www.nouveauretro.com.au

Vintage & Nostalgia Co

www.vintagenostalgia.com.au

Hope you enjoyed reading! Stay tuned for some photos of my vintage finds!

Love always, 

Jayde xx