Window Gazing in Melbourne

Without having to send a single cent in Melbourne you can just absorb the creativity by going for a stroll and looking in windows.

Have You Seen My Dog?

This is a wonderful dog brooch which I bought at a market in Melbourne last year and which sits on my dressing table at home.

It was made by a little old man who is retired and just does it as a hobby.  He makes all different kinds of dogs and has been wooed by a number of retailers, all of whom he has refused because he doesn't want to be tied down by commitments and wants to be able to go fishing whenever he feels like it.

I have looked for him on subsequent visits to Melbourne to no avail - I guess the fish must have been running.

I only wish I had bought a couple more.

If I didn't live in Perth..........

I would live in Melbourne.

I would own lots of wooly scarves and an old fashioned bicycle.

I am off to Melbourne again for a few days (not on a bicycle).  There is always lots to photograph there so I will do a couple of Melbourne posts when I get back.

Industrial Vintage

I was in Melbourne this weekend and went for my usual wander around Fitzroy which, as well as being home to some of the best coffee haunts in Melbourne, is emerging as the home of industrial vintage.

One of my favourite industrial vintage shops. 
If you  like industrial vintage then you should also visit

Nook Vintage (http://www.nookvintage.blogspot.com/)

and Used Pty Ltd, both of which are also on Johnston Street in
Fitzroy.

Treasures

I thought I would share with you some of the vintage treasures I got at  Camberwell Markets in Melbourne at the weekend.

It was only when I put them all on the table to admire them that I realised there is a common floral theme.

Camberwell Markets is a must for anyone who enjoys fossicking for vintage treasures, but bring an umbrella as you will either get sunburnt or soaked!

Valentine's Windows

Melbourne is getting very excited about Valentine's Day and some shop owners have gone to great lengths to decorate their windows.  These are just a selection from Fitzroy.

It was a sunny day so there was lots of reflected light bouncing off the windows, but I am sure you get the picture anyway.

The Essence of Melbourne

The essence of Melbourne for me is:

Fossicking in the Chapel Street Bazaar.....

A perfect coffee....

The casual elegance of the cafes.....

and the studied elegance of the shop windows...

I have just spent a wonderful three days there and not even the sideways rain and freezing temperatures (12C) could prevent me from being out and about. I have come to expect bizarre weather conditions whenever I visit Melbourne - the last time I was there we had to wade through knee high freezing floods to get back across the City to our hotel. It all just adds to the excitement.

There will be more of Melbourne in my next post.