Well, the Australia – New Zealand adventure and sleuthing assignment is over.  I’m coming home with a boot-full of loot and some interesting information about where to search and what you might find Down Under.

I must admit that I didn’t make an exhaustive search, and just shopped as a busy vacationer might do.  BUT, I found wonderful items and learned some things about the former fashion industry in these two beautiful countries.  As similar as our countries are, it was fun to discover the style and sizing differences that were unique here.

As small as the populations of these nations are compared to that of the U.S., both had some thriving clothing and fabric manufacturing businesses and industries back in the day.  A few of them continue but many are gone for good.  However, if you scout around you’re likely to uncover true vintage examples of locally-made garments and accessory items.  Of course, the whole gamut of treasure includes things that were brought over from England and other countries, too.

There are many privately-owned shops which carry great finds.  I visited a few that I’d researched before and found at least a couple more to include in my book.  There are also a ton of familiar op-shops like Salvos (Salvation Army), Vinnies (St. Vincent de Paul) and many more which are dedicated to various charitable organizations.  Even with limited time and transportation, it’s not hard to locate quite a few.

Accessories of many kinds (hats, handbags, jewelry), dresses, blouses, coats, lingerie, sleepwear, sweaters, shoes – all were seen.  One thing I was told that you won’t find much of are woolens, but I disproved that assumption at least 4 times.

So, for many reasons Australia and New Zealand are highly-recommended countries.  I loved it there and can’t say enough good about the wonderful people, fabulous wildlife and beautiful scenery.  And, for lovers of the vintage clothing hunt it just goes to show what I always say –

You just never know . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM