This week we’re taking 5 with Deb from
Bluebird Vintage. You can find Bluebird Vintage at 288 Cambridge St in Wembley. (08) 9287 2768.
What inspires you to get out of bed in the mornings/afternoons?
I should say hitting those early morning markets and garage sales, but nothing motivates more than a bad breakfast of red velvet cake or yum cha. When you’re up early 6 days a week, you kinda wana lie around all day when you can, but usually I’m woken by the shrill creams of Euro-horror or Pakistani vampire movies thats my housemate starts watching at 7am anyway. I know there’s a deeper connotation to this question, like what floats my boat, and at the moment its the 3 F’s: Food, Friends and Football (Come on Dockers!) Probably chuck Fossicking and Foto’s too.
What was the last vintage item you bought?
This amazing pair of 1960s red snakeskin shoes, in great condition, fit like a dream and comfier than a snuggie! Love the cute white piping and big bow, and for $10 at a Garry (garage sale) it just made my weekend! Also I got a whole bunch of herbs, 8 tubes of unopened folk art paint and a Cheap Trick LP from the same place. Mount Hawthorn I love you!
What is your favourite vintage piece ?
There are so many dresses…but my absolute faves would be the jewelery that my man Steven got for my last two birthdays. One is a silver enamel bluebird necklace holding an “I love you” locket and the other a Victorian sterling silver “Stamps” holder. Really intricate and romantic and my outright faves hands down!
Bluebird Vintage. Why and how did you start it?
Steven and I have been collecting for years and we always knew we would have a shop. When Dr Rusells closed in January, a little shop next to Russels (the other Russell!) became available and it all fell into place. I’ve always loved dressing my friends up and debumking fashion myths like “blue and green should never be seen”, or “No stripes on fatties”, so I get to do that all day now! We don’t have a huge amount of clothing but I think it’s just right, mixed in with collectables, curios, retro homewares and pop culture kitsch, It’s a bit like our home, but you can buy little bits from it. Except for the taxidermy, hands off!
Five words to describe yourself.
Uptight. Old-skool. Romantic. Weird. Fun.
This year we thought we’d share our vintage knowlegde with the masses at this years Every Woman Expo! We’ll be sharing stall number 565 with the fabulous girls from Vintage Vixens and Vamps (they put on the awesome vintage market at the Freo Town Hall – stay tuned for the next one in September) as well as the Freo gals from the boutique Seldom She Blushes. Come down and say helloooo Friday 10am – 8pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 6pm. You can purchase tickets online (discounted!) at EveryWomanExpo.
Check out the Christmas in July Salvation Army Op Shop Ball! Tickets are $25 and very limited.
