Northcote’s Suitcase Rummage Market

What it is: The idea behind the market is that stall holders sell out of their suitcase, to create a very chilled out picnic ambiance.

Where it is: Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High St, Northcote, VIC

Hours of Operation: every second Saturday of the month, from 11am – 4pm (check out the official website for any changes to the schedule)

What you’ll find: Clothes, clothes, and more clothes. Plus shoes, jewellery, furniture, and brick-a-brack. Half the stalls are typically creative types selling their creations, while the other half are those selling their secondhand wares. No food stalls are allowed, however there is a small sandwhich shop nearby & busy High street has many shops to sell you food.

Why I love it: It has a very chilled out vibe, plus there are comfy chairs outside the stall area where you can just relax with your friends. It is also on bustling High St, so while the market is relatively small, you can get your shopping fix from quirky stores nearby.

The delightful Anna from Sabiha Jewellery

Sabiha Jewellery

While the doors open to the stal holders at 10 am, it does not get very busy, and as such it is not vital that you arrive earlier than 11am, when the doors to the public open.

My advice for getting the most out of this suitcase rummage market:

• even though it is a little awkward, do take the time to sit infront of each suitcase and RUMMAGE! It is hard to display items in a suitcase, so you never know what treasures you’ll find!
• buy lunch on High St and come back and eat it on the chairs just outside the stall area – very comfy chairs await your behind 🙂
• it is an indoor market, so while it is super children friendly, maybe don’t bring your dog to this one.
• it’s free to attend as a shopper, but stall holders pay a $25 registration fee (well in advance)

Let me know how you go!

Upcoming… Round She Goes

Round She Goes is back on this Sunday in Victoria, and I’m hoping my flu will leave by Sunday so I can buy all the pretty old things.

Round She Goes market at Kingston Town Hall

What it is: The brainchild of sisters Emma & Anne, Round She Goes is the market for girls – it even won an award! With 100 carefully selected stalls selling crafty crafts and quality vintage and designer pre-loved frocks & accessories, you won’t find any sportswear or t-shirts here.

Where it is: When in Melbourne, the market is held in the very large Kingston City Hall (a.k.a Moorabbin Town Hall) at 979 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin, VIC 3189. It is very close to Moorabbin station, and free parking is available on site.

When it is: From 10am to 3pm this coming Sunday (20th of May, 2012). The one after that won’t be until the 9th of September at the same location. For future events, please refer to the website.

Anything for the males of the world: nope!

How to get the best from this market:

• There are communal change rooms available, so wear your best underwear. I usually wear stockings too.
• The market is quite large and you only have 5 hours to shop (assuming you get there on time of opening) so be efficient. Don’t assume you will come back to a stall later.
• It is mostly pre-loved & vintage items at this market, so if that’s not your thing, you might as well give it a miss.
• A stall holder is most likely only going to have one of each pre-loved or vintage item, so if you love it, don’t wait till someone else has bought it to realise it’s the only thing that will make your wardrobe complete (I am still longing for that red glomesh purse)
• Wear something comfortable but makes you feel good – you may get snapped up with your photo on the website
• These guys have a newsletter you can subscribe to and win cool stuff too.
• Bring cash (there is an ATM across the street, but none in the hall).
• Let me know what you got, and check back for my review and photos next week, if I get better in time – wish me luck!