GET ready to grab a bargain and support a worthy cause.
This month marks National Op Shop Week, an event that encourages the community to spend a little coin at their favourite Salvos store.
The Salvation Army is partnering with National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations and DoSomething! for the third annual event, on August 24-31.
Pre-loved and recycled furniture, clothing and goods are donated to the stores and then sold at fair prices.
All profits go towards running Salvation Army programs that help the environment by reducing landfill.
To promote the week in Sutherland Shire, "Kitty Von Tastique" is fronting the venture with thrifty threads.
Kitty is the presenter and producer of a new television show — Kitty's Kitschy Days Out — coming soon.
She is also a blogger and writer for Vintage Life magazine.
One of her recent blog posts was a YouTube video filmed at a Salvos store where she set herself a challenge to style four vintage-inspired outfits for less than $50.
Details: salvosstores.org.au or 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).
Stylish art
WHEN Westfield Miranda called on shoppers to share their street style snaps for a chance to have their image reinterpreted as a fashion illustration by prominent Australian illustrator Mekel, the response was overwhelming.
Now, you can see those images come to life through art at an exhibition.
Westfield Miranda has a display of creative and inspiring illustrations chosen by stylist Yvonne Wallace as an art exhibition for shoppers to enjoy.
For skilled students
BARDEN Ridge fashion design student Ashleigh Huntley will represent Sutherland Shire in a project for National Skills Week this month, August 25.
The government-funded project aims to promote and celebrate trades and skills in Australia.
Ashleigh, who represented Australia in Germany at Worldskills last year, has designed a "Sergeant Pepper-style" coat that will be worn by Ian "Dicko" Dickson at a gala evening before it is auctioned.
Funds from the event go towards the TAFE Director's Foundation that raises money for underprivileged students.
Details: nationalskillsweek.com.au
