90s fashion statement back to haunt me

Remember when the humble bum bag (or fanny pack, if I may) became a fashion statement? It happened somewhere between the first episodes of Blossom and the death of the Commodore 64 (for those of you under 30, that's around the early-to-mid 90s). Once the sensible accessory of middle-aged tourists in white socks and sandals, it was suddenly the epitome of cool. All you needed was an over-sized jumper, your hottest pair of stirrup pants (demin, if you could get them, but jersey worked just as well), 3 pairs of layered, slouchy socks, and a pair of white trainers (Apple Pies), and you were hot-to-trot! Oh, and you didn't wear the bum bag on your waist; it was slung over your shoulder.

So why was I looking for a bum bag? Was I planning to rock my exercise gear as a fashion statement? Er, no. I needed one for dog training, so we would have easy access to treats (I make Nath wear it. I think he likes it). The nice lady at the dog training centre recommended cut up hot dogs, but the thought of them festering in a bum bag is a little too much to bear, so dog biscuits it is.

Let me tell you, though, bum bags sell like hot cakes in op shops! I know, weird, right? Have I missed an important fashion revival? Oh, wait - I have. The 90s once was enough, thanks Supre. I've been a bit pressed for time lately, so I went to ol' faithful on the way home. As luck would have it, they are having a sale on all bags and shoes this week (ends Saturday. Sorry for the late notice). After hunting around, I asked the lady at the checkout, who informed she had sold all of their bum bags that day. All of them. Surprised, and a little miffed that I would have to actually spend some real time looking for the darn thing, I bought a white silk frock with lovely black crochet detail on the neckline ($6.99), a pair of as-new, comfy slip ons ($3.00), a few things for my nieces, and made my exit.

The next day I tried the Red Cross on the way home, making sure I finished work on time so I could make it there before 5pm (seriously, I know you're a charity, but can't you push it to 5.30 closing? I promise you'll get more out of me!). I wasn't holding my breath, as it's quite a well-maintained store with little room for things that aren't going to sell. Of course, it may be that all of their bum bags sold out, as well. Anyway, needless to say, my venture was fruitless, apart from a lovely Basque wrap dress at half price ($7.50), a long singlet with a big heart made up of tiny hearts on it ($3.95), and a lovely rose print scarf ($3.00). Not an entirely wasted trip, actually. The Basque dress has a gorgeous pattern of tiny red berries and leaves on it. Lovely.

I was running out of close-at-hand, open-after-I-finish-work options, when I had a light bulb moment. There is an op shop at my work, a real nanna one with some decent items, but also a lot of things that really should just be put out of their misery. It's a little known op shop, so I was certain whomever has been buying up all of the bum bags across town wouldn't have thought of it! If this one didn't pay off, we were going to have to spend real money at Kmart to get one. Any more than $2.00 is crazy talk, in my mind.

Well, I was not disappointed. $2.00 for a multi-pocketed bum bag (sadly, no fluro detailing, but one must make do). But that wasn't the highlight. I also picked up a medicine chest ($5.00), a tomato saver ($2.00; there was no way I was paying more than that, thanks Tupperware) and - my favourite - an amazing pair of black Steve Madden heels with beautiful embroidery, in awesome condition. Sigh. Love! And only $5.00. That put a spring in my step for the rest of the day! They were missing their ankle straps, but I had a plan: the shoe sale was still on at the Salvos, and I was sure I would find something there.

I nipped over and found a terrible pair of strappy sandals from - you guessed it - the 90s that should never have seen the light of day in the first place. But the straps were worth the $3.00 alone. I'm a little ashamed to say it, but I turfed the hideous heels as soon as I salvaged what I needed. Had I thought someone would actually want them, and gone to the effort of finding replacement straps, I would have given them back to the store. Seriously, though. There was no love for those babies. I should have taken a picture before I binned them, but I really just wanted them out of the house. Wrong. So, so wrong.

Shop Here:
Salvos
1507 Main South Rd
Darlington
Open Mon-Fri 9-5.30pm
Sat 9.30-5pm

Red Cross
1267-1269 South Road
St Marys
Open Mon-Fri 9-5pm
Sat 11-5pm

Friends of the Repatriation General Hospital Op Shop
Repatriation General Hospital
Goodwood Rd Entrance
Daw Park
Open Mon-Sat 10-3pm

Wanna see a three card trick?

There's a sweet little homewares store near my work that I have been meaning to visit for quite a while. A friend put me onto it by recommending it by Facebook (ahhh Facebook... Is there anything you can't do?). I finally popped in as I saw their jumble sale advertised (on Facebook). The store is much smaller than I was expecting, but just as lovely. There are a few smaller items, like crockery, ornamens, handbags and jewellery, but the main event is the furniture. Unfortunately, there isn't a place in our house for a large, cypress Sweedish cupboard from the 60's at a very reasonable price, no matter how I looked at it. Or a lovely pair of white vinyl arm chairs. Sigh. I did pick up a cool piece of kitchenalia for mum for Mother's Day, given I can hold off presenting it to her until then. 

 I also bought a card, which is my first slip in my buy nothing new for 2012... But I think I can get off on a technicality. Firstly, it was purchased at a second hand store. Secondly, it is a wedding card that will house a gift for a lovely couple whose wedding we have to miss (and due to unforeseen circumstances, the hens night, too). So you see, it had to be a very specific card; something special that I didn't have in my cupboard, and please, making a birthday card is one thing... So what do you think? Am I off the hook? Did I mention it was made by a local artist?

On my way home, I came across another little gem. I had seen the sigh once before, a long, long time ago, but didn't stop in, and to be honest, had completely forgotten about it. "Boutique op shop". There was no driving past that sign.. And I was not disappointed. In fact, my words as I caught sight of this side-street wonder were, "you little ripper". The front pavement was a collection of shoe, bag and scarf racks, as well as homewares and about 9 clothing racks for men, women, teens and kids. I'm not sure what they do on a rainy day, as the shop itself is packed, too. Luckily today it was lovely and sunny. Perfect weather for trawling the racks. 

The items are you run-of-the-mill brands, everything from Target to Witchery, but all in good condition. The staff are very nice, too, knocking a dollar off here and there to make a cheap buy just that little more brag-worthy. Everything is organised in size and type, which you know I love. I picked up a hot pink, Grecian-style dress with 'jewels' along the neckline. I'm planning to wear it to a wedding in April. I bought a back up, you know, just in case. A nice black dress with a boat neck, which I find really flattering. Actually, it's a very nice cut. Takes a few kilos off, which you can't argue with. A pair of control-topped panties and I'm all over it for a special occasion. 

What else, what else? Ah yes, a sweet little serving plate, and a great little maroon dress with a white pattern, and a very flattering shirt with a pretty ruffled collar. Most items were around $6.00 each, which I think was very reasonable. There opening hours are a little odd, but if you can make it to this great little store, you won't be disappointed. Oh, and if you are looking for a particular piece of furniture, give Three Card Trick a call with a description and a price range, and she will try to hunt it down for you. Now that's service!

Shop here
Three Card Trick
7 Salisbury Crescent
Colonel Light Gardens
Open Wed-Fri 11.00am-5.00pm
Sat 11.00am-4.00pm


The Big A Boutique Op Shop
(At the side Church of Christ)
539 Goodwood Rd
Colonel Light Gardens
Open Mon, Wed, Fri 8.30am-12.00pm
1st and 3rd Saturday 8.30am-2.00pm

What are the odds?

A little while ago, I bought a sweet little pussy bow shirt; short sleeves, musk pink with tiny grey stars. I love it. I wear it to work tucked into a pencil skirt and heels, as well as loose with capri pants or business pants and ballet flats. It's a flattering cut and one of my favourtie shirts, so you can imagine my delight when I was in the Red Cross the other day and found the same shirt but black with little purple stars. Oh, and did I mention it was half price? 

I picked up a couple of other cute little bits and pieces while I was there: a nice, warm, heavy knit dress (yep, I know it's summer, but you can't really tell at the moment!) and some giant tartan clip on earrings. No, I haven't gone all punk, or you know, Scottish. I like to use clip on earrings as shoe clips. The big, garish, over-the-top ones look ridiculous attached to your lobes, but rather sweet on your toes. You know the ones: the kind Blanch wore on the Golden Girls. The ones that, in the early years, Stephanie Forester had to remove before answering the phone. Now that's sacrificing for fashion!

Pretty cute, really. But I recommend not wearing your favourite stockings with them, just in case. And maybe check the comfort factor by, oh I don't know, wearing them whilst baking or cleaning the house. 

Shop here

St Marys Red Cross

1267-1269 South Road

St Marys

8357 6478

I’ve been thinking about a pair of shoes I own. I remember when I bought them, well over 12 months ago. Mum, dad and I headed to the Holy Trinity – 3 op shops on Findon Rd, all within a couple of hundred metres of each other. This isn't the only Holy Trinity - it's a generic label that a group of op shops earns under 2 conditions, (i) there are at least 3 of them (any more, at which point they become known as the Holy Trinty +1), (ii) you have great success in all three (or four. I have yet to experience five, but I am still young!). The other one is in Murray Bridge, where there is (?was) a church op shop, a Flying Doctors’, Salvos and a Vinnies, all within close proximity to one another. A long time ago, there was a Holy Trinity on South Road in Reynella: Salvos, Vinnies and a church. Sadly, only the latter two remain, and the church op shop is not delivering the quality it used to (sorry, guys). I remember feeling quite sad when they tore down the Salvos.

But I’m getting off track with my sweet, sweet memories. The Holy Trinity on Findon Rd never fails to impress. On this particular day, we headed there to find that the Vinnies had closed down. Disappointing, as I once bought the coolest coloured metal bowl set that I still cherish to this day, but the Salvos and Goodwill always produced the goods, too!

We started at the Salvos. For some time, I had been looking for a black leather jacket. Nothing too biker chick, just something of soft leather that I could throw over everything from a t-shit and jeans-combo to a cocktail dress. The odds of finding a leather jacket in good condition that wasn’t made in the 1970s is no mean feat in an op shop, but there it was, as though it had been waiting just for me. Initially, I thought that it was tagged at $49.99. Then I realised, with delight and skipped heartbeat, that it was actually $14.99! If the Gods were really smiling on me, it would have been a half-price tag, but I wasn’t complaining!

Wait. I’m off track again. The shoes. Well, I had better wrap that part of the story and say I did indeed get some lovely things from the Salvos. The shoes in question, however, were found across the road at Goodwill.

Mollini. New. Leather. Lovely. Wait, I really should give more of a description than that, so you can weigh in at the end: to keep or not to keep? Mollini rarely disappoint as shoes. I have a few pairs, all of which I bought at the Emporio Shoes in Rundle Mall, an awesome 3-storey Mecca that I used to frequent when I worked in town. The shoes were a little out of my price range ($100!), so the pairs I have bought from there, I have to admit to treasuring.

This pair were a had-to-have. Mid brown ankle boots with 3 faux buckles and a time-saving zip at the side. The toe is a rounded point, and they are a solid shoe with a reasonable heel-size. I felt certain I would have a hundred places to wear them in winter, with a hundred outfits. Apparently, so did the previous owner, until she discovered what I have: they are a difficult shade of brown to match, they feel a little strange to walk in (I think they have a built-in platform) and it is a rare occasion that calls for a triple buckled ankle boot.

The reason I have held on to them for so long is the anguish that I may one day find the perfect outfit to go with these boots having already paseed passing them on (not the first pair of Molloni shoes I have tried to buy an outfit for), and the simple fact that they are so darn pretty.

What to do, what to do? Keep them or pass them on in the hope that they will go to a lovely home where their potential will be fulfilled? It’s a bit of a dilemma, but even as I ask the question, I think I may already know the answer… Winter is just around the corner, but there are enough shopping days between now and then to find the perfect outfit to go with the loveliest of boots... Perhaps I simply need to shop more, and practice walking in them. Hmmm. Challenge accepted! Thanks for your help J

Shop here:
Goodwill
156 Findon Rd
Findon 5023
For hours call 8347 0151

Salvos
115 Findon Rd
Woodville South
Open M-F 9-5.30pm, S 9.30-5pm.

Drool here:

http://www.mollini.com.au/

The first day of the rest of the year

I briefly toyed with the idea of not shopping in the first week of the year. A symbolic gesture; to start the year as I intend to go on. Then I realised that was a pile of poop, and headed to the nearest op shop to get a fix.

Actually, I was heading to the Chemist. I had been planning to do this all day, and made a mental note of all of the things I would want to buy (blush, head bands) and why I wasn't going to buy it (I have 7 shades already; I don't wear them often enough to justify owning as many as I do). Then I couldn't find a park, or the discount chemist, come to think of it, so I headed to the Salvos on Broadway at Glenelg, given it was so close and on my way.

Now, I hadn't mentally prepared myself for an op shop, which is why I walked out with two pairs of heels and two dresses. Seriously, I'm not even sure how this happens. But it did, and it was awesome. I didn't get a thorough look around, as I had somewhere to be, so I did what I always do when I have limited time: I buzz dresses and shoes.

It paid off... One pair are sort of sensible black pumps with a thick heel and a faux buckle on the toe. Good for work, but likely to sneak into my weekend wardrobe occasionally. They're Joanne Mercer, so they're good quality, and have barely been worn. The other pair are patent black RMK Mary Janes and I love love love them. They have quite a high heel, but the width and strap make them easy to walk in (I'm still waiting for my camera arrive, otherwise there would be a photo of them. The detail on the toes is gorgeous). I'm not sure these have even been worn. Perhaps someone couldn't hack 'em?

I'm quite pleased with the two dresses. One is just a rayon and somethingerather number, but it looks like silk and is rather comfortable. It's a button-through dark blue dress, and I think, given the casual nature of work this week (eg no patients) and the stinking hot weather, I may just crank it out one day this week, before it is retired to my floordrobe. The other is a mini shift dress: black lace with long sleeves and a pink underlay. The material is really soft, and the lace is so delicate and pretty (hurry up, Mr Postman, I need my camera!).

Now I need to find room to store them. Although, I have a few pairs of shoes on the pile for the next clothes swap, and more than one dress, let me tell you. I wasn't sure about one pair of heels, so I gave them one more chance on the weekend. I like them, but I no longer love them, so onto the pile. And instantly, I feel better about the two pairs of shoes I just bought. Huh. Who would have thought it was that easy?

Total spent: $32.76 (it was supposed to be cheaper, but the lady seemed new, and, you know, it is a charity)

Savers Sale - Nailed it!

Oh WOW. It was worth getting up early during my holidays to go the Savers sale. To the victor go the spoils. The early bird gets the worm. Beware the sale-shopper; she will ram you with her trolley....

Getting there early was definitely the best move. Although there was plenty on the racks, it meant we could move more easily, get into the change rooms within a reasonable time frame, and avoid some angry, angry southerners. We arrived a little after eight in the morning, and there was about the usual number of people as on a Saturday. By about 9am it started to get busy, and by 10am, well, lets just say you could have written a decent novella in the time it took to get to a change room. I went with the 'mum' option (see previous posts) and tired clothes on over my dress. Sorry to the lady who I punched in the head whilst trying on the most darling little Basque cardigan. But, you know, beware flying limbs in a half price sale; eye of the tiger, lady. Eye of the tiger.

By about 1030, we all needed a coffee and some lunch (hey - early start, okay?). We headed over to Colonnades, where I passed on my sister's choice of sushi (endurance food, she tells me), and waited a ridiculous amount of time for a sandwich. Seriously, the change room line at Savers would have been quicker. Anyway, after a quick shop at Equip, we headed back for round 2, which lasted about another 2 hours! Wish I'd eaten sushi...

So what did I get? What didn't I get, more like it. Oh. Pants. I didn't get pants. Whilst I'll try on tops, dresses and shirts in the public eye, I draw the line at pants and skirts. But I'm more of a frock girl anyway. I'd say the highlight was a lovely, flattering and rather expensive-looking Basque wrap dress (it's the dream, really). I scored a handful of other Basque, Cue, Esprit, Country Road, Portmans and Tommy Hilfiger items, as well as a couple of retro and Supre bizzos that were in good nick. Actually, of the many, many, MANY clothes I looked at, I came across one with a small stain, which is pretty good, really. I'm always pleased with the amazing condition of everything in the store.

Not forgetting my patient, loving husband waiting at home, I scoured the menswear section for a little some'n some'n for him. Whilst the section is large (maybe 1/3 the size of the women's section, which is not unusual, really, but when the ladies section is massive...), there wasn't a lot for my svelte man. I did find him a Liverpool soccer shirt and a book, so, you know, go me. And to his credit, he was both appreciative of this presents and impressed by mine!

So all in all, a cracking day with some fine, fine second-hand treats. So take my advice: clear your day for the next Savers sale, get there when the doors open, and eat sushi for lunch. Oh, and beware of flying limbs.

Challenge for 2012

I have set myself a challenge for 2012. Not a New Year's resolution; we all know they don't work, and only end up depressing us when we fail miserably in mid-January. No, this is a challenge, and one which will require a little assistance from you. Don't worry! You don't have to do much beyond provide a little encouragement, and if you see me in Target, eyeing of a frock or two, smack my hand away. For me, a self-confessed shopping addict ("shopaholic" always sounds too cutesy and fun. Stupid pop culture), it's going to be somewhat tougher...

So here it is: in 2012, I will not buy anything from a first-hand shop. Everything I need, from a work skirt to craft supplies, will be bought from a second hand store or website. I'm not going to carry on about social obligation, fast-fashion, carbon footprints or landfill (as if any of that has ever stopped me before). I'm just challenging myself to stop consuming enough stuff for eighty people, that's all.

There are, of course, a handful of exceptions, such as underwear. I can tell you now, everything that grazes my bare bum will be new. But there are conditions, rules, guidelines to ensure every potential shopping outlet (pun intended) is curtailed.

The Pledge

1. I will not buy any form of clothing from a first hand shop. There are 5 exceptions to this: Feb 25th 2012; underwear (ew); sneakers (again, ew); presents for other people (was that a collective sigh of relief I just heard?); when overseas (gimme a break! But I wont go nuts, as we'll be a little broke whilst over there).
2. Before I head off to buy new socks/bras/grundies, I have to do at lease one load of washing. There has been more than one occasion where I was under the impression I had very few undies, and set off to Target to rectify this (and while I was there, pick up a couple of other essentials, such as a new frock/skirt/shirt/pants), only to do a load of washing that weekend and find that, actually, I have more than enough to go on a 6 month laundering fast.
3. I will not buy any accessories from a first hand shop. This includes hair accessories as well as bags, shoes and shiny things (I don't have heaps of hair, so all good).
4. I will not buy any craft supplies from a first hand shop. The only exception is needle/thread, but only when I have run out of existing supplies. And I have to hunt in op shops first.
5. I will only buy second hand housewares, with the exception of large household items that we need (I think our fridge is on its last legs. Fortunately, I was given a camera for Christmas; I have bought second hand cameras twice, and each time has been a disaster). When doing home renos, (where possible) we'll use recycled materials, which opens up a whole new world of salvage yards my husband will be thrilled about...
6. I will not buy new stationary. *Sniff* Farewell, Typo. We'll always have Harbour Town.
7. I will not buy any wrapping paper or cards. I will use up what I have then make my own.
8. I will not buy any cosmetics until I have used what I have. Seriously, I'll be okay for the 12 months.
9. I will only buy toiletries when I have used what I already have. That means you, guest soaps.
10. I will not (gulp) buy a new magazine. I have my subscription to Shop Til You Drop (shut up) so that will have to do. 
11. I will not buy books from a first hand store. In fact, I'll read what I already bloody-well own before I go out searching for more reading material.
12. I will not sulk, stamp my feet, whinge or do an angry-dance when I can't have the new shoes/bag/dress/eyeshadow (except on here; I mainly meant in public).
13. I will record what I have spent and on what in a lovely diary that is filled with pictures of shoes. Torturous, really. 
14. I will report back to you on everything I buy so as to be held accountable. Unless it's a present for someone; I don't want to ruin the surprise! I'm sure there will be the odd post where I describe how I feel about it all, too.
15. I will accept suggestions, in case I haven't thought of something. And trust me, by mid-January, I'll come up with several loop holes if you don't plug them for me first.

So there it is. One woman's attempt to stop consuming more than is reasonable (hmmm, vague enough for ya?). It's going to be a tough year, and retail therapy will not be as easily accessible to help deal with it! At least I have my birthday in March to ease the pain and have already started a list... Seriously, if anyone gives me a voucher for a first hand store, it is going to stay in the house until Jan 1st 2013, at which time I'm certain I would have grown as a person and no longer need drop coin on anything cute and shiny. Well, it helps to have a goal, right...? Wish me luck!