Super-frugality

I'm on a self-imposed shopping ban this week. And by "this week" I mean working-week, so come Friday 4pm, it's off to Rundle Mall (hello Anglicare and/or Red Cross store. I say "and/or' because the main aim of the trip into town is to help my mate buy boots). I'm trying to make up for the bargain hunting in Melbs last week, you see. Also, my ever-patient husband may one day run out of patience if I don't check myself occasionally.


So in the interest of super-frugality, I'll take this opportunity to tell you about my favourite Nanna Store. When I worked in my previous job, which was mind-blowingly stressful and difficult, I would sneak down to this op shop on my bimonthly-lunch break* and relieve my stress by power-shopping this little treasure trove.


Just for the record, I am less a frugalist and more a bargain hunter. A frugalist buys only what they need, and lives by the phrase, "It's only a bargain if you need it" (pfft). A bargain hunter lives by the following phrases: for new items: "Oh my God! 70% off!"; for op shops: "And the profits go to charity!". Need doesn't enter into it, and nor should it, I say. But for the sake of argument, I'll say I'm being super-frugal by not not shopping today, but rather telling you about something I bought last month. 


I discovered the Hare Street Uniting Church (Nanna) Op Shop a long time ago, back when I was a student living on bugger all. We lost touch after I started a big person's job in the city and a big person's pay packet (not that I stopped op shopping), but a few years ago I started working in the Ashford area. And thar she was, as beautiful and as cheap as the day we first met. Since our reunion, I have swooped in more often than I can count. The ladies are really lovely and the clothes, although not a huge collection, are generally in good condition and sectioned into both type and size. There is a great book section (mix of things you wanna read for leisure, and things you wanna read to chuckle at), and there can be some fantastic jewellery. Oh, and if you love a nick nack, Nanna can hook you up.


Last time I zipped in, I bought a fantastic pair of high waisted, skinny leg Colette jeans for $5.00. They are in perfect condition, no fading or damage, and fit like a dream, which is lucky, as I didn't have time to try them on. So far I have worn them under boots, with cardies, jumpers, ballet flats, booties, shirts tucked in, shirts un-tucked... Versatile, kinda sexy, and let me tell you, they magic my arse into something quite special. Ass-wiggling fun for just 5 bucks. Winner.


I also picked up an oversized, grey and blue argyle cardigan that comes down to my knees. It wasn't made for little ladies, but I think it works well with the aforementioned jeans, ballet flats and a beanie and scarf, or chucked over the top of a plain black jersey maxi dress (I have 2 black ones - one from an op shop - that I swear by for comfy-but-neater-than-trackies).


So there you have it. Frugality. Check. Awesome jeans. Check. Comfy cardie. Check. Thanks, Nannas. Keep up the good work!


Shop here:
Uniting Church Op Shop
1-3 Hare Street
Kurralta Park SA
8351 2202
Thurs-Fri 10am-4pm
(It's just past the Tennyson Centre if you are heading north on South Road. The hours may vary slightly).


*slight exaggeration