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!

Post Christmas sales, Op Shop Style

I like a sale. Nothing gets me more fired up that an awesome bargain, the kind that wins you bragging rights for every subsequent wear. Like the Portmans shirt dress with a-line skirt that I'll be wearing to Christmas lunch with the in-laws. Did I mention it was Santa-red. Hellllllooooo Mrs Clause! Half price from my favourite Salvos a couple of weeks ago. $7.50. Fabulous condition, of course, and fits quite nicely, may I say. 


So where will I be when the stores open at the end of the holiday? Target? Unlikely (their stuff is cheapest at the end of January). Kmart? Surely you jest! Myer? Weeeeellllllllll. No, actually. The only thing I want from Myer remains out of my price range even when marked down. Given my desire for a bargain, and propensity to stain/scuff/tear an item of clothing on the first wear, I'm quite sure that a Marc Jacobs court shoe will never end up on my floordrobe (but if I did somehow end up with a pair, I would love them and feed them and call them George). So no, I wont be in a Westfield fighting with teenagers over the last pair of skinny legs in a size 12; I'll be at Savers.


I have missed their previous sales due to work/illness/forgot, so this time around, I'm all over it. Doors open at 8am, and if you follow some simple advice, you should come out with a bag-load of bargains and minimal physical injury (please note: advice also valid for first-hand shops):


Attire

• Comfy shoes, no laces. Today is NOT the day to test out your new ballet flats (bought in the pre-Christmas sales). If you're thinking of wearing boots, you're reading the wrong blog.
• Flattering underwear. Go for a bra that will give you realistic cleavage (so you don't have to use your imagination), but will still support you and be comfy. Nickers. Go for a full brief, ladies; other people need to try those pants on after you. 
• An easy to throw on-and-off outfit. Don't be afraid to wear trackies (unless you are planning to hit DJs). I like a no-fuss dress that can be pulled on to minimise post-dressing room frizz from clothes whizzing past my head with alarming frequency.
• Hair. Aim for something you can manage without looking like a cave woman after the first 10 minutes of frock-swapping.
• Satchel bag, or something similarly hands-free. A green bag is good, as you can stuff it full of clothes as you go. And who cares? You're in trackies and have cave-woman hair anyway, right?

Provisions 

• Cash. It's a good way to limit yourself; just take what you are willing to spend. Also, if you only find one thing for $4.00... Then your'e not looking hard enough.
• Credit Card. I'm not stupid - what if I find the shoes/dress/pants/wardrobe/lamp ALL IN THE SAME SHOPPING TRIP? I mean, what are the odds, right? It's always best to have a back up plan.
• Power bar, sports drink, knowledge of nearby toilets. You could be in there a while. Go to the loo before you leave the house, then struggle, bags and all, to your emergency loo having held it in for the entire session (at least you'll know how those pants look when you're bloated)
• Your sweetest smile. Being nice to the staff has never hurt anyone, and could result in a further discount.
• Blue light. Just kidding. 

Plan

• Buy what you need. This is a common recommendation, and I'm only suggesting it to be socially responsible. Bugger it. I say go in, go nuts. You may not have realised that you needed a Santa-red shirt dress with an A-line skirt until you see it in your size for half price.

Please note: This advice is still relevant for dudes, just, you know, adjust as required (bra, ballet flats, etc). Good luck and God speed!

Shop here

Savers Noarlunga

T06 12-18 David Witton Drive

Noarlunga SA 5168

Sale on 28th Dec 8am-9pm

Normal hours:

Mon-Wed 9am-6pm

Thurs 9am-9pm

Fri 9am-6pm

Sat 9am-5pm

Sun 11am-5pm 

Mondays - 20% off for seniors

Sundays  - 20% off for students

Check out www.savers.com.au for Victorian stores, promotions and to sign up for email updates.

Merry Christmas, Op Shoppers!

Merry Christmas! Wishing you all a wonderful, safe holiday season!

Keep an eye out in the New Year for the challenge of 2012...

In the mean time, may you eat your own weight in Christmas treats without a moment's hesitation or guilt. And remember, if you put a little on in the Season, you can always get your interim clothes for a song at your local op shop!

Merry Christmas, op shoppers!

I love Christmas. I mean love. The tinsel, the presents, the food, the tree, the presents, the decorations, the presents, the cookies, the presents, the lights, the presents, the presents, the... Well, anyway. Every year, my husband makes a Christmas playmix and we drink sparkling red while I dance around the living room throwing tinsel over everything and he laughs with me (not wait, at). Good times! As I say, I love Christmas!

It is my first year at a new work place, so I asked about their Christmas decorations. I was a little deflated when I saw the rather underwhelming 30cm Christmas tree. I had to take action. But really, how much money do you really want to spend on stuff for work that the cranky cashier wont reimburse you for?

I decided $2.00 was reasonable. The decision was made at the Salvos on Sherrifs Road. Two bucks for a bag full of decorations - tinsel, baubles, weird Santas made in Japan that may scare small children... Awesome. I decorated the whole office; Christmas cheer for all! There are plenty of bags left at the store, filled with good quality, if a few quirky, Chrissy decs.

Merry Christmas! Woot woot!

Shop here:
Morphett Vale
140 Sherriffs Road
Morphett Vale
SA 5162
Open Mon-Fri 9.00-5.30
Sat 9.30-5.00

A little do-dad every op-shopper should own

I love a do-dad. Any nifty, gadgety, fits-in-your-pocket, blow-up, travel-sized whosit floats my boat, so I was pretty chuffed when I stumbled across a majigga that has already proved itself more valuable than Priceline gave it credit for (I found it on the bottom shelf, and that was only by accident). Let me first set the scene; provide a case study, if you will:

A 31 year old woman presents to an op shop on the hunt for work-appropriate-but-don't-mind-if-they-get-stained, good quality, cheaper than chips pair of pants. After breezing passed dresses, and stopping briefly to check for a business skirt, she settles in for a thorough rack-flick in the pants section (not to be confused with the jeans section). There are a few choice items, and she selects a handful of business pants ranging from size 10 to 14.

She enters the change room; some are too small (and muffin top is not an option), another pair far too big. And then there they are. A fantastic pair of black pants, with hip pockets and the perfect length for sensible work shoes. Ooh, nice on the bum, no pulling on the thighs. Sadly, they are just a little too loose in the waist, unable to 'hold it all in'. Half price and in perfect condition. What should she do?

Put them back? But they're almost perfect and half price. No hemming! No hemming!
Buy them? Wear them with a belt and endure the belt-bulge under knitted tops? Not an attractive option.

I'll go one better... Some clever person invented a thingy-whatsit that you thread through your back belt loop and clip to the ones on either side. It tightens your pants when a size up swims and a size below makes it difficult to eat comfortably.

Might I introduce you to the Hollywood Hip Hugger ($9.95) from the people who brought you such gems as Hollywood Fashion Tape and Hollywood Silicone Nipple Concealers (message me if you have actually tried these...). This little baby is so useful, I'm thinking about buying a back up. And the best bit? Ate too much? Feeling bloated? Nip into the loo, unclip it and store it in your pocket. Easier to conceal that a belt, more classy than unbuttoning the top of your duds. Give it a crack, just in time for Christmas (although take a tip from a chronic bloater - opt for a floaty frock at festive do's to avoid uncomfortable questions about the current state of your oven...).


Nice little do-flicker to ensure you don't have to pass on those awesome duds!

Shop here:
https://www.hollywoodfashiontape.com.au/

Also available at Priceline, Myer, some other stores I'm sure.