Day Nine: Falling off...

...the blog wagon but definitely still riding the fuck out of the BNNM wagon. So don't worry bout me.


Headed to Oktoberfest-ivities over the weekend. Managed to find a Bavarian-esque top from Savers for six big ones. 

Worked it with a playsuit that had been sitting in my wardrobe for eight months...with the tag still on it (SHAME!). I think I was suitably dressed for beer and pretzels and backyard hand/paddle ball.


Did walk out of Savers with a couple other pieces as well...weren't necessary but couldn't hurt. Three tops for $15? 

You can't be mad at me for that.


K.x

Day Six: Going strong.

Day off plus pay day could always equal disaster. Slight sleep in, keeping company with good people and university obligations til early evening meant potential was averted.

So far, doing well. Have realised, though, I must find some sort of traditional German dress by Saturday for an Oktoberfest party. This should be incredibly interesting.

Life is still good.

K.x

Day Four/Day Five: The delayed reaction

So Buy Nothing New Month is fast becoming Buy Nothing At All Month. Which, according to my mother, is probably more of what I should do.

Yeah, whatever Mum. (I love you, of course).

To save my sanity, I have altogether avoided my usual retailers. I know I am a big fat cheater and as weak as piss when it comes to shopping, so I have used the opportunity to focus on work and uni and writing and friends. These things probably shouldn't give way for shopping, normally, but it has become a handy distraction. And anyone who has known me for five minutes knows I am also the biggest procrastinator in the world. Wow, I'm sounding like a really shit person right now. Dah well.

ANYWAY, what I am finding is that because I know I am not buying new items, I have that little bit extra change, which means I have pretty much been stuffing my face at any opportunity given. No time for breakfast in the morning? No worries! I'll buy a coffee and a big ass bagel on the way in! Grocery shopping? No worries! No Homebrand shit for me this month!

I obviously have an issue holding onto money. Dah well. I've still not bought anything new.

K.x

Day Three: Monday I have Friday on my mind

Mondays hardly ever give you room to indulge in anything other than necessity. You're still paying for the last weekend and already looking toward the next.

Despite as mediocre a day as it was, I'm feeling pretty fucking chuffed with myself. Sunshine, a few laughs, a full belly. Maybe you don't need much more.

I'll buy something tomorrow. It won't be new. I promise.

K.x

Coming Tuesday I feel better...

Day Two: (Art) Market research

In stark contrast to yesterday, I woke up this morning to a face full of sunshine and the promise of a fruitful day. Funnily enough, even though I frequented a number of vintage stores and op-shops in Fitzroy, I didn't purchase a single thing. And I mean nothing. I didn't even make it to the supermarket. I'm having water and chocolate for breakfast tomorrow.

Despite the initial pang of going home empty-handed, I took it as market research and noted a few handy tips and observations for next time:

• A good vintage store can be a lot of fun
• A good vintage store can also cost a lot of money
• Just because the stock in a store's window or outdoor display looks dated, doesn't make it a second-hand store - it's just a weird, cluttered, variety store of sorts. With a questionable smell and an even more questionable shop-keeper
• When 'shopping' on Smith or Brunswick Street (or any street, in my case) it's probably best to take a close friend who knows you've undertaken such a challenge. Close witnesses decrease the inclination to cheat, particularly with all the very pretty clothes and shoes and bags and jewellery and teapots available....at a discount price.

Other than that, it was all a bit of a trip down memory lane. Rediscovering what a 90s baby I really am, my recently acquired love for fur anything and that I could probably sit and stroke a glo-mesh purse all day.

I definitely enjoyed it though and am looking forward to visiting different parts of town, albeit with a more considered and hopefully focused attitude.

 

However we did stumble upon the Rose Street Artist Markets, which definitely tested my (not-so-hidden) impulsive buying tendencies. I forgot how awesome a good, creative market space can be. So many wonderful home-made and recycled cuteness stirred feelings of warmth, nostalgia and pure lust within this material girl. 

I was on the verge of buying a couple of pieces - that I initially thought would make the cut because they were crafted out of old bits of cutlery and other randomness - until the obvious question loomed; are these old or new? GAH! I resisted. I thought I shouldn't fold on a technicality just yet....but even knowing that such awesomeness exists and that I may have to wait four weeks before acquiring it will probably drive me bonkers.

Anyhow, opinions on THAT juicy issue would be greatly appreciated. Obviously opinions which would result in me wearing a plastic dinosaur head on a ring would be highly regarded but I am open to all views.

Otherwise, I still love a good freebie. And the cheeky kids at Able and Game were giving away this fine specimen at their stall.

I'm not naked. I'm wearing yellow hotpants like my pal here.

So I guess it was a somewhat fruitful day anyway. Or it was just a great way to spend a day doing something while not really doing anything. It's what a Sunday should be, really.

Day Two and going strong, kids. Proud of me?

K.x

Day One: And they're off...

So I guess today was the best kinda day to start Buy Nothing New month. Grey, rainy, freezing cold with a major game of footy on. Classic Melbourne.


With very little motivation to step foot out the door, I decided to put together the study table my housie had graciously allowed me to use (ha! first borrowed item!), which forced me to move, sort and clear out a heap of shit I didn't realise I accumulated. Another by-product of re-decorating your room however is realising the million other little things you could use to enhance it. Shelves, frames, new sheets, a porcelain statue. 


Luckily, I really hate 12 degree days and so I didn't whip out to acquire said items. Instead I've rationally considered what I might like to source from the many op-shops in my neighbourhood. I'm thinking a lamp, maybe some kitschy mugs to hold random bits and pieces and possibly some art. This all depends obviously on the quality of the items...no more impulse 'just because' buys around here Mister!


Tomorrow's forecast is conveniently more positive, so to Sydney Road I shall go!
Oh. Then I went on eBay and bought a fascinator for the Cup.


BUT it is previously owned (only used once but will still be disinfecting) AND was only $15.00. So there.


I'd like to think that was a rather successful first day. Right? Right.


K.x