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 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

Buy Nothing New? Yeah. Right.

So my good friend Suzi first mentioned Buy Nothing New Month to me as she had decided to take part this year, intending to write what will surely be an amazing piece of work for the Big Issue magazine. Then she put forth the challenge to a number of us girls in the hopes we might make interesting guinea pigs. Then, like a sucker, I accepted said challenge.

Since stepping out into the big bad world on my own with some pretty piss-weak savings, juggling a part-time job with 'full-time' study, I have learnt to live a little more thriftily. Having said that, I can't deny my shopaholic ways; the receipts for the past seven days alone are shameful enough.

Evidence of an addiction. I'm so screwed.

Add to that, upcoming events which would traditionally be no-brainer excuses to hit the retailers - namely my cousin's wedding and the Melbourne Cup - I am definitely in for an interesting four weeks.

At best, I will learn to become more creative, resourceful and appreciate the many things I already have. At worst, it'll be a daily Moan Bitch Cry via this delightful medium. Sorry guys. 

K.x

PS. Anyone with an extensive (and expensive) wardrobe consisting of mainly size 6s (in shoes AND clothes, because I'm coordinated like that) should drop me a line. 

The res-erection.

Ha.

So it's been over six months. Literally. Shame on me. So I thought it was only right, with the five minutes I have before I jet off to work, to share a little something.

With my dire financial status over the last holiday season I've become a whore for the chain store and am now a master of finding dime-piece outfits at dime-store prices.

Two of my faves are as follows.

Playsuit, Forever New, $29.95
AM1s, Nike, $150 (Ok, so more of an investment than a steal but whatever.)

Tank, Sportsgirl, $20.95
Bracelets, Diva, $5.00
Earrings, Diva, $12.95

I'll be back. I promise.

K. x