Savers, Footscray

Wish i had a dude to wear these babies. Alternatively, I wish I was a dude.


 

We Never Lost Control

I have hit a personal record. Most shoe boxes in the boot of my car: 7. Carrying them out felt like I was working at D. Most shoe purchases in one go: 4. I bought another pair the next day.

Shoes of recent

I spent $197 on four pairs of shoes today at Myer. I went to Savers and redeemed at $30 credit note. I got a crazy shirt, a white cotton collared sleeveless shirt very similar to the one I bought previously, a metallic gold and black knit cardi, a 90's black cool bag.

Seeing my donations on the racks of Savers

Wow, $3.99? C'mon, it's worth more than that

Purchases today

Then I went highpoint to hunt down the shoes I was dying for at Myer Melbourne yesterday.. Except Myer highpoint didnt have it either. I bought four other shoes. It started with one pair. Oh these would be good for work, Windsor Smith are good quality, comfortable and relatively cheap shoes.. I pay for quality.. and they were 50% + 5% off = $38. Hey.. I kinda like these, I can wear these at my other work tmrw. They are also Windsor Smith and the customer yesterday talked bout how good they are.. try them on in my size... perfect fit. Practical, comfortable AND fashionable. Bonus! Ouch but they are $100. Hang on, buy one full priced item and get the 2nd one 50% off?? Should I?

I tried on these Miss Shop shoes on for fun. They are comfy. They looked good with what I was wearing. They are light weight and ohhh... they look so good. I can wear them right now. A random lady with a pram comes up and tells me they look good.

Should I???? Yes I should. I neglected my sneakers and wore these babies straight away.

So thats three pairs. And what ever I buy, mum goes and buys the same thing. If I buy a bronze blush, she changes her mind from the nutmeg to the bronze. If i try on that shoe and decide to buy it, guess what? She will too. She wants to be me. I understand the effect I have on people.

I bought a skirt that I had been eyeing, down to $6. I bought Mel one too since she is leaving for Hong Kong tmrw forever with her new boyfriend Marty. How romantic. I also bought em lollies from a brand new botique store in Highpoint. They sold chocolates, lollypops and gummy looking things in corked glass test tube containers of all sizes. The labels and signage were PUNY! The place was called 'Happy Lab'. The mature men behind the counter wore glasses and white scientist coats. Someone who looked like the manager was instructing the asian guy of product placement, ticking things off his wooden clip board.

'Hello. Welcome to the Happy Lab'

I bought somethings. Mum walks in, umimpressed at this impractical fancy fluff of beautiful packaging. She says abruptly:

'So where are these things made, in china???'

Oh mum. You are all things graceful and elegant. Everyone in the store looks over at her. The manager looks over to see what the sales attendant says. He tells mum quietly, yes.

Lollies from Happy Lab

We met a nice mature lady at Gold Mark. They were having a 50% off everything sale. Mum tells every jewellery lady how she is dying to buy me a diamond ring with matching diamond earrings. She's been wanting to buy me this since I was little however, I have no interest in such precious rocks. Mum tells the lady I needed a graduation present. Mum gets the lady to pull out slightly different versions of extravagant bling, which I shake my head at. The lady asks me:

What do you like??

I show her the rings on my finger. A standard sterling silver handcrafted 'basket weave' ring from India and my fashion silver 'fang' two finger ring from Dangerfield. These I like. She tells me she used to be the same. Mum tells me off for showing interest in buying a nose ring.

Look! Your nose is infected. Its red.

No its not

Go to the doctors and buy killoide (?) cream, the lady says

It's not infected. It's fine

You remind me of my 16 year old daughter

And if im not mistaken, she said that with fondness. I was at the counter paying for my nose rings. She saw mum, eyes still lingering over the diamond rings. The sales lady said:

Lady: Tell you a secret. Choose the ring you want before your mum chooses one you dont like'

Me: It doesnt matter. She'll end up wearing it then

Lady: Just choose one, you'll appreciate it when you grow up. Let's choose one now.

Mum: So, do you like any?

Me: Nuh.

We leave. The lady mouths to me the words 'good luck'.

I went home and tried to shove this ring in thinking 6months of leaving my nose alone, this change over would be nice and easy. How wrong I was. Taking out my stud was a mission but I managed to do it without bleeding. But putting the ring it made it bleed and it wouldnt go through!!!! I shoved, and shoved but didnt want to tear too much or else the hole will close. I needed tissue to wipe up fresh blood. I was trying gently to put this in. Please dont close, please dont close, you are a bitch to get. I had visions of me in the Surfers Paradise public toilets. I was doing this the same time 18 months ago. I stopped with the ring and use my original stud, at least I know this one fits. I put it back without much more blood. Thank god you went back in. But that means no touching it for another few months until you fully heal! Ugh! Why do you have to be so difficult?!?

I played witih my rabbit today. It's so cute and fluffy. I hug it like I would a teddy bear and gently swing it side to side. I let it play amongst my new purchases and empty shoe boxes. I create obstacles for it to hide, climb and slide on. Towards the end of our play date I had her on my chest, I could fall asleep like that. The moment would have only been ruined if she pee'd on me. Which didnt happen thank you, maybe you really are toilet trained?

Work tmrw 12 -5pm. It's my first shift. Going in to pop my cherry. Hope it feels good. I'll probably walk out with another pair of shoes.

I LOVE OPSHOPPING

I'm so happy today.

Yesterday, shopping at Highpoint was shit. I found the clothes undesirable, dull and common. After coming back from overseas, Australian clothes are so overly priced for what they are. I got turned off shopping. I was disappointed and wasn't sure if I should just snap out of it and get over it.

Until today...

I went op shopping at The Brotherhood of St. Lawrence and Salvation Army in Burnside. I went mental with all the clothes. St. Lawrence is the cheapest op shop that I've ever been too, Saver's aint got shit. There were 50 cent glassware pieces, $2 pants/jeans and skirts and $2 to $4 vintage bags. The quality of clothes was probably just as good as Saver's. The shop layout more pleasant.

The Salvo's was more expensive than St. Lawrence but probably not as expensive as Savers. The quality of clothing at the Salvo's was very impressive. My heart skipped a beat when I found the American Apparel skirt I was eyeing on ebay, and almost screamed in excitement when I found it was brand new! American Apparel in an op shop? Niggaa are you craaaayyzie? I wasn't going to find this kind of luck again. The skirt was size Large but fuck it, I'll buy it anyway. I browsed though all the womens and men's clothing and found a total of 7 American Apparel items. I bought 5 thinking I could sell some on ebay and make a profit.

Cha CHING!

I realise the reason why the Salvo's are more expensive compared to St. Lawrence: The Salvo's are picky on what they put on their shelves. The clothes are very good quality and almost 50% of their stock is brand new. The shop is laid out nicely and racks are not overpacked, making browsing pleasurable. I found so much pleasure in browsing that my basket was full. I tried on everything and ended up buying everything. When the items were averaging out to $8, why wouldn't you?? Shits not cheaper anywhere else.

My total op shopping cost $89.50 and got 15 items which averages out to $6 an item! I couldn't even buy a pair of shitty Miss Shop jeans at Myer for $95. I'm incredibly happy and satisfied.

Mum was still complaining about how many things I bought, and how expensive it was. She was asking the sales assistence for discounts. Argh. She doesn't know the meaning of 'value for money'.

1. Miller's Silky/Baggy fitted Singlet Top $7.99

2. Knitted Red Baggy Jumper $7.99

3. Knitted Grey Jumper with opening side $7.99

4. Vintage Handbag w removable strap $2

5. Glassware 50 cents

6. Brand New High Waisted Skinny Leg Black Jeans $12.99

7. Westco Bootleg Blue Jeans $2

8. Brand New American Apparel White XL Tee $4.99

9. Brand New American Apparel Black M Tee $4.99

10. Brand New American Apparel Blue L Skirt $4.99

11. Brand New American Apparel Maroon M Skirt $4.99

12. Brand New American Apparel Blue S Skirt $4.99

13. Flowy White/Navy High Waist Skirt $2

13. Flowy Floral High Waist Skirt $?

14. Cream High Waist Skirt $7.99

My Favourite Buy

15. Unused Blue Hooded Rain Coat 50% now $10

A Reminder that 'Bailey Aven' onced loved this

From today, I vow to not run to shopping centres and main stream shops for my material needs. I will go to the op shops to help these organisations deplete poverty in Australia and also save the environment by recycling goods. I am also benefiting, in a financial way. I love the bargin hunt and the variety/styles of unique goods

I RELY ON THE DULL, COMMON, OVERLY EXPENSIVE

MAINSTREAM FASHION NO MORE!

I feel so free. Haha. I feel that my cage has been open and I am freeeeeeee. Why have I not felt so passionate about op shopping sooner?? Gosh. I've re-tired on all my clothes and began to alter them already. Big plans, big plans.

We went to Aldi, I bought some Quesadilla ingredients. Theres nothing in the fridge to eat. I need FOOOD. Vman came over and helped me out, that nice boy.

Chicken, Spinach and Cheddar Cheese

with salad, salsa, sour cream and mashed avocado + lemon

Dinner in front of the TV

Thursday Night

im at uni i skipped two days of uni this week and it was such a struggle to get up with only 3hrs of sleep. i stayed up til 5am working on this return brief presentation for Publication Design. I am going to design a 50 page magazine on the content of 'Clubbing With James Tran' . http://jamestran.net/ Check out the site. It is basically some guy from Sydney reviewing clubs and providing us with his personal opinions and experiences at these places. This assignment is massive, so much work invovled. I have to edit the text, generate my own images, decide on the typography, layout, paper stock, finishing, bounding and consider marketing issues such as:

• key performance indicators for measurements of success
• where and when this publication can be sold
• production and costs
• competitors and differentiation

its actually not as much more than usual but 50 PAGES??! 5,000 WORDS OF TEXT???? this assignment is worth 70%???? crazy. i need to stop complaining and start doing

but i am starving, saving up for a holiday is physcially painful. ironic. i went to savers yesterday, bought a couple of cream knitted long sleeve tops. one by Zimmerman and one long enough to act as a dress - exactly what i wanted. all for a total of $9 (they wanted to charge me 10cents for a plastic bag but i knew better). after that i went to highpoint, it was a good time to go beacuse they were holding a marketing scheme where most stores were on 20% off store wide. that is nothing, 20% off but when the item is already a bargain then SWEET!

as you ay have noticed, i am on a mission for cheap, light but warm clothing. it is more difficult than expected because all the spring gear is coming in, it was almost like there was no winter sale. i bought these cute grey mittens for $5 from Groove and this navy crop woolen RAAF jacket from Mitchel's Camping store. that jacket as indeed a bargain. its good quality, something the other stores would sell for $100+ but i got it for $14.99 - 20% = $11.95 i was happy to pay $15.

Another Saver's Hit - So Good

Me and Nadya planned a day out today.

12:09 train from Watergardens, although it ended up being the 12:29 train.

Went to Footscray, Ate breakfast. I had vegetable and bean curd egg noodle soup while Nadya had Beef and Beef ball rice noodle soup. Then we went to Savers where we spend quite a bit of time. I found these pretty cool nikes and these even cooler Alifes. The Alife's were a mens size 11, they were beige/yellow in colour very cool and only $3.99! i planned to buy them and then sell them for triple on ebay. woo. but then i kept looking at the shoe, and when i did that i saw how yucky and gross buying stranger's shoes was. there were sticky black marks on the inside soles and black curly hair stuck to the glue. ew. i put them back. i dont wanna get sick.

I ended up getting this very cool vintage mirror. it's attached to a stand which allows it to be swiveled up or down. its perfect when putting on make up. I also found this crazy looking vintage jacket, it was yellow/green and red all over with triangular shaped material where the snap buttons go. i dont think papa or nadya liked my crazy jacket but it made me smile when i put it on, thats how i know this jacket is a must! ill post up pictures soon. theres a couple of other cool jumpers but its such a turn off seeing tomato sauce stains and human grey hairs embedded into the knits. yuck.

after savers it was Forges exploring. they are closing down, my childhood memories will be demolished with the building it once was =(

we then went pork roll buying and custard bun hunting. nadya tried olympic donuts for the 1st time and she loved it!

it was home time after that. Next adventure: Brunswick.'

Swivel Vintage Photo Frame/Mirror

$4.99 at Savers

Women's Sports Jacket

$9.99 at Savers

Song of the day: John Legend - Ordinary People

'Any Pessimists I Ain't Talk to Them'

That's the approach i have with my mum. everything that comes outa her mouth is blatantly negative and she's too full of herself to admit it when i tell her. she'd get top marks as a demotivational speaker. if you want ur dreams and ambitions crushed, she's the woman to see. So thank you kanye for the line.

These are the things i bought from savers a few days ago. Below, is a beige witchery blazer. looks very 90's. the only thing i dont like about it, is that its a tad bit long. ill have to replace the buttons, they look too old school. anyways, i donated a bag full of 2nd hand goodies i received 5% discount. the next bag of goodies i donate i will get 10%, then 15%, then 20% and then 25%. so with the 2 items i bought today, i saved 60c. 60c for my bag of goodies. woo hoo (sarcasm)

Witchery Blazer

$7.99

Cool clock designed as a tetra pack

$3.99

The bad thing about this clock is that it TICKS SO LOUDLY. all i here when im trying to sleep is TICK, TICK, TICK, TICK and i cant fall asleep because i know that in 1 second, the clock will TICK again. i had to get up in the middle of the night, turn my light on, and use a flat rock to wedge the battery outa the clock (i needed a rock to get out the battery because it wouldnt come out) the loud ticking is prolly why the person donated it in the 1st place far out. its cute but. ill find someone else who will use it and give it a new home.

My Savers Hit

Finally went to Savers in Footscray. Spent about 1hour browsing through the store and scored myself some bargins. I really shouldnt be spending my money, i aim to save at least half of my weekly wage and spend on the rest. seems fair, seems like a reachable goal. but its not when you see many pretty things for a cheap price. The black mini Kookai dress is spotted with white, light brown and dark brown silk circles. I purchased it for $7.99 It's beautiful and i love it already. the only problem is the silk circles are beginning to fray and that cant be helped. The Pentax old school SLR camera cost me $7.99 whether it works or not is another question. Vman said he could fix what was broken. Before i gave it a quick wipe with alcohol and a brief clean with a cotton bud. The camera doesn't look like it has been taken care off. The lenses are dirty inside with dust and small specks and what looks like water dried up. there is no cover for the lenses and whenever you rewind the film it feels like there is sand inside the camera.

The picture frame features egyptian mummy art. it cost me $4.99 I have already hung it up on my bedroom wall. There are now 3 pieces of art ihave bought from savers that are hanging on my wall. I do expect to find more.

The pink heels are the only thing in the picture that i didnt buy at savers. It cost me $20 at globalise, its similar to the green pair of heels i bought at sydney (pictured below). I love the shoes already, even though i know some of my heels i havent worn more than once. They are the 1st sling back heels i have bought, and the 2nd pair that i bought for $20. cant go wrong. maybe a lil big but i slipped some party feet in them to make them more comfy.

These are the green heels i was talking about. they cost me $50 at General Pants & Co in Sydney. where they had a buy one sale item, get the next sale item for free. omgosh, i was in heaven! with these green shoes i got a One teaspoon top for free. I also bought a pair of ankle high converse shoes for 70$ and got an orange tshirt dress for free. The other shoes featured in this photo i bought from a shop on George Street called Raben Shoes. They cost me $50 which i think is a fair price. At the time i was so confident with wat id wear it with but now im unsure.

its more fun when ur in another city, u can be whoever you wanna be, and dress how u wanna dress. no one there that you care about is gonna judge you.