Modern Finds

Today was my first official day of uni holidays, and what better way to spend it than jumping between opp shops in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne.

Destinations:

• St Vinnies Sunshine
  
• Uniting Care Church Opp Shop Sunshine
  
• Bargain Browser Tottenham
  

St Vinnies Sunshine

The store has been absolutely stocked for the Spring Racing Carnival. Hundreds of shoes, hats, bags and dresses are leaving the place overflowing. Definitely a must for anyone who's planning to go to the races, but wants to save some money for the grog there! I wasn't really looking for any outfits particulary, more miscellaneous items. Managed to find this leather bag engraved with flowers and made in India! In excellent condition and only $5, I was content.

Uniting Care Church Opp Shop Sunshine

Now this store is only about a 5 minute walk from the St Vinnies store, but the only problem is, it has very short opening hours, so be sure to check the times if you're planning a trip there. This was my second time to this store, and as per usual, my first target is the bag section. The great thing about this store is that it has an uptairs area dedicated to just books and bags (all at great prices). I managed to find this cute little clutch for $2. Went back downstairs to the clothes, only found one top, but for $2, I'm not complaining. The staff here are gorgeous; all the ladies are over 70. They stand behind the counter gasbagging about their school days and letting customers know that Angelina Jolie (they didn't know her name) wore an opp shop dress!

Bargain Browser Tottenham

I wasn't expecting much from this store, cause from last I remember, the prices weren't too flash. But somehow, I left the store spending just over $25. How did this happen? Well I had a quick squiz at the ladies section and managed to find a stack of clothing that looked like they'd never been worn. Brands such as Cue, Portman, Sportsgirl and Witchery popped up several times. Impressed as a I was, I went into the changing the room and walked out buying and arm full of clothing.

Everything I'm wearing in the picture, was bought at Bargain Browser (except for the belt which I bought at St Vinnies in St Albans for $1.50). Terrible modelling, I know, but just wanted you to see what the clothes looked like on.

Black high waisted bubble dress = $7

Grey cardigan = $5

White shirt = $3.50

Also bought this Sportsgirl skirt that still had its Sportsgirl tag on it (RRP $79.95), I couldn't resist for only $6.

Well that was my day, very pleased with the buys, and definitely looking forward to a whole week of holidays (and possibly venturing to some opp shops I have yet to venture upon)!

Who knew? Leather bags can be cheap after all...

Location: St Vinnies Ascot Vale (Maribynong Road)

Date: 4th September 2008

Cost: $5.00

I've been looking for a leather bag ever since I've been ebaying "vintage leather bags" only to find that they've been selling for $50+. I just needed a small side bag, enough to put my wallet, keys and phone in. I've been searching and searching and searching, until on thursday, just before I headed into work, I had a quick snoop around St Vinnies and found this gorgeous, little tan leather bag. Not only is it it almost perfect condition, it still has that good old leathery smell (possibly dead person smell? but meh I can't be fussy) AND... wait for it... wait for it... the stamp on it says 'MADE IN FRANCE'. This by far is my favourite item!

Sunshine on a rainy day

Location: St Vinnies in St Alban's

Date: 29th August 2008

Cost: $1.00 each

Today was possibly one of the best opp shop days ever. Finished uni at 3.00pm and quickly rushed to St Alban's knowing that it closed at 4.00pm. Thankfully I made it at 3.50pm, giving me 10 minutes to rush around the store. To my surprise, it was '50% off all clothing'!!!! I got so excited, I almost hyperventilated. I quickly grabbed as much clothing as I could carry and rushed to the changing rooms. In the end I bought:

• Country Road Cream Vest for $2.00


• Faux Leather Jacket $2.00


• Cream Woolen sleeveless cardigan $2.00


• Blue and white spotten long jacket $2.00


• Weird old woman pattern shirt $2.00


• 1.5kg Ankle Weight $2.00


• 3 X Sunglasses $3.00

Very happy. Very happy indeed. Best part of all...the clothes were in almost new condition!

And its just ... like ...Honey

Location: St Vinnies Ascot Vale

Date: 25th August 2008

Cost: $3.00

OK I don't even like this movie, but I just couldn't resist. Three bucks for an almost new DVD? Even I would even say thats a bargain.

Let's Get Physical ... with our Flab

Location: St Vinnies Opp Shop Sunshine (one of the best)


Date: Tuesday 19th August


Cost: $0.50


Ok so what the hell is this? Well as the box says, its a 'Body Fat Tester'. Its basically a device that you squeeze on the side of your abs and it measures how thick your fat is. For those of you who know me, I have phases of being a 'health freak'. At the beginning of the year I joined the local gym and became a gym junkie, going almost everyday for a month. But after three months, I realised it would be cheaper for me to just go for a jog around my area and do weights at home. So I cancelled my gym membership.


Now I'm back in the phase and doing home exercises, with weights that I bought (yes I did save $15 on my staff discount) and other bits and pieces. Anyway, back to this Fat Tester thing. I'm looking at the cover and am thinking 'Who the hell would pay the original price of $29.95 for these plastic tweezers?'. You really could just squeeze your flab and use a ruler. There wouldn't be that much of a discrepancy.


Another thing that caught my attention was the model on the cover. She is wearing a sweatband. I didn't think squeezing two pieces of plastic together could be such a workout, but apparently it is. Her hair happens to also be perfect, but I won't get into that.


Overall, I quite like this product, mainly because of the motivating slogans it has on the back such as:


"For everyone...who takes thier health, fitness, and weight goals seriously"


"Provides test results in seconds"


"First and ONLY way to privately measure your body fat percentage at home"


The last quote made me think, this Body Fat Tester is pretty much on the same par as a pregnancy test. Only difference is, the pregnancy test will confirm whether or not you'll get fat.

Rejoyce! for the motivational weight loss device of the century is here

Lets all squeeze our way to a healthier body - I know I will.