tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16490797206383902372024-03-05T12:13:43.551-08:00Pop Funk: a fusion of pop culture and funky threadsLisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-25262305581784878392015-03-19T18:57:00.000-07:002015-03-19T18:57:49.087-07:00Thrifting, honey holes, donations, horrible maternity clothing and beng ethical.I haven't posted as much as I thought I would, so time for a big update!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Thrifting Honey Holes</u></b><br />
I've found a few hits and a few misses of late. I have a Mission Op Shop close by to my house which has lots of cool things, but at a steeper prices than I would expect. I sent in some donations the other week and most of them are still sitting there, priced at anything from $5-$12.<br />
<br />
I have spent too much time on Goodwood Road op shopping this week. My thoughts and finds:<br />
<br />
<u>Salvos Kings Park</u><br />
This is my longest Adelaide haunt and other the years I have found some awesome things and, let's face it, some questionable things. The staff there are really friendly, which is nice, and the store has a great layout. This week I found an asos maternity dress that looks totally cool and I intend on wearing it to a murder mystery night on Sunday. Again, prices are a big steeper than I would like, I paid $14.75 for my ultra cute dress, but it was just meant to be.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mifsa.org/index.php/our-services/sunflower-shops">Sunflower Shop Goodwood</a><br />
Blink and you'll miss it, but the best way to find it is the bright yellow sign they leave out on the footpath. I didn't find anything there this week, but I have in the past, including a really funk suitcase, and a Nova hat for 50 cents.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/coolblock?fref=nf">The Red Geranium Thrift Shop</a><br />
Not only did they have a great <a href="http://www.weekendnotes.com/red-geranium-thrift-shop/">Weekend Notes</a> write up a little while ago, this shop is quirky, cute and fun. If you're not into supporting shops with a religious focus or mission, the money raised goes to Doctors Without Borders. I bought a whole heap of goodies for Guides and work, and a little Dotti cardigan for me to wear with my new dress.<br />
<br />
<u>Uniting Church Kings Park</u><br />
As a bit of a UC girl, it's tough for me to say things like 'I didn't really enjoy my visit', but, well, I didn't really enjoy my visit. The store was well set out and I managed to find Stephen a shirt for his costume on Sunday, but that was about it. There were heaps of things to look at and see, so I might go back on a different day when it's not so crowded.<br />
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<b><u>Donations</u></b><br />
I have been working my way through my wardrobe and piling up donations of clothing to take into a store soon. I dropped off some stuff to my local op shop, here's how it went.<br />
<br />
Lisa: I have some donations, is it okay if I bring them in?<br />
Lady 1: Just what we need!<br />
Lady 2: We've just finished putting away a whole heap of donations.<br />
Lisa: Oh, if you've got enough, that's fine.<br />
Lady 2: Well, is it rubbish or not?<br />
Lisa: No, I've just got some clothes to donate.<br />
Lady 2: We'll take them.<br />
<br />
Did Lady 1 or Lady 2 help bring in my goodies? No. They just sat there mumbling about things. I know what they are saying - people sometimes do us op shops as their personal dump. I worked in an op shop a bit, so I am pretty fussy with what does... and what doesn't get donated. Considering that my donations are still in the shop, it looks like they weren't just rubbish. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><u>Horrible maternity wear</u></b><br />
All the shops I visited this week didn't have a dedicated maternity wear section, and as I'm now 'with child' (as I like to call it), I've spent a good part of the week scrounging through racks trying to find things. Plus size wear in op shops can often be hideous or misleading (no, a Large Temt shirt actually means a Size 12-14, which is not plus sized), so I'm facing some new battles there. I went and bought myself a new pair of jeans as I desperately needed them, but I'm hoping that's all I need to spend in a retail setting.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Shop Ethical!</u></b><br />
The ever amazing shopping guide, Shop Ethical is a great way to help you choose wisely, and not just in terms of <a href="http://guide.ethical.org.au/guide/browse/guide/?cat=700&subcat=702&type=720">fashion labels</a>. Our biggest department stores are also a cause for concern. However, buying ethically, really, is a personal choice, and sometimes a choice you feel you might choose not to make if and when necessary. It doesn't hurt to be informed, and I won't be boycotting, unless it's advised with some very good reasons. Op shops do give people the opportunity to buy brands they like, but don't want to support. I don't know how I feel about that statement, but it's an option to take at least.<br />
<br />
Anyway, that's it from me for a little while. Happy thrifting!<br />
<br />Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-71341590443063198942015-02-10T04:42:00.001-08:002015-02-10T04:42:41.277-08:00Buyer and seller protection: why I happily pay a fortune to trade on eBay.Every few months or so I get a buyer who can't pay for their items. Sometimes it is legit, plenty of the <br />
time it is bogus, sometimes I just don't know. I try to give the benefit of the doubt wherever possible. <br />
<br />
The thing is, when I have traded using Buy, Swap and Sell pages on Facebook, I hear them a lot more frequently, get bailed up, whinged at (my favourite 'clearly I was in first, not so-and-so, so I get the item, not her), stuffed around by waiting for people to come and pick things up, people flipping my items for 1000% profit ... the list goes on.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOac_cg9qXKM4YYhdoShvk5fF1FxPCM16UUAui8Bvxn-2zRADt6Ro2OXjXDg9gaV_EBVefFnfqbEB0LxJnTob4ZMWv8Na0WIa_Bt0k4yvhjM7cr6186aUI9zY5sgdxuU8NJJYGUV8rWvY/s1600/xperia+Oct+14+5693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOac_cg9qXKM4YYhdoShvk5fF1FxPCM16UUAui8Bvxn-2zRADt6Ro2OXjXDg9gaV_EBVefFnfqbEB0LxJnTob4ZMWv8Na0WIa_Bt0k4yvhjM7cr6186aUI9zY5sgdxuU8NJJYGUV8rWvY/s1600/xperia+Oct+14+5693.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><br />
eBay means that I avoid this, mostly. It means that on nights like this, I can email the nice people at eBay and get them to do things like block bidders, advise me on how to not lose money on a sale I didn't make, and so on. It also means that when the buttons I ordered six weeks ago don't ever show up, I report a problem to Mr PayPal (like Mr Monopoly, but better), and he gives me some money back.<br />
<br />
Yes, I did just bag someone on a blog, and no, that's probably not professional. The thing is that people who trade on eBay know about this, and I have been burnt a number of times. I'm happy to extend time for payment and all of those things. I am tenderhearted after all. Sellers need to remember though that they only have a small window of opportunity to claim Final Fees refunds through PayPal, and the more people hear this, the better.<br />
<br />
I never offer pick up because I don't like being messed around. I post things the same day I receive the money (not all sellers do this!), but I also charge a flat rate of $7.50 for all postage. Postage only becomes cheaper interstate after 500 grams plus, but I can absorb this cost quite happily when necessary.<br />
<br />
I also pay a lot to trade at markets, but it probably works out about the same with eBay fees, which sit just below 10% of the final purchase + postage costs. There are other options to set up shop, but eBay is widely used and very user friendly which makes it worth my time and my money.<br />
<br />
Some of the problems I run into as a seller are as follows:<br />
<br />
<i>-new buyers - sometimes they don't pay, sometimes they bid and forget and never come back online, some are very quick with negative feedback. Others are great!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>-postage - I now post using eBay's postage service. They send the tracking number to the buyer and the cost of postage comes out of my PayPal account at the end of each month. Sometimes people don't like paying postage (I hate paying it myself), but eBay has advised me that the agreed postage (whatever the seller lists it for) must be paid. </i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvmLVV2tB5DBmZJonY0Rxe7Cmq3aRh-lMDjCD2eBvcciMw2kOQoVpbopfKadTqD0Qnq67aBZQ6I7W58aMDD0kV8iIUXjn395TzFJ-BkAOhg6ze3-6rMKe8nG44Gc-zpbF9gb4AKMWIR4/s1600/xperia+Oct+14+6021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvmLVV2tB5DBmZJonY0Rxe7Cmq3aRh-lMDjCD2eBvcciMw2kOQoVpbopfKadTqD0Qnq67aBZQ6I7W58aMDD0kV8iIUXjn395TzFJ-BkAOhg6ze3-6rMKe8nG44Gc-zpbF9gb4AKMWIR4/s1600/xperia+Oct+14+6021.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><i><br /></i><br />
<i>-too many questions - I ask questions, and encourage people to. Please though, if you want to buy something, ask all your questions in one email, maybe two if you have a 'a-ha' moment. It's really polite to let the seller know if you think the item is right or wrong for you, this can help them know their customers a bit better too.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Avoiding some issues:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>-use the longest standing eBay account you have. I have been with eBay since 2004, and buy and sell a lot. My feedback score is 660 at the moment which means I have done completed way over this amount in transactions, that is just the amount of feedback I have received. As a buyer I really hesitate to buy from people with low feedback scores - for me, anything over 40ish is okay.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>-expect there will be things that go wrong. You can offer partial refunds which is sometimes an option, you can have nasty negative feedback removed from your profile, you can solve most of the problems actually speaking with eBay Customer Service. They can phone you back too! Everyone is a winner.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>-if you run into problems with a buyer, you need to report it straight away. In terms of non-paying buyers, I block them. Some people leave feedback for them, but this has to be positive feedback (sellers can only leave positive feedback), which gives them a higher feedback score. Most non-paying buyers will have other sellers leaving feedback explaining that the buyer didn't proceed with the sale. Sometimes people genuinely can't pay, but use your own judgement.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>-skip the Bank Deposit bit. Bank Deposit does not really give you buyer or seller protection, it can be your word againist theirs, etc. Sometimes buyers will demand to use BD, but this is happen a lot less often now. If they do go down this road, remind them that it will probably take three days to clear.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>-do not post if payment hasn't cleared! This goes for Bank Deposit and PayPal transactions. I got caught once, and never again.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>-ask for help on the Community Forum... or read the forum to check if someone has had the same problem as you. Usually they have, save yourself some time by following the advice given.</i><br />
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<br />
That's my little eBay plug over for the day. Happy buying and selling!<br />
<br />Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-68857666638177845762015-01-19T05:03:00.001-08:002015-01-19T05:03:21.372-08:00Avoiding rookie mistakes on eBay!I buy and sell on eBay and I have for a really long time. I make mistakes still, but I have learnt the hard way from most of them. Here are some top tips about buying and selling.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<u>Buying and selling</u><br />
<br />
<b>1. Don't be scared of PayPal.</b><br />
I quickly learnt how bad Bank Deposits can be (capitals because eBay uses them for this). Sellers would say payment hadn't cleared when it clearly had, buyers didn't like that it would take three days, or longer over a weekend or public holiday, for a Bank Deposit to clear.<br />
<br />
As a buyer I have been able to put through a number of claims through PayPal which have held up and I have got my money back. As a seller I often do partial refunds if I can save on postage. There are some fees involved, but you are paying for protection whether you buy, sell or do both.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Use online chat if you have problems with eBay. </b><br />
There are a few ways to get in touch with customer service. One is telephone chats which is great, the other is an online chat. They can and will fix almost every problem you will run into, including if you accidentally put a crazy big like $50 on a tiny badge.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Be a buyer</b><br />
If you want to sell, buy some things from eBay first. Take note of how it is packaged, what you like about the service and hat you don't, and see how you can apply that to your own money making mission. For example, one seller sent me a lovely dress with a free necklace. I really liked this item and often send out little freebies with my business card attached to the front of the wrapped package inside the satchel.<br />
<br />
<u>Just buying</u><br />
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<b>1. Look for free postage wherever possible.</b><br />
You can search for this in the advanced search option. You can also elect to sort items for lowest price+postage. This is almost always a great option.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Yes, you should buy from overseas sellers.</b><br />
The majority of my eBay purchases are from sellers from China or Hong Kong. They often offer very cheap or free postage. Most of this stuff is of the crafty variety and I'm pretty sure they do this to feed their feedback scores.<br />
<br />
<b>3. It's okay to leave negative feedback, but only when necessary.</b><br />
I got burnt last year when I sold some jeans under the wrong title - apparently they weren't wide leg after all (PS- they were) and the narky crazy, leaving negative feedback and a long long long inbox rant. I didn't refund her because a) she didn't ask and b) she paid $3 for a pair of jeans. I had fully intended on doing so until I read her expletive filled rant on my feedback wall, and had the comment and the buyer removed on eBay. The best way to claim a refund is to apply through PayPal or approach the seller through a private message. The only time you should leave it is when you have attempted to resolve the issue and haven't been able to. Feedback does make the community a lot safer, but give the seller a chance to solve your problem first.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Set your limit</b><br />
Know a bit about what you are buying and set a limit to what you want to spend. For example, I'm buying buttons to sell and refuse to spend over $1 to buy them. I know that similar items will eventually come up and playing bidding wars becomes very tiresome.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>5. Accept that sometimes what you order won't be quite right.</b><br />
Last year I ordered a tutu to wear for the Christmas pageant. It would have fit my tiny nephew very well. One size fits all, or 'adult size' does not always mean that. Other things, like a 'rockabilly dress' which is actually just fancy embroidery, doesn't live up to it's name. This is a chance you will take, so buyer beware.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Just selling</u><br />
<br />
<b>1. Set the price at what you think the item is worth</b>.<br />
At the moment I have been selling items from a starting $5-$15 dollars and often making more than the starting bid. I used to start everything at 99 cents, but often people see the 99 cents price and assume that the seller thinks that's what it is worth.... even if that is grossly untrue. The majority of what I list sells and I rarely have unsold items at the end of the cycle.<br />
<br />
<b>2. List up to 40 items for free!</b><br />
It used to be 3, then 5, then 10... and now it's 40! You can list 40 items for free each month, but eBay will take a fee from the transaction (about 9%). If it doesn't sell, the items are automatically relisted three more times. If you have a lot to sell, it can be a good idea to list a lot at the end of the month, and then the rest at the beginning of the next month... you will have 80 items listed!<br />
<br />
<b>3. Postage options</b><br />
I now only use eBay Click and Send parcels. The satchels cost $3 for a pack of 20 or so (just search eBay for these) and you can post up to 500grams for $7.50. This is a small saving when compared to using padded bags etc or pre-paidd satchels.<br />
<br />
The reason I started using these is because it is much easier to print out the label, the general saving, the easy to track parcel postage that is automatically activated when you lodge it at a post office and because I got caught out too many times trying to send items cheaply.<br />
<br />
Avoid using free postage where possible as this will cost you heaps of money. People will only bid if they think your postage fee is fair. I charge $7.50, but I don't charge my buyers for extra wrapping, petrol to post office, bubble wrap... etc. Other people do, but as I hate paying postage myself I would much rather offset this a little in my prices.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>4. Take some chances!</b><br />
I mostly sell clothes on eBay, seeing as fashion is my passion, buy I have also sold electronic stuff (eg camera, Sony memory card, iPhone 3...), DVDs we no longer watch, excess wedding stuff like a veil I never wore and decorations, extra crafty things, fabric... oh, the list goes on! Everything I have sold that is a little bit out there has gone like hot cakes.<br />
<br />
Some things that don't tend to go include books and textbooks. We have a lot of these things are are looking into better alternatives for passing them on.<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy eBaying!<br />
You can find me on eBay under my handle: popfunk<br />
<br />
xx LisaLisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-89128385095152441782014-12-29T23:27:00.001-08:002014-12-29T23:27:19.637-08:00400 days updateLast but not least post of today... an update on my 400 Days of Thrifting Challenge!<br />
<br />
Other than my little trip to Savers, I haven't been op shopping for a bit. There isn't a lot I need right now, and I am really keen on downsizing what I have before buying lots of new things to wear.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>What I have have discovered so far:</u><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>It is really nice receiving something brand spanking new. Mum bought me a new dress from the Target Collection for Christmas and it looks great and is super comfy. This is totally within the rules of my challenge and it was a massive surprise as I didn't know I was getting anything.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Getting holes in things suck. I am having to part with some of my fave PJs because too many holes! I hadn't really decided if I could buy new PJs as part of the challenge, but I probably don't need to as I usually sleep in pajama pants and old t-shirts. How Elizabeth Wakefield of me. We also seem to do a lot of washing (see previous entries about being married to a sportshead), so it probably isn't really necessary.</b><br />
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<i>Shopping isn't anywhere near as exciting as it used to be. It's almost like going on on your Hen's Night. You understand why you used to find such things exciting, but they are now off limits. In short, my quests to the shops only seem to involve Coles, the butcher and the baker. </i><br />
<br />
<b>Rotation of my wardrobe isn't as dramatic was what I would have liked. I keep looking at things I know I like, but also don't feel like wearing anymore. Maybe I have been hanging onto these things for an emotional attachment rather than for practical reasons. I will do another Great Chuck Out when the summer is finished.</b><br />
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<i>Staples still make up a lot of what I wear each day. I have a set of go-to items such as leggings, my long sleeved t-shirts and my denim vest. But with the weather finally heating up again, I am hoping I can get away with wearing some different stuff, even just for a few days.</i><br />
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I'm loving the challenge so far and looking forward to what the next year and a bit will bring.Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-23755326603402104742014-12-29T23:10:00.001-08:002014-12-29T23:10:21.658-08:00My first trip to SaversIt had been a while since my last trek into an op shop, so when I got an invite to visit <a href="http://www.savers.com.au/">Savers</a> from a gal pal I was keen as beans! I had only heard good things about this place so I set my budget and off we went. No photos of my mini haul or the store yet, but I'll get there.<div>
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<div>
We went on half-priced clothing day so there were heaps of people there. Savers is very commercial in the store presentation, so I was totally unprepared for matchy-matchy coathangers and barcoded price tags. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I purchased:</div>
<div>
-a red and black rockabilly striped top from Target for $7.99</div>
<div>
- a red spotted dress from the Xpressions line for $10.99</div>
<div>
-a black and white spotted dress from Jay Jays, identical to one I just sold on eBay on Sunday for $10.99</div>
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-a rose printed long top from Crossroads $7.99</div>
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-a blue and white dress I want to refashion a la <a href="http://refashionista.net/">Refashionista</a> $5.99</div>
<div>
-and a toy aeroplane for my nephew's toy box at our place $2.99</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In terms of the range, there were lots of items to choose from, but most of what I had found were from department stores such as Target and K-Mart. I am very used to finding a huge range of brands in my local haunts, so this was different. The vintage and retro section contained about 20 items, and they weren't overly exciting. On the other hand, there were anywhere between fifty and a hundred people in the store and people buying trolley loads of things, so some of what we were looking at was probably well picked over.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Everything was sorted out into size, there were change rooms, baskets and plenty of staff. There's even a toilet they let people use - when I worked our op shop we never let people use ours!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
It was an expensive trip, especially in comparison to my fave op shop haunts on the Yorke Peninsula, and I probably wouldn't be in a hurry to go back to buy a lot of things unless it was half priced day again. Then again, YP has a lot of thrift shops and a lot of stock, and not always enough stock leaving the shop. I intend on doing a big trip up that way over summer to do some restocking of my wardrobe, as well as adding to my Round She Goes collection.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I really liked how the store was set out and items displayed. There were plenty of toys and homewares and fun things to look through, but yesterday was all about the clothes! </div>
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Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-70134803533319795802014-12-29T22:47:00.000-08:002014-12-29T22:47:29.678-08:00You're going out in that?!I'll preface this with a simple opinion that I don't believe I'm particularly offbeat when it comes to my fashion choices. I just wear what I like. Even though there are aspects of styles I love - like my love of rockabilly swing dresses, I couldn't ever be purist enough to be just one thing. There is something nice abut being eclectic, which has led to this post in support of all us not-so-fashionistas out there.<br />
<br />
Growing up and a bit after I have always been told the same thing: people don't always like my clothes. Admittedly, I have sometimes worn outrageously strange things (okay, less Lady Gaga than you're thinking) and I also tend to buy a lot on sale, so lots of people weren't too keen on things I liked. Whatever, I can live with that.<br />
<br />
Things I have run into a lot have included the following statements and how I kind of dealt with them. Being a sensitive soul, I haven't forgotten these, but water off a duck's back (quack quack).<br />
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<b>Are you really going out in that?</b><br />
The simple answer is 'yes, yes I am'. If yyou're leaving your house, you can also politely suggest that the person saying this is not being seen with you, so what's the issue?<br />
<br />
My parents used to say this a lot, and a lot of it was because they hated that I was singled out a lot while I was in Year 11 by a group for jerky guys and a lone ranger. They really really meant well, but nothing quite like adding to your teenager self esteem issues by inflicting the dreaded curse of 'I so don't want you to wear that'. Other people have said that to me as well... but, meh, who cares!<br />
<br />
<b>I would feel so overdressed if I wore that!</b><br />
This says so much more about the person saying it than it does about you. The first time this happened I was wearing jeans, a long faux leather jacket (man, I loved that thing) and a jumper I loved. And it was mid winter.<br />
<br />
The conversation that followed at the time was something like this:<br />
Lisa: I kind of wear this all the time, so I don't feel weird at all.<br />
Friend: But we're just going shopping.<br />
Lisa: Oh, well, I've seen you wear similar things before at church.<br />
Friend: But it's church, you're supposed to dress up.<br />
Lisa: Okay, cool. *goes at looks at some homewares*<br />
<br />
"Dressing up" often means very different things to different people, that's why we have dress codes for social events. For me, I would much rather be overdressed than under dressed. What makes me feel amazing isn't always the same for someone else. And who doesn't want to feel amazing all the time. Simply put, I don't feel amazing in trackies. So, I don't wear them, unless I'm exercising in some form.<br />
<br />
Having said all of the these things, I don't care if someone is dressed up or down if I am the opposite. A lot of this is to do with being married to Stephen who wears a lot of sports stuff because that's always what he has worn and he actually plays a whole heap of sport. So sometimes one or the other will say 'if you're wearing that, is it okay if I wear this?' Usually the answer is yes. As it should be.<br />
<br />
<b>You don't own sneakers?</b><br />
For a few years I didn't own a pair of sneakers. I had some really old ones I would wear camping, but I mostly just wore Doc Martens with everything, and in summer I would wear slides. What did I even need sneakers for? I still don't know. I eventually got some real shoes for gym when I first started having problems with my feet, but I hate wearing them and only do so for exercise and Girl Guide stuff.<br />
<br />
I have more shoes now, but to be honest, other than my Docs and a pair of red glittery heels, I couldn't care less about what is on my feet, as long as it is comfy.<br />
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<b>Your dress/jeans/shirt is loud/hideous/doesn't suit you</b><br />
If I had a dollar for every time I have heard this, I would be able to retire.<br />
<br />
Why do people feel the need to share their thoughts? If you don't like it, who cares?<br />
<br />
The simple, "well, I like it" usually suffices in all these moments. And, most people around this rude person are probably thinking 'Okay, who actually says that?' I like most people, and I even like the people who have said they don't like what I have chosen to wear. There are clothes I don't like or think look good. For example, I hate overalls, I hate trackies, I hate fluoro colours. I don't say these things to the people actually wearing it.<br />
<br />
My favourite moment about this is as follows:<br />
Lisa: You haven't said anything about my shirt.<br />
Guy: I just really hate orange.<br />
Lisa: Fine, you want me to go home and change?<br />
Guy: If you want to, sure.<br />
<br />
I went home and changed, and I vowed never to say anything so silly again.<br />
<br />
<b>Stripes?! What were you thinking?</b><br />
I am a bit of a fan of Tess Munster who wears a lot of things that your average plus sized woman doesn't usually wear. She once posted a piccie of herself in a striped skirt and one of the followers wrote 'Darling, stripes are not our friend.'<br />
<br />
I know exactly what she means - just like black slims you down, horizontal stripes give you curves where you don't even have any. Despite this, I still like stripes, and I don't want to discount them just because it might make me look a little bit more round.<br />
<br />
The other problem with patterns and print is that it the pattern, especially if it is a stretch fabric, contours to your body, so a polka dot dress might have the small size dots when you're not wearing it, but different sized dots when you are.<br />
<br />
Stripes and spots and patterns are all okay, if you feel comfortable wearing them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In case you haven't worked it out, my standard response to all of these 'complaints' is 'I like it, I thought it was cool, they look awesome on...' and so on. Turn it back into a positive. If I can do it, absolutely anybody can.<br />
<br />Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-13580359608047578032014-12-16T23:17:00.002-08:002014-12-16T23:17:37.471-08:00Downsizing my wardrobe... every clothe lover's nightmare.I found another box of my clothes I needed to fit into my wardrobe, so it was time to do some serious downsizing of my current collection. I'm not a minimalist by any means, even though I like the principle of 'less is more'. Most of the time more is just more, and I forget that when I see things I really want.<br />
<br />
Based on my love of shows like Hoarders, I came up with the four piles of sorting.<br />
<br />
<b>Chuck.</b><br />
Only my favourite pants circa 2007 got chucked. The hems were ripped and it has a massive pink stain on it from who knows what (BTW, these pants are black, go figure).<br />
<br />
<b>Donate.</b><br />
Karma of thrifting says you should only send something to the op shop if it is sellable. A filled a bag with ironed and folded clothes which no longer fit me or I didn't really like. The clothes were also seasonable, because who can sell jumpers in summer? Very few people bother.<br />
<br />
This is hard because I've always kept clothes to wear for when I lose weight. Of course, invariably I'll lose weight and buy new stuff so this defeats the purpose. I have donated one of my fave t-shirts, well, I used to love it but now, not so much.<br />
<br />
<b>Sell.</b><br />
I've posted some of my clothes in Pin Up/Rockabilly/Retro buy and sell groups on FB and I have had two sales so far. But it's time for me to get on eBay and start listing things again. That's probably a job for tonight.<br />
<br />
<b>Keep.</b><br />
Some of my clothes I haven't seen for months so it is nice for us to be together again. To be honest, I will probably do another wardrobe sort again in a a month's time. I have put all my clothes back into my wardrobe and have started turning around the coat hangers the wrong way once I have worn an item. Some of my clothes are really new as they were purchased at the end of season (two snuggly jumpers for example), so I'm not expecting to wear some of them for awhile.<br />
<br />
This year I have bought a lot of dresses which is awesome because a dress = not having to match up pants and tops. You just wear a cardigan and tights and don't even have to think about it. The problem with dresses is that they often make a statement so you can't wear them within too many days of each other. It also means that clothes in your wardrobe aren't circulated as often as tops and bottoms are.<br />
<br />
<br />
This week I have had the chance to wear some old favourites including my denim pedal pushers and my Hell Bunny dress, Now that my wardrobe is sorted (it's in sections of pants/shorts, dresses, skirts, jumpers, jackets, cardigans, t-shirts, uniforms, blouses) I'm really looking forward to getting out some old favourites again. Yay!<br />
Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-79109490710317708022014-12-11T23:32:00.006-08:002014-12-11T23:32:51.518-08:00400 Days of Thrifting: Week 1This week has been my first seven days of thrifting, and let me tell you, it has been interesting to say the least.<br />
<br />
When I have told my nearest and dearest about my project, they were all supportive and encouraging which is great. I was expecting some opposition, but basically the main questions have been whether I can buy underwear and shoes (yes and yes because neither of those things are overly exciting to buy). This has also made me realise what I do buy I need to think about the companies who are making and creating this stuff. I'm good for shoes and underwear for now, so we will cross that bridge when we come to it.<br />
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<br />
Now the fun part, shopping!<br />
<br />
Day 1 was a trip to the Salvos Store in Kadina for some clothes to wear over the weekend - mostly because mine were packed up in boxes. I found three funk dresses, two green vintage ones, and a BNWT (that's brand new with tags) blue dress by Chrissie Swan. Not sure if Chrissie designs or just approves her fashion line, but whatever. It looked okay on the hanger, but it looked amazing on. The Salvos at Kadina have priced all their dresses at three dollars so I didn't spend a lot there.<br />
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Day 4 was a trip down to the op shops on Brighton Road. I am ultra excited about finding my sailor suit costume for my BBC Birthday Bash (aka Candlelight Supper), which I am coming to as Hyacinth Bouquet (that's B-U-C-K-E-T). That piccie will have to wait until the big day.<br />
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Today I went to the Salvos on Broadway which is technically Glenelg South. Lots of awesome choices but I found sensible work pants and a white print top with game birds on it. Pretty.<br />
<br />
No more shopping now as this week is now Shop Your Closet week. Most of my clothes have been boxed up for the last month so I have been wearing the same things over and over again. I'm a bit excited to be reunited with my favourite threads.<br />
<br />
Next week I am planning on selling off some of my rockabilly and pin up gear which I love but it is mostly wrong sizing or really just doesn't suit me. In some ways it would be good to have the Shop My Closet weeks as the weeks I sell my gear because I get a kick out of it too. The thrill of the chase! The idea of this isn't so much to flip clothes, but to re-home the ones I don't wear to a place where they will be appreciated.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Week 1 Totals:</b><br />
Outgoing: $36 (three dresses, black pants, white print top, red jacket, sailor suit, black pants)<br />
Incoming: $0Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-28853217648757736912014-12-11T23:10:00.004-08:002014-12-11T23:10:47.094-08:00400 Days of Thrifting: The Method and Madness<div class="MsoNormal">
The rules:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rules</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->No purchasing new clothes or accessories from
retail stores, online stores or any other way, shape or form.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Clothes can be purchased from thrift and/or
opportunity stores as these profits go towards community and charity.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->No outfit can be worn twice – change it up with
different accessories, shoes etc.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->New things I can buy: underwear, shoes and
leggings. I can buy uniforms as well, but only as necessary, not just because I
can.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I can accept new clothes and accessories as
gifts, but I can’t ask for them or buy them with a voucher.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->There is no budget on clothes I can budget for,
but there needs to be a purpose behind buying them.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I will set up an Instagram account to photo blog
my progress.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Why?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Financially</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spend a lot of money on clothes each year, and a good
amount of this is ‘fast fashion’, that is clothes that have an intentionally
short life span as dictated by the companies that produce, market and sell
these items. I’ll be honest – I love K-Mart. I love buying cheap clothes when
they are on special from Target. But I don’t need a lot of what I’m buying
either, and what I am buying does not often produce enough bang for my buck to make it worthwhile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also buy online a lot, and a number of times clothes I
have ordered have not been a good fit (or fit at all). I don’t need any more
clutter in my life, and yes, clothes are clutter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Ethically</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have already stated my love for cheap clothes, and as many
people are aware, cheap clothes do come with a cost. Before becoming a happy
clothes consumer again, I want to spend some time looking at the best options I
can take to ensure the clothes I am buying are ethically produced.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are plenty of options out there for what I used to
know as ‘fair trade clothing’, though now it has a bunch of different titles.
My 400 Days project isn’t about taking away from these retailers and charities
who encourage clothing produced in a socially sustainable and equitable way.
It’s more that I have recognised that I have made choices, willingly, in the
past, and I wish to correct that with more self education.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Supporting others<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thirfting” or op shopping is one way I can do something to
support other people. Profits from charity shops go directly back into
supporting those in need, or supporting the community. There are a huge range
of op shops who support different causes. I want to stop giving money to big
retailers and start giving back a little. In addition to this, my husband and I are really keen to stay away from the duopoly that is our two big supermarket chains in Australia, and in some ways, this applies to putting money somewhere else other than in the hands of big business. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>I love thrifting<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have ever met me, I have probably dragged you into an
op shop at some stage. I love the quirky patterns, the groovy pants, the
awesome dresses you can’t find elsewhere.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being a bigger girl, it’s often really hard for me to find
that clothes that fit and are a flattering cut. I can wear mumus and flow
shirts and look ridiculous, or I can squeeze into bootleg jeans and look
equally silly. I wear a lot of dresses and I only wear things that I think look
good on me. An op shop is a great place to source so-called “plus size” clothes
without having to fork out plus sized money.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also tend to wear and then flip items I buy. Clothes sold
by discount department stores and cheap clothing shops have little or no resale
value and can’t be sold at any preloved market. Knowing this has also put me in
a position of power and understanding, so usually when I buy clothes I buy as
much vintage or designer gear as possible. Of course, some op shops are very
aware of the retail price of items, others not so much. I don’t make a lot of
money out of flipping items, but the advantage of selling them at a preloved
market, such as Round She Goes, means that people are actively looking for this
stuff and take it out of circulation, at least until they decide to pass it on.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knowing my slight addiction to thrifting probably explains
why I don’t think this will be too much of a challenge for me, but I know there
will come a point where I really want something new and can’t get it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Additional rules:</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Alternate weeks (all even numbered) are 'Shop My Closet' weeks. That means that I can't buy anything at all that week and must only wear items from my wardrobe. Luckily I have a huge stash of clothing. I'll post these pictures too.<br /></li>
<li>The hashtag for my project is #400daysofthrifting<br /></li>
<li>I can buy new shoes if I need to, but honestly, I am not at all into shoes. I am cursed with wide feet and this is not an enjoyable shop for me. However, I am hoping to seek out ethically sound shoe manufacturers and this will be one of my little tasks.</li>
</ul>
Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-85932140393902453392014-06-18T23:50:00.002-07:002014-06-18T23:50:58.754-07:00Treasure Trove for Round She GoesHi world,<br />
<br />
Just putting up a few new photos for goodies I'm hoping to sell at Round She Goes, should my application be approved. We had a blast last year and I'm hoping to be able to come back!<br />
<br />
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<br />Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-75420909396265287222013-11-04T19:00:00.005-08:002013-11-04T19:00:54.670-08:00Round She Goes Sneak PeekI'm really excited to be selling some of my Pop Funk wares at <a href="http://roundshegoes.com.au/">Round She Goe</a>s, a pre-loved fashion market, which also features people who make their own fashion goodies to sell. I will list some more pictures of my handmade jewellery soon, but for now here is a quick look at what I'll be selling in just under two week's time!<br />
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Bags are $3 for small and $5 for large</div>
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Red + blue dresses $5 each </div>
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Belts are $5 each</div>
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Cowgirl top $10, pink and black top $5 </div>
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Leopard print dress $10 + floral dress $25</div>
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These dresses are all $10 each</div>
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Shirts are $5 - bargains to be had!</div>
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<br />Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-21567796595365668762013-09-22T22:37:00.001-07:002013-09-22T22:37:18.610-07:00The whys and whens of buying, making & thriftingToday I purchased a whole heap of fabric to make some 50s style skirts. I'm really into rockabilly at the moment, and was becoming tired of the pickings online. Hence... this blog!<br />
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<b><u>When to buy in a chain store</u></b><br />
I love chain stores at the moment. K-Mart and Target have so many clothes which are quite adaptable for whatever look you are going for. Today I bought some skater dresses and a derby skirt from K-Mart, and spent... well, not very much money. I'd like to say 'it doesn't matter if it only lasts a season', but actually it does, and I have purchased things which won't ball or fall apart after a few washes. And if they do, I haven't invested a lot.<br />
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<b><u>When to buy online </u></b><br />
If you can't find it in a store, buy online. I use eBay a LOT. I buy and sell all the time. But when it comes to sizing, I can often get it wrong. I've had stuff that's too big and too small in my size. Nothing beats trying something on in real life. Buy brands you know - for example, if you are a 14 in Target clothes and a 12 in JeansWest, stick with that. If it doesn't really matter - for example, you want a party dress, eBay is a good way to do it without having to leave your lounge room. If it's bridesmaids dresses, a formal dress or even something you shouldn't get wrong, buy it in a physical store.<br />
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<b><u>When to buy designer/label/sports brands (yes, really)</u></b><br />
I don't by a lot of designer gear. Firstly I can't afford it (sorry to all those who think chain store clothes are poor economy), and secondly some of it dates really quickly. My wardrobe is a lot about staples, especially as a teacher my clothes are often covered with paint, glue, ink, texta and grass by the end of the day.<br />
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As for buying sports brands, I'm a big fan of Everlast, Lonsdale and Lorna Jane (to a lesser extent). I love sports labels because you wear them quite obviously and my Lonsdale ribbed singlets have lasted me a good 4 years so far with very little fading or stretching. If you like wearing sports labels - I have since I wore my very first Canterbury rugby top - investing $50 into a singlet or track paints is the way to go. You have to feel good about yourself when you workout.<br />
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<b><u>When to make it yourself</u></b><br />
Like I said, I went to Spotlight today, chose a pattern and purchased a few different selections of fabric to make some skirts for a pin up photo shoot. I'm really excited about making them - they will be easy and fun.<br />
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If you want something specific and can't find it online, sometimes making it really is the way to go. I've made a few of my own things, but my favourite is a poodle skirt I made for a 50s party. It took me about 6 hours, but totally worth it.<br />
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Don't make your own stuff if:<br />
- you don't have the time, including fixing up mistakes.<br />
- you can't sew or have pretty limited skills and/or a lack of a helper and wiser sewer on the other end of the phone<br />
- the cost of making it is much higher than what buying it would be<br />
- it is really important and you don't feel okay about doing it yourself<br />
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A lot of mums and grandmas will talk about making clothes for their kiddies because it was cheaper than buying them. This is often not the case now, with some exceptions of course. Also, remember that being an adult means we have to use a lot more fabric than kids (and their clothes) do.<br />
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<b><u>When to thrift</u></b><br />
As this blog attests, I thrift a lot - sometimes every few days (no exaggeration). I thrift for lots of reasons, but mostly it's a great way to find stuff you want to wear but don't want to/can't pay top dollar for. I buy a lot of my teaching stuff from op shops and chain stores because too often I've bought something lovely and a student runs into me with a big piece of cardboard covered in PVA glue. True story. But I also have found some amazing things too, and this is generally the only place I'll buy designer labels.<br />
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<b><u>When to give up and use Pinterest</u></b><br />
I am not a Pinterest freak now that my wedding is over. If you can't find what you want, trawling Pinterest might be a way of sourcing your dream outfit from an online store or finding a pattern to help you make it yourself. Somethings exactly what you want is impossible to find, buy, or make. Accept it, and then visit a dressmaker if you simply can't live without it.<br />
<br />Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-34347611293202485432013-07-18T03:03:00.003-07:002013-07-18T03:03:53.545-07:00Basic logic about junk vs junk worth money (or: What I learned from Ametican Pickers')Fortunately for me, I grew up in a world where people around me liked old stuff. Actually, they still do. I discovered very quickly a few things about the world of collecting, which American Pickers always reminds me of. Enjoy.<br />
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<u>1. If you like it, who cares if it is collectable?</u><br />
I have a small collection of kitschy ornaments, which I've paid about 50 cents for each piece.<br />
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Why like things like this? Kitsch appeals to me. It makes me feel nostalgic for a time I was never part of. My collection isn't worth much. In fact, if anyone offered me money for it, I'd probably laugh and then ask them to part with a few coins. If you like something, it's value (or lack thereof) should not matter.<br />
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<u>2. Just because it is "collectable", doesn't mean it is actually worth anything.</u><br />
During my first year of teaching I may have engaged in a battle which I never would have won, but should have, and have avoided since. One of the kids had this huge stack of extremely tattered, tor and folded Yu-Gi-Oh cards. I grew up with brothers, I get cards. These cards weren't worth anything, firstly because a) most of them were fake and b) all of them were in a really poor condition. Now, I never told this dillusioned child this, of course, I simply tried to take his cards off him because he was playing with them in class. His defense - these are worth hundreds of dollars.<br />
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As you learn with shows like Pickers and Cash Cowboys, condition of items sometimes don't effect price too much, or make it more re-sellable, such as rusty signs. Half eaten gaming cards are not. If you want to own collectable items to sell (or 'flip' in Mike's words), they should be treated with care. It's not that hard. Furthermore, don't tell kids lies about game cards being worth money.<br />
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<u>3. There is nothing wrong with reproductions if you know they are reproductions </u><br />
This was my first reproduction piece which was purchased for me:<br />
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This is a postcard glued and then varnished onto pine. How much was it? $5 from a market. Not too bad considering that it is very obviously not an authentic sign. There are lots of reproductions of everything, paper products (such as the Holbrooks postcard) and posters included. Some have a limited reproduction run, others are mass produced. As long as you're happy with a reproduction item that's fine. It is definitely easier to achieve a look you want if you're happy to go with items which have not been around for long, and are cheaper to make than find and purchase.</div>
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<u>4. It's not worth money yet, but it might be eventually, and I'm okay with that.</u></div>
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A few years ago, Colorado shut its doors and I bought two of these sign card holders.</div>
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Like the kitschy stuff, I paid 50 cents each of these. But the thing is I really do like them - they are great doorsteps and look awesome on my bookcases. One day they might be worth a bit - not much, but I don't mind if I don't double my money.</div>
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<u>5. Re purposing does make a difference to the value of the item </u></div>
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To make my brooch bouquet for my wedding, Mum and I scoured antique stores, eBay and op shops and managed to make a bouquet comprised of mostly antique brooches. We know how much they cost, and to value my bouquet I would include the retail price of the brooches.</div>
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Some people may suggest that the bouquet is worth more because it is a collection and because it is put together. Others would suggest it is worth less because the brooches have been purposed. When I made the bouquet, I wired the brooches so that they were fixed to the wire, but could be taken off if necessary. My bouquet is very much in tact, and though I don't have any desire to pull it apart, the notion of re-purposing can affect the price of a piece, whether the caution from the buyer is real or assumed.</div>
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<u>6. You have to buy/keep things you like.</u></div>
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The last, and most important piece of information is this - you have to love what you are buying.</div>
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I bought the 'I kiss better than I cook' sign in a Glenelg gift store years ago. Of course, it is a retro item, not actual vintage. I didn't care. Next to the spaghetti is a Warrnambool Pigeon Club mug from the 80s. It was a joke present from my grandma, but it is still one of my favourite pieces. The value of these items are reasonably low, and they wouldn't be for resale. I just like them, and in the end, that's all that really matters.</div>
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<br />Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-46774126198806173152013-06-13T01:34:00.001-07:002013-06-13T01:34:21.239-07:00Making a bit of blingWhat I find most frustrating about accessories is that often you can't find exactly what you want when you need it. take, for example, a 50s themed party I was planning to attend. I wanted pink poodle earrings. Did they exist? No.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzhu9Y7ZNcFHuv6834NGpyH-IbRvSLYtL4aEfPi7HFiBinSuoPz8QAQBE82uGDEzjHFy54zNhRyLsrGt3PRqmJbeVxOqyuL41p7PXmAp-Zg070Cb69OkHM6mVgk9Jera4bZNyh5fuicw/s1600/303961_10150407845546241_1113196044_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzhu9Y7ZNcFHuv6834NGpyH-IbRvSLYtL4aEfPi7HFiBinSuoPz8QAQBE82uGDEzjHFy54zNhRyLsrGt3PRqmJbeVxOqyuL41p7PXmAp-Zg070Cb69OkHM6mVgk9Jera4bZNyh5fuicw/s320/303961_10150407845546241_1113196044_n.jpg" width="240" /> </a></div>
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Obviously, this is me partying the night away, in full selfie mode (before selfies became a thing). You can't see the earrings for all the hair. However...</div>
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...this is what they looked like. I just ordered some charms off eBay and made my own. I already knew how to make earrings, but it has been a while, so making them again was truly a lot of fun. Then I found other charms and kept making things I would actually wear all the time. </div>
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Mix tape fashion has been big for awhile now. I love these earrings though and wear them a lot. Firstly, I grew up on a healthy dose of mix-tapes myself (I used my Walkman until 2004, seriously). I love wearing things which remind me of my own childhood. And secondly, to everyone from a little bit far away, they just look like rectangles. With holes.<br />
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<br />Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-15746665425426444362013-06-13T01:10:00.000-07:002013-06-13T01:10:00.356-07:00Badgering!<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I love badges.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I ordered these badges on eBay for me. I wear them on scarves a lot, mostly because they are practical and you don't need to take them off all the time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I started collecting badges at 19, some from music stores (like the now-defunct The Muses, who only sell online now), but most from second-hand market vendors and movie memorabilia stores. I collected some real treasures. And now it is time for us to say goodbye. I have too many amazing odd and ends not to share them with the world.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If any tickle your fancy, let me know.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- PopFunk xx</span></span><br />
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<br />Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-38686270594838580432013-06-10T19:46:00.003-07:002013-06-10T19:46:43.337-07:00About to go thrifting!About to do my weekly visit of my favourite thrift shop.<br />
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I wrote before about the sad demise of the $1 rack. Today I intend on hunting down some bargains. In particular I'm looking for rockabilly and vintage, will post some of my finds soon.<br />
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Last week I spoke about the karma of thrifting, so today I thought I'd create a list of hot tips for newbies, and old hands when it comes to the art of thrifting.<br />
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<b>1. Don't discard the 10 cent box.</b><br />
I have found so many amazing finds in the ten cent box - badges, scarves and trinkets (though trinkets are for my prize box at work). Sometimes it is easier for the staff to put things in there than worry about finding a place for it.<br />
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<b>2. Look out for the free plastic bags.</b><br />
My local Salvos has a huge basket of bags, and this is great for me as an eBay seller, as I often fund really cool bags to post items in. I love spotted or striped bags and I usually pack my goodies into one of these.<br />
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<b>3. Labels are important.</b><br />
Labels can tell you the age of the garment, as well as the designer/brand/mass produced store it came from. When it comes to reselling items, things with 'Target' or K-Mart's 'Now' brand don't usually do as well as a label from the 90s which may or may not have actually been a real brand once upon a time.<br />
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<b>4. Don't trust sizing.</b><br />
If you think it will fit, assume it will. If it doesn't, you can always donate it back, give it to a friend or resell it. I used to always try things on, but no days I really don't bother because I know what will fit me and what won't. It means you need to be honest with yourself (if you have thunder thighs like me, you know a mini won't work well for you), but you'll buy better fitting items in the long run.<br />
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<b>5. Be nice to the ladies.</b><br />
If you read about the karma of thrifting last week, this is probably an excellent addition to the concept. Be nice to the people who serve you, and they may reward you with a smile, 'bundling' items or a free bag. I'm not in this to get free stuff, but if you look after others, they will look after you.<br />
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Happy thrifting kids!Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-278798749161064882013-06-02T17:10:00.000-07:002013-06-02T17:10:10.369-07:00The karma of thrifting<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some people don't like the idea of sellers going to thrift stores and reselling stuff. Here's my justification... enjoy.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Thrift stores are filled with things people have donated, often because they don't want, need or use them anymore.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I moved into my house with my husband, I had countless car loads of things which went straight to Goodwill or the Salvos. At the time I was planning a wedding and moving house. I had no time to thing 'Mmm, I could put that on eBay'. I kept two cartons of really resellable stuff, and the rest went into big garbage bags, to be sorted by the lovely op shop ladies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. I donate a lot of stuff to thrift stores. Good karma.</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I worked in an op shop for 6 months. I loved it, but lots of people use it as their personal dumping spot. Whatever I donate, I consider carefully whether it will be dumped or resold. If it can't be resold, I throw it out or recycle it. If you frequent a thrift shop, you may or may not like being known as a donor. I don't like it really, but I always consider the fact that not only do I spend a lot of money there, I help stock their stores too.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. The money you spent is a donation.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously, would you rather help line some vintage dealer's pockets, or give some coin to a charity? If you don't like donating to a religious organisation (and some people really don't), there are lots of alternatives, especially in cities, for thrift stores. I worked for an op shop fundraising for the Animal Welfare League, and the ladies loved animals, and the op shop too. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. You shouldn't haggle. Ever.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bad, bad karma. Not only are their signs warning against this, see point 3. If you don't want to pay $10 for a jacket, buy else where. At times, the person on the register will round down the cost of items, especially if you have bought up big, or in the words of Frank Fritz, you have 'bundled' items. But asking for any kind of discount is rude. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Sending stuff across the country, or across the world, gives it a new chance.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would you rather something your donated be dumped or worn? Would you like it to be resold and worn by someone overseas? Once you donate, these questions are no longer yours to answer. It is much better to resell things than leave them hanging in your wardrobe, or stacked in cartons somewhere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1649079720638390237.post-31230845402945628872013-06-02T16:54:00.000-07:002013-06-02T16:54:02.546-07:00Introductions! <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hey, my name is Lis and I'm pretty nutty about fashion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When it comes to my idea of choosing what to buy, there are only two important questions to consider:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1) Is it actually inexpensive without looking cheap ?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">AND</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2) Does my bum look big in this?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I live in a country town where the only mainstream fashion shops are Target and a surf shop. We have a sports store too, but I never wear sports gear as fashion - ever. There's nothing wrong with it, but sports labels belong in the gym.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Unfortunately, my measurements vary without reason, so while in the above picture I was wearing some comfy size 12s, I look like this most of the time:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For everyone playing at home, that means I have LOTS of clothes of different sizes. And seeing as I'm a bit of a nut about shopping, there is plenty to choose from.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Growing up in the country meant that we had limited choices about wear to buy clothes. Although I'd hit up Target for some discounted threads ($10 fisherman pants... yes please!), I found I enjoyed going to op shops and thrifting much more than I did in comparison to frantically searching the 'reduced' item racks for something in the right (and varying) sizes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started selling on eBay at 18, selling preloved books and VHS tapes. Then, a few years later I realised I should be selling clothes. I went through month-long eBay addictions to selling and buying, and found that:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a) I was parting with thrift clothes at a loss and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">b) I was buying things which didn't fit me. And paying for the postage to get it to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After some no-nonsense (read: RUDE) advice from other eBay forum members, I started selling items at prices I was okay about. For example, a black evening dress I loved once sold for a whopping $1.25. It was flawless, and I had paid $15 for it in the first place. Now days, I would charge the cost of buying it, so I could at least recover the initial outlay and then any profit would be nice... even if the profit was 25 cents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm hoping this blog will help keep my little world organised and allow me to get out my ideas and thoughts on fashion, thrifting and this crazy notion of looking pretty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Lis xx </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />Lisa Birchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04070058157874664385noreply@blogger.com0