RSPCA - hidden little gem

So after a week of being off work sick and bed, cups of lemon & honey tea and chick flicks it was back to work unfortunately but got to pay for the op shipping adventures somehow.

Yesterday before heading to work I left home early so I could visit the RSPCA op shop in Burwood East. It's really easy for me to get to as its along the tram line on my way to work. If you catch the 75 tram and get off at stop 66, it's just hidden behind the back of the strip of shops.

There's two shops next to each other. One is for electronics and the like and the other is for all your clothing, books and homewares. Their stock is reasonably priced. I usually walk away with a few little treasures and yesterday was no exception. I picked up 2 pretty dressed, a floral skirt and a new book - The Carrie diaries. Ive read it before and so have been keeping an eye out for it so it was a lovely surprise to finally find it and only $2!

The two dresses below were $8 each. The skirt was $5. This is roughly what most of their items are priced like.

I absolutely adore tutu type dresses & skirts :) you feel like a little kid again and a bit playful and fun and you can dress them up for a night out.

Formal style on a budget

These days if I need a dressy outfit for a night out I either a) raid my already overflowing closet or b) hit my nearest op shop and see if I find a gorgeous, unique piece that suits my own personal style.

Last night was my friend's birthday party and it was semi formal as we were heading into the city for some drinks and dancing. Any excuse to dress up nicely works too! I found this gorgeous little black dress at an op shop when I was away on holiday a few weeks ago. It was nicely tucked away in Woodend and lucky for me (maybe not so for my wallet) everything in the shop was 50% off for that week! I had a field day and got many new pieces for a steal!

This little black dress only cost me $2.50 and is very flattering and fun to twirl in. The red belt was $2 from the RSPCA op shop in burwood (*most of their belts are $2). My bag was also from RSPCA for $6. My shoes weren't from an op shop but they were still a bargain! - only $5 from the cotton on clearance outlet I passed on my way to the brotherhood of St Laurence in Richmond (more on that later) So all in all my outfit cost less than $20! Bargain. Shows you definitely can look good on a budget :)