The Continuous Rise of Frugal Chic, and I’m Loving It!

[Blair Villanueva]

Frugality and ‘underconsumption’ are not just the latest Gen Z trends on TikTok, but they’ve been going on since our old folks before us. The conversation surrounding it keeps on rising, even bigger, and sometimes you can’t escape it.

It happens everywhere, and even here in our humble community in Australia, the conversation about saving every dollar is a must. And I’m loving it!

But here on this blog, I can only share my personal experiences about how I became a frugal chic, and not totally trash someone who loves splurging crazy, coz it is their lifestyle, not mine.

Living here in Australia has given me a greater understanding of the value of every dollar spent and how to become resourceful in reusing things that are already available on hand.

Friends of mine often mistake me as a shopaholic (of sorts), but I don’t go to Chadstone and burn my hard-earned dollars for a new dress (that I can make myself). Rather, I visit several opshops around town, even driving to the next town and another for my frugal shopping hunt, and that makes me feel even prouder of myself, because I know that I will cherish them most.

I love visiting op shops in towns that are known for a community of wealthy residents coz they oftentimes do drop-offs of donations to the nearest op shops, hence, chances of getting good quality stuff are higher.

That’s where I sourced my sewing materials, secondhand textiles, good quality clothing that I can wear in repeats, home decor, and even furniture (when I’m so lucky).

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Top, pants, handbag, and bag charms are all sourced from various op shops in Baw Baw Shire​

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Remember that era of Labubu craze? Almost everyone wants to have their own limited-edition Labubu, and then collect its other buddies like you are collecting virtual Pokemons… fast forward, this craze suddenly died coz it isn’t on trend anymore, and many moved on to the next trend.

And here I am, still loving that DIY bag charm I made using the rescued old plush toys from several op shops. A few I got for a dollar, some of them I got for FREE!

Recently, we did some decluttering of our daughters’ rooms as they finished their Year 12 and are going to university. I saved several candle containers (they were of good quality) and reused them all for my sewing studio. I also saved most of our Moccona coffee jars because they are very useful to store my beads and other craft supplies.

@blair.villanueva Today's opshopping finds I'm surprised to find the Filipino handbag brand CLN @cln.ph archive #opshop#opshopping#thrifting#opshopfinds#fyp♬ LOOK AT THIS - Astro Boyke

I’m not shy to claim I’m an op shopper. In fact, I’m a very proud op shopper!

That makes me a frugal chic.

I love a good bargain. It is sexy and kinda giving a good aphrodisiac to me.

It is truly a good feeling to see that many people online are now proudly sharing their stories and several tips on frugality. I mean, it is not only about how they spend their money, but also subconsciously showing how they respect their time, energy, and money to get the things they need while enjoying their purpose lasts longer.

This lifestyle also taught me how to be more kind to my belongings, and to myself, and to the people who put a lot of energy into sorting thousands of items, so that for us to conveniently shop around at ease, and have an enjoyable experience.

So, you’ll ask… where do I shop for my clothes, and materials I use for my upcycling projects?

Here are the op shops I often visit regularly around Warragul and Drouin, VIC

* Vinnies Warragul
14 Gladstone St, Warragul VIC 3820

* Mawarra Opportunity Op Shop
Centrepoint Shopping Centre, 40 Palmerston St, Warragul VIC 3820

* Knoxbrooke Vintage Vibes
14 June Ct, Warragul VIC 3820

* Baw Baw Food Relief Op Shop
Factory 6/11 Pearse St, Warragul VIC 3820

* Sallie’s Salvation Army
57 Smith St, Warragul VIC 3820

* Salvos Store Drouin
131-133 Princes Wy, Drouin VIC 3818

* Drouin Anglican Church Op Shop Warehouse
65 Roberts Ct, Drouin VIC 3818

* Drouin Anglican Church Opportunity Shop (Main Store)
41-43 Princes Wy, Drouin VIC 3818

* West Gippsland Hospital Drouin Auxiliary Op Shop
121 Princes Wy, Drouin VIC 3818

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* How I Style this Rugby Shirt I Bought from the Op-Shop

* How to Celebrate National Thrift Shop Day in a Very Mindful, Very Demure Way