Fashion on a Budget

I recently visited a Savers Store to buy a dress up for a Christmas Party and was absolutely gobsmacked by the amount of clothes/shoes and accessories on offer, and they were great things!!

Soooo Cheap!

At the party, guests (mainly younger ones) commented on the fact they use Savers all the time.

This is not something I’ve ever done and I was truly enlightened by this.

Here are some more tips for creating looks on a budget:

1. I always recommend starting with a quick audit of your wardrobe, while many say a bargain is a bargain, I always say a bargain is only a bargain if you need it. No use buying things you do not need or does not fit with your existing wardrobe and personal style, it can be a waste of money. Too many times when doing a wardrobe audit for a client I see items months and sometimes years old with price tags still attached.

2. Once you have a list of things you need then collect pics of outfits you love (more than likely designer) then go out and find cheaper brands or close recycled pieces.

3. Shop around before you buy, especially trend items, then keep these things in mind, keep looking and compare price. More often than not, you will find a comparable item on promotion or available in a cheaper store.

 

4. Look for sale racks especially those with further reductions – get those high-quality pieces at a budget friendly price! If you can hold out until after the sales have run for 3 weeks a lot of stores will take a further 50% off the marked down price!

5. Try shops outside your comfort zone eg. If you’re in your 30’s try a younger store.

Younger stores are cheaper and might surprise you! For example, some great options are Sportsgirl & Dotti. If in your 50’s, the same principle applies, don’t get caught buying in the same stores! A few for inspiration – Forever New, Bardot, Portmans Dotti have some great pieces.

6. DFO Outlets- these can be a good alternative- but buyer beware! These stores do not represent current stock or the latest styles. Sizing is also a challenge and always check the garment for imperfections.

7. If you are starting 2017 with the need to tighten the spend, don’t look at this as a negative – look at budget shopping as an advantage!  This can be fun if you choose to look at it this way. Pulling looks together using a low spend is quite easy using the above points, however, if you are a little daunted and want a great outcome in minimal time without the stress, and let’s face it, sometimes you just want a solution where it is all done for you, then you’ll love point 8.

8. Sometimes it’s hard to see the wood for the trees so sorting your wardrobe with the help of a personal stylist can be a game changer! A good stylist will also save you money and have you looking amazing! A Personal Stylist will cull the pieces that don’t suit you and highlight the key pieces that can be mix and matched with a few new carefully itemised purchases to create new looks. This way you are getting the most of your wardrobe and not wasting money on purchases you don’t need. Don’t forget once your audit is complete you can sell those items online or hold a garage sale to create money to put towards new purchases!

A personal stylist is also great for those on a budget who need to make smart purchases that are easily mix and matched, suitable for their lifestyle and will be worn and loved. Cost per wear, stylist chosen pieces are exceptional value as you will go to those perfect items often. Stylists also know where to take their clients on a budget to make the most of sales. Style With Cindy Stylists can also pass on stylist discounts they receive from many stores to their clients. Such a win!

A Shopping Expedition with a Personal Stylist is also great for those on a budget who need to make smart purchases that are easily mix and matched, suitable for their lifestyle and will be worn and loved.

Cost per wear, Stylist chosen pieces are exceptional value as you will go to those perfect items often. Stylists also know where to take their clients on a budget to make the most of sales, cheaper stores with great product and Style With Cindy Stylists can also pass on store discounts to their clients. Such a win!

My Top Sale Picks:

David Jones- Designer for less during sale periods! Also, a great time to pick up a new handbag or shoes.

Witchery – Perfect for workwear and for black and white classic pieces

Seed –  Great up to the minute styles, smart casual go to brand

Portmans – Work wear and smart casual pieces, will always find an instore promotion and run huge mid year and end of year sales

Jacquie E – Check out Jacqui E for in-store promos at the moment two tops for 40% off!

What bargain tips have you got for readers and also what are you going to buy during the sales?