Recession Chic – How to Be Fabulous on a Budget

I really dislike the ‘R’ word, generally excluding it from my vocab but these days very few of us are really in a position to splash our hard-earned cash on the season’s latest trends without having to think twice before spending. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look great. Here are a few tips on how to achieve fabulous style on a tight budget.

1. Shop smart

Highstreet stores such as A/wear, Pennys, Dunnes, Topshop, TK Maxx and H&M should be your best friends! They all stock a great selection of the latest trends and basic stables at affordable prices.

2. Make quality over quantity a priority

If you find yourself splurging on something, make sure it is a timeless investment piece that you’ll get wear out of season after season. Items such as the essential little black dress – refer to my ‘Top Tips’ for a full list of wardrobe essentials.

3. Mix it up

Be creative and experiment more with your wardrobe by wearing the pieces you already have in new ways. Thinking outside the box  and mixing it up can help you create a completely new look without having to spend any money at all!

4. Throw a swap party

It has been said staying in is the new going out (personally I disagree) but if you are staying in why not make it benefit your wardrobe by throwing a swap party. There are some basic guidelines you should follow to get the most out of it inviting at least six  friends each bringing a selection of clothes and accessories you’ve either outgrown or don’t want anymore. Swap, gain new outfits and be merry! Swap shops such as the one in Shebeen Chic every Saturday afternoon on Dublin’s Georges Street are a great alternative to swap parties.

5. Shop Online

The virtues of clothes shopping on eBay have been extolled for years now and remain true to this day. A plethora of specialist fashion sites have sprung up over the years (www.Brandalley.co.uk and www.asos.com being some of my favourites) and offer great bargains. Many highstreet stores offer extra discounts and clearances that can be found online only. And despite shipping costs there are still significant savings to be made on items priced in sterling www.topshop.co.uk being one example.

6. Bargain bins and thrift stores

If you’ve an hour to spare of a Saturday afternoon make sure to spend it sifting through the racks at your local charity shop. Vintage jackets, skirts, shirts, headbands, and jewelery are among the treasures to be found. If you’re lucky you may even come across some brand new items with the tags still attached.

7. Buy out of season

Waiting a couple of weeks for the sales to hit before you buy that expensive winter coat or killer heels can yield great dividends – patients pays when it comes to fashion, trust me!