Just because there is a credit crunch going on it doesn�t mean we can�t look fabulous! Following are a few suggestions on how to still have new outfits on a reduced budget.

Wardrobe Weed

To start off with have a wardrobe weed, this means taking everything (yes everything) out of your wardrobe and systematically working through it all. Set aside at least 4 hours for this if you have a full wardrobe. Divide piles into;

* Charity/ give to friends/sell on ebay
* Alterations
* Rubbish for those items that have really seen their day

Anything you still love and wear put back in an order that works for you. I like to group skirts, trousers, jackets, tops etc together then in that colour order them.


While you are going through have fun trying old clothes on with newer ones and experimenting with different combinations. Fashion might have changed since you brought some of them but with combining old with new you might discover some new outfits. You also might discover a few items you forgot you had.

Make a list of any key items you really do need.

Clothing Swap Party

A great way to get some new clothes and have fun at the same time is to arrange a clothing swap party. Get all your friends to bring clothes they don�t wear and then get swapping. This is also a good way of raising money for charity if every time you swap a piece to donate a few pounds.

Go with your list of key items that you need and see if you can pick them up there!

Alterations

Just by shortening a hem line, cinching in a jacket or making a skirt out of a dress you can create a whole new piece. When you are going through your wardrobe consider what you could change about items to make them more wearable for you now. Often we have things we don�t wear just because they need altering, then they just hang around for ages and never get worn.

Sample Sales

Sample sales are fantastic for picking up great unique designer bargains. When you go the clothes are usually in totally the wrong season but think ahead, it�s best to buy cheaply now than fork out the full retail price when you really need it. The Billion Dollar Babes sales are ones to watch out for as is London Fashion Weekend which happens every February and September.

Sale shopping

Of course sale shopping has to be mentioned here. I always wait until the further reductions start happening before grabbing any bargains. Remember to be armed with your key items to buy list so you don�t just buy anything �just because it�s a bargain�. Some websites often have sales most of the year round like My Wardrobe and Net-A-Porter so keep any eye on sites before buying anything full price. Also some stores have a sale rail most of the year round such as Reiss in Market Place, London and Urban Outfitters.

Jackets, shoes and suits are always great buys in the sales as for business purposes, it�s good to buy the best quality you can afford to give off the right impression.

Clothing Markets

Many new designers have stalls at markets, such as Portobello and Spitalsfields in London. So it is worth paying them a visit to get some great unique pieces that would ordinarily cost a fortune if they were being sold in a shop. Also check out vintage and second hand stores, you just never know whar you might find!

Accessories

Accessories totally update a wardrobe, just buy adding a belt or changing your jewellery you can create a whole new look which does not have to cost a fortune. Top Shop, Miss Selfridge, Primark, Dorothy Perkins, H&M and Accessorize all have great up to date affordable accessories. Look through style mags to get some inspiration and have a play around.

Group Colour or Style Consultations

Learning the most flattering colours and styles for you will save you a whole heap of money in the long run as there will be no more mistake buying. Why not get together a group of friends and book in a group consultation which will keep the costs down. For example a group of 6 people for colour consultations will cost you �85 each instead of �108. Please contact us for more information or to make a booking.