Fashion on a Shoestring

The Latest on our Story

2008-05-26T12:46:00.004+10:00

Unfortunately, we are not functioning as a regular site at the moment.

Kimberly is overseas and Chrissy has moved to the coast - with insufficient internet access and a difference lifestyle!

However, we hope that all you fashionistas are still looking as gorgeous as ever and we're sure we'll catch up again in the future.

Inexpensive Shoe Storage

2007-10-25T14:32:00.000+10:00

In a post last year called Shopping in your Own Closet each Season we showed some great shoe storage boxes available at Pinklily and the Clear Shoe Box Co.

This week I found a cheaper option available from Priceline Pharmacy. For just $19.99 you get a set of 5 shoe boxes or a set of 4 boot and shoe storage boxes. They're a great, inexpensive way to tidy the wardrobe up.

The sale ends on Monday 29 October, so get into Priceline fast!

Seventh Avenue Market - Sydney

2007-10-11T10:35:00.000+10:00

Each year Seventh Avenue holds a fantastic sale of denim and fashion labels for men and women.

sass & bide, Cheap Monday, LIFE with BIRD, Marnie Skillings, Insight, Something, Shakuhachi, Earnest Sewn, Jac+Jack, Stephanie Conley and Michelle Robinson

This year it is on from Friday 12th October to Sunday 14th November, but we can let you know that by simply registering on the Seventh Avenue website you can be eligible to attend the special preview today from 4pm - 9pm.

The opening times are:

Friday 12th, 11am - 8pm
Saturday 13th, 10am - 5pm
Sunday 14th, 10am - 5pm

The market's location this year is the Australian Technology Park at Redfern which has a massive area set aside for the sale. Parking is $15 all day, free for half an hour, or $5 for the hour your likely to spend finding the perfect budget piece. If you're working in the city you can catch a train to Redfern and exit via platform 10 which leaves you an easy (and safe) walk to the ATP.

Bright and Cheerful in Yellow

2007-09-22T08:49:00.000+10:00

One of the easiest ways to update your wardrobe for a new season is to add one of the season's signature colours. Simple additions of this kind make you feel fashionable at an absolute minimum of cost.

For Summer 2007, one of the coolest new colours is "yellow". We saw it a little last summer, and it made appearances during winter - alongside grey and black, in rich buttery hues and mustard. This summer, you'll see it in all shades, from icy yellow to vivid brights.

If you don't have any yellow in your wardrobe yet, or you're not sure if it suits you, Colour Me Beautiful (a system of personal "colour" seasons which address how to wear your colours best) demonstrates that we can all wear a shade of yellow, as long it is the right shade.

For example;

- Winters can wear Icy Yellow or Lemon Yellow,

- Summers suit Light Lemon Yellow,

- Autumns can wear Gold, Yellow-Gold, Mustard, Pumpkin and Gold-tone accessories, and

- Springs can wear Light Clear Gold, Bright Yellow Gold and Gold-tone accessories.

I have added some new yellow items to my wardrobe, however as I'm a "winter", I am aware that anything beyond the icy and lemon yellows, won't really suit my complexion. If you're also someone who can't wear yellow a lot, then yellow accessories may be the answer! By adding items such as yellow shoes, bags, bangles, etc you can incorporate the latest colour, without detracting from your natural beauty.

This season, there are some lovely clothes and accessories available in yellow. Have fun experimenting with this new colour!

Metallic Accessories Made Easy

2007-09-04T23:19:00.000+10:00

The beginning of a new season is such an exciting time! There is always new fashion and the latest trends to incorporate into the wardrobe. However, it can sometimes be tricky and not very cost effective.

This season, metallics are king! Whether you are a silver, gold or bronze girl, there is something for everyone, and I am always amazed at how all metallic shades go with almost anything in the wardrobe.

I remember when metallics appeared in the fashion cycle last - gold was definitely the prominent player. This time around, silver is the most popular as it complements the grey palette so well, and fits with the futuristic theme which is so big now.

If you opt for a metallic bag this summer, try and build up a collection of co-ordinating footwear. Consider some matching ballet shoes, flat sandals (like the Equp ones pictured below) and strappy high heels for the evening, you could even go for a two tone option in one colour with the right shade of metallic trim.

By having a selection of matching shoes, you can ensure you have one main bag for the season and you won't need to keep swapping its contents for another, just to ensure your bag and shows match.

However, if you would like more colour variety, you may like to go with a multi-faceted metallic handbag (like the Strandbags bag pictured above) which would work beautifully with gold, silver, white and possibly, tan shoes.

By building up your options, your favourite shade of metallic will become an integral (and effortless) part of your wardrobe for the season.

If metallics are not your thing, there are many other options for accessories, which we'll look at in the next few weeks.

Where we've been ...

2007-08-29T14:16:00.000+10:00

Unfortunately, we haven't been holidaying on a tropical island! However, we have been busy.

Kimberly has moved to Tokyo! This is so exciting - as the fashion there is quite cutting edge. You'll hear more about that soon.

Unfortunately, I've had the Chicken Pox, and coupled with family and personal commitments, have been way too busy!

However, I'm back, thinking fashion, and excitedly planning and shopping for the perfect summer wardrobe.

Stay tuned ...

Spring/Summer 2007 Shows

2007-08-14T13:08:00.000+10:00

For some great photos of the Spring/Summer fashion launches by David Jones and Myer, click onto Vogue Australia. There are photos from the red carpet, backstage and the catwalk.

Even though I'm more inclined to shop at Myer, because it's local to me, I think that you can't beat the way David Jones do their parades. They have an amazing collection of designers and the fashion is cutting edge, with an international feel.

It's also a bonus that they offer parades for the general public too. Well done DJ's!

David Jones Summer 2007 Launch

Myer Summer 2007 Show

the fabulous! festival

2007-08-06T09:39:00.000+10:00

Welcome to the August 6, 2007 edition of the fabulous! festival.

The Festival was started by The Bargain Queen to bring you the best blog posts about fashion, beauty, style and shopping, all in one place.

This week, the fabulous! festival offers some great advice on fashion and personal style:

The Bargain Queen presents Best of: fashion, clothing and personal style, saying "the very best personal style articles from The Bargain Queen’s first 14 months".

Icy presents What not to wear, saying that watching Trinny and Susannah helped her understand her own wardrobe mistakes, discover what suited her best and develop own personal style.

Leticia Velasquez presents A Return to Modesty, saying "Despite the devastating influence of today's culture, some are trying to teach girls they don’t have to dress immodestly in order to be true women."

Host Bee presents What to Wear on a Vacation to Paris, saying "Here’s a challenge - what to wear on a European family vacation? ... What a fun dilemma! I totally understand this reader’s wish to vacation in Paris without looking like a geeky tourist!"

Here at Fashion on a Shoestring, budget fashion is not about getting the cheapest deal wherever possible, it's a combination of knowing what suits you best, accumulating good quality basics which flatter your body shape, and supplementing these with key elements from each season's trends, whether it be the latest colour, print or style. See Shopping in Your Own Closet Each Season and The Classic Dresser.

Also, some other interesting articles were submitted too:

Liz presents Drugstore Lip Gloss Faves, saying "I am pretty much obsessed with lip gloss. I usually can’t go into Ulta without buying a lip gloss, despite the fact that I have about eighty. I definitely have my faves that I wear over and over the others I donate to my sisters (lucky them). Luckily I stick to drugstore brands so I have never spent over $10 on any of them. I decided to help others who have a drugstore lip gloss fetish with their selections."

FitBuff presents After Your Beauty Nap, Have a Beauty Snack saying, "We all have our reasons for getting fit, and we try to tell ourselves and others that we're doing it for the health benefits, which we are — partly. But let's face it — part of you can't help but appreciate the fact that getting in shape will improve your appearance as well..."

Craig presents Being the life of the party, saying, "How to be the life of the party and generate excitement that draws others to you."

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of the fabulous! festival using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

The DFO Experience

2007-07-30T04:12:00.000+10:00

Many of you out there are no doubt veterans of the DFO (or Direct Factory Outlet) shopping venture.. but perhaps due to the kids and general time poor schedule, I have only just made it out there ... successfully!

Here's what I found: DFO at Homebush is best experienced without the kids and as early in the day as possible ... this combination is very thrilling and gives you a huge sense of achievement even if just for a quick fix.

I would recommend going with an idea of what you're looking for, as the stores are it. This is not department or mall shopping which is more enticing. I perused (among others) Esprit, Ojay, Nine West, Witchery, Ralph Lauren, Oroton, Table Eight, Charlie Brown, (Just Jeans closed for that morning) and found that while you are facing huge bargains, many stores also are precisely as described - outlets - which means they are carrying stock that could be up to 6 months old.

This is not a big deal, but if you are looking to save on very recent items, then sales in-store are best. I found Witchery carried a very tired looking stock, and Table Eight was mayhem ... bit like a hurricane had been through with all sorts of cheap, if cheerful cotton pieces. Sales at Ralph Lauren and Ojay mirrored their recent in-store ones but again, you needed to be purposeful.

Esprit had a great range of sale items and current coats and jackets. I liked their stock best and would go there again. Marcs also had a more current range and great prices too.

Truthfully, I could have shopped for a few more hours but I did come out with a gorgeous winter jacket from Esprit, dress from Ojay, shoes and bag ( half price) from Nine West ... then I remembered I have children who may need dinner that night.

Great fun, but definitely go with a list of items to check off and the possibility that you may have to compromise, if not on price then on choice. Anyone with more time and focus than me would have even more luck!

New Jeans for the Season

2007-07-25T13:36:00.000+10:00

Following on from "skinny leg" and "boyfriend" jeans, Stretch High Rise (pictured) is due to feature prominently.

Personally, I love this look. Teamed with wedge-style platforms, a fitted T-shirt and cropped cardie. It's oh so feminine and sure to be a seasonal "must have"!

If you like going very fashionable each season with the latest jeans, you may find it makes sense to buy a cheaper pair than you are used to. If however, you prefer to stick to a very classical cut (like straight or bootleg) and are happy to wear them for a few years throughout all seasons, then investing in a more expensive pair would be feasible.

Unless you're going for an individual designer, I think Just Jeans is a great one-stop-shop for denim.

Jeans West are currently on sale with all jeans $59.99. They offer more variety for a range of ages, especially for 18-35 year olds.

If you're looking for more budget options;

Target offer great styles in their Hot Options and Free Fusion
ranges at good prices, including their own take on the high waist/wide leg (above), which is due in-store on 13 August.

K-Mart's Girl Xpress and True Blues range is also worth taking a look at.

Jay Jays offer budget priced options with the styles and cuts suited for teenagers best.

The bottom line is that jeans are no longer a stable classic, the styles swing wildly from one season to another, so choosing a high fashion look can no longer be regarded as a true investment piece for the budget fashion lover.

Closing Down Sale

2007-07-23T14:18:00.000+10:00

The Irregular Jean Warehouse is closing down in 2 weeks' time and all jeans are now $20!

There are Levis, Wranglers, Riders, Mustang, Mavi and Miss Sixty, and designer labels including GUESS, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Mossino, Von Dutch and Diesel, however these are limited sizes (eg. 6-8).

All the other clothing is on sale too, including;

long sleeve tops - $10
short sleeve tops - $5
singlets - $2.50
underwear - $5
belts - $10.

Get in soon before everything is sold out!

Summer 2007 ...

2007-07-17T20:40:00.000+10:00

I know it sounds crazy while we're shivering in our cardis, but Spring really is around the corner ... especially if you're a Fashionista. You may have noticed even the chain stores are showing first Spring collections, so I had a quick look and this is what I found.

Similar to the Winter fashion stories, Spring has several strong trends which are mostly quite tricky, for example; lots of empire and baby doll silhouettes (prints are cute) or 60's/70's shapes which are shift-like and very short. There are strong geometric prints and the colours yellow/black and green are prominent ... and often appear together.

Are you feeling nervous? Don't be! Some very charming and more grown up looks are out there, but don't be in a hurry (especially as we are now in a cold snap). InStyle Magazine is a great read as is Shop Till You Drop.

We like new directions at Sussan's ... long basic shift dresses, with leggings. Some nice bold print tops, but not too tiny and cute. Great leather-look bags in metallic (Chrissy's new favourite accessory), and basic black cotton dresses. Prices are reasonable and the fabric is great for Spring weather.

Witchery have a new Summer 2007 look website, showcasing shorts, coats and shirts, in their customary neutral palette, gorgeous bags and basic tees in cobalt or turquoise accents.

Keep an eye out ... but do keep warm girls!

Costume Jewellery

2007-07-08T21:50:00.000+10:00

A very important part of my wardrobe is the use of costume jewellery to make an otherwise classic outfit appear ultra fashionable.

Currently we're seeing bold and contemporary rings, bangles and necklaces in silver, crystal and resin. Just one or two pieces with any outfit are sufficient to make a statement, but if your aim is high impact try at least five pieces (like the girls at Diva!).

Some of my favourite dress jewellery comes from Georg Jensen, Mezi, Bouvier, Dinosaur Designs and Makers Mark.

Fortunately however, you don't have to spend big to make an impact with costume jewellery. There are some great accessory chain stores such as Diva, Equip and Groove, where you can find great little pieces to update any wardrobe.

This winter I've been taken in by the futuristic appeal of metallic silver and have been looking for inexpensive pieces to add to my wardrobe.

While popping into these stores during the weekly grocery shop I've often found items for just a few dollars. Diva currently have sales racks for under $5 and Equip and Groove are offering great reductions as well. Two of my grey metallic bangles were picked up for $4 and $5 and I've been wearing them throughout winter and they'll be great for summer too.

These little stores are always worth a quick look, it's amazing what a few dollars can do to update an outfit!

Nine West - 50% off all Shoes!

2007-07-05T15:26:00.000+10:00

Wow! Nine West are on sale for the next two weeks at 50% off all shoes. There are also great reductions on gorgeous handbags and hats, some of them at 50% off as well.

Usually by this time in the season, there isn't anything I feel I need to buy, however at sales like this, I look for something stylish and classic for next winter (say black or brown boots) or I try to select something that will work well in the upcoming spring and summer seasons, like the shoes pictured here.

There are also some great handbags to choose from including the Simply Soft Cross Body in Bronze or the Simply Soft Tote in Gold.

However, I'm sure you'll find your own favourites at the Nine West sale!

Sweater dressing

2007-06-27T09:44:00.000+10:00

I've struggled a bit with the sweater dress trend for this season - so as not to look like a cheerleader with children - and I've finally relaxed a bit with this style. I've been wearing the Stella McCartney for Target sweater dress - lovely shape but not an investment piece - with skinny jeans or leggings and ballet flats. I also have a pair of black trousers which must be 10 years old, tapered and very flattering, which work well too.

The trick seems to be - if you are over 25 - to make sure the pants you layer these dresses with have a very sleek and tailored silhouette, otherwise you end up looking like kids at the athletics carnivals, all bulky layers of skirts, sweats and jackets.

Also, you don't necessarily need a belt, the long line sweater looks fine with just a scarf or jacket. Jeans tucked into boots with this look is great too, as long as the jeans are well fitted into the boots.

My latest find in this trend - with just a bit more 'trend" as opposed to classic - is from Tightrope ... a synthetic knit with long bell sleeves and roll neck, fitted to just below the bust and only slightly A-line. In black, this top is great with aforementioned accessories and is only $24.95. Great trend buy!

If you really like this look Witchery have similar knits for $99, as well as cable knit sweater dresses and bell-sleeved cardis.

(NB: Some of these shapes are getting a bit too smock-like for me - gathered under the yolk - but if you work with the leggings/boots idea, it IS a groovy look - at least for a fashion moment!)

Unbelievable Reductions at Cue Today!

2007-06-26T00:18:00.000+10:00

For two days only (Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27 June) Cue are offering Cue Club Members a further 30% off already marked down prices of 30 - 50% off.

To become a Cue Club Member, just join online at Cue. You should get a confirmation email straight away, print it off and take it with you to your nearest Cue store.

Almost all current season stock is on sale, so don't miss out on this opportunity to glam up your wardrobe just that little bit more.

Winter extras

2007-06-17T07:40:00.000+10:00

Now that it's actually cold, I'm looking around for some budget fashion 'treats" to zoosh up my coat/jeans/cardi ensemble ... some years we don't seem to get very wintry in Sydney, but this year has turned up a decent cold snap (fashionistas need variety) ... so I'm looking at gloves, scarves, caps and berets.

Try out the department stores, Myer and David Jones for accessories ranging from about $25 a piece. Discount stores (aka the $2 dollar shop!) often have cheap and cheerful beanies, scarves and mittens.

Sportsgirl have a great selection of scarves ... or go investment and check out gorgeous leather gloves in Alannah Hill starting at $60.

Often - I'm never quite sure why - local pharmacies will carry an excellent budget selection of scarves, berets, etc so keep your eyes open.

Witchery on Sale!

2007-06-14T12:41:00.001+10:00

Witchery have a great sale on instore and in almost all online categories. Just select SALE and check out some great reductions.

Some of my favourites which are sure to take you through to Spring and beyond are the Cable Dress, the Pocket Flap Tote, and the Marilyn Contrast Ballet Shoe.

Tokyo!

2007-06-13T07:44:00.000+10:00

I've just been to Tokyo ... a whirlwind visit which has been enough to whet the appetite for more. It's a very sophisticated and buzzy sort of place, but folks - the fashion! It definitely stands out. In the main shopping arenas and CBD these very chic locals, men and women, are out in force. (See Tokyo Street Style for some great pictures.)

It's spring and very warm so I saw lots of layers, bold 70's style prints, smock dresses layered over jeans and leggings, spots and floral, huge glasses, some metallic accessories but more white, cream and tan colours. Huge bags, often draped or pleated pieces. Very groovy, but also very stylish.

Sizing is an issue for us huge westerners so some stores don't work, but I did find the chain store Zara which is an excellent budget option. Zara is a Spanish label and there are many stores in Europe. It has a mix of useful basics and very strong trend items, eg. gorgeous printed chiffon tops, strappy singlets, sundresses, leather bags and shoes, more formal jackets and jeans ... fantastic and more affordable than say Burberry or Prada!

Gap clothing is also available in Tokyo which is a great store for more classic pieces: capri pants, white ruffled shirts, canvas and denim accessories, summer slides and ballet flats. This is just the tip of the fashion iceberg ... I came home with a black shirtdress, tan coloured capris, tan and rope flat slides, white shirt and T-shirt ... and had to restrain myself with bags (or my husband did)!

Booting Up for Winter

2007-06-09T12:21:00.000+10:00

On a winters day, there's nothing better than a warm pair of boots to keep your feet dry and snug.

Of course, dress booties have made a big statement this year, looking gorgeous with opaques and skirts, as well as under pants. We looked at those in an earlier post called; Tights: Don't Leave Home Without Them.

However for something less dressy, I'm finding that a longer boot, mid calf or knee high, is more functional and warm. They look great teamed with tucked-in skinny pants or over opaques and a short hemline.

There are some great boots around this year, either in a high heel or flat. Take a look at some of the great options available:

For my current at home lifestyle, the casual flat boot is best. I like the slouch boot which can be turned up and pulled toward the knee or folded down and scrunched to mid-calf length. After seeing Icy's post, Shopping Report at Individual Chic, I found a great pair on sale at K-Mart for just $27 (like those pictured at right). They're warm and dry and look very now! Thanks Icy!

Cue Winter 07 Sale starts Thursday!

2007-06-06T22:15:00.001+10:00

Starting tomorrow (Thursday, 7th June) Cue Clothing will have a 30-50% off sale on almost all of their winter stock, except for shirting.

Stock that was already reduced is being reduced further. There is also special stock brought in especially for the sale, with none of it over $200.

Make sure you pop in early, either to a Cue store or to Myer to take a look.

Warning ..

2007-06-02T07:39:00.000+10:00

I have recently attended a wedding. So of course I had to get a dress, and shoes and a wrap, because it's cold in the sunshine when you are standing about admiring the view across the lawns ... and I confess, I didn't do budget precisely - but it depends ON your budget, so I was impressed with the end result, especially after trying on luscious dresses at Lisa Ho which started at $800!

You can spend huge amounts on evening or party dresses and of course this choice is also defined by how formal your event is. However, I want to rave about Alannah Hill, where I got said frock and matching gorgeous tights. I also purchased Pierre Fontaine peep toe heels which came in at round $60 and a pashmina wrap to finish it off. All these gorgeous items came in under $500. So what I'm wanting to tell is that for a modest budget you too can look red carpet!

Alannah Hill has these gorgeous frocks - that word seems very appropriate - with exotic prints, colours and fabrics, very feminine and very festive. I would normally be a tad overwhelmed by all that colour and excitement but as an event outfit they are perfect. My friend, attending two very formal weddings this winter is very thrilled with her purchase of a dress (matching fishnet tights are ideal to add a bit more pizzazz) and will be adding a cropped jacket/fur wrap from the range too.

These dresses are timeless in that Alannah Hill has a strong signature style ... not defined by seasonal trends so you have a great investment piece, for when those invites come in. The stores also carry bags, gloves, scarves, tights and stockings, hairpins and accessories, shoes and jewellery.

I would recommend a visit to one of her stores though, as the website is great but more like a magazine editorial, so harder to work out what's what.

Sussan Sleepwear on Sale

2007-05-29T12:38:00.000+10:00

This sale is mainly sleepwear, with a bit of sportswear too. Be the first to check out the sale when they open at 8:00am!

More than jeans ...

2007-05-28T07:28:00.000+10:00

I'm finding it's worthwhile checking out your favourite stores right now as sales and discounts can pop up at any time.

Yesterday in Just Jeans, I found a cotton Lightweight Trench Coat in a vanilla colour for $30 off its original price and a great style. There were some Black Velvet Ballet Flats - can't have enough flat shoes - for just $20 and I also found a new season cardi in grey for $69 (sorry no picture on their site for this one). Keeps me warm on early school drop mornings...useful and fashionable which is a treat!!

Admittedly, I had gone online first - to save some time - and found the discounts beforehand. I would definitely recommend a bit of forward planning and perhaps checking online or even calling your store if you are pressed for time, so that you know what you're looking for.

Next shopping trip might involve knee high boots ... stay tuned!

Fabulous! Festival

2007-05-24T12:25:00.001+10:00

Two weeks ago, Sara (The Bargain Queen) launched the first-ever Fabulous! Festival of fashion, beauty and style. It truly is a wonderful collection of posts on this very important area ... making us look good. Thank you Sara, what a great idea!

This week, Icy (Individual Chic) hosted the Fabulous! Festival with a focus on shoes (an area very dear to her heart, and ours too). Her collection of posts offers some great informative reading and advice.

Next week, look out for the Fabulous! Festival of fashion, beauty and style at Rebecca’s blog, The Space Between My Peers.

Catch you there for more fashion, beauty and style fun!