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13.10.09

How to look splendid for next to nix!

This is the post that always escapes me: great idea but never executed.
I was raving to one of my friends today about this fab pure silk top that I bought at DFO for $20 on the weekend and she said for god's sake will I do a post about it!

So here are some of the tips I employ to look splendid on very little cash.

1. Never pay retail. Designer outlets should be your new best friend if they aren't already. The silk top in question is from the Witchery factory outlet and needed a stitch to attach the bow on one side of the collar. I saved $129.95.



2. If you can sew then you may already know this, but Mother Melbourne taught me to shop in the furnishing section first, then to look at dress fabrics. You will find pure fabrics like cotton and linen with a wider meterage and generally cheaper. The fabric for this skirt that I made cost $10.95 a meter and I only needed half of that. The skirt cost $5.50.

3. Well, you already know this but shop second hand. And I don't mean vintage, I mean your true blue local op-shop or charity store. I found this on trend, cropped, linen blazer for $6 at Savers.

4. Customise clothes that you already own. I spotted a gal walking down Chapel St the other day with this super cute cardi with cream trim, in a sort of military twist.
Whilst at Spotlight buying my curtain/super cute skirt material I bought some grosgrain ribbon and sewed it onto a black cardi I already own. Cost: $6.95.


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15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I LOVE that cardigan, it's so beautiful and interesting. I love samples and 'faulty'. I regret not buying a sequined black for $30 because a few of the sequins had fallen off, I thought it was too much hassle and now in hindsight it was perfect! Rustic and individual!


Great post!

XXASAB

RetroJetGirl said...

Wow, you have been busy posting today!

Great work on the cardi, it looks just like something from Chanel :P

Now, where do I find this Savers you always speak of? I'll be in Melbourne this weekend, and want to have a little look-see :)

Erinna said...

Lovely photograph at the end, your cardigan is gorgeous! That witchery top is so sweet. I love your blog!

Unknown said...

Love this outfit. Great tips ! And you look gorgeous in the pic. Have a great week.

Spicy Sharon said...

Wat a awesome bargain you got there!
Love the Cardi! =)

eLLy* said...

BARGAIN! Your cardi looks great too! Looks like something one can get from witchery. - eLLy*

Poke Salad Annie said...

GREAT tips! Cheers :)

Pen said...

I love this post and especially like your altered cardi - very spiffing! ^__^

Mom Fashion World said...

thanks for the great tip!
you're absolutely creative!

http://momfashionworld.blogspot.com/

diamondsinchampagne said...

That contrasted jacket is just too divine!

Anonymous said...

beautiful jacket

Renee said...

Cardigan is amazing!!!!

Colleen said...

love the animal print...i have a dress that's very similar and i love how versatile it is! it's great all year round

Meldee said...

Many thanks for the tips, Lady M! I adore the cardigan. It looks perfect--will try something similar soon! xx

Vanesa said...

Very cute Outfits!!! i,m in love with them!!