Revamp Jewellery and Wear It

​Approximate $ Savings: $100

I have so much costume jewellery that does not match i.e. I have necklaces that don't match earrings and bracelets and some that don't match any outfit so don't get worn at all. Work out which pieces you don't wear and why. Then you can revamp them by changing the centre pendant, removing the pendant, re-beading, etc. Swap with your friends. If you have a favourite piece, keep it in mind next time you purchase a new garment. Combine with another tip - add the details of your accessories to a notebook so when shopping you can ensure you buy something that you can use!
Contributed by Leah

Look Expensive for Less

We all want to look like a million dollars. The trouble is that most of us don’t have the bank balance to match our ideal image – and that image can be really important in the world of work, where being well-groomed and professionally presentable can be important to your prospects. Don’t despair. If you shop smart when buying your work wardrobe you can still look expensively dressed.

Let’s run through some of the hallmarks of an expensive wardrobe. The first is that outfits fit. This is where well-cut clothes have the edge. If you can’t afford designer clothes, opt for simpler cuts, like shift dresses, that are absolutely the right size all over. Classic clothes are often also conservative. Avoid plunging necklines or hemlines that are too high. Sleeves of some kind are often classier than bare arms, especially in the workplace.

Classic elegance also often relies on simplicity. Think of Coco Chanel’s ‘little black dress’. Frills and fussy details are best avoided, not least because they are most likely to go out of fashion faster. If you want to dress up an outfit, use accessories.

Expensive clothes always look as if they’ve just come out of the box. This is partly down to good quality materials (as well as clothes that are well cut and hang properly). You want to look well groomed, which means that you don’t want wrinkled clothes that always look in need of ironing. When considering a purchase, check the material for how much it creases. A good blend of fibres will give you the best of all worlds. It won’t look cheap, or like pure polyester, but it won’t crease like linen or silk.

Colour and pattern are also important things to consider. There are classic patterns and designs, but even these go in and out of style. On the other hand, you can’t really go wrong with plain fabrics – unless you pick the wrong colour. Neutral colours like grey, camel and blue are always safe and stylish. If you want to make more of a statement, keep it muted and well away from the extremes of the colour wheel, like bright reds, purple and oranges.

Lastly, nothing completes an outfit like a good pair of shoes. By the same token, nothing looks worse than a cheap pair. It’s worth not cutting back too much on shoes, for image purposes as well as comfort. Beware of shoes that are too shiny or have heels that are more suited to the catwalk than the workplace. A few other good accessories will always upgrade an outfit. A smart necklace, a good watch or a stylish scarf will upgrade your basic outfit and show that you have panache as well as subtle taste.

Looking expensive is about knowing what fits and suits you. It’s about being well-groomed and understated, without ever being boring. It’s about choosing appropriate styles, patterns and outfit accents for the occasion.

Get it right and well-chosen budget clothes can look a whole lot more expensive than they actually are.

It's Officially Formal Season

This was the dress 'we' were going to make - the sleeveless pink version in the centre

Our girlie is in Year 12. That means lots of study, lots of late nights, lots of extra books and papers and pens - dozens of pens, trying to find the "perfect" pen to use for assignments and essays - and formals.

It seems that these days there are two formal occasions for Year 12 students. One the formal "formal" and the other the valedictory dinner.

The "formal" formal is next weekend. We have been hunting high, low, east, west, south, north, online and in stores for the perfect formal dress. And shoes. And bag. And wrap. And jewellery. And make-up.  For weeks and weeks and weeks.

Nothing her father and I approved was  deemed by her to be suitable, nothing she "just loved" met our standards (and yes, we are a little old-fashioned and conservative, but she is our only daughter and we do have a dress code for the family).

In the end we decided to drag out the pattern box and make a gown. That meant of course we had to find fabrics. Then we (and I use the "we" very loosely) decided the pattern from my stash was a little too out of date so off we went to our local fabric shop to find a new one. Finally found a pattern we both liked and that I knew I'd be able to put together - only to find it was about to be discontinued and wasn't available.

Oh the stress!

Home we went and remembered eBay. Yay for eBay, we found the most gorgeous frock, custom made with free delivery - for the grand sum of $27! Even Dad liked and approved of it. Measurements were taken and double checked and just as we were about to click the buy button we realised it wouldn't be here in time, even if we paid for express post!

More stress!

More tears (and I'll admit they were mine - I was beginning to loathe this school formal).

And then out she comes, in a really pretty dress. Still with the tags on it. I loved it, she loved it and Dad was quite choked up at the picture his girl made in her beautiful dress.

So where did it come from?

Her wardrobe!

It was one we bought two years ago to wear to a Year 10 function that was cancelled. So it has been hanging in the wardrobe, waiting to be worn. And I had totally forgotten about it. Not only that I had forgotten about the shoes and bag we bought to go with it.

Problem solved, almost. This is a June event, the dress was meant for November. It needed a little wrap or shrug or cape or something to cover shoulders.

And yesterday while we were in Kmart we found the perfect little bolero - for the princely sum of $5!

We (and again I use the "we" loosely) are going to tizzy it up a little with a length of sequinned ribbon around the edges and her formal out fit will be complete.

The tag on the frock says $15. Her shoes were $20, bag $10 and the bolero $5.

A complete formal outfit for $50!

Am I happy? Yes!

Am I proud of my frugal daughter? Oh, yes, yes I am!

A Winter Warmie

All of a sudden the nights have cooled down. It's to be expected, we are into April, so I shouldn't have been surprised when I was up early on Friday morning and it was chilly. I had planned to do some officework before everyone was up and about for the day, but it was cold. What a dilemma - to work or to go back to bed, where it was cosy and comfortable and - well work won out.

I have a dark green warmie that I wrap over my shoulders when I rush out to the clothesline on cold days. My arms and hands are free to move around but I am toasty warm. So, off to the linen cupboard I went and pulled out my warmie.

Warmies are simply polar fleece capes made long enough to wrap over your knees when you are sitting down. They are great to curl up in on the lounge or in a chair and because they are made from polar fleece they are extra warm and easy to wash and dry. They are also really, really easy to make (and very cheap too).

To make a warmie you need 2.5 metres of 150cm wide polar fleece (if you are tall, make it 3 metres of fabric).

Step 1. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, selvedge together and lay it out flat. I lay it out on the floor.

Step 2. Measure up 1.25metres and mark across the width of the folded fabric. You can use tailor’s chalk or pins.

Step 3. To cut out the neckline and front opening measure in approximately 12cm along the mark. Place a pin at this spot.

Step 4. Using a bread and butter plate draw the curve for the neckline in to meet the pin.

Step. 5 With sharp scissors cut along the curve (remember it will be twice as wide when you open the fabric out) and then cut down along the fold. This forms the front of your warmie.

You should now have a cape that you can wrap over your shoulders or over your knees.

I use polar fleece to make these rugs because you don’t need to hem it. Just cut and go. Polar fleece is also very cheap. It also comes in such a wide range of plain colours and fabulous patterns that you can make them to match your furnishings or even to complement an outfit.

How to Add Colour to Your Work Wardrobe

Corporate black - for many of us, the workplace dress code always meant black, black, and more black. Basic black is fine, but it does get boring pretty quickly. Today, though, it doesn't have to be that way. Here are some simple, inexpensive ways to add a touch of colour to your work wardrobe.

Solid Tops

Colorful knit tops or a jewel-tone silk blouse can add a splash of colour to a blazer or suit. It's considered a good idea to go with solid colours here; jazzy patterns may not work too well.

Say It with Shoes

I love shoes, and I could very easily be in shoe heaven with the beautiful colours and styles for the coming summer.  There are so many options for colourful shoes these days, and when you're talking colour, the cheap ones are not necessarily more or less colourful than the expensive ones. Go for a pair of colourful pumps or jazzy flats, or even dress sandals (wear colourful toenail polish!). Unlike boots, pumps, flats, and sandals can be colourful without being distracting.

Necklaces and Jewelry

Put some sparkling colour around your neck with necklaces. There are so many possibilities here, from polished glass beads to rhinestones on colourful cords. Stay away from tacky or heavy necklaces, but choosing something with a nice pop of colour can dress up even a drab outfit.  Bracelets and earrings can be worn for the same reasons, adding a splash of colour to business attire.

Handbags

Next to shoes, handbags are my vice. I was brought up to always have matching shoes and handbag, and of course they had to co-ordinate with each outfit. Handbags are where you can bring a bit of whimsy and jazz into the workplace without catching a lot of flak. Patterns and colours can spice up a plain suit and show a bit of your personality. If you like, start small - carry a little handbag with pretty colours. Then, depending on your workplace atmosphere, maybe you can work up to a large, patterned handbag.

Scarves

Scarves were a workplace stand-by not too long ago, but you can bring them back in all kinds of ways. Folded scarves can work as a headband for your hair, or you can find various ways to tie them around your neck. You can also use them as a creative alternative to a belt. Solid colours might be a good place to start, or choose subtle patterns that match your work outfit.

Belts

Tucked-in shirts and elaborate belt buckles were popular in the 80s, but you can still dress up an outfit with a solid band of colour around your waist. Belts can add colour to pants or skirt outfits, and you can add a matching handbag for colour coordination.

Coloured Suits

If you want to really go for it, wear a solid-coloured suit. To create the least controversy (if you have that kind of workplace), choose one where the style is fairly conservative and traditional, just colourful.

Adding a little colour to your work wardrobe is easy when you know how, and it's a really frugal way to revamp a tired wardrobe. Have a look in your wardrobe and see what you have that will give your workday clothes a little pizazz.

Sell Off Your Wardrobe

Take clothes that may be too snug or that you no longer wear and that are in excellent condition, to a consignment store rather than donating to the op shop. If the items are in great condition and still stylish they can be sold, making you some money. A helpful tip is to make sure each garment is properly laundered and pressed at the end of each season ready to store until the store starts taking items for the next season. Check the store policy - some like garments presented on coat hangers, other prefer garments to be neatly folded. Spend a little time to make sure buttons are secure, spots and stains are gone and hems are secure and you will ensure top dollar for your garments.

Going Green with Your Clothing

Are you looking for ways to maintain the wardrobe you have in order to save money? Are you concerned that throwing clothes in the landfill is a colossal waste of resources plus an environmental disaster? Repair what you have, buy what you need at resale shops, and wash your clothing carefully. If you do these things, you will help extend the life of your wardrobe, save money, and help the environment all at the same time.

Each season I go through our wardrobes and cull clothes that are too small or that aren't worn any more. It gives me a chance to see what clothes everyone needs for the coming summer or winter and plenty of time to shop around for those items.  Time to shop around saves my family hundreds of dollars a year on clothing.

The kids have been doing their own shopping since they were 15, before their fifteenth birthday we did it together. They have their clothing allowance and the list of what they need. The firm rule is if I've put it on the list they must buy it before they buy anything else.  That at least assures they have the basics covered and won't blow all their allowance on one windcheater or a single pair of jeans and have nothing else to wear.

I encourage them to look in our local op shops and the market before they look in the shops and often they'll get everything they need (except for underwear) and have plenty of money left over for the end of season sales.  They have become really good at shopping for their clothes and have become very much "green" shoppers.

How you deal with your clothing can make the difference between being green and not being green.

The obvious solution is to donate your unwanted or un-needed clothing but many people don't take the time to donate their unwanted clothing. Instead, when they decide to clean out their wardrobes, they throw the clothing away. And we are not talking about clothing that has been worn down to the threads but items that still have years more life left in them. These clothes end up in the landfill when they could be put to use by a family.

One way that we can give back to the community is through donations. Charities like the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and others collect gently used clothing (and other items) from their donation bins or op shops and sell it for a fraction of the cost. People who need items but can’t afford to pay full price or who recognise the value of a bargain can find great deals in their stores and your unwanted clothing doesn’t end up at the tip, the charities raise much needed cash to keep their benevolence available to whoever needs it.

I’ve noticed that one reason clothing may be discarded is because it has faded. You’d think that in the 21st century dyes would be fade-proof, if not fade resistant. You’ve probably seen that commercial for a particular brand of laundry detergent where the clothing comes out looking new after 40 or 50 washes because they used a formula for bright colors. You don’t need a special powder, at an exorbitant price to keep your clothing looking great (Cheapskates washing powder does that for a fraction of the price). All it takes is simply reading the clothing label to learn how to care for your clothes and keep them looking new for years to come.

Here are a couple simple tips to extend the life of your clothes:
* Wash clothing in cold water. Cold water conserves energy. It's a misconception that warm or hot water will clean clothes better and kill germs. In order for hot water to kill germs it has to reach the boiling point. Your hot water may be hot but it's not that hot. And your washing machine will not heat water that hot, believe me. Cold water and detergent clean clothes and kill germs. Cold water cleans your clothes while preventing colours from bleeding. Warm or hot water will fade your clothes faster, bleed colors and cause the fabric to shrink and deteriorate.

* Dry your washing on the clothesline. Yes, it’s probably a “doh” idea but do you always use the clothesline? It works to save energy as well as your clothing. The sun and wind is free so you save money. Plus, tumbling your clothes in the dryer, in the heat, with dryer sheets for softness (another waste of money) all adds up to a rough ride for your clothing. And there isn’t a fabric softener around that smells as good as clothes and linens dried in the sunshine.

* Hang clothing inside out to prevent fading and for faster drying.  Seams, hems and pockets will be thoroughly dry when it's time to bring in off the clothesline.

* If you must dry heavy items like jeans, towels or blankets in the clothes dryer, use a clean tennis ball or two to speed up the drying. The tennis balls will fluff the items, keeping larger items like blankets from knotting up into a ball, and will cause the items to dry faster. They'll also act as a softener so you won't need dryer sheets.

* Fix clothing that has rips or torn buttons before it goes into the washing machine. Instead of chucking that nearly new shirt because it got a rip at the seam, fix it. All you need is a needle and thread to patch it up in a jiffy. Most shirts come with extra buttons for the express purpose of replacing one should you lose it. Iron on patches are handy for quick mending jobs and if you're not all that handy with needle and thread then iron-on hemming tape does a very good job. Mending goes a long way to increasing the life of your clothing and reducing the wardrobe bill.
   
It's easy to think you need more clothes or new clothes, especially when you have washing and ironing backed up.  Before you buy a single new garment, make sure the washing is up to date, all the ironing is done and everything is put away. Then, if you really need something you know you won't be wasting your money.

And if you want to be really green, you'll check out your local op shops for what you need and bag a bargain.

It's not a bargain if it doesn't fit!

Fit is the number one priority in shopping op shops, garage sales and the discount racks. It won’t matter if you find a pair of jeans for $1 if they are too tight, too short or cut wrong. If at all possible try clothing on at the store before buying. When buying from the clearance rack in department stores, know the store’s return policy before you buy, some will not swap or accept returned clearance items.

Get more wear from your kid's clothes

Sewing for babies and children is fun, and can save you a lot of money when it comes to dressing them stylishly. Baby clothes are often outgrown before they are worn out, but once that little baby starts to crawl, then toddle, their clothes come in for a real battering, often cutting short the time they get to actually wear your handmade creations.  Keeping them looking good doesn't have to involve a lot of time or money, just a little creativity.

• Sew decorative patches on the knees. I did this when trousers were new, rather than wait til the knees were worn.  On school trousers and good pants I put the patch on the inside of each trouser leg.  This is an especially good idea for crawling babies. Add a padded patch (use fleecy or polar fleece for softness) for your baby's comfort when he crawls on hard floors.

• Include a large hem. When your child grows too tall, but still fits the garment around the waist, you can just let the hem down a bit. Dab the fold with some vinegar and steam to get the crease out.

• Add "expandable" features to your child's clothing. A pair of pants or a skirt with an elastic waistband will fit them a lot longer than one with a sewn waistband.

• Add decorative trim to pants or a skirt that is too short but fits around the child. A old pair of jeans can be lots of fun with an embroidered band added around the hem, or a skirt can have a length of lace added or a band of contrasting fabric.  Use your imagination!

• Be sure to follow the fabric manufacturer's instructions for laundering the item. This seems obvious, but sometimes it's something we need to be reminded of.  Just throwing things in the wash can result in a lot of ruined clothing. Remember to sort, close zippers and do up buttons. Turn dark clothes and heavy jeans inside out to wash.

• Re-dye clothing that isn't worn but is stained or looking faded. You can find the dye at the supermarket, chemist or your local craft store.

Save space and stay organized

If you have a very small wardrobe and limited drawer space, store clothes that are not in season in order to save your wardrobe space for needed items. I use large black garbage bags to line cardboard boxes I've picked up from supermarkets over the years to store out of season clothes.  I line the garbage bags with tissue paper to protect my good clothes while they are in storage. Tuck some lavender sachets or cedar balls into each box to keep everything smelling fresh and ward off pests, then stack them on the top shelf of your wardrobe or in the attic as I do. If you store them in the attic, be sure to label the boxes so you know exactly what they contain, it makes it so much easier to find what you need the next season.

Stuff those boots

Boots are back in fashion and now the weather has turned to winter they are coming out of the wardrobes. I love my boots, they keep my feet dry and hide the fact that I'm wearing  extremely unfashionable, but oh-so-cosy, big, thick hiking socks. I love that I can wear a dress or a skirt in winter and still keep my legs warm. But sadly keeping them in tip top shape can be expensive. Boots flop over when they don't have legs in them! Instead of buying expensive boot stuffers (and yes, there are such things available) I use rolled up newspapers to keep the legs straight.  Use your local paper (it's free) and keep it rolled up with a rubber band at each end. Then just slip one paper into the leg of each boot.  Pool noodles (those long, coloured foam tubes for the swimming pool) also make great boot stuffers when they are past their pool use by.  Boots are expensive and keeping them in shape will give you many more years of wear for your money.

Every wardrobe needs a crochet hook

Even if you don't crochet, you need a crochet hook in your wardrobe.  A fine crochet hook, either 2.5 or 3mm, is the perfect tool for fixing those pulled and loose threads. As soon as you see a loose thread on a garment, get your crochet hook and use it to pull the thread through to the wrong side. Your clothes will not only look better longer, but they'll last longer too.

Get that Bling to Sparkle

A simple way to clean jewellery, particularly diamond rings, is to mix 1 part cloudy ammonia (found in the cleaning aisle of the supermarket) to 1 part hot tap water. Sit the jewellery in the mixture  for 15-30 minutes in a well ventilated area and then rinse off with warm water. Dry with a soft cloth and your jewellery will sparkle.  The ammonia can be used neat but the hot water seems to help loosen any grime.  Do NOT use on pearls or Mother of pearl jewellery.

Suit or Separates?

Rather than buying a suit for $250 or more, buy the pieces as separates. This can save you $100 to $150. Additionally, buy several pieces that can be mixed and matched. A good quality matching jacket, trousers and skirt (for the ladies!) can be co-ordinated with shirts, t-shirts, jumpers and cardigans to easily increase the number of outfits in your wardrobe.

Dressing a Teenager the Cheapskates Way

Clothing is really important to a lot of teenagers, and they certainly don’t want their parents picking out everything for them, budget or not. However, fashion sense can’t be allowed to dictate the family finances. Still, it is possible to stick to a clothing budget without alienating your teen!

Teens know what they want, but they don’t always know how much it costs. Tell your teens how much you are willing to spend on clothing, then spend some time going through catalogues and internet sites to look at prices. Explain that if they spend half the budget on one pair of jeans…then they’ll be doing a lot of laundry! They might not be thrilled with the budgeted amount, but at least they’ll have the information.

Zipping Up and Down Freely

Tip of the Day

It is time to get the winter woollies out of storage and ready for the coming cold. If you have zip front jackets or hoodies the zip may have become stubborn and sticky over the summer. Just rub a lead pencil up and down both sides of the zipper and it should glide with ease.

Tip of the Day 28 December 2009

Buy your classic clothes in the January sales

Instead of rushing out and buying clothes when you need them, think ahead and plan to do your summer clothes shopping during the January sales. With our temperate climate you can wear summer clothes most of the year, with the addition of a cardigan or lightweight jumper during spring and autumn, leaving heavy woollies and coats for mid-winter. Take advantage of the percentage off sales and stock up on the classics (colour and style), then use trendy accessories to keep them up to date. You'll get better value for your dollar and lower your cost per wear.

Tip of the Day 30 November 2009

New jeans that are as easy to wear as old ones

When you buy new jeans, do the first wash on their own in warm water with your regular detergent and half a cup of table salt. The salt softens the new denim to make it as soft and pliable as your older, well-worn threads. Now your jeans feel as fabulous as they look.

Tip of the Day 2 November 2009

New jeans that are as easy to wear as old ones

When you buy new jeans, do the first wash on their own in warm water with your regular detergent and 1/2 cup of table salt thrown in. The sodium in the coarse crystals softens the new denim to make it as soft and pliable as your older, well-worn threads. Now your jeans feel as fabulous as they look.

Tip of the Day 16 September 2009

Sponge Clean Clothes

Dry cleaning bills can be outrageous, especially for business suits and formal clothes. You can cut your dry cleaning costs by only purchasing clothing that can be washed either in the machine or by hand or by treating small spots and everyday wear yourself. You can cut your dry cleaning by at least a third if you sponge your suits and coats yourself. Hang them in the bathroom while you’re showering and let the steam take the creases away. Invest in a good pressing cloth (under $10) and learn how to properly press trousers and jackets.