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Tough economic times call for a tightening of purse strings, but that doesnt have to spell bad news for your wardrobe. Shopping on a budget gets exciting if you think creatively. Weve asked nine supremely stylish bargain hunters to reveal their top tips, so you can look as good as they do no matter what your budget.
Hannah, 23, from London- Update any dress with a 50’s silhouette. I have the perfect waist clincher belt and ‘bullet’ bra inserts from What Katie Did in Portobello Road.- Do your homework. Look in old design books, this will help you recognise authentic styles and shapes.- Don’t be put off by ‘surface stains.’ A dirty dress can be soaked in hand-wash for hours and emerge sparkling. This playsuit was brown when I found it!
Total Outfit Cost...£80.00
Harriet, 25 from London
- Shop around. You can get the best bargains at markets and car-boot sales. Often items are priced lower than in shops - try and stay until sellers are packing up, I got this coat at a Brighton market for £15.00.- Look for a good condition lining in satin or silk. It will keep you warm and helps maintain the structure of the coat.- Flatter your figure. When in doubt about what style to choose - go for a 40s'/50s' style with a nipped-in waist and full skirt - it will suit any shape.
Total Outfit Cost...£65.00
Cara, 26 from Hove- Know your shops. It’s all about getting to know your local charity shops - if you become friends with the staff they'll let you know when great stuff comes in.- Think Postcodes. The best areas for charity shops are full of rich elderly ladies and not many young people! Definitely travel outside of London - the South coast in particular is fantastic.- Be Subtle. Keep quiet if you discover a gem - I was very cool when I grabbed this Moschino skirt for £5.00.
Total Outfit Cost...£40.00
Jo, 25 from London
- Get on eBay! You can search by era to find great bargains. I use Auction Sniper as it always guarantees I will win the bid.- Change the hem. I like short dresses, so I always take up the hem; it’s so easy and totally changes the look.- Keep necklines high. This is key to the 60s' look - exposing both the legs and the chest is a massive no-no.
Total Outfit Cost...£50.00
Rosie, 24 from London- Choose pearls. Pearls are a great vintage accessory. Real pearls should feel cold to touch and gritty if you rub one on your tooth. Look for knots in between each bead - this will stop them spilling if the string breaks.- Buy separates. I pick up loads of pendants and buy chains separately. This beautiful blue enamel heart cost me just 50p at a market.- Grow a collection. I’m obsessed with bird shapes and have a really lovely collection of earrings and necklaces - it makes rummaging easier if you know what you're looking for.
Total Jewellery Cost...£8.00
Natalie, 25 from London- Don't be afraid to match. A big part of the vintage look is coordination - it makes a look feel more authentic.- Travel. I really love the American look, so a lot of my accessories are from the US. Appliqué bags were really popular in the 50s - they really put a spin on your outfit.- Look at labels. Bakelite and Lucite bags are great to collect and reasonably priced - I get them from This Shop Rocks in Shoreditch and Vintage King in Camden.
Click here for This Shop Rocks
Total Outfit Cost...£85.00
Sophie, 23 from London- Think neutral colours if you want the real English 1940s' look. Grass green, navy, black and brown for winter and pastels and beige for summer.- Get shrinking. Crepe was a common material used for dresses, and it is safe to shrink. If a dress is too big, soak it in 30 degree water and then hang up to dry naturally.- Go to Camden. It's great for 40s' vintage finds. At Lost n Found in Camden you can pick up an original dress for £65.00.
Total Outfit Cost...£75.00
Kate, 32 from London (Managing Director of Beyond Retro)- If you love it, get it. You will never see that piece again and you will never see anyone else wearing it.- Know your prices and your limits. You should have a basic idea of what you are willing to pay. Rare Levi’s jackets can cost up to £1,000 and a floor-length 50s' Dior gown can be £400, but there are real bargains to be had - at Beyond Retro you can get 1940s shoes for around £40.00.- Have fun. Don’t take it too seriously - this is not the high street.
Total Outfit Cost...£100.00
Emma, 25 from Brighton- Check the label. Look for 100% lambs wool - this will be warm and it lasts. Cashmere is more expensive and is very soft and light - look for brands like Pringle and Ballantyne.- Avoid synthetic materials, such as polyester and viscose, as these will make you sweat and will bobble easily.- Change buttons. I collect them as new buttons can totally transform a tired looking cardigan.
Total Outfit Cost...£36.00
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