Autumn / Winter 2012 on a budget <sob>

[NoHank]

Hello everyone,

my first post in style and beauty but I could really do with some help.

I was made redundent a few months ago so our disposable income has dropped siginificantly. I would love to buy some new key pieces - think boots, jacket etc. that would last me through the winter months but the truth is I haven't got the foggiest what to buy, where to buy it, how to wear it.

I am never the best shopper at the best of times, have no idea what is stylish or what I might suit and usually end up panic buying something I have seen look good on someone else then regret it or never wear it. This year I can't afford to get it wrong as what ever I buy will have to last and will hopefully be versatile enough to mix and match.

Help, please!

I can't help but I need to know all that too!

I was thinking of knitting a lovely slouchy cable jumper. A hobby and jumper in one!

Why not audit your wardrobe first and see what you don't wear anymore and consider selling it via ebay if you think that label sells?

I would be more inclined to spend the most on boots and then economise more for the rest.

Try TK Maxx in store/online for boots at good prices and coats and jackets.

See, I didn't even know you could order online for TK Maxx

So what is the best style, type of boot to go for? And what else should I be looking at? Yes I really need that much guidance!

If you're on a budget, keep it classic with a nod to the trends...

Colours: Berry reds, dark greens, camel and black with a twist.
Trends: Peplum is still here (bleurgh), straight leg or skinny jeans, cigarette length (always around). Baroque is going to be key, so glam it up, lace, embellished collars.. Fur, animal prints...

So, mix your classic pieces with something cheaper and on trend, ie, Buy a tan leather jacket and team with these berry or dark green jeans. I've got them in loads of colours and they're fab for flats or with boots (long or ankle).

This sequin jacket with denim jeans is a fab wardrobe staple for day or evening.

this stud collar can go over blouses or jumpers with jeans....or try something like this with your current trousers.

In terms of fur, I've got a snood which goes over jumpers, jackets and coats.... tis fab.

Hope that helps.........

Have you already got boots that could be resoled?

Have a look on pinterest for ideas. You'll get to see what kind of looks you consistently like, and should go for.

The Dressipi website is a free online stylist - enter your measurements and it tells you what styles suit.

Second the ebay idea. Free listings from tomorrow. Depends on the brand/item, but worth a shot. Also buy on ebay. I'm getting my winter jumpers that way.

Charity shops? Depends what yours are like. My best buy was a Joules cashmere cardi for £6.

Buy from Very - you can pay in installments, if that helps.

Thank you! Exactly the kind of help I need. Those trousers look ideal, I should be able to invest in a couple of pairs. And thanks for the tips on colours / trends. I currently spend my days running after children (am childminding at present) and as of next week, back on the school run, so really not up to date on what's "in" or not. I'm not exactly a slave to fashion but would like to look like I have at least seen the inside of a shop in the last 10 years.

Don't think I can stretch to a new leather jacket but I do have an old one similar to this but a little bit longer and is black and leather.

Re boots, I do have quite a few pairs, I love my boots, but never seem to find the right ones. A couple need re heeling and I may sell them on ebay. To be honest my wardrobe is already pretty minimal, I have regular clear outs because I never seem to be happy with the clothes I have.

I'll give the Dressipi site a go - as well as not knowing what is in fashion I also don't know what suits me. My friends think there is something wrong with me as I really don't like shopping, I'm always scared of getting wrong. And I've got a couple of wedding receptions coming up that I need an outfit for and I have no idea what to go for

I would second selling and buying on eBay. Make a list of what you are after and look for just that - dont get distracted! Easily done. As I am on a major diet I am funding my winter wardrobe by selling my bigger clothes then buying smaller ones on eBay. They wont be worn for too long hopefully. TKMaxx is also great, you never know what you might find.

For basics try Matalan.They have fantastic zip backed loose t shirts in several colours that are lovely on.They're leggings are also good,as are some of the plain tunics.For coats and boots etc. you need to buy better quality items.Tk Maxx is the place.Its also brilliant for beautiful scarves at really good prices.Matalan and M and s have some good costume jewellery or try your local charity shops.Save money to buy good quality items in the sales.For example Brora thermal tops are lovely to wear and wash and last really well.Wrap have lovely tunics in the sale now.

If I were in your situation I would buy nothing right now - you will get lovely things for much less if you wait until the sales. I do recommend reading the book 'You are what you wear' - it might help you to avoid purchases that are a mistakes and to find your true style.

I am a relentless thrift and charity shopper. Items scored this summer: a good unworn denim jacket, an unworn black velvet blazer, an ivory silk blouse and a vintage mink stole. I find I often find better quality pieces there than in the shops.

The book here.

Sorry to hear about the redundancy .

I buy a lot on eBay. In order to avoid costly mistakes I try stuff on in the shops and then try to find on eBay. For example I like warehouse ultra skinny jeans. Last winter I bought a berry coloured pair for £7 including postage and a teal pair for £5 incl postage. I have worn both to death.

I also bought a Dorothy Perkins current lace pencil dress for £5, I had tried it on in the shop and knew it fitted and had been particularly looking out for one.

I love FC jersey dresses, they do the same one in different sleeve lengths and prints. I look out for those on eBay too.

I like madamecholets collars, I'm going to look out for one.

I've lost a lot of weight, and need to totally restock my wardrobe. Unfortunately, what is in there already won't fetch a lot of money as I've been stuck in fat, skint mummy mode for a long time. I'm selling what I can to fund a new wardrobe.

LOVE those collars. Particularly the pearly Peter pan one.

So, those £15 h&m cords...are they ok?! Wondering whether to get some of those, or go for better quality skinnies, but from eBay for example.

Thanks everyone - I have already bought a few bits and pieces from ebay but it tends to be a bit hit and miss. That's a good idea about trying on the items first in the shop to make sure of the fit / style. I might start trying that.

I think my main problem is that I don't know what my style is! And I should by my age. Need to check out that book

I'm off out this afternoon to try find an outfit for my 2 upcoming wedding receptions - sigh. What I really need is a stylist / personal shopper