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Since the 2008/ 09 global recession hit, you’ve been urged by financial institutions, friends and family to save, save, save. And although it makes good financial sense, many fashionistas either choose to ignore their advice (because you just have to buy the latest winter boots), postpone starting to save until next season or until you get a pay increase.
Procrastinating won’t keep your bank balance in check. So, instead of begrudgingly changing your financial habits, why not get a little creative by taking a look inside your cupboard – or your friends’ - and use what you have already instead of hitting the mall armed with your credit card?
In fact, an ‘anti-bling’ pop culture that encourages trendsetters to re-use, instead of buy new, is fast catching on among savvy young South Africans. “Clothes swapping parties, upcyling t-shirts or sneakers and fixing things are fun ways to save money, and keep you looking trendy,” says Charl Nel, a communications strategist.
Indianna Harris, founder of NiceFinds shares her top five tips to getting a new wardrobe, for free:
1. Swap instead of shop: Swapping clothes is a fun way of giving your wardrobe a quick, free, make-over. It costs nothing; helps you spring clean your home or closet and is a frugal way of acquiring ‘new’ things – without the price tag. To host a swapping party, simply invite a few friends around, ask them to bring gently used items they no longer use or have ever worn and enjoy swapping for some new outfits!
2. Care for what you’ve got: Nothing ruins a look quicker than a hanging hem thread, a loose button or a creased shirt. While investing in quality items such as jackets and jeans is good, make sure you maintain the items as seasons change.
Why not learn how to sow a button and give an old jacket a new look or learn how to make your own scarves and accessories?
Here are some quick tips:
• Always read the labels to ensure you care for your items properly when washing and ironing.
• Ironing garments on the reverse side also prevents them from becoming shiny.
Clever maintenance and a small investment of time can go a long way in keeping your wardrobe in style.
3. Try something new: There are no limits to creative ways of wearing what you’ve already got in your cupboard. Try different combinations from what you’re used to: use a nice scarf as a belt or head piece or try out different vintage looks with some of your old items.
4. Check out charity shops: There’s nothing quite like a nice find – and if you like snooping around for bargains, charity shops are the way to go. Another good tip is to wear a nice waist belt with some of those ‘just too big’ tops. And don’t be scared, someone once loved that top, just pop it in the wash when you get home and it’s as good as new.
5. Copy crafty people: If you’re really stuck for ideas or feeling uninspired, there are numerous good places to find unique fashion ideas that won’t cost you a cent. There are some very easy tutorials online where you can find crafty people sharing unique fashion tips and ideas such as www.threadbanger.com or www.craftster.org.
You don’t need to spend a lot to have a good, quality life. Finding creative and unconventional ways to save money – be it by upcycling your wardrobe or swapping clothes with friends – will go a long way in helping you live a more financially flush and debt-free life.
Got more style-savvy, money saving tips? Share them with our readers below.
Procrastinating won’t keep your bank balance in check. So, instead of begrudgingly changing your financial habits, why not get a little creative by taking a look inside your cupboard – or your friends’ - and use what you have already instead of hitting the mall armed with your credit card?
In fact, an ‘anti-bling’ pop culture that encourages trendsetters to re-use, instead of buy new, is fast catching on among savvy young South Africans. “Clothes swapping parties, upcyling t-shirts or sneakers and fixing things are fun ways to save money, and keep you looking trendy,” says Charl Nel, a communications strategist.
Indianna Harris, founder of NiceFinds shares her top five tips to getting a new wardrobe, for free:
1. Swap instead of shop: Swapping clothes is a fun way of giving your wardrobe a quick, free, make-over. It costs nothing; helps you spring clean your home or closet and is a frugal way of acquiring ‘new’ things – without the price tag. To host a swapping party, simply invite a few friends around, ask them to bring gently used items they no longer use or have ever worn and enjoy swapping for some new outfits!
2. Care for what you’ve got: Nothing ruins a look quicker than a hanging hem thread, a loose button or a creased shirt. While investing in quality items such as jackets and jeans is good, make sure you maintain the items as seasons change.
Why not learn how to sow a button and give an old jacket a new look or learn how to make your own scarves and accessories?
Here are some quick tips:
• Always read the labels to ensure you care for your items properly when washing and ironing.
• Ironing garments on the reverse side also prevents them from becoming shiny.
Clever maintenance and a small investment of time can go a long way in keeping your wardrobe in style.
3. Try something new: There are no limits to creative ways of wearing what you’ve already got in your cupboard. Try different combinations from what you’re used to: use a nice scarf as a belt or head piece or try out different vintage looks with some of your old items.
4. Check out charity shops: There’s nothing quite like a nice find – and if you like snooping around for bargains, charity shops are the way to go. Another good tip is to wear a nice waist belt with some of those ‘just too big’ tops. And don’t be scared, someone once loved that top, just pop it in the wash when you get home and it’s as good as new.
5. Copy crafty people: If you’re really stuck for ideas or feeling uninspired, there are numerous good places to find unique fashion ideas that won’t cost you a cent. There are some very easy tutorials online where you can find crafty people sharing unique fashion tips and ideas such as www.threadbanger.com or www.craftster.org.
You don’t need to spend a lot to have a good, quality life. Finding creative and unconventional ways to save money – be it by upcycling your wardrobe or swapping clothes with friends – will go a long way in helping you live a more financially flush and debt-free life.
Got more style-savvy, money saving tips? Share them with our readers below.
