Luxe for Less

Last night I enjoyed a heated discussion with my flatmate (a guy, and straight - but one that openly reads Grazia magazine and has a penchant for teaming fitted shirts with trendy jeans), about elements of style and whether or not clothes with obvious labels - think T-shirts that blare D&G logos or Louis Vuitton sneakers - are in fact glamorous or simply garish...? I asserted that the truly stylish buy couture clothes for their material worth, in that they are often made from higher quality fabrics and designed with better cuts, and don't make an effort to flaunt the label. While he was of the opinion that fashion encompasses all types of trends and that label-sporting individuals (if they're indeed wearing real and not fake designer clothing) are just as fashion-conscious.

Lets say I'm right (for argument’s sake!): Can you have style on a bag lady budget?

I think yes. As one who is currently earning less than it costs to feed, house and transport herself (and is in fact eating into savings that have been borrowed from Mumma and Pappa), I am faced with the challenge of putting together funky outfits, simply from the wears in my wardrobe, on a daily basis. And my 'wears' include precious few designer gems. It's all about matching the right sort of fabrics, choosing cuts that suit your shape, and never wearing the same item two days in a row... and yes, that includes your jeans too!

And if you want to hunt for some luxe for less items...

Sydney: You can't beat the Sunny Girl range, for stockists phone +612 9281 8185 or Ladkah Collections on +612 9211 2622

New York: Don't go any further than H&M, phone +1 212 564 9922

London: It's all about Primark - the wonder store, on +44 20 74950420