Tips from the Pros

This month I asked top Stylists and Fashion Insiders what being frugal means to them:

"It's all about about investing in the right fashion items to give your look an expensive 'feel'. A designer bag and good shoes are the first on my list, followed by a good watch and outerwear. I can't afford full price in the shops but regularly make trips to Bicester Village or The Outlets in italy to snap great bargains up to 70%."   
Laura Fantacci, Fashion & Shopping Editor and Red and Editor of Wearing It Today. See one of her posts on Outlet shopping here.

"Rather than scrimp on posh products-look for your favourite brands in supersize or on eBay. You can then get a good ratio of cost per use which, of course, justifies that Frederic Fekkai shampoo!"
Samantha Norman, Beauty PR at Flax PR


"One of my go-to sites when I am looking for a fashion fix is Cocosa. The site runs time-limited sales on a wide range of designer brands for both men and women. My most recent purchase was a classic Equipment silk shirt for £65, a saving of over 70%. Last year I bought an Alexander McQueen coat for £99 (saving 96%), and a Temperley dress for £89 (saving 88%). There is no way I would be able to buy those items at the RRP, but Cocosa means I can get my hands on designer pieces at high-street prices."
Louise Hartrey, Editor of Lou Lou Muses Blog.

The Sophie shirt Louise bought: Equipment, £65 at Cocosa.com

Missoni beanie hat, was £75 now £40, Cocosa

Mary Katrantzou skirt, was £594, now £395, Cocosa

"I love the cinema because if you take your own bottle of water and a
packet of buttons purchased outside the cinema it can be a cheap
relaxing evening!  If you go to the cinema at least once a month it's
worth signing up to membership, or a cinema card: Picturehouse do a
membership for a year for between £27-40, this gets you 3 free
tickets, £2 discount on all other ticket purchases and 10% off
member's food and drink. So as long as you use your free tickets (and
remember to use them on expensive showings like Friday nights and
saturdays) you'll make your money back immediately!  Plus they also do
free screenings occasionally too.  Cineworld do an unlimited card for
£15 a month too - so if you're going over 15 times a year you'll make
your money back again" 

Lorna Burkle, Production and Development Co-ordinator and all round

contributor to The Frugality. See my blogpost on her amazing home

here.

"A stylish living space doesn't have to break the bank. There are some great interiors sites out there that cut out the middle man. So you get great quality furniture at a fraction of the price. I'm a big fan of made.com

If you haven't already taken a look sign up to ACHICA. Whilst they also have great deals on fashion and beauty their Interiors sales are definitely their best. The sales only last for a day or so so you have to keep checking and keep a look out for particular  brands you love. From kitchen gadgets to sofas, it's a must for the savvy shopper."

Hannah Rouch, Founder/Creative Director of STYLENEST 

Little gems I found on Achica (get them before I do!):