budget

shopping

2013 Mother's Day Gift Guide: For the Label Lover

If your mum is partial to designer label (or two) it can be tricky to find her perfect present that won't break the bank.

If your mum is partial to designer label (or two) it can be tricky to find her perfect present that won't break the bank. Well, we've done the (finger) footwork and have found ten gorgeous Mother's Day gifts that will bring the big-brand wow-factor but still sneak in under the $200 mark. From beautiful ear bling to designer silk scarves to keep-forever trinkets, there's bound to be something to delight even the fussies of label lovers inside. . . 

shopping

The Friday Fast 5: Biker Vests Under $60

Itching for a new look, of the non-committal variety?

Itching for a new look, of the non-committal variety? Then may we suggest that you make friends with this trans-seasonal multitasker? A sleeveless jacket, or vest (call it what you will), is the ultimate game-changer; toughening up your silhouette with it's boxy, tomboy-ish appeal sans huge investment or a whole new wardrobe. Our tip is to choose wisely when it comes to fabrications: hard working materials like denim, leather and drill will work best if you really want to show them who's boss. We found five killer styles that you can nab online now (or in-store) for under $60. Your new found 'tude, and wallet, can thank us later. 

shopping

The Friday Fast 5: Denim Shirts Under $60

Much like their more common counterparts (jeans), denim shirts are the kind of versatile wardrobe essential you'll love so much, you'll wonder how you operated without them.

Much like their more common counterparts (jeans), denim shirts are the kind of versatile wardrobe essential you'll love so much, you'll wonder how you operated without them. Like your favourite denim pieces in pants form, these shirts are flattering, versatile, easy to wear, and so comfortable they feel like a second skin. And happily for us, the more popular they get, the more options we have to pick between. But when the prices are this low — we've selected five ace ones, all for under $60 — why not stock up? We guarantee you won't look back. Want more denim? We've got you covered.

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The Style Files: Fashion, On A Budget

I've never been a big spender when it comes to clothing.

I've never been a big spender when it comes to clothing. Don't get me wrong — I love it all and tear through fashion magazines and websites like it's nobody's business. But I like to have fun with my style without blowing the budget. I don't have a clear-cut aesthetic that I stick to — some days I'll go for a more feminine look with a floral dress and heels, others I'll go edgy with an all-black look. I really dress for my moods, but overall you could describe my style as girlie, simple and light-hearted. Chain-stores allow me to try new looks, colours, prints and trends, and I like letting my style evolve that way. Once I've found a look I love, I'll then invest in some quality pieces to make it a long-term reality in my wardrobe.

Since my clothes are so varied, it's pretty essential for me to have a range of jewellery that can complement any outfit — I find that the latest PANDORA collection really nails that side of things for me. Whether it's thin, intricate silver rings that stack like a dream, pretty pendants or beautiful watches, classic jewellery is the one thing I splash out on, because it's so timeless. Want to see what I'm on the hunt for now? Let me show you. . .

Check out all our other Style Files here!

shopping

Fast Friday Buys: Under $50 Fashion Week Survival Kit

We've sorted what we're wearing to fashion week next week, but what about the other essential bits that will see us through?

We've sorted what we're wearing to fashion week next week, but what about the other essential bits that will see us through? We'll be bringing you all the action from the runway, front row and backstage — and all that round-the-clock coverage is made possible by the following (under $50!) genius buys. Wanna see our survival kit? 

collette dinnigan

For the Budget-Concious Bride: 10 Beautiful Wedding Dresses Under $1,500

If you, like a certain celebrity, got engaged over the holidays we'd like to say a big congrats!

If you, like a certain celebrity, got engaged over the holidays we'd like to say a big congrats! Unlike your gran and your next door neighbour and your second cousin Sal we won't start harassing you about a date just yet, but we would like to start the ball rolling on the issue of the dress. If the thought of dropping close to a house deposit on a frock gives you hives, we've got something extra-special for you. There are plenty of gorgeous wedding gowns  that will get jaws dropping as you walk down the aisle and leave you with change from $1,500. Don't believe us? Step inside to see the ten stunners we found from the likes of Collette Dinnigan, Lisa Ho, Rebecca Taylor and Rachel Gilbert.

skin

6 Ways to Look Better Without Spending a Cent

Looking good doesn't have to cost a lot of money.

Looking good doesn't have to cost a lot of money. In fact, it doesn't have to cost a thing. There are plenty of ways to look better without spending a single penny. We talked with top dermatologists, hair stylists, makeup artists, and estheticians to score their secrets for looking your best for the best price of all: free. Read their tips here.

Christmas Gift Guides

2012 Christmas Gift Guides: Last Minute Buys, Under $100

So you haven't started your Christmas shopping — what of it?

So you haven't started your Christmas shopping — what of it? There's only — um — four sleeps until the big day. Totally doable! We've rounded up ten presents ideas that are so darn fab that don't require stocking filler add-ons. Best bit is that these one-gift-wonders are all available in-store now, so you can do one clean sweep of your local mall/Westfield/chain store strip and be finito Benito! On your marks, get set, shop!

shopping

2012 Christmas Gift Guides: Stocking Fillers For Under $50

We don't mean to alarm you, but there are FOUR sleeps until Christmas day.

We don't mean to alarm you, but there are FOUR sleeps until Christmas day. Which means four point five shopping days left to whip that Christmas gift list into order. Relax. We got your back. Tick off those pesky little stocking fillers with some cute finds we've found from our favourite chain stores. Each of the following ten gems are sitting in-stores now (because, let's be real, there's no time left to wait for shipping!), so you can do a lunch-break Westfield dash and done. Like a dinner. Sound good? You can thank us later.