MeKnows

Saisha Potts of www.cafelamoda.co.uk gives the lowdown on her 5 best tips to save money on fashion in 2012.

1. Shop online

Online shopping is a treasure trove of bargains and discounts waiting to be discovered and knowing which sites to go on could save you bucket-loads. Discount and voucher sites such as My Voucher Codes give generous discounts off many high-street stores and sale-alert sites such as Savvy Circle let you know when the sales have kicked off at a myriad of shops so you never miss out. Sign up to e-mail newsletters from your favourite shops and they’ll alert you to their sales, often linking to preview sales for those on the mailing list, and offer generous discounts throughout the year.

Cocosa is one for the fashionistas with an eye for a designer bargain, with up to 80% off the latest designers and must-know names. The Outnet is another great pick for past season, high-end pieces and operates like an online designer outlet store. And if you’re lucky you might even catch a flash sale or pop-up sale for even bigger discounts.

Price comparison sites such as Cafe La Moda scour the web to find you the best deals and latest offers on hundreds of high street and designer brands. What’s more, these comparison sites can even offer tips and hints on the perfect styles and clothes to suit your body shape and colouring and bring you the latest juicy fashion gossip so that you’re always in the know.

All those places you thought weren’t cool to shop in: charity shops, supermarkets, vintage shops, have never been more of the moment. Vintage and charity shopping has been revived; pick up bargain one-offs and retro designer pieces that you’re guaranteed no one else will have. Supermarkets have really upped the ante with their clothes collections, too. Grab trend-led pieces and catwalk copycats for next to nothing and fool people into thinking that on-trend bag cost thousands when you actually picked it up next to the frozen food aisle!

Never underestimate the bargain power of Ebay – the original and still the best. Not only can you sell your own clothes and make a bundle but you can also find amazing discounts on current and past season high street and designer stock. Ebay is also great for (whisper it) cant-even-tell-it’s-not-real designer knock off handbags and shoes, often in guaranteed real leather or your money back. Check out Ebay Outlets too for huge discounts on brands such as French Connection, LK Bennett and Acne.

Accessories are the best way to add a focal point and update an old outfit. If you’re strapped for cash then don’t worry about splashing out on a whole new collection for the new season; a few accessory updates will see you right through into spring and summer. Scarves and statement colour-pop bags in a rainbow of hues are huge news for spring, or opt for a masculine watch or chunky bangle for a nod towards the catwalks without breaking the bank.

Clothes-swap events are gaining huge popularity across Britain and are an unbeatable way of updating your wardrobe – for free! Take that old dress that doesn’t fit anymore and replace it with a fabulous new number that makes you feel a million bucks. This is the perfect excuse to get the girls around and catch up over a glass of wine and rails of clothes - heaven! Check out Mrs Bear’s Clothes Swap Shop and Big Wardrobe.