Winter bargains to keep the budget-monster at bay

We’ve made a big decision recently with some major financial implications. Gone are the grand knocking-down-walls renovation plans. And thank goodness we already have this year’s big overseas trip paid for, because who knows when the next one will be. However, no woe-is-me here, this is a decision we’re super happy to make and one that feels completely right for us.

I’ll go into all that another day, but right now I’m getting mighty familiar with a budget. Things have been a bit lax on that front, but I’m determined to really knuckle down now, so that I might get my new kitchen before the kids leave home.

If you’re feeling the budget-monster breathing down your neck, but are keen for a little somethin’ somethin’ to snazzy up your wardrobe a little, fear not! Walk into any Westfield at the moment and everything is on sale. Practically anything you want you can find on sale. I love this as a reminder that if you are prepared to be patient and not too picky, you never need to pay full price for anything.

Case in point. These fabulous biker boots I bought back in April. I bought them on sale, when Country Road had 25% off. But had I stayed my hand and kept the plastic holstered, I could have bought them for $75 when I was in Country Road last week! Yes they only had one size, in fact one pair, left, but it was my size!

If that happens to you, then please buy the shoes. It is a sign that angels are smiling on you and want you to be happy.

At this time of year you need to make sure you’re only buying things you can wear when the weather gets warmer, or know that you will still be able to wear next winter. I bought two snoods from Seed at the very end of winter last year for the sort of bargain prices that the one below is. I couldn’t wear them at all last year, but this winter they have been brilliant!

With short sleeve tops and shorts starting to jostle for space on the racks, there’s some serious bargains to be had if your needs match their excess. However be warned, stock and sizes are extremely limited, as you can see from the items that have already sold out since I checked them on Friday!

Budget-friendly outfits

A versatile dress you could dress up or down. Very handy for either sightseeing or dining out while on holiday …

1   Witchery Wrap rib poncho – $56, was $100
2   French Connection Pepper jersey dress – $80, was $150
3   Witchery Piper ankle boot – $112, was $200
4   Seed Ocelot knit snood – $18, was $50

Something to snuggle into on a cold weekend. A few days in the Blue Mountains anyone? …

1   Seed faux fur trim anorak sold out in the couple of days since I last looked (may be available in store), so try similar here.
2   Seed wool ocelot cap – $12, was $40
3   Country Road Mid-rise boyfriend vintage jeans – $35, was $120. Almost sold out, so try similar here.
4   French Connection Lucky cat knit – $64, was $100
5   Forever New Hannah knitted pom pom scarf – $15, was $30

A dress to layer up in the cold or wear with sandals in summer. Those boots say Melbourne cafe culture to me …

1   Forever New Lee check roll sleeve tunic – $45, was $70
2   Witchery Coated crop zip jean – $90, was $130
3   Walnut Greville ankle boot multi-snake – $70, was $100
4   Forever New Emily check blanket scarf – $20, was $35

Or get ready for spring in a t-shirt and sneakers. An ice cream in the sunshine perhaps …

1   Country Road Geometric placement t-shirt sold out in the couple of days since I last looked (may be available in store), so try similar here
2   Forever New Carmen navy stripe midi skirt – $45, was $90
3   Walnut Euro plimsole ink – $25, was $50
4   Country Road Hexagon hoop earrings – $13, was $50

Happy bargain hunting!