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Credit Crunch

As we all tighten our belts, here are some tips to beat the Credit Crunch ...

If you can't live without your fashion fix, when the going gets tough, the tough raid the high street, so pound the pavement and bag some fetching little numbers fresh from the rack.

Loads of stores are having pre Christmas sales so look out for stores that have begun heavy discounting in a bid to entice shoppers to come out and spend. Also a savvy shopper should check out Martin Lewis' fantastic Money Saving website: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com. You will find tips on how to save yourself money in all area's of your life and there are also Shopping Vouchers here, which can save you up to 20% off a wide range of shops, including Selfridges, New Look, Karen Miller and Gap to name but a few ...

Contemplate alternatives to buying new clothes.

Swapping: Whatsmineisyours is the original and first British fashion swap website, at the forefront of the swapping revolution with members from around the world swapping thousands of items. It has built a name as the style savvy site to visit if you're looking to build up, reduce or simply replace your current wardrobe.

Sharing: a close knit group of mates can share each others clothes! Make sure they will take care of your stuff, otherwise approach with caution. Organise a clothes swap for you and your friends and pick up some decent second hand clothes in return!

Mending: One of the main reasons a lot of people begin to sew is to make their own clothes. Check out http://www.startsewing.co.uk if you are a beginner.

Customising: While it is wonderful to be able to produce your own clothes, embellishing clothes you already own is a bit less scary, and gives you much quicker results than starting from scratch

Web: you can get great prices on line - so bag a bargain on the net.

If you can't live without the occasional splurge on designer clothes, check out http://www.clothesagency.com a website founded by Lady Sara Apsley where the rich and famous can sell their designer cast-offs and the rest of us can scoop a bargain - anyone can log on and buy the clothes. There are some high-street brands, but most of the pieces are designer.

Vintage and Second Hand: this is staple fare for the fashion conscious: Try buying clothes from charity shops, especially everyday basics for work like suits, blouses etc. The savings you can make are huge and because things are so cheap you can try out different looks that you might not have felt bold enough to try otherwise!