Bargain Shopper Blog

If you’re anything like me, in the lead up to Valentine’s Day you’ll tell anyone who listens that it’s a meaningless, consumer-driven event that doesn’t deserve recognition. Then on the day itself you pore over the love messages published in the newspapers and are secretly upset when no flowers arrive on your desk. So this year I’ve been pro-active and come up with some cheap Valentine's Day gift ideas with which to share the love.

Bargain gifts for girls
Most girls don’t need to be wined, dined or swept off their feet on Valentine’s Day – they just want the date acknowledged!
• Love letters: What could be more romantic than a personalised poem, love letter or song for your lady? Serious or funny, with references to her special qualities and quirks, this gift from the heart is sure to make her swoon.
• Homemade pamper pack: Hit the local market or beauty outlet stores for a bar of homemade soap, a cheap shower puff or set of exfoliating gloves, shower gel and moisturiser and a single-treatment face mask sachet from the supermarket or pharmacy. Run a bath for her when she gets home and have a glass of wine ready!
• Romantic night in: Hire a DVD from your local rental or buy a cheap film for next to nothing at the likes of JB Hi Fi or Big W. Stock up on popcorn, soft drink and a selection of small pick-and-mix chocolates for some tasty show time treats then sit back and enjoy.
• Small and lacy: Spoil the girl in your life with a cute lingerie or PJ set. This doesn’t have to cost the earth; visit outlet stores at DFO such as Peter Alexander for some fantastic bargains on past season goods.
• Roses are red: Traditional doesn’t mean boring! A bunch of flowers, a single rose or even a posy picked from the garden will melt her heart and score you brownie points for the rest of the year.

Bargain gifts for boys
When it comes to romantic gifts, guys can be a little bit trickier to buy for. Forget about the schmaltz factor and just do something for him that you know he’ll love!
• Sweet treats: It’s said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Give this tactic a go and bake him some cookies, a cake or maybe his favourite dessert. Presentation counts so don’t forget to have some cellophane and ribbon on hand to wrap the completed goodies.
• Dinner for two: Forget an expensive restaurant; cook your man’s favourite meal! Light some candles; hit ‘play’ on some mood music and pop the cork on a nice bottle of wine.
• Cheese please: In keeping with the food theme, prepare a hamper for him with a selection of deli cheeses and seasonal fruits, all of which can be bought at the local markets. Complement this with a bottle of red wine and some crackers and you’ve got yourself a cheesy picnic.
• Gift vouchers: But not for his local book store... Customise a book of coupons with services you can provide. A free massage, cuddles on demand – this is a winner for both of you!
• Practical gifts: Consider your man’s hobbies: the football player might enjoy a new ball that you can kick around in the park together; the amateur chef might like a new utensil for the kitchen. While this isn’t necessarily the most romantic gift, he’ll appreciate the thought and love it all the same.

What are you planning to do for your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Comment on this post or email bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au

With only seventeen days left until Santa arrives, the countdown to Christmas is officially on. As a smug bargain shopper who has not only bought all her Christmas presents, but wrapped most of them too, here are a few tips and gift ideas to help those of you that are lagging behind.

Before you set out...

Compile a list of who you’re buying for, your budget and some gift ideas. Wandering aimlessly through a shopping centre at crazy o’clock on the eve of Christmas Eve makes you desperate; you’ll probably end up spending much more than you intended just to end the ordeal. If you have some ideas up your sleeve, you’re more likely to complete the job in less time and with less detriment to your purse.

Once you have an idea of what you plan to buy, compare prices. Visit the websites of different brands and check the catalogues that arrive daily in your letterbox. Another great source of such information, www.lasoo.com.au features the current catalogues of stores such as Myer, Big W and Target, helping you find the best deals before hitting the shops. Many shops will better a competitor’s price in order to obtain your business. Have the discounted price quoted in writing and take it to the store that was originally cheaper to barter their price down further. You will be surprised how much you can save as the stores compete to better each other’s prices.

Bargain gifts for girls

Candles: Girls of any age will appreciate such a sweet gift. Visit Kit Cosmetics for a great selection from a range of price points, with lovely scented candles starting from around $20.
Beauty products: While online sites such as www.strawberrynet.com provide the best deals, it pays to keep an eye on the rotating sales at department stores such as Myer and David Jones, both of which regularly offer special prices for fragrances and cosmetics. Also check out brand name outlets such as Crabtree & Evelyn, The Body Shop and Natio which offer bargains year round.
Accessories: A beautiful scarf need not be pricey; check out high street stores such as Sportsgirl and Witchery where you’ll pick something up for around $30-$40.
Tea sets: A great gift is something you’d love to have but would never buy for yourself, such as a tea set! Find some affordable but gorgeous pieces at T2 or the Made in Japan outlet.
Books, CDs and DVDs: If my own behaviour is like that of other women, I rarely buy any of these three items for myself but love to receive them as gifts. Visit JB Hi Fi for the lowest priced DVDs and CDs and check out Big W and Borders for a great range of books. Again, always compare prices by checking catalogues and store websites.
PJs: Who wouldn’t welcome a fresh new nightie or pyjama set in their stocking? Again hit the outlets of your favourite brands, such as Peter Alexander at DFO, where you’ll find great reductions on past season stock.

Bargain gifts for boys

Accessories: Consider ties, belts, scarves or hats as stocking fillers for guys — all of which can be found at most factory outlets for under $20.
Wine and beer: Let’s face it – sometimes the best gifts are those we can drink! Buy your man a slab of his favourite beer or perhaps a wine hamper from sites such as www.prospectwines.com.au
Beauty products: Just like the girls, guys like to smell nice! Help him out with his favourite scent; a good starting point is Priceline or Chemist Warehouse, where you’ll find designer fragrances from as low as $10!
Sporting goods: Whether buying for your dad, boyfriend, brother or friend, chances are there’s a particular sport that takes his fancy. For the golf-lover, for example, golf balls, golf tees and gloves are a godsend when it comes to finding the perfect gift.
Clothes: Sometimes considered a dull gift, something for his wardrobe may be welcomed by the man who hates to shop. After all, it keeps him from doing it himself! Check out the Country Road and Witchery Man outlets, as well as any other brands he loves. Make sure to check the sizing of his existing clothes before you hit the shops.

For next year...

Whenever you come across a fabulous sale or an unbelievable factory outlet, consider if anything could be stockpiled for Christmas gifts. Not only does this alleviate the last-minute present-rush pressure, it increases the chances of scoring a bargain and reduces the squeeze you will feel on your wallet. For the super-organised, the Boxing Day sales are a great time to buy all your gifts and wrapping paper for the coming year.

What are your Christmas shopping strategies and tips? Comment below or email bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au

Follow these easy tips to ensure you buy the right pieces for the right price.

Investment portfolio
We’ve all heard this advice a million times but once more may make the difference: for a truly efficient wardrobe buy investment pieces that promise longevity and versatility. Once you’ve invested in a structured jacket or blazer, well-fitting jeans, an A-line skirt, crisp white shirt, wear-anywhere dress and black woollen cardigan, you can brighten up your outfits with an array of colourful accessories.

Accessorise
For most women, the first thing we notice on a girlfriend is her accessories: her jewellery, shoes, bag or scarf. It is these pieces that make or break an outfit, giving it a unique appeal either way. Scour op shops for a one-off bargain or hit the accessories racks of chain stores such as Sportsgirl, Diva, Dotti and Equip.

Plan ahead
To save money, figure out which pieces you actually need for your lifestyle and then scope out the sales to find them. That way you will avoid having a closet full of clothes that you only wear once. Scrutinise your wardrobe and make a list of what is missing. Begin by visiting the websites of your favourite stores, or the brands most likely to carry what you need. Online shopping is also your chance to compare prices and secure the best deal.

Shop often
Many of us went on shopping hiatus during the global financial crisis to avoid the credit crunch. When it came time to replenish our wardrobes, however, we had forgotten how to shop! If you shop often — even if you don’t need to actually buy anything — you'll have an informed idea of what's available and on trend.

The occasional splurge
Though I risk the wrath of the bargain shopping gods by suggesting this, if one super special item catches your eye don’t be afraid to treat yourself. A classic bag, glamorous pair of shoes or designer pair of sunnies will uplift any outfit and is therefore worth the investment. On the rare occasion that you do break the bargain barrier, make sure you consider all the essential shopping points such as wearability, cost per wear and versatility to ensure your purchase is wise.

What are your bargain shopping rules? Comment on this post or email bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au

Winter has more than arrived and our summer outfits have disappeared into hibernation. Hard as it is to get out of bed on these frosty mornings, for me it’s even harder finding something to wear. In summer I’m happy to throw on a sun dress and thongs; in winter it’s all about socks, tights, long sleeved tops, jackets, gloves and hats…

As with all my bargain fashion decisions, in winter I calculate value for money according to cost per wear. I might spend a small fortune on a dress, but if I wear it to death then the expense is justified. If, on the other hand, I buy a cheap item but rarely wear it, my pocket change was wasted. There are certain items in my wardrobe that fit into the first category — where items practically pay for themselves given how often I wear them. Here are my top five priceless pieces that are getting a good workout right now:

1. Black cotton leggings. These are a pivotal part of my winter uniform. I wear them with everything — summer dresses, winter dresses, oversized shirts. Just call me liquorice legs.
2. Fine wool cardigans. Country Road and Witchery do great basic cardis that can be worn year-round; I own them in black and grey so am pretty much covered for every outfit.
3. Flat leather boots. Heeled versions might look nicer, but when all’s said and done I’m a lazy girl who prefers to be comfortable when it’s cold. Worn over leggings or jeans, with dresses or skirts, these are a winner in any colour (though I favour black and brown).
4. A silk party dress. It’s tricky to look pretty in winter, thanks to the bulk of layers. Thank goodness for my long-sleeve cream silk dress (picked up at a Bettina Liano sale) that I can dress up with stockings, heels and a belt, or dress down with leggings.
5. Ugg Boots. Not exactly a fashion statement but Uggs are the perfect footwear to come home to at night or wear on the way to yoga.

What items in your wardrobe are worth their weight in gold in the colder months? Comment on the Bargain Shopper blog or email bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au

Though I consider myself a highly skilled bargain shopper, I must admit there are several things I’ve purchased on sale that have delivered zero value for money. Sure, a deal or steal is fantastic in theory — as long as there’s a place for it in your life.

Cost per wear
No matter how amazing a bargain you uncover, there’s no point buying something if you never end up using it. For example, if you buy a T-shirt on sale for $5 but never wear it, you have wasted $5. Not a huge amount but it all adds up!

Caught up in the excitement of a sale, I’m sure many of us are guilty of falling madly in love with a particular item and becoming blind to its inappropriateness. Whether it’s a size too small, does nothing for your figure or is just plain wrong, certain items should never leave the dress rack. I’m guilty of all these faults. I once bought a beautiful Witchery silk dress that was two sizes too big, having convinced myself that a belt would solve the problem. In the end, the only person to get any wear out of it was the mannequin I used to help sell the dress on eBay years later.

To avoid such blunders, ask yourself a few questions before heading to the cash register. Does the item fit perfectly? Is it flattering — both in colour and style? Does the item go with more than three things in your wardrobe? How often will you wear it? Can you wash it at home or will it be at the dry-cleaners every weekend? Only once you have answered these questions should you even consider forking out your hard-earned cash.

Be prepared
There’s no point entering a sale aimlessly — you’ll just end up buying things you don’t need that take up precious wardrobe space. To save money, figure out which fashion pieces you actually need for your lifestyle then check out the sales to find them. Go forth with a clear list and mark off the missing items as you go.

As a regular visitor to sales, I should have a complete wardrobe by now — sadly, this is not the case. I have hundreds of dresses but no trousers, jeans, neutral heels or sandals. I always head straight to the pretty dresses — meanwhile I have nothing to wear with them.

Classic blunders
There are certain rules to follow when shopping at sales to ensure you’re scoring a true bargain. Too often we convince ourselves that we can fix a faulty item once we have it home. Shopping for clothes is like relationships: you shouldn’t think you can change them into something they’re not!

Rule 1: Cheap shoes are never a good idea
Cheap shoes made from synthetic materials will not only hurt your feet; they’ll also fall apart after a few wears. A good pair of soles — and genuine leather — will last years and provide a much better cost-per-wear ratio.

Rule 2: Solid foundation
How many times have you found an item with a button missing or a tiny hole, but bought it regardless? Sure, minor adjustments can always be made but if the stitching is poor or damaged, the garment is no good. I once bought a designer top at a sale — the only one of its kind with all the buttons and stitching intact. I failed to take this as a sign that it would inevitably fall apart as well (which sure enough it did).

Rule 3: Try before you buy
No matter how long the queue, always wait for the change room. Sales often feature a no-returns policy, so if you truly love the item try it on. Big sales often have communal change rooms, so be sure to wear good underwear that will work with any outfit. And once you’re in the change room — BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. If you’re never going to wear it, don’t buy it. It’s as simple as that.

What sales faux pas have you made? Comment on the Bargain Shopper blog or email bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au

Bargain Shoppers Guide to Melbourne editor, Beth Anderson, shared her hottest bargain shopping tips for Christmas on Channel 7’s Today Tonight program on Monday 23 November.

Christmas is nearly upon us, and while everyone is looking forward to getting together with family, slicing the ham and cracking open the champagne, Australian families are not looking forward to outlaying hundreds in hard-earned cash on Christmas presents. With interest rates on the rise and a recovering economy, families around the country are rethinking their Christmas spend this year.

But to those families who are concerned about blowing their budget on Christmas presents this year, Bargain Shoppers Guide to Melbourne editor Beth Anderson says — never fear

Gift-giving is such an important part of the Christmas tradition, and, thankfully, there are ways you can find the best quality Christmas presents at bargain prices, leaving you with plenty of money left over to enjoy yourself over Christmas and New Year. 

Hear what Beth had to say on Today Tonight about where, when, how and what presents to buy for loved ones this Christmas – on a budget.

Also, follow Bargain Shoppers on Twitter to find out about the best sales in the lead up to Christmas! Follow BargainGuide for Melbourne and BargainGuru for Sydney.

I must be slipping up; a new DFO outlet has been open more than a week and I’ve only just made my first visit! A Cheltenham DFO girl at heart, I’ve nonetheless enjoyed my forays into the bargain worlds of Essendon and Spencer Street and have now familiarised myself with the offerings of South Wharf. This new site in the Docklands, officially launched on Wednesday 14th October, will now replace Spencer Street as the third Victorian (and eighth national) installation in the DFO network. (And for those of you wondering, the Spencer Street site has now reverted to a regular retail mall.)

Truth be told, a visit to the centre at the moment doesn’t do it justice. Not all the stores have opened their doors but judging by the signs on the windows, there will be plenty to choose from. In the fashion stakes, the likes of Witchery, Country Road, Peter Alexander and Mimco are already open; I also spotted (and was excited by) Decjuba, Marcs and Seduce. On the homewares front there’s Bed Bath N Table, Sheridan and Pure Zone as well as General Trader, Provincial Home Living and more. And from what I understand, a Homemaker Hub will also be attached, with the likes of The Good Guys and JB Hi Fi on board.

At present the exterior at least still resembles something of a construction site. Entering as I did from what was probably the most irrational direction, I still enjoyed a nice stroll along the docks and dutifully followed the signs pointing to my shopping destination.

Over the next few weeks I’m sure we’ll see more stores opening, just in time for the Christmas rush! For more info check out www.dfo.com.au