Bargain Shopper Blog

“Hauling” is the latest trend amongst brag-happy bargain shoppers. So what’s it all about? Alissa Nasti investigates 

For a bargain shopper, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as dragging shiny new purchases back home, dumping them on the bed and going through them one by one. My favourite part of shopping happens as soon as I get home and I get to gloat about all the awesome stuff I bought and all the money I saved. And everyone knows gloating is way more satisfying when done in good company. My long-suffering boyfriend has had to sit through many a self-commentated catwalk show – “I scored these boots for sixty per cent off! How awesome is that?? And see how well they go with this tunic I got at that clearance sale? Do you like the colour? And what about these shorts? I know it’s the middle of winter but they looked so good on I couldn’t resist...”

Strangely enough, it turns out this phenomenon has both a name and a much more captive audience than my boyfriend.

“Hauling” is exactly what I described above, only it exists in the world of YouTube. After shopping sprees at budget fashion stores like Forever 21, H&M, and Target, haulers — most of whom are based in the US — tape themselves going through their purchases (or “haul”), explaining in detail what each item is, why they bought it and how much they bought it for.

Sound tedious and maybe a bit bratty? Millions of viewers would disagree. Bubbly 18-year-old Blair Fowler — aka juicystar07 — is YouTube’s queen of haul, posting hundreds of videos dedicated to her shopping habit on her hugely popular channel, which has had an unbelievable 52 million views. She has even been featured on Good Morning America and now has her own mobile phone accessories line. Not bad for bargain-obsessed teen fashionista.

Juicystar07


Blair is just one of thousands of YouTube haulers who obsessively catalogue their bargains; users ricebunny, CityandMakeup are also hugely popular, while DulceCandy87 posts beauty supply hauls that attract hundreds of thousands of views within hours.

Clearly, we bargain shoppers are a supportive lot — there’s something captivating and even inspiring about watching other bargain shoppers obsessively catalogue their deals.


DulceCandy87


But beyond that, I’m unclear what value viewers get out of YouTube hauls. Those lucky enough to live next to a Forever 21 can take advantage of some hot sale tips, I suppose, but for the rest of us it’s purely vicarious – and pointless. I’d much rather go score a haul of my own than watch somebody else rejoice over theirs. Now I know how my boyfriend feels!

What about you? Do you haul? Can you see the appeal in it? Or do you think it’s nothing more than bragging?

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

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

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

Australian shoppers have been crying out for a low cost alternative to buying from supermarket giants. Now, with the opening of budget groceries and goods retailer Costco in Melbourne, locals there have had their wishes granted. But are the savings as good as they say?

US mega-retailer Costco has landed in Melbourne, promising to fulfil the dreams of cash-strapped shoppers by selling top brand products at wholesale prices. Bargain shoppers can buy everything from supermarket items to designer goods (that's right — you can buy a Louis Vuitton handbag with your loaf of bread!). Along with food, clothing and accessories there are nappies, appliances, TVs, automotive supplies and just about everything in between — all for well below recommended retail price.

While the savings made by shopping at Costco are written on the wall, there are a few catches that shoppers need to be aware of, which — depending on your situation — may outweigh the positives of paying less.

Membership fees
Costco is a shopping club, which means to shop there you must pay an upfront (and annual) fee of $60. Paying money to spend money? It sounds crazy, but for regular Costco shoppers the fee ultimately doesn’t amount to much, as the money is fairly quickly redeemed in savings on their grocery bill. The key is to shop at Costco often (at least once a month) to get the most out of your membership. If you only shop there once a year, it may not be worth it. Charging a membership fee is a clever way for Costco to ensure shoppers return to the store regularly.

Also, for every membership card bought, a second card can be given to a friend or family member living at the same residence for free. In effect, for many people the membership fee really only costs $30.

Buying in bulk
Buying in bulk may suit families who live in houses with plenty of storage space. But for singles, couples, students and anyone living in smaller apartments, buying in bulk is difficult. Where do you put the tower of 96 rolls of toilet paper in your one-bedroom flat? The answer — if you’re still keen to bulk up — is to shop with friends. But beware of the Costco rules…

Shopping with friends
While Costco only allows members to make purchases at their store, members are welcome to take two friends along with them for the ride. Regular Costco shopper in the US, Fiona, says that there’s no stopping a large group of friends with two or three Costco memberships between them doing their weekly groceries and divvying the purchases once they leave the store. “It takes a bit of organising, but it’s worth it in the end,” she says.

Worth the drive?
Costco is located at Melbourne Docklands, the equivalent of Sydney’s Darling Harbour, which means for people living out of town the cost of petrol and tolls to drive to Costco might add those dollars saved back onto your grocery bill. Try car-pooling with other Costco members from your area to make the trip worthwhile (and make sure you have a big car boot!). Also keep an eye on the time: parking is free for the first two hours, then $5 per hour thereafter.

No frills
The reason Costco is able to keep prices so low is that they have a no-frills approach, reducing overheads to a bare minimum. These savings are then passed onto the customer. But with low prices comes a low level of luxury. Costco sells clothing, but has no change rooms; and if you’re in a rush, there’s no express checkout to put you through speedily. Shop with low expectations, and you won’t be disappointed.

Sydney warehouse
Before all of you bargain hungry Sydneysiders pack your bags and hit the road to Melbourne, try holding out until the end of next year. While nothing is set in stone yet, the wheels are in motion to open a Costco outlet in Sydney in late 2010. The proposed address is 15-21 Parramatta Rd, Auburn — a much shorter drive than Melbourne!

Have you shopped at Costco? What are the pros and cons in your view? Submit your comment or email bargainguru@universalmagazines.com.au

Fashion fever is in the air in Sydney as the Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival (RSFF) gets ready to kick off its heels on Monday 17 August. If you thought the closest you’d get to the RSFF catwalks was admiring fashion pics in the newspaper and staring awestruck at on-screen clips of designer-clad runway models — think again. There are plenty of ways for bargain hunting fashionistas like ourselves to get involved in ‘eyeing and buying’ the high-end fashion on show at the RSFF.

First, there’s the Fashion Festival Buddy — an über chic little guide with over $500 redeemable value inside. Pick up one of these from the CBD stores of participating retailers (such as David Lawrence, Lisa Ho, Seafolly and Myer, to name a few) to cash in on some awesome fashion savings.

Next is a range of free and next-to-nothing fashion exhibitions, parades, beauty demonstrations and talks by major fashion designers. Bargain Shoppers Guide to Sydney is not going to miss In Conversation with Leona Edmiston, where the Australian Frock Queen will discuss key pieces and personal favourites among her own collection (Thursday 22 August).

Alternatively you can park yourself in front of the plasma screens at Ardino Salon (40 Oxford Street, Paddington) for free 24-hour footage of the latest fashion hitting the Martin Place catwalks. Check out the RSFF website’s official schedule for more details.

Last but not least — and our favourite pick of the bunch — is the Emerging Designer Markets held at the Fringe Bar on Saturday 22 August. Festival organisers have hand-picked 20 up-and-coming fashion designers (including Perspective Apparel, Palosanto and Rasberry Beret) to showcase their designs at this event, and you’ll find their unique creations, fresh from the sewing machine, on sale here for generally between 20 and 50 per cent less than recommended retail prices. Now, it’s one thing to brag about a well-known label bargain, but it’s another thing altogether to say you snapped up the next big thing in fashion for a great price. Pencil this one into your calendar, immediately.

There you have it, ladies. Now there’s no excuse not to hit the catwalks this coming week.

I’m in a pickle. In the next few months I have no less than five weddings to attend (none of which are my own, mind you) and I have no idea what I’m going to wear. A few ceremonies will be in winter, a few in spring; some will be indoors, and some outside. What’s more, the same circle of friends will be lining the pews at each wedding. How am I going to look like a glamour princess at each event without blowing my life savings on five separate outfits?

I could lash out and buy one killer dress to wear to all weddings, but then I risk becoming the Where’s Wally in all my friends’ photo albums. Or I could buy five so-so inexpensive frocks, but then I’d probably end up blending in with the reception venue carpet.

Then, like a bouquet of roses over the head, the answer hit me.

Fashion rental! Just as groomsmen hire their suits, I could rent my five stunning kits from some of the numerous fashion-for-hire services that have appeared online in the past few years. And it’s tradition to wear “something borrowed” to a wedding, right?

My only worry was, being a rental novice, could I be sure to find frocks, clutches and accessories that’ll turn heads without having to pay in the thousands? Can I find diamonds for diamante prices?

The high-fashion rental trend hit Australia in 2006 and has been growing steadily ever since. Renting out stellar designer pieces for a fraction of the retail price for a day, week or month met the needs of label lovers who wanted to keep their wardrobes up to date without going into the red. Web-based stores such as Mila & Eddie, which offers designer handbags for hire, and Love Me & Leave Me, which stocks all kinds of fashion accessories for rent, started cropping up everywhere; and then in 2008 when Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw discovered the rental phenomenon, the craze boomed.

But can you still hire fantastic frocks and all the frills while on a genuine budget?

After a brief wedding march down the internet aisles, I discovered that — yes, you can. At Style 4 Hire I found a Coach clutch in baby pink for just $21 (rrp $300) to hire for the week, and at Dressed Up I spotted a stunning Rachel Gilbert black mini dress for $109 (rrp $595) also for the week. At Wish to Wear I found a pair of Prada heels for $49.95 per week ($59.95 per week for guests) and at Bag an Image I could score a Wedding Package — including a Chanel handbag and matching necklace and earrings — for $25.50 for the day!

At this rate, I’ll be able to hire five different wedding-wowing outfits, laden with labels, for less than $1000. Bring it on!

What’s been your experience of fashion rental? Know of any fab fashion-for-hire bargains? Let us know! Post a comment below or email bargainguru@universalmagazines.com.au

If my group of girlfriends are the norm, by the time you reach your 20s, the days of getting ready for parties together and swapping outfits is a thing of the past. It is therefore with great excitement that I welcome the evolution of swap meets – the equivalent of open-access to the wardrobes of rent-a-friends.

In Australia, we spend billions each year on clothing, much of which is worn once and then relegated to op shops or the bin. In the current era of ‘fast fashion’, where clothing is made not to last but endure a season, we’re buying more clothes than ever before. Whether motivated by concern for such reckless consumerism, or their own expenditure, a handful of recessionistas have stepped forward to forge a solution to the problem.

The crop of swap meet events that have emerged in Australia over the past few years have arrived just in time to save us from fashion disaster during the current wave of economic turbulence. Staged regularly in most states, these events allow participants to swap fashion items they no longer wear, upgrading them for other people’s unwanted goods. This environmentally trendy concept allows you to refresh your wardrobe without shoppers’ guilt or detriment to your bank balance. Plus, it’s in the spirit of sustainability and recycling – so everyone wins!

To give you an example of how they work, one such event – SwapMyStyle - encourages participants to bring up to five new or pre-worn high end clothing, handbags and accessories (priced from around $100 to $700) that they no longer cherish. For each item you receive a token, coloured according to the respective valuation of your items. The rules are: the minimum item value must be $100; items entered into the swap should not be more than two years old; and those priced over $300 should be saved for the VIP Designer Fashion Swap events. The token system allows you to swap fashion items for near or equal value to what you have brought on the day.

The rules and procedures vary slightly at each event, from The Clothing Exchange to Miss Green’s Wardrobe. All of them, however, provide a purse-friendly alternative to reinventing your wardrobe. This fantastic concept allows the savvy shoppers amongst us to take bargain hunting to the next level!