Hunting for bargains

It's half-way into winter and I'm over the cold and dressing in five layers everyday. The latest resort collections have been shown (I'll show my resort edit soon) and I'm already dreaming of sunshine and spring! But reality sinks in and I've got a few more weeks of the cold to suffer. On the plus side its sale time and winter stock is on sale everywhere! I'm a girl with champagne tastes on a beer budget so here's my tips for maximizing and getting the most out of your fashion dollar.1. Stalk your prey. Been lusting after something? If there's still plenty on the rack play the waiting game and see if you can get it cheaper next week, or the week after... When it's the last lonely garment in your size it's time to strike!2. Check and compare prices online AND in every currency. Some online stores allow you to purchase in different currencies and from different countries' sites. It isn't necessarily the best option to buy in your home currency from your home store. Do remember to factor in exchange fees and extra postage costs.As a side note to this- if I go into a store and get great service, I believe in paying for it. It's bad manners to try things on in a shop and Google for better prices online in the change rooms.3. Sign up to mailing lists of your favourite stores and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and twitter. Loyalty programs and being the first to know about sales is valuable if you are loyal to certain brands and stores.3. Don't get swept up by a 'bargain'. If you didn't like it at full price, look away at the sale price. Just because a dress is 80% off doesn't mean it's no longer ugly.4. Buy for next season. I use sale time to buy basics for the following season.I also let items 'bake' in my wardrobe. If something is amazing a great price but doesn't work with my current look I consider buying it anyway. Some of my favourite pieces have been unworn for a year or two then 'bake' long enough to become an important and loved part of my wardrobe. The key is to remember to take it out and see how you can wear it. Re-read tip #3!Great wardrobes are built up over time, not overnight.5. Buy quality. The items that get hauled out year after year are my better quality items. That doesn't mean expensive either. I look for well made garments and natural fibres. Quality garments will also help you look more polished with less effort.Finally, accept that some items are worth eating soup for a week to own. Ok, this isn't a sale hunting tip but working in fashion I have learnt that everyone fashionable I know will cry poor, yet will still find the $$$ for a new outfit. It's all about priorities! By Angela.

Stradbroke Day at Eagle Farm, Brisbane

The weather mostly held off for Stradbroke day at Brisbane Racing Club, Eagle Farm. Thank goodness because raceday for me started at 4.45amNot quite having the budget to stay overnight in Brisbane meant that stradbroke would be another fly in, fly out day at the track.The focus of the day for me was of course the Fashions in the Field competition. Lead up fotf events were held at prior racedays but Stradbroke was the big one with a huge prize pool on offer including a trip for two to Hong Kong.My outfit had started when i was looking at books in Dymocks and picked up a book on Audrey Hepburn. Although a Hepburn fan I'm generally not terribly inspired by her style- being much more safe and classic than i prefer. However on this occasion a passing glance at a picture made me need to buy the book and get ready to sew!The final result was a 60s inspired look, which I felt fit with current fashion trends this season. I didn't have a suitable hat block so made do with a mixing bowl.At the track were many familiar faces and I was certainly not the only one who had travelled quite a distance to take part in fotf. I would like to say i was completely engrossed in the racing but that would be a lie! Over 100 women and a few men lined up at the edge of the catwalk to have their two minutes on stage. There was a suggested theme of red, black and white for the day which the majority of contestants gave a nod to. Being winter carnival looks were quite heavy overall with quite a bit of fur, leather, wools and winter weight silks being worn.After my turn down the catwalk and watching each heat I didn't make the top ten, but was happy to see some friends and great outfits in the coveted final.The eventual winner was Lauren Walker and local boutique owner and longtime fotf friend. She ticked all the boxes with her outfit featuring the big winter 2013 trends of leather, studs, lace and a peplum also fitting into the colour scheme of the day. More importantly she showed great personal style taking the trends and working with them to suit her.Post fotf i got to catch up with a few people and grab a drink. And yes, by the end of the day I'd even seen horses and a race or two! Bring on Stradbroke Day 2014

Lauren Walker the winner in red and black

By Angela.