https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 06:29:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-549326 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:53:56 +0000 anne 549326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow I love how this thread started blossoming again with Australian content.</p> <p>I have bought some very cheap stuff with summer too. Winter I may hold out for quality in a few items.</p> <p>Stringy thankyou and I will you know! Maybe in the Easter holidays. (It will take a while for me to get the vouchers) Although I am also thinking that all my kids are in school on Fridays now.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-549230 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:32:26 +0000 stringy 549230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you're right to go with Myer or DJs if you can't get the Westfield ones. They do have a nice range from casual to formal and have good sales too. I like their ranges of shoes too, nice quality most of the time. </p> <p>Let me know if you're in town for shopping and need a second pair of eyes to help you, I'm free on Fridays as well as weekends.</p> <p>Here's the Leona Edminston store to see what they have: <a href="https://www.leonaedmiston.com/online_store" rel="nofollow">https://www.leonaedmiston.com/online_store</a> - they are pricey and I'm not sure if they're very 'you' in style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-549220 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:08:00 +0000 Fruitful 549220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jen, as much as I love international shopping I certainly appreciate comparing notes with Aussies too! I totally get what you are saying about when the stakes aren't high being free to grab things on impulse. This relates to your points in the conversation on quality too, which I am still pondering :)</p> <p>I don't seem to have a Big W near me though for some reason I get catalogues from them. $9 for jeans is cheaper than some op shops, I'm sure you'd get your CPW out of that (and I'm betting your daughter doesn't have the fit issues that narrow the options for some of us towards the more expensive). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-549214 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:53:20 +0000 jenanded 549214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to say I tend to hold out for stuff I want and am pretty focused on what can go into my tiny wardrobe which actually serves me well. But I figure I only will want to wear a maxi very casually in the heat of summer etc and its not central to my style so I am less interested in spending a lot on them... I guess I swing between a core wardrobe where I am focused and some other items to love for the moment... I have to say I just discovered BigW again - jeans for $9 for my 19yo daughter and coloured jeans under $20. There are some tops which I would swear if you switched the labels they would look like much much more expensive labels and nothing over about $20... Other pieces of course I would leave but I was pretty impressed and would look there again... Its nice to compare notes with other Aussies </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-549211 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:46:05 +0000 Fruitful 549211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>KP and Jen, what amazing scores! I'm always torn between using up my budget on sales or getting something that's exactly what I wanted - or crossing my fingers, holding my breath, and waiting to see if I can do both! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-549188 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:10:29 +0000 jenanded 549188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Its amazing the bargains are pretty crazy at the moment - I got a whole free handbag at Witchery before christmas - I just made sure I did a lot of my chrissy shopping there that day which put me to the limit and got a free $299 handbag! So did I mention, I am signed up to everyone's mailing lists so get notification of their 'specials' which are coming fast and thick... And Millers and crossroads are worth a pick through on the off chance - got Maxi dresses for summer at $14.95 and they have been great... Anyhow, know you are on jeans and boots not frocks but super interested to hear what you end up with </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-549139 Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:19:03 +0000 anne 549139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those bargains sound great KP. Hopefully there will be some around when I get around to going to the city and visiting Myer! (and that they will be things that are actually on my list!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-547812 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:14:33 +0000 Katiepea 547812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my goodness, how annoying that the options keep changing! Grrrrrr. Still, have heaps of fun shopping. I picked up two David Lawrence dresses a couple of weeks ago for $40, reduced from over $200 from Myer, and my friend picked up a Charlie Brown dress for $140 reduced from $550 - so there are some definite bargains to be had at the moment. It's lovely to see you too btw - I have missed our "chats". Hope everyone is well, can you believe my "baby" started school a couple of weeks ago? Crazy how time flies! x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-547390 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:32:04 +0000 anne 547390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well for anyone still reading this, another twist has occured. The westfield option is now "not available" So I will go back to the advice in this thread and get the Myer vouchers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-546345 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:52:32 +0000 anne 546345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi KP, thanks! I decided to go with the westfield option, which was available afterwards. No Coles or Woolies vouchers with this cred/it card.<br /> Nice to see you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-546341 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:46:42 +0000 Katiepea 546341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey lovely</p> <p>I have to second the advice on here about getting the Myer gift voucher. I just tend to think with your price point, they will probably have more on offer than DJ's and they seem to be having frequent sales at the moment as well, with some fairly good discounts. </p> <p>The other thing I like to do sometimes, is to get either a coles or a woolworths voucher and then use the voucher to buy my groceries and then I can have cash to spend at whatever shop I like instead, if this is an option?</p> <p>Anyway, I look forward to reading about your shopping exploits over the next little while! x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-546322 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:44:04 +0000 anne 546322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks QM, Biscuitsmum and Sylvie</p> <p>First all all - turns out I was wrong. Having unsuccessfully tried 2 different ways to find the westfield vouchers yesterday I found them today, while checking out Sylvie's grocery suggestion (which wasn't available under my scheme, nor BM's suggestion of a visa vouncher). So I will be going with that option after all, and should be able to get $250 in vouchers by the time I need to do my next season shopping.</p> <p>QM that is a good point, (putting workout and underwear in a separate category) I quite like the idea!.<br /> I really can just increase the clothing budget though. It is an arbitary figure I set (Ie not related to our overall budget), and I think by YLF standards it is very low. I am partly sharing it because there are periodic threads about how much to budget for clothing and I was adding data to that ongoing thought process. In fact I'll pop over to the SYC/SYB thread and do just that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-545641 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:00:03 +0000 Sylvie 545641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can you get gift cards for the grocery store and then take the corresponding amount of money out of your grocery budget and apply to your clothing budget? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-545635 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:52:41 +0000 biscuitsmom 545635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you get 'extra' for using vouchers? If not, why not go with a Visa gift card which can be used anywhere for anything... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-545621 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:37:37 +0000 Queen Mum 545621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne,<br /> I realize, that like the rest of us, you do have limited funds to work with in the first place, but I don't count workout gear and underclothes in my clothing budget. I feel that those are essentials and I don't tend to go hog wild spending in those areas anyway, so I don't feel the need to include them in my "fashion fun" line item. To me it would be like including detergent in my home decor budget.<br /> Like I said, I do realize that you can't just create money that isn't there, but perhaps keep your clothing budget only for fashion and create a different category for the rest of the stuff. You shouldn't have to choose between running shorts (when you need them) or a bra and something that makes you feel fabulous like a new blouse or jeans. Does that speak to you at all? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-545531 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:05:14 +0000 anne 545531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is interesting shipskitty. A denim skirt I have from Rockmans has actually lasted pretty well, and a cardi is still going strong, (both about 3 years ago) but I have bought hardly anything recently. Their style is a bit staid for me, and some of their knitwear I have tried on has been too big at the smallest size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-545510 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:21:10 +0000 shipskitty 545510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The quality at Rockmans can also sometimes be an issue - I stopped shopping there some years ago after I had a few things just fall apart at the seams after only a few wears.</p> <p>I'd go Myer or DJ's and use them for their half-yearly sales if you need maximum bang for buck and things aren't urgent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-545296 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:29:33 +0000 anne 545296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>jananded, I have just signed up to Myerone on your recommendation.</p> <p>Don't be too impressed by my budget. I doubt I am going to meet it, unless I don't actually find what I am after! After 3 years on YLF I was hoping to downgrade my spending (last years budget was almost acheived, but with $200 in vouchers ON TOP) but am finding that I need to replace things bought in my first year - like jeans and boots. And because I have difficult feet, I have to spend a lot on my shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-545246 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:18:52 +0000 jenanded 545246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, I would go with Myers because as Fruitful said, the returns are good but also they have good and regular mark downs which I am sure are not in the actual stores like Country Road etc... Are you on Myer One as well? they send you those discount vouchers and often a $20 gift card as well if you have spent your $ with them so that gives you a heads up of when to go into town... You are right it all adds up! I am majorly impressed with your budget too! Can't wait to see what you get! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-545237 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:52:47 +0000 anne 545237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Kim the clothing vouchers will be above and beyond the budget. But I think the budget might need to be increased too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-544914 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:58:19 +0000 Queen Mum 544914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>so, if you get the vouchers, that will give you $$ above and beyond your budget? That will be great for you if that's the case. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-544883 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:28:00 +0000 Fruitful 544883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Best of luck Anne, enjoy your shopping trip ^_^ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-544882 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:18:49 +0000 anne 544882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Myer is sounding like a possiblity. This winter I want to buy<br /> brown casual boots,<br /> casual shoes of some as yet undetermined sort<br /> upgrade my denim skirt if possible<br /> ditto my bootcut jeans<br /> a casual fitted jacket<br /> some skivvies or turtleneck jumpers<br /> a standalone jumper/sweater</p> <p>Myer might be good for the shoes, I think, and maybe for the jeans. I'll have to take Fruitful's suggestions and register to find the sales and try to plan my city trips </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-544870 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:33:46 +0000 Deborah 544870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Anne, I would go with a Myer voucher. They have a broad range of clothing (I can't remember who stocks Leona Edmiston but it's Dj's or Myer) and they often have good sales. </p> <p>Leona Edmiston is lovely but pricey. I would be looking at her sale items.</p> <p>Rockmans seem to be carrying younger more modern items, but I think it would be hard to spend all your rewards dollars there as the younger range is limited.</p> <p>I realize I have just repeated a lot of what Fruitful said but hope it helps anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-544857 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 08:56:39 +0000 Fruitful 544857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, okay! That makes it crystal clear. </p> <p>I know it's hard for you to get to town, but my choice would be Myer/DJs, or Bunnings. I think either would be the most useful.</p> <p>I love books but tend to get them secondhand from Abebooks (I know you meant for presents, which is different).</p> <p>The good thing about Myer or DJs is they have a better return policy compared to stand-alone shops (which is why if I wanted, say, something from Review, I'd always try and get it at Myer or DJs instead of one of the Review shops). They have a great variety of clothes and sizes (as well as non-clothing items). Myer has Leona Edmiston too and I'd expect DJs probably does?</p> <p>If you get on their mailing lists you can find out about sales and time your visit to coincide with one.</p> <p>If going to town won't work, and clothing isn't an urgent need, I'd use them at Bunnings, you can't go wrong there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-544849 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 08:35:13 +0000 anne 544849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Fruitful, to clarify:<br /> My credit card rewards that I currently have could be redeemed for about $200 in gift vouchers. The choices that include clothing are<br /> Myer<br /> DJ<br /> Rockmans<br /> Leona Edminston</p> <p>Or I could just forget buying clothing get vouchers for Dymocks (a book shop where I frequently buy books for presents) and/or Bunnings (a hardware shop where DH could easily spend it) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-544848 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 08:26:41 +0000 Fruitful 544848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Anne, so glad to hear your hubby's hours will be allow a bit more financial room. Sorry about the Westfield vouchers (I didn't know about these).</p> <p>I'm not sure what you're asking about Myer/Djs etc - are you trying to work out if there are discount vouchers available? </p> <p>Leona Edmiston has some gorgeous stuff, not super MOTG friendly, but possibly workable. Lots of nice quality/eyecatching wrap dresses and the like. I think I had some of her fishnets once which of course I immediately ripped. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/revisting-my-clothing-budget---and-westfield-disappointment#post-544847 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 08:07:32 +0000 anne 544847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had been trying to keep to last year's budget (which was planned to be less than what I spent on clothes with my first 2 YLF years) or $510 ($10 a week) for the year 2011-12 Jun-July.</p> <p>I was already suspecting this figure was too low when I did a recent tally and see that I have already spent $378, or about $11 a year. About $100 of this was on gear, mostly new racing bathers. So this only leaves $133 dollars for all my winter purchasing, which is manifestly inadeqate, as I want new boots and hopefully shoes as well, apart from anyone else.</p> <p>I think we can afford to increase my clothing budget, as DH is not after all reducing his hours by 25%, which had been our plan at the time I set it. But I like limits so will need to think through what the increased plan could be</p> <p>A further disappointment came today when I tried to get a westfield (a shopping centre chain) gift card. Last year I got $200 in vouchers from Westfield and they were very useful as they cover most shops in the centre.</p> <p>This year they are just not available. Any advice about what to get instead ?<br /> The choices are Myer and DJ - high end department stores<br /> Rockmans - there is one in my town and not expensive but sometimes too big for me and a little middle aged for my style<br /> Leona Edmiston - designer I think (don't know much about this)</p> <p>It could be a combination (eg 100 in one and 100 in another) </p>