How to make CHEAP look EXPENSIVE! (merged)

kittiwoz

I recommend use of a clothes brush. Saves washing jackets and trousers over-often and helps with pilling (the velvet side). Partcularly of use if you have pets. Mine is 3-in-1 with a shoe horn which is useful for extending the life of your shoes. Also if you warm your shoes by holding them over the hob it will make the shoe polish melt into the leather which will protect them better. I wash dark coloured clothes separately from the lights and turn them inside-out to help prevent dye run and wear from the drum. If you hang them out to dry it's a good idea to do that inside-out as well to prevent Sun bleaching. Making repairs early, such as re-sewing loose buttons and mending holes while they're small, certainly saves time and effort later as well.

Callanish

I'd say steer clear of bio washing powder / liquid if you want your coloured clothes to retain their colours - they're much harsher than non-bio. In fact, I'd tend to go for the most "low-tech" version you can find (own-brand non-bio, Ecover).

Most washing powders / liquids contain harsh bleaching agents and optical brighteners designed to make whites whiter - this is what fades coloured clothes. The manufacturers have responded to the problem by creating a whole new set of products specially for black and coloured clothes. Even more ways to get hold of your hard-earned cash if you ask me!

Forget about using the heavily-promoted leading brands from a money-saving perspective too - the extra cost is just paying for their advertising and product development. I'm currently using Asda's Non-bio liquid with great results. Sorry if this sounds like a big rant (I don't mean it to) - I'm just really irritated by all the marketing and advertising we are subjeted to these days!

The same applies to the clothes themselves. The quality of the clothes on sale in sale in "better" shops (eg Next) can be quite variable and often no better than what you get from more "downmarket" brands. I'm not saying their stuff is all good, but if you shop selectively, looking objectively at the actual quality of the fabric and stitching (not thinking about the perceived value of the brand), you can find good quality, durable clothes at places like Tesco, Asda, Matalan etc.

A case in point: I've two pairs of grey trousers, roughly the same age and amount of wear - one from Florence and Fred (Tesco own brand, £20) and one from from Austin Reed ("quality" brand, £100). The Tesco cheapies are still in perfect condition , the more expensive ones are now badly "clicked" and haven't held their shape well at all. :rolleyes:

nuttywoman

One catalogue i`ve seen as said that we tend to wash our clothes too much, and to freshen them up inbetween washes just hang them out on the line.
val

Queenie

caffeinehit wrote:

Thanks everyone for the tips! Queenie, I thought the only way to deter moths was with those vile things that make you smell like an old lady???

No, those are "Tena", moths don't use those

doddsy

Queenie wrote:

No, those are "Tena", moths don't use those

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

blessings3

clothes/household stuff anything really!!!

Mine is for clothes - Wear colour with colour ie a pink top with a plum skirt looks much more together than black with pink and makes the items look much more expensive plus makes you look taller and slimmer
Head to toe black with a colour acessoriy is good if you wear make up and like a strong look

chika

Another clothes tip - if you get a cheap high street suit you can make it look great by simply changing the buttons to expensive ones and carrying a good bag.

quietheart

I get accessories like brooches and scarves from Accessorize when they are 70% off then dress up cheaper jackets and tops. I've had so many compliments since doing this, haven't changed my clothes just spruced them up a bit.

katieowl_2

Oh yes.....I buy really expensive costume jewellry too - at 75% off in the sales. Try Debenhams, Alders...I've got some stunning pieces like that, like you say - always commented on. My best friend bought me a £100 brooch in Alders sale - reduced to £25! She took a bit of persuading, as she wanted to spend more ..I just told her pretend you didn't know it was in the sale LOL!

victory

car boot sales and charity shops for costume jewellery, I saw a woman wear the most stunning piece the other day and commented on it, she said she had got it from Oxfam for- £1!! xx