Fashion tips to beat the credit crunch (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Fashion tips to beat the credit crunch

11:57am Wednesday 16th July 2008 in Leisure By Caroline Taylor

Saving money doesn't have to be boring. We asked an experts for belt-tightening tips to looking good.

Britta Reed, stylist and owner of the Style Studio, Barrow, Clitheroe, tells you how to dress well for less.

> Grab a friend and go charity shop shopping. Someone's old clothes can be something new for you.

> Invest the most money in items that will last you, such as coats. This is where quality matters.

> Accessories such as hats, belts and jewellery can make the same outfit look totally different. Even changing your shoes and necklace can give the same dress or skirt and top a totally different feel.

> Have a clothes swapping party with mates who have similar taste in clothing.

> Before buying anything ask yourself if you really need it. If you’re unsure, ask the shop assistant to hold the item for you — you’ve bought yourself another couple of hours to think about it.