With the current economic climate the average gal has less money and less time to spend on fashion and beauty, so many of us inevitably come up with solutions to make it easier to 'keep up with the jones'. Some solutions include shopping at thrift stores in the hopes of finding the perfect vintage dress for the perfect price! Others include shopping online to save time searching in the same old, boring shopping centres! Then there are some of us who try shopping in our own wardrobes, by pulling out all the old clothes, shoes and bags that were once in fashion and trying to reinvent them by adding a pair of high waisted shorts or a flare of colour! All I can say is thank god 'vintage' is in or we'd all be in a whole lot of trouble (and a whole lot of debt!).

We are constantly reading in magazines how to reinvent our own wardrobes as it is obviously the cheapest alternative and if you know how to do it right, it can be the most time effective too. Here are a few tips (in not particular order)I have learnt after many years of studying magazines and sitting in piles of my clothes wanting to pull my hair out.

Tip #1: Never throw out anything black! Black goes with everything and unless your piece is about to fall apart you should never throw it away.

Tip #2:  Matching a pair of brightly coloured shoes to a plain outfit makes you look like a rock star.

Tip #3: Make-up can take a drab outfit to a fab one- try wearing bright eye make-up to match something your wearing.

Tip #4: Don't forget about your handbags! Don't be too lazy to change all your 'stuff' into a different handbag that could change your outfit from boring to Hollywood 'chic' (as the French would say).

Tip #5: Try to photograph or take note of your favourite outfits when you manage to pull one together- I recommend trying the i-Style app for iphones.

Tip #6: Jewellery! A cheap chunky old necklace with a plain outfit looks funky and is easy to do ( I learnt that one from my 12th grade Drama teacher, thanks Ms Soppa!).

Tip #7: Slowly compile your staples. You may already have most or even all of them so just buy the rest from a cheap store like K-mart or even an opp shop. (Staples include- jeans, shorts, plain tops, black dress, black casual jacket, black dressy jacket, large black bag, black heels, comfy flats).

Tip #8: Colour, Colour, Colour! Once you have your staples DO NOT buy more black or plain things. When you are making your next purchase buy something/ anything coloured because you will have the confidence in knowing you already have something to match. Even a red chunky necklace for $5 from Diva will look awesome with jeans, a black top, black heels and red lippy!

Tip #9: Hair to die for. Always make an effort as hair is the cheapest way to change your look. Admittedly this can take time and practice but even a sleek high bun with some pearl earings can change your look from 'young girl' to 'sophisticated woman'.

Tip #10: The Tude! I know it sounds Corny but it's a scientific fact that your attitude changes the way people see you. If a girl has great style but a bad attitude it makes people WANT to find something bad to pick out about the way she looks....soooo... always smile and walk tall to inspire people to look at your good points.