The DFO Experience

Many of you out there are no doubt veterans of the DFO (or Direct Factory Outlet) shopping venture.. but perhaps due to the kids and general time poor schedule, I have only just made it out there ... successfully!

Here's what I found: DFO at Homebush is best experienced without the kids and as early in the day as possible ... this combination is very thrilling and gives you a huge sense of achievement even if just for a quick fix.

I would recommend going with an idea of what you're looking for, as the stores are it. This is not department or mall shopping which is more enticing. I perused (among others) Esprit, Ojay, Nine West, Witchery, Ralph Lauren, Oroton, Table Eight, Charlie Brown, (Just Jeans closed for that morning) and found that while you are facing huge bargains, many stores also are precisely as described - outlets - which means they are carrying stock that could be up to 6 months old.

This is not a big deal, but if you are looking to save on very recent items, then sales in-store are best. I found Witchery carried a very tired looking stock, and Table Eight was mayhem ... bit like a hurricane had been through with all sorts of cheap, if cheerful cotton pieces. Sales at Ralph Lauren and Ojay mirrored their recent in-store ones but again, you needed to be purposeful.

Esprit had a great range of sale items and current coats and jackets. I liked their stock best and would go there again. Marcs also had a more current range and great prices too.

Truthfully, I could have shopped for a few more hours but I did come out with a gorgeous winter jacket from Esprit, dress from Ojay, shoes and bag ( half price) from Nine West ... then I remembered I have children who may need dinner that night.

Great fun, but definitely go with a list of items to check off and the possibility that you may have to compromise, if not on price then on choice. Anyone with more time and focus than me would have even more luck!

New Jeans for the Season

Following on from "skinny leg" and "boyfriend" jeans, Stretch High Rise (pictured) is due to feature prominently.

Personally, I love this look. Teamed with wedge-style platforms, a fitted T-shirt and cropped cardie. It's oh so feminine and sure to be a seasonal "must have"!

If you like going very fashionable each season with the latest jeans, you may find it makes sense to buy a cheaper pair than you are used to. If however, you prefer to stick to a very classical cut (like straight or bootleg) and are happy to wear them for a few years throughout all seasons, then investing in a more expensive pair would be feasible.

Unless you're going for an individual designer, I think Just Jeans is a great one-stop-shop for denim.

Jeans West are currently on sale with all jeans $59.99. They offer more variety for a range of ages, especially for 18-35 year olds.

If you're looking for more budget options;

Target offer great styles in their Hot Options and Free Fusion
ranges at good prices, including their own take on the high waist/wide leg (above), which is due in-store on 13 August.

K-Mart's Girl Xpress and True Blues range is also worth taking a look at.

Jay Jays offer budget priced options with the styles and cuts suited for teenagers best.

The bottom line is that jeans are no longer a stable classic, the styles swing wildly from one season to another, so choosing a high fashion look can no longer be regarded as a true investment piece for the budget fashion lover.

Closing Down Sale

The Irregular Jean Warehouse is closing down in 2 weeks' time and all jeans are now $20!

There are Levis, Wranglers, Riders, Mustang, Mavi and Miss Sixty, and designer labels including GUESS, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Mossino, Von Dutch and Diesel, however these are limited sizes (eg. 6-8).

All the other clothing is on sale too, including;

• long sleeve tops - $10
• short sleeve tops - $5
• singlets - $2.50
• underwear - $5
• belts - $10.

Get in soon before everything is sold out!

Summer 2007 ...

I know it sounds crazy while we're shivering in our cardis, but Spring really is around the corner ... especially if you're a Fashionista. You may have noticed even the chain stores are showing first Spring collections, so I had a quick look and this is what I found.

Similar to the Winter fashion stories, Spring has several strong trends which are mostly quite tricky, for example; lots of empire and baby doll silhouettes (prints are cute) or 60's/70's shapes which are shift-like and very short. There are strong geometric prints and the colours yellow/black and green are prominent ... and often appear together.

Are you feeling nervous? Don't be! Some very charming and more grown up looks are out there, but don't be in a hurry (especially as we are now in a cold snap). InStyle Magazine is a great read as is Shop Till You Drop.

We like new directions at Sussan's ... long basic shift dresses, with leggings. Some nice bold print tops, but not too tiny and cute. Great leather-look bags in metallic (Chrissy's new favourite accessory), and basic black cotton dresses. Prices are reasonable and the fabric is great for Spring weather.

Witchery have a new Summer 2007 look website, showcasing shorts, coats and shirts, in their customary neutral palette, gorgeous bags and basic tees in cobalt or turquoise accents.

Keep an eye out ... but do keep warm girls!

Costume Jewellery

A very important part of my wardrobe is the use of costume jewellery to make an otherwise classic outfit appear ultra fashionable.

Currently we're seeing bold and contemporary rings, bangles and necklaces in silver, crystal and resin. Just one or two pieces with any outfit are sufficient to make a statement, but if your aim is high impact try at least five pieces (like the girls at Diva!).

Some of my favourite dress jewellery comes from Georg Jensen, Mezi, Bouvier, Dinosaur Designs and Makers Mark.

Fortunately however, you don't have to spend big to make an impact with costume jewellery. There are some great accessory chain stores such as Diva, Equip and Groove, where you can find great little pieces to update any wardrobe.

This winter I've been taken in by the futuristic appeal of metallic silver and have been looking for inexpensive pieces to add to my wardrobe.

While popping into these stores during the weekly grocery shop I've often found items for just a few dollars. Diva currently have sales racks for under $5 and Equip and Groove are offering great reductions as well. Two of my grey metallic bangles were picked up for $4 and $5 and I've been wearing them throughout winter and they'll be great for summer too.

These little stores are always worth a quick look, it's amazing what a few dollars can do to update an outfit!

Nine West - 50% off all Shoes!

Wow! Nine West are on sale for the next two weeks at 50% off all shoes. There are also great reductions on gorgeous handbags and hats, some of them at 50% off as well.

Usually by this time in the season, there isn't anything I feel I need to buy, however at sales like this, I look for something stylish and classic for next winter (say black or brown boots) or I try to select something that will work well in the upcoming spring and summer seasons, like the shoes pictured here.

There are also some great handbags to choose from including the Simply Soft Cross Body in Bronze or the Simply Soft Tote in Gold.

However, I'm sure you'll find your own favourites at the Nine West sale!