Credit Crunch Clobber: Can't resist the flirty florals

May 7 2009 By Siba Matti

ALTHOUGH I wouldn't exactly call myself a dedicated follower of fashion, I just can't resist the flirty florals on the catwalk this season.

In my humble opinion, no attire could be more appropriate for spring than that adorned with beautiful blooms, from girly blossoms to bold petal prints.

But with the credit crunch forcing all of us to count the pennies, I set off in search of high fashion-inspired finds with just £25 in my pocket.

I have come to rely on Primark (or Primarni as I like to call it) whenever I am strapped for cash and in need of a fashion fix, and even more so since the start of the recession.

But after discovering www.vouchercodes.co.uk, which is currently offering 20 per cent off purchases at Dorothy Perkins, and 15 per cent off at New Look, I thought I would scour those shops first.

Sadly, my trip to Dorothy Perkins proved fruitless – I found some stunning skirts, including a rose bell tulip design for £25, but even with the discount, it would have been £20 – leaving me with a mere fiver to complete the rest of my outfit!

Next stop, New Look, where unfortunately it became clear very quickly that I would have to continue my quest for bargains elsewhere. Similarly to Dotty Ps, there was very little within my price range, especially in terms of footwear. Although there was an overflowing sale rail, none of it was particularly inspiring.

Undeterred, I ventured into another high street favourite, Hennes, where I finally struck gold with a black baby doll ruched dress for just £12.99.

Although I was hoping to find something that wasn't black – the colour which seems to dominate my wardrobe – the dress has really cute pink and purple flowers and birds emblazoned all over it, and the fact that it's made from lightweight cotton means it can be worn from now until as late as October. For colder days, I would team this with footless tights and a chunky cardigan or a pashmina.

While rummaging around in the accessories section, I also found a black waist-cinching belt with brushed gold rose clasp detail for £5.99, which matched the dress perfectly.

But with little more than £6 left in my wallet, finding a pair of shoes to match wasn't going to be easy.

After wandering round Peacocks – where I saw some gorgeous (but sadly too expensive) black gladiator sandals – I made my way to my bargain hunting mecca, Primark!

I completely bypassed all the clothes, which I normally spend hours searching through, and immediately braved the scrum in the shoe section.

And my luck was in when I found a pair of coral peep-toe sandals for just £6! Alternatively, if you are not a fan of pink, I also spotted a pair of Chanel-esque black quilted pumps for £4, which I think would work well, too.

Although I didn't visit Matalan on this occasion, I have to give the website, www.matalan.co.uk, a mention. Had I not found the dress at Hennes, my back up purchase was an asymmetric off-the-shoulder dress with floral trim – very on trend and just £11 in the sale! I will definitely hunt around more at Matalan next month.

LOOSE CHANGE

Try these wallet-friendly accessories to complement your outfit – they cost £2.50 or less each!

1) Heart pendant necklace, £2 from Primark

2) Black mini shoulder bag £2.50 from Primark