Credit Crunch Clobber: Fabulous floor-length frocks

Jul 7 2009 By Siba Matti

HOLIDAYS are all about rest and relaxation and the last thing I want to do when I go away is get dressed up - so for anyone jetting off with the same attitude and limited suitcase space, one item is guaranteed to be functional yet fabulous: a floor-length maxi dress!

As you read this, I will be island hopping in Greece and soaking up some much-needed sunshine – but after saving hard to spend the best part of a month's wages on the trip, any thoughts of splashing out on new clothes were pushed firmly to the back of my mind.

So once again, with just £25 in my wallet, I set off in search of a maxi dress to rival those worn by celebrities including Nicole Richie, an avid fan of the hippie–chic vibe.

After flicking through a few fashion magazines, I noticed the maxi was also favoured by many actresses at a recent soap awards ceremony - including Loui Batley (Sarah Barnes in Hollyoaks) who rocked up wearing a stunning charcoal-grey number from designer boutique, All Saints.

And I thought my luck was in when I spotted a similar style in Hennes - a Grecian inspired dress with draping, very apt for my holiday - but priced at £39.99, it was well over my budget.

My next stop was Matalan, where I saw a beautiful green satin sleeveless maxi with paisley print, priced at £22 – but finding a pair of shoes for £3 seemed unrealistic, so I decided to continue looking elsewhere.

Beginning to realise that this task was going to be much easier said than done, I tried Peacocks, where I found a deep purple leopard print maxi for £20. Unfortunately there was only one size left - predictably, not mine - and after enquiring at the till, I was told the design had completely sold out.

I had high hopes when I found a strapless black, red and green printed maxi reduced from £35 to £15 in New Look - but it was incredibly unflattering when I tried it on and, to be brutally honest, it hung like a tent - NOT attractive, even with the significant price reduction.

Slowly losing the will to live, I headed straight for Primark, where I almost always achieve success when bargain hunting. I couldn't believe it when I saw maxis in orange, cerise and navy blue – for just £11! Sadly, it was a similar story to New Look - baggy, shapeless and once again, not a good look.

In spite of this, I managed to find some flat strappy sandals for £2, undoubtedly the shoe bargain of the century, which I snapped up, before heading back to Matalan - only to find the satin maxi mentioned above was sold out, including online!

Ready to tear my hair out, I visited TK Maxx, a shop I rarely venture into, although my mum is always talking about the unique one-off pieces she finds there.

And after rummaging around for what seemed like hours, I finally hit the jackpot with an unusual tie-dye cotton maxi for £19.99! I was actually very impressed with the store and definitely plan to visit more regularly. Thanks for the tip, mum!

Had I not found this dress, I was planning to find a maxi skirt (I saw a lovely tribal print design in TK Maxx for £14.99) and team it with a halter neck top (Hennes has a black one on sale at the moment for £3).

With just £3 left, I went back to Primark in search of some funky accessories - netting myself a simple black waist-cinching belt.

When the temperature drops in the evening, I plan to team the whole outfit with a little bolero - one of my summer wardrobe staples and also ideal for covering up if you don't feel comfortable showing your arms.

LOOSE CHANGE

Try these wallet-friendly accessories to compliment your outfit for £2.50 or less!

1) Chunky silver bangle, £1.50 from Primark

2) Silver bracelet multi-pack £1 from Primark

3) Silver earrings £1.99 from Hennes