So it’s November, a new month and a new £50 challenge! With the credit crunch not looking like letting up anytime soon, and the Christmas party season almost upon us, this month we’ve created a great party look on a budget.

The easiest way to keep your budget low is to opt for a dress, as it’s usually cheaper than buying a separate top and skirt or trousers. This metallic jacquard dress is from ASOS, and it comes with it’s own belt, so you don’t need to worry about buying one. The silver finish is perfect for any party, and the shift shape gives it a vintage, timeless feel. The design on the dress is quite busy, so we’ve added some simple patent courts, black tights, and a cute silver necklace.

Glamorous Square Neck Metallic Jacquard Dress - ASOS £30
3 Pair 60 Denier Tights - Marks and Spencer £3
Pointed Patent Court Shoes - Marks and Spencer £15
ASOS Fairy Pendant Necklace - ASOS £2

Total - £50

November challenge successful!

With a recession on the horizon and the credit crunch in full swing, we need to think carefully about what we buy and how much we spend. So we have come up with some ultimate budget outfits without compromising on style. These two evening designs we have put together below will be certain to get you noticed and you wont feel guilty as both come in under £50 per outfit!

This gorgeous beaded scoop neck dress is from Peacocks, yes you heard right ‘PEACOCKS’, from looking at it you wouldn’t know! I have picked a simple pair of black Kami shoes from boohoo.com to accompany the dress and a pretty wristband with girly heart and ribbon detail from ASOS. To finish off and brighten up the outfit we have added a Pink Box Clutch Bag from Dorothy Perkins, an absolute bargain!

Beaded Scoop Neck Dress - £18
Kami Shoes - £15
Pink Box Frame Clutch - £10
Stretch Wristband - £6

The main feature and most expensive item in this outfit is the black Mea Fringe Dress, £20 from boohoo.com, in my opinion you cannot tell if it is a high street bargain, an AllSaints creation or even a Phillip Lim design, and lets face it, you can tell your friends its a Phillip Lim!! To go with the dress we have chosen this fabulous Patchwork Bag from Peacocks (just £8) to give a 60’s feel to the look, also some bright Mary Jane courts (also Peacocks) and a simple bangle from Miss Selfridges Diva collection.

And the moral of this article… Get down to Peacocks!!

Mea Fringe Dress - £20
Patchwork Clutch - £8
Patent Mary Janes - £14
Carved Metal Bangle - £8

Total Price for Outfit 1: £49
Total Price for Outfit 2: £50

October Challenge Successful!

Another month, another £50 challenge! As well as the challenge of creating an outfit for under 50 quid I also pushed the brief further to challenge myself to recreate one of my favourite A/W 08 catwalk looks. The look I picked is this wonderful punk inspired outfit by Thakoon. Their spin on ladylike structure combined with punk-esque prints are bang on trend and gorgeous.

To recreate this look for under £50 I hit Primarni (also known as Primark to some) and found this gorgeous wrap print dress for just £14. With both a serious ladylike shape and featuring the all important tartan check - this is a winner. I couldn’t resist their £3 studded waist cincher or £12 patent lace up platforms either – top marks to Primark as always!

Then onto Tabio who stock great everyday knee socks as well as many innovative and whacky designs, but I love these cotton silky feeling over knees for just £13.

Finally, statement jewellery and gems will be big next season (the bigger the better) and this black gem ring will be great to top off this outfit and great, too, for many other looks such as gothic chick, grunge lux and the LBD craze to name a few. At £8 it keeps me in budget and will keep you on trend.

Dress £14 Primark
Over Knee Socks £13 Tabio
Ring £8 ASOS
Shoe Boots £12 Primark
Belt £3 Primark

Total £50 - Victory is mine!

If you’ve had to tighten your spending strings this month but are in desperate need of an outfit for an upcoming party or night out, check out the ensemble put together below. Each month we’ll be setting ourselves a challenge to see what we can get our hands on for less than £50.

If you’re feeling in need of something a bit floaty and girly for a summers evening check out this gorgeous Mina Floral Smock Dress from ASOS. The green and pink flower detail gives you the opportunity to add some colourful accessories or go for brown tones if you’re looking to create a casual day look. The dress is currently £30 in the sale so get in quick!

To accompany the dress you could go for some gladiator sandals like this leather triangle design, just £10 in the sale, yum!

For just £2 you can add some extra detail such as this Beaded Necklace and finish off the casual day look with some sexy sunglasses like these Kenya animal print ones.

Dress: £30 ASOS
Shoes: £10 ASOS
Necklace: £2 Topshop
Shades: £8 Oasis

Total price: £50 - August Challenge successful!