Buying quality without destroying your bank balance

Picking up inexpensive ladies clothes can be challenging when you're not interested in the latest trends, short skirts and horrific leggings. If you want good quality clothes which last then you're down to a few shops.

eBay has become a bit of a Mecca for me and I'm regularly woken by the postman bringing me the latest bargain which won't fit through the letterbox.

You don't have to be wealthy to wear quality clothes if you shop sensibly - as the fantastic blog An Affordable Wardrobe is always pointing out.

One of my latest purchases is this gorgeous Joules tank top made of 80% lambswool and 20% nylon which I scooped for £11.15 including postage. It was used but in great condition, and less than a third of the price you would pay for it new.

An even bigger bargain was this tattersall Ralph Lauren shirt which was £10.01, again including postage. The lack of a giant pony strewn across the front undoubtedly kept most bidders away, allowing me to land a comfortable, good looking, high quality garment at what I estimate to be about 1/12th of the original price.

If you only shop new and have something against wearing second hand clothing you really are limiting your wardrobe. In case you weren't aware, you can get back 40.4% of the fees eBay takes for each of your purchases by following a link through TopCashBack. I've been using it for a matter of months and have already earned more than £100 in referral fees back from shopping at places like Joules, Play, Pixmania and My Wardrobe.