Being a family of five I know all too well how important it is to make the pennies stretch that little bit further. Of course you want the same quality and durability in the products you buy, but there is nothing more satisfying than knowing you’ve bagged yourself a bargain. It also means you can buy more right…?!
I’ve enlisted the help of Rock My Style Editor Lauren, who is an interior genius, and loves to find a bargain or two. Lets face it if you’ve seen her Instagram feed you’ll know her home is jam packed full of a wealth of pretty.
Argos
The gorgeous bar you see above was a hack of a folding tray table from Argos. It just goes to show as pretty as the ones from boutique shops are, you don’t have to spend huge amounts to achieve a similar look.
Wilko
Another one of Lauren’s favourite places to shop is Wilko where she recently picked up these rather stylish grey faux linen storage boxes for just £12 each. They look perfect in her snug. Doubling up as seats for guests as well as hiding a multitude of sins.
I’m also rather taken with their copper effect cutlery set. Which will make a lovely edition to my Christmas table scape this year.
Talking of Christmas have you seen their wooden toy range? This fruit & veg set, sandwich set and more are utterly adorable. Making the perfect stocking fillers.
The Range
I am yet to pop into The Range, but I know the team have brought all manner of items from there.
Anything from picture frames, cushions and even props for shoots.
I rather like this tripod table lamp, and for that price you should definitely be treating yourself to the matching floor lamp too.
I was also really pleased to find this hexagonal mirror. The boys bedroom was in desperate need of somewhere for them to check their hair before they left the house and this looks perfect in their grown up room.
Making me smile a lot are these house shelves. I can just imagine all Anabelle’s little people stood proudly on display in her bedroom.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets are no longer all about groceries and certainly make the weekly shop a lot more exciting. It actually becomes quite a treat to leave hubby at home minding the brood whilst I peruse all the aisles. I’m certain I spend more time looking at the clothing section picking up bits and bobs for the littles than I do planning the family meals. Oh well. If I didn’t I wouldn’t have found this cute little grey sequin star tutu, which is an absolute beauty. Or these adorable shorts which I’m gutted don’t come in Anabelle’s size.
A little birdie also tells me that Tesco and Hush have the same supplier for their cashmere knits. Make of that what you will.
Tesco isn’t the only supermarket supporting fabulous knitwear. I’ve just picked up this sparkly jumper from Sainsbury’s for our festive Glitterati work do on Monday. Even more bargainous with their 25% off clothing event.
Saving Websites
If you don’t mind being inundated with emails there is a lot to be said for signing up to voucher websites. They let you know about all the daily discounts across the world wide web and can even provide you with a discount code when there’s not an on-line promotion.
I’m signed up to Voucher Codes and Groupon. Which not only helps you save whilst you on-line shop but also on days and meals out for the family.
I’m sure you’re all signed up to collect Nectar, Tesco Clubcard and Boots Advantage card points. But if you’re not, why not? We quite often convert our points into cinemas tickets, restaurant vouchers or an entrance to a theme park. The kids and us both love it. Most of the vouchers are sent electronically now, so you can literally decide whilst you’re out where you want to eat and by the time your meal has finished you’ve been sent the code on your phone.
Pound shops
If you’re planning a party, celebration or Christmas dinner. Sorry just had to slip the ‘C’ word in again. It is December after all, then you just have to visit Poundland or the 99p Store. They have balloons, bunting, flags, straws and more, and all as cheap as chips. Perfect for making your party look pretty, and perfect for filling those all important party bags full of treats and goodies.
So where are your favourite places to shop when searching for a bargain? Have you been buying any lovely items recently that we probably need to buy too?
{SHOP THE POST}
Header Image by WE ARE // THE CLARKES
Dunelm is great for bargains. I’ve recently bought some gorgeous lights from Clas Ohlson too. M&S might not seem like a budget option, but you can often find pieces inspired by more high-end brands for a lot less. Their lighting department is particularly good.
I LOVE Dunelm too Franky. The boys have this copper pendant in their room, which breaks up all the monochrome. Also loving the Antique Brass finish. xxx
Great post, loving the bargains. It’s always satisfying when you spot a decent copycat product – like the ‘captains mirror’ in my bathroom that was £7.99 in B&M!
I completely admit to having a borderline inappropriate love affair with Wilko too, my not so secret guilty pleasure.
Ooh Karen how long ago was this? I’m looking for a captains mirror to go in our ensuite.
Wilko is definitely a guilty pleasure xxx
It was a while ago but they might still be knocking about! I nearly fell over when I spotted them. Have a look online, they call it ‘faux leather strap mirror’ or something equally hideous x
Ah thanks Karen this is brilliant. I will definitely take a look. Such a bizarre name! xxx
B&M is definitely the best place for a real bargain!! Especially their mirrors and photo frames x
I need to go to B&M again Joanne, I haven’t visited it for such a long time. Weirdly I used to get my coconut milk from there as they came in miniature cans 4 for £1! xxx
Love the sparkly jumper from sainsburies!! I may have just accidentally on purpose bought one online.
Yay for sparkly jumpers Becky xxx
Don’t forget the cashback websites too – Quidco and Topcashback. The big money is for contracts (phone/utilities/insurance) but you also get money back on shopping online. In 5 years I’ve had over £900 back so it’s definitely worth doing!
Ooh what a fab tip Sara. Definitely need to look into this xxx
The wilko wooden food…what a bargain! X
I know right. Did you spot the pizza and ice pops in the range too Lisa? They are definitely going in my basket for Anabelle. xx
No, but they are both super cute too! You little enabler. Lyra will love those ice creams x
I love the table hack – it looks really effective. Do you know where the tray on top is from?
It’s fabulous isn’t it Philippa. Details of the full hack will be appearing on sister blog Rock My Style the week after next. So stay tuned xxx
As much as I love the occasional treat I am a bargain shopper. I love Dunelm too and when I last decorated my bedroom I got a picture for over the bed, lamps, curtains, a throw and bedding for £120 – and quality wise it is still lasting very well.
TK Maxx can be hit and miss but my last buys were a pair of Dune ankle boots for about £30 and a Michael Kors coat for £70.
I’ve never been lucky enough to find any clothes in TK Maxx so tend to avoid it. I know a lot of the team LOVE it though. I do however love perusing their home store Home Sense. Many a bargainous item has been picked up in there. xxx
Great post! I realy love the Argos table hack, I may be buying one of those 🙂
I always have a good look in Poundland around christmas time. There are some brilliant Christmas decs, gift wrap and tableware.
Not to mention all the chocolate treats eh Katie 😉 xxx
I really rate Hema and Tiger for some bargain bits. Hema do some sweet wooden toys that are cheap as chips, and I have got most of the littles in my life presents from there for christmas. Tiger have great decorative bits- my mum got bunting, paper pom poms and prints for my little boys room at her house all from there and it looks amazing!
Oh Anna how much fun is Hema. I think I’ve just been lost on that site for the last hour. Great place for bargains. Thanks for sharing xxx
I popped on RMF this morning to get some inspiration for two friends’ toddlers. Thank you so much for the tip about Wilko wooden toys! The sandwich kits, farmyard puzzles and dominoes have been purchased in town this afternoon!