General Saving Tips For Your Closet

In a world where binging is the new black (Netflix, I'm looking at you), it's easy to go a little crazy when everything is so accessible and doesn't even necessarily require you to get out of your bed. I'm guilty of it myself sometimes, but one of the easiest ways to save money in regards to your wardrobe, and in general, is definitely to avoid impulsive buys, particularly when it comes to online shopping. Hide your credit/debit card if you have to! 
It can be hard to resist, but you're bank account/long term savings plan will thank you for it later. 

When you're physically shopping and see something you love, there's often a thought process that if you don't get it now, then you'll never get it and then you'll regret not making the purchase. To this I would recommend that if you at least make sure you try whatever it is on first! Think about whether you'll realistically wear something in reality, and what else you will wear it with. Think about the quality of the product to - whether it will last. 

If you insist on buying something that's designer, it's a good idea to opt for small things like accessories instead of spending (even more of) a fortune on that brand. 

Finally, don't be afraid to rent or hire outfits for special occasions like a university formal or ball. There are some great ones on Instagram like @rentadressau or @hiringwardrobe. That way, you can wear what may be your dream dress or brand without spending a fortune on something you might only wear once!

Why ASOS Is A Lifesaver

It may be mainstream and obvious, but ASOS is truly a lifesaver for students. An online fashion and beauty store originating in Britain, it is literally your one stop shop, and a very affordable one at that. In an increasingly fast-paced and digitalised world, online shopping is often the easiest option. Aside from just convenience, it’s also a good place to shop if you want international trends in your wardrobe, as these are available. 

It's never been easier to look like you've spent a lot without actually spending a lot. The aesthetics are great. You can sort low to high while still finding great items! How rarely does that happen?!

I bought a fair few items that arrived last week (pictured above), which came to around $230 – not bad for nearly an impulsive, whole new summer wardrobe.

I'm not here to tell you what exactly you should buy, because ASOS really has everything. Although of course, as is common knowledge, start with basics and then move to more specific items of clothing (i.e. make sure you have plain bottoms before buying patterned tops). 

However, I would recommend that if you are unsure of sizing (you vary from item to item etc.) then it’s probably a good idea to avoid getting that item altogether – after all, doubt means don’t. It will also be a money saver, as the downside to any form of online shopping is you can return, but you have to pay for postage which usually isn’t that cheap.

The 4 Best Value Smartphones You Should Consider

Hi I'm James, and welcome to my first post!  I'll be writing about how to maximise your tech lifestyle whilst living on a budget. 

It’s not that long ago that owning a smartphone was a luxury only a lucky few could afford.  Well it’s 2015 and there now really is no distinction between a “phone” and a “smartphone” to the average person.  Smartphones have become more and more affordable each year and we’re now at the point where you no longer have to pay a premium price for a premium experience.

Here is my list of the 4 smartphones you should consider on a budget.

iPhone 5C ($360 – Ebay)

The iPhone 5c comes in a variety of colours.¹

The only phone Apple has ever produced for those on a budget.  Released along with the iPhone 5S, the 5C offers the essentials of a smartphone, without the premium specs or materials found on other iPhones.

Pros: Cheapest iPhone.  All the benefits that being an iPhone brings.

Cons:  Now 2 years old.  Discontinued product.  Difficult to find in stores.

Verdict:  Good phone at a good price, however destined to be painfully slow to use in the next year or so with new releases of iOS.

OnePlus 2 ($550 – Everbuying Store)

The second iteration of One Plus’ budget flagship phone that started the trend of premium specs sold at a budget price.  Branded the “flagship killer”, OnePlus hopes it can prove to the world they are paying too much for their phones.

The OnePlus 2 "flagship killer" has an interchangeable back cover.²

Pros: Top of the line specs.  Brand new on the market.  The design of the back of the phone is interchangeable (pictured).

Cons:  Unfortunately, to buy the phone you need to register to receive an invitation from OnePlus.  This has caused a supply-and-demand premium that means the phone is currently being resold for more than it’s worth.  In a few months it is expected to be sold at the advertised price.  Average camera.

Verdict:  Everything you could want in an Android phone, for a competitive price.

ZTE Blade S6 ($350 – Gadget Gear AU Store)

The Blade S6 can take 2 SIM cards, and can
run on two mobile networks at once.³

ZTE is a Chinese company that have traditionally specialised in designing network infrastructure.  They have more recently tried to break into the consumer smartphone market.  Their Blade S6 has been the first model with the potential to compete in a premium space.

Pros: Well-built phone with a good camera and an option for a second sim-card.  Expandable memory.

Cons:  Lacks the battery capacity and the screen quality that the Plus 2 boasts. 

Verdict:  For $200 less than the Plus 2, the Blade is perfect for people who can live without a full HD screen.

Huawei P7 ($488 – Harvey Norman)

Selfies come out massive with the P7's 8 Megapixel
front-facing camera.⁴

Huawei is the Chinese company emerging as one of the big players in consumer electronics.  Their P7 offers a premium build for a discount price and it has made a real statement to the likes of Samsung and Apple to either innovate or become competitive with their prices.

Pros: Well-built phone with a glass backing.  Huge 8MP selfie camera.  Big 5 inch FHD screen, strong Gorilla Glass 3, quad-core CPU.

Cons:  Will not run on the fastest WIFI standard wireless AC.

Verdict:  Most complete package.  Best value phone of the mix.  Phone is 1 year old yet still offers very solid specs.  A steal below $500 and set to drop in price as successors are released.



Images:
1 - Mac Rumours http://cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2013/09/iphone5c-header.jpg
2 - OnePlus 2 https://content.oneplus.net/skin/frontend/oneplus2015/default/images/events/op2Launch/oneplus2-og.png
3 - ZTE http://www.ztemobiles.com.au/assets/img/Blade_S6_angle1_SIM_Tray.png
4 - Huawei http://consumer.huawei.com/ucmf/groups/public/documents/webasset/hw_334681.jpg