By Natalie Bochenski

Everyone knows people like the Joneses. Always beautifully dressed and presented, they only wear brand name clothing, bought at high-end department stores or boutiques. They travel in style, with designer luggage. Their home is full of the latest electronic gadgets and elegant furniture.

If you can't afford all this, you're not alone. Recent retail sales figures show a slump in growth, meaning interest rate rises and higher fuel and grocery costs are putting pressure on discretionary spending. We still want the high life – here are some hints on achieving it with a grounded budget.

The clothes do not maketh the man (and certainly not the woman)

Retail therapy enthusiasts should consider op-shopping. Executive assistant Danielle Johnson never seems to wear the same outfit twice, and she credits her op-shopping mother with instilling in her the value of recycled clothing. “99 per cent of people can’t tell the difference between a $200 top and $20 top, so why would you pay an exorbitant amount on a top when you could spend that extra $180 on a million other things?” she says.

Danielle says the key to successful op-shopping is time and an open mind. Creativity and basic sewing skills come in handy too. “Sometimes a dress might look a bit daggy, but maybe all it needs is a slight modification to the length and some major frill-removal for it to look wonderful.”

If you prefer new, Danielle says there’s nothing wrong with everyday department stores. “People like you because of your personality, not because of your designer outfits - so don’t feel embarrassed about buying some pants from Target, Kmart or Big W.” Invest in simple key items like shirts, trousers, skirts and shoes, which you can mix and match. Change your accessories to achieve different looks – Danielle Johnson suggests stores like Diva, which sell cheap costume jewellery.

Free yourself financially by freeing yourself from style slavery. “Don’t buy an item just because it’s in fashion,” says Danielle. “All that means is that in six months’ time you won’t be able to wear it anymore because you’ll look totally unfashionable. Buy things that suit your personality.”

If you've got kids, head to Best ‘n’ Less, or other discount department stores. Little ones don't know anything about brand names – they’re going to get an outfit dirty then grow out of it no matter how much you spend on it. Stores like this also offer bulk buys and regular specials – which, when you’re shopping for multiple items or multiple children, can really add up.