I became a mother this year, add to that getting my body back and fashion it seems took a definite back burner as well as my beloved AskBronny. With baby now seven months old I’ve returned to the AskBronny fold and would like to share what I’ve learnt about fashion post baby and on a budget.

I’ve always splashed cash on my fashion, whether it was $2 for a camisole in the opshop or $500 for a pair of shoes I just had to have. I turned my nose up at Big W, Target or the dreaded KMart. However, upon becoming a mother I found myself in Big W regularly trawling the isles for cheap baby Bonds, formula and anything remotely baby. Gradually I seemed to wander to the fashion racks, I mean I’d shopped there before, occasionally I’d buy something, they seemed to do a good TShirt for the gym – and they were fabulous for cheap maternity. I didn’t believe this would translate to my post preggy fabulousness. I was wrong.

Big W it seems has transformed their fashion line – much in the same way Witchery managed to do 8 years ago they have transmogrified into ‘cool’. The beauty of course is this. If the baby spits up on my $10 TShirt from Big W – do I care? Not really. Whoever they have taken on as their new buyer is in my opinion is a genius.

I knew I was onto something when in the latest edition of Shop Til You Drop there was a whole advertorial section dedicated to Big W with certain items picked off as ‘Must Haves’ I was pleased to see at least 3 of these ‘Must Haves’ were also in my wardrobe.

And it didn’t stop at BigW for me. This year I also noticed Target. I always considered Target did very good underwear and pyjamas but for fashion – I would just keep walking. This Winter they did some marvelous knits, well priced, comfy and warm and dare I say it – stylish.

Does this mean that it's me who has changed? Somehow lost my fashion cool? Will people stop booking me to style them? I think not. I think it is the shops that have changed, realising they needed to get with it - or lose it.

Now it's time to realise - that we can shop for less! We don't need to buy the $50 TShirt when a $10 option that is just as cute is available.

I’m now at a point where I’ve lost count of the number of people commenting on my top or shorts or shoes. It is with a certain smug glee that I announce ‘BigW’ to anyone who will listen.

And so – here are my top five picks from the BigW Summer range.

Denim Shorts
(image not on BigW website – SHAME! Look in Octobers Australian edition of Shop Til You Drop)
Yep they are back from the late 80s early 90s! Grab a pair for less than $20 and look and feel super hot without the perspiration over your bank balance.

MaxiDress
Still in and still super stylish. We love this one, tribal with a hint of sexy – very nice.

Ruffle Tank
How cute is this tank! Team it with your high waisted 70s style flares and wedge heels.

Canvas Shorts
Definitely one of the best buys of the season and for less than $15! Why go anywhere else! These hot shorts come in a gorgeous watermelon color and is adorning my wardrobe as I type.

Denim Mini
The denim mini is timeless and Big Ws version is fabulous. We like how they have teamed a weave belt with the look. Hot!

So take a trip into Big W – you just might be surprised, dig around, look at everything, you'll find something you like, i'm sure of it! And make sure before you leave you visit the Accessories section, I’m loving their silver butterfly pieces. So sweet and girly.

Love
Bronny
xxxx