Louboutin heelsGetty Images for Martini

Here's how to get the Louboutin look for less: you paint the soles of your shoes red. Rather than forking out £500 or £600 for a pair of Louboutin heels, buy a cheap pair of shoes and head to a DIY store. A tester pot of the right shade of red - for example Duracoat's 'Flame' or 'Show Stopper' - costs just £1.59.

Sales of red gloss paint have rocketed at Homebase, which claims it's all about women trying to recreate the Louboutin look on a budget.

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Christian Louboutin himself came up with the idea of giving his shoes a distinctive red sole in 1992 when he painted an assistant's nail polish onto the bottom of a pair of shoes which he felt "lacked energy".

Here are some other frugal fashion tips.

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1. DIY repairs
It helps if you can sew a little. One of my friends always replaces all the buttons on a new coat to freshen it up. Taking up a hem might make a boring old skirt or dress more fashionable. ehow has some step-by-step instructions on how to replace a button and how to repair a hem. More tips on how to mend your clothing here.

However, if you are bad at sewing you're better off taking your things to a professional tailor before you ruin them. Or ask your mum to do it for you.

2. Share or swap your stuff
Do a temporary or permanent clothes swap with friends or relatives, or through swishing sites like Posh Swaps and Swishing. You can also swish accessories. Here's a quick guide to swishing.

3. Create a core wardrobe
Buy a number of good-quality timeless pieces for formal and casual occasions that you can wear for years to come - such as a trenchcoat and the famous little black dress.

4. Shop and wear your clothes out of season
Teamed up with tights, leggings or skinny jeans summer skirts and dresses can be worn all year round. Admittedly it's harder to make your winter clothes work in summer, although the bad summer we've had so far does allow you to wear your winter boots.

5. Remix and accessorise
Be creative about how you combine your clothes and accessories. One popular fashion blog, Kendi Everyday, started the 30 for 30 Remix, which challenges bloggers to pick 30 pieces of clothing to remix in different ways for 30 days. No shopping allowed, obviously. Be bold with colour and style.

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