So far, so exciting. What was I going to order? If you’ve never used this site before, they offer short term sales of different branded goods that are often reduced by 20 to 70% from the normal RRP. In any given week they might offer boutique sales of designer clothes, beauty products, jewellery, shoes, gifts, electricals and homewares. I’m a big fan.

Now, value for money is a subjective concept. One person’s must-have bargain is another person’s surplus requirement, after all. I decided to make purchases that I knew I’d use a lot, or that would help me make more use of other things in my wardrobe. Here are my personal purchases, and the reasoning behind them.

1. A pair of Enzja Nucci boots, reduced to £19.00. Some comfy everyday boots to wear with jeans or day dresses, to replace a similar pair that I’ve worn to death.

2. A pair of Divine Factory ankle boots, reduced to £19.00. They’re the perfect heel height to go with longer trousers for smart meetings during the colder weather, and foxy enough to wear with any dress or skinny jeans.

3. A J’aime ce Look fitted jacket, reduced to £15.00. A stretchy jersey jacket that will smarten up scruffy outfits, and give a more urban edge to girly dresses.

4. A J’aime ce Look cropped jacket, reduced to £15.00. I’m going to use this to make spring and autumn clothes that little bit warmer, so I can wear more of the other things in my wardrobe. It also comes with a black rosette brooch so you can wear it folded open or pinned closed.

5. A J’aime ce Look slimline coat, reduced to £25.00. I love this coat. It replaces another much-loved warm coat that had a bit of an accident. So technically I need this coat, as well as loving it.

6. Three vintage billboard mugs from Rex International, reduced to £2.00 each. I drink a lot of tea while I’m working so these will be put to good use. They also make me laugh in an Alice In Wonderland meets Monty Python sort of way.

Now the eagle-eyed amongst you may have spotted that I only managed to spend £99. It’s just the way it worked out – better to underspend than to overspend at the end of January though. I could have easily gone completely over-budget, there were so many goodies to choose from.

Competition: If you’d like to win yourself a £50 shopping spree at BrandAlley (where your £50 could go an extremely long way), all you have to do is answer the following question by leaving your answer in the comments box below. I spent £99 on things I really wanted, but how much did I save on the total RRP of these goods? Give your estimated answers to the nearest whole £, and the winner will be chosen on the 18th of February.

Terms and conditions: One entry per household please, multiple entries will be disqualified. No cash alternative. UK entrants only. Your email address will not be used by this site or passed on to any third parties, only the winner’s email will be used to contact them.

When I want to eat beautiful food in sophisticated surroundings, but the finances don’t quite stretch to a fancy lunch or dinner, I head for a deluxe tearoom. The Wolseley cafe-restaurant on Piccadilly is a particular favourite of mine and is ideal for meeting friends, treating relatives, spotting celebrities or impressing a date.

The building was originally designed as a luxury car showroom in the 1920s, and has been beautifully converted into a European-style grand cafe with most of the original Art Deco features still intact, including the marble floors, huge windows and high ceilings. It’s light years away from your local greasy spoon, and serves breakfasts, lunches, and evening meals as well as gorgeous afternoon teas.

The place is very popular, so it’s advisable to book ahead unless you don’t mind waiting for a while in the busy bar by the door. The staff are efficient and friendly rather than stuffy, and they will seat you as soon as they can.

The menu covers bistro fare, Eastern European comfort foods, seafood, and, best of all, high teas and Viennoiserie. Given the quality and ambience it’s reasonably priced. On my last visit the waiter allowed me to split one afternoon tea between two people, which meant that we had a plate of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, a choice of teas, and a small selection of pastries to share. It was more than enough for both of us, and our taste of the good life came in at below £10 per person. Worth every penny.

Tea at the Wolseley is held daily 3.30pm – 6.30pm, apart from Saturdays (3.30pm – 5.30pm).

The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB. Telephone: 020 7499 6996

This article by Penny Golightly originally appeared on the lastminute.com blog.