Sheena Grant’s thrifty living challenge continues.

It seems a long time ago that I pledged to step up my thrifty living endeavours by trying to avoid buying anything new, apart from food, medicines and other essentials.

Almost three months into the experiment, I have to admit I’ve had mixed results. I’ve made use of charity shops and other secondhand outlets, I’ve tried steering clear of the high street to avoid temptation and ? most helpfully of all ? I’ve avoided going shopping for anything with children in tow.

As a result, I’ve almost entirely cut out impulse buys and I think more carefully before splashing out on the new things I just can’t do without, just to make sure there really is no alternative. So far, these have been mainly toiletries and hair dye. I’m not ready to embrace the grey yet and I think I owe it to those around me to keep the air I inhabit as breathable as possible.

And, I’ve discovered, with a bit of imaginative thinking, it is possible to buy new, when you really have to, without spending a fortune.

Take shoes, for instance. When my beloved fur-lined boots split beyond repair I was heartbroken, not only because I adored them but because I couldn’t see how I was going to replace them and maintain at least some semblance of thrift.

But then I discovered that my feet, long-despised for being flat, narrow and, well, just plain ugly, might be my best asset after all. At a dainty size five, they fit very comfortably into shoes that can be bought in the children’s footwear departments of most stores. And as VAT is not charged on children’s footwear, that makes them cheaper. A lot cheaper.

I found a gorgeous pair of boots in the children’s department of a high street store ? identical to a version in the women’s section in everything but price. So what if I got a few odd looks when I tried them on? The savings made it all worthwhile. I also used some money-off vouchers I’d earned on my in-store credit card, so the boots cost me only £15.

Sadly, there’s no prospect of me shopping for anything other than shoes in the zero VAT children’s clothing department. And before you ask, no, I haven’t even tried.

Email sheena.grant@eadt.co.ukor tweet using #ThriftyLiving.