(Me in black and gold Gianvito Rossi sandals (from Matchesfashion.com bought at 30% off))
NOTE TO SELF: I have used this pic a lot, so I will create more photo opportunities!
In the olden days, let’s say 10 years ago, my head would be giddy at the prospect of the sales and I would employ what I would call the ”smash and grab” approach of shopping.
All I saw were discounted prices and I fooled myself into thinking I was saving in the long run. I would often spend more than I had originally planned - as I would buy a few things I had earmarked earlier in the season, but then I would buy random “bargains”. More often than not the impulse buys would sit in my wardrobe unloved and unworn.
Nowadays my shopping skills have been refined and I am altogether a more discerning shopper.
I rarely go into “actual” shops as I don’t have the time, and am not prepared to have an “elbows at dawn” type situation with someone over a lovely skirt. Instead I have a mental wish list and conduct thorough research online.
Here are a few things I do when I shop the sales:
1. Invest in timeless pieces. Sales are the perfect time to invest in clothes that outlive fads and “flash in the pan" trends. Whatever your budget you may fall in love with something but not be able to justify the cost at full price. That is the time to wait and pounce when the sales are on. There is a gamble here as if you are a popular size – it may sell out, but on the other hand you may end up with something beautiful at half the cost. Sales are the perfect time to look for an evening dress, a winter coat, a designer handbag or a lovely pair of shoes.
(Me in a Badgley Mischka red silk evening dress from Outnet.com reduced from around £600 to around £200)
2. Invest in replacements for your staples. Go through your go-to items. For me this could be black tops and silk shirts. But you have to be tough on yourself. If you have 5 black shirts you don’t wear, then do you really need another even if it reduced by 70%??? On the other hand if you have a couple of beautiful shirts that you have worn to death and are looking a little threadbare and will be hard to repair – go for the new one in the sales.
3. Do you really need it? Some people I know may be falling over at me asking this question, as fashion is not always a question of “need”. But sales shopping is about being savvy – I try not to get swayed by the price tag if I would never wear said item. For me – this equates to jeans; there is no point me ever buying jeans as I don’t wear them – so sale or no sale it’s waste of money!
4. Do you still love it? Many of us browse online or in shops and earmark things we might like to buy. But when the sales come round that particular lust may have waned. The speed at which brands drop new collections means there are new lines to choose from nearly every week. So think carefully – it would be a shame to spend your budget on something you no longer adored.
5. Does it work with your existing wardrobe? Finally when you get your purchase home or it arrives thanks to the wonder of online shopping – double check – does it compliment/go with a number of things in your wardrobe. Is it as lovely as you thought it was? If doesn’t tick all your boxes – send it back. There is no point having a bargain if it is going to sit in your wardrobe – that is false economy!!Every avid shopper knows there are lovely things for all of us – whatever our style, whatever our budget - every season. That is why the fashion industry is booming and is so good at what it does.
I have learned over the years to buy less but buy smarter. I guess I am saying have a strategy especially when you shop the sales…. And enjoy all those markdowns!