Archive for December, 2010
If you don’t want to end up boxing a fellow customer over the last pair of black suede boots in the ridiculously crammed stores, read my top 10 tips on how to shop in the sales…
1. Before you even leave the house, take a look in your wardrobe and make a note of any missing items: do you need a top to wear with that skirt that’s been sitting at the back for months unworn or a pair of coloured tights to complete that outfit. Boys - need a pair of cuff- links for that new shirt you got for Christmas?
2. Dress in something that is easy to take off and on; girls a smock dress over leggings. Boys – avoid wearing a shirt – think of all those buttons to undo every time you want to try a top on, instead go for something loose. Wear a pair of trousers that don’t need a belt and time-saving slip-on shoes. Ladies – avoid heels; comfort is key.
3. Set out early to avoid the crush and find the shops in a still shoppable, organised state.
4. Sounds obvious but many people are scared to speak up. Don’t be afraid to ask staff for advice and help, it’s what they’re there for and they may show you something you would never have considered and will be able to tell you the price if it’s not clear. It will save you valuable browsing time.
5. It’s best to go for items you wouldn’t normally be able to afford that suddenly seem within reach with 70% off. So if you normally shop in high- end high street; treat yourself to designer, mid-price high street go for top end: Hobbs, LK Bennett etc and if you normally shop in Peacocks and Primark, have a look in Warehouse and Oasis for the quality bargains.
6. Go for quality items that are quite expensive like leather gloves and boots and more expensive fabrics like silk.
7. Go on your own; you’ll be able to stay focused and friends often give bad advice, sometimes jealousy kicks in and they don’t want you to look THAT fantastic. It may sound harsh but it does go on, I’ve seen it.
8. Try everything on before you buy, if you set out early enough there shouldn’t be too much of a queue at the fitting room and what looks fab on the hanger doesn’t always work on the body. Don’t be afraid to ask the assistant for another size if you need it, save you getting dressed again. Be ruthless; if it doesn’t look as good as you’d hoped, put it back even if it is only £20.
9. Buy what fits you NOW. Don’t buy things thinking ‘I will start that diet tomorrow’. I guarantee you, 6 months down the line it will still be sitting at the back of your wardrobe unworn. If I had a £1 for every time a woman told me she has done this, I would be very rich by now!
10.. Avoid faddy items and go for more classic styles that will last again and again. Call it an investment piece! If you would’ve been tempted at the original price then it’s a good bet, if not it may be an impulse buy, think again. Check with the store on the refund policy, many places won’t refund sale items and only offer an exchange.
Good luck, have fun and come back and tell me about all your favourite sartorial bargains!
© Sabina Lucia 2012
