Tips For Shopping In The Sales!

With retailers scrabbling to make back some money after record lows this past year,
the sales are particularly tempting at the moment, with some
incredible offers out there, particularly if you know where to look.
But how do you navigate the sales rails, either in person or virtually and come
away with some great investments and savings? This is where I step in
- read on and allow me to help you!

Have a list

This sounds incredibly obvious, but I don’t just mean write a shopping list before you start as if you were shopping for groceries. Instead, have a working list on your phone or in your diary that you update regularly. I make regular time at home to have dress up sessions to find fresh and interesting combinations with my existing clothes, or to try and work in a new addition and see how well it blends. During these sessions I will also come up with a wish-list…..something like “oh if only I had a red belt it would take this outfit to the next level’. Whenever I think of something I simply add it to my list, so that if a flash sale pops up I am already prepared with things I genuinely could do with.

Edit your wardrobe

How often to we discover something that has fallen off a hanger and been overlooked, or stuffed at the back of a drawer and been forgotten about? Often these are long-lost friends and we fall in love with these garments all over again and find new ways of wearing them. Equally, how many items do you have in your closet that you haven’t worn in the last year? (To be fair here. I’m not sure that we can count 2020 as a normal year, so perhaps add 2019 in on this one too - just this once). By regularly checking in with your closet you stay abreast of the gaps, what might need replacing and ultimately what you do or don’t need, so you don’t buy doubles. Trust me it’s been done before!

Stay in touch 

Stalk your favourite brands, visit their websites weekly to catch any flash sales, if they have a wish list facility, use it, as you will usually be notified if they become discounted. Sign up to mailing lists and be the first to know.

Stick to your budget - and be ruthless

Another obvious one it might seem, but it’s so easy to get carried away with excitement, particularly if the savings are substantial, and there are many incredible deals to be had at the minute. A good rule of thumb is would you buy if if it were full price? If the answer is no, then consider very carefully whether it’s the actual item or the discount that you are in love with. 

Do your research

It’s a really good idea wherever possible to have tried on that item before it’s in the sale, so you can check the sizing, ascertain the colour, and eliminate all chances of a poor purchase. Be familiar with other retailers offering the same items and double check their pricing, scour the internet for discount codes and if you can’t find one you have nothing to lose by contacting the retailer directly and asking before you buy, particularly if you’re a first time buyer

Go informed

Knowing your best colours and which cuts suit your body shape can save you oodles of time and narrow down your search quickly and effectively. One way to achieve this would be to work with a personal stylist such as myself, who can quickly show you your wow colours as well as possibly more importantly the ones to shy away from, and educate you on the types of clothing that will flatter you every time. Armed with this information, you will quickly begin to scan the rails or website pages and filter out at least 50% of what is in front of you. Enabling faster, more effective shopping.

Be prepared to return

Ask yourself how easy it is to return the item, and how willing you would be to do so if it’s not right. If it’s too much hassle then it’s time to empty your basket or step away from the rail.

Be choosy

Wardrobe space is at a premium, and you should be extremely selective with what you allow inside. Do you absolutely love it?! Does it make your heart beat faster and want to dance with joy?! Fashion is about fun and expressing yourself and once you have the capsule-basics mastered, do not accept any less than full-on passion for an item, or you haven’t quite met the love of your life yet. Aim for quality over quantity, and aim to find the very best for each item that is in your price range.

Consider cost per wear

A designer coat that you will wear daily for several winters will be a far better investment than a cheaper kaftan that you will only wear on certain holidays. It’s worth paying out a little more for high-traffic items that will get a lot of use. Consider the cost per wear next time you are looking at evening dresses for example and perhaps consider borrowing or renting instead? This is not only cheaper but far more sustainable so its win win.

How versatile is it?

Another way to assess how hard-working a piece will be in your wardrobe is to work out how many ways you can style it. This is when online shopping really comes into its own, as you can leisurely spend time working it into your wardrobe (or not) and assess its value. For inspiration follow bloggers like myself on social media, read the fashion supplements and magazines and snap outfits you like, saving them in a special notes section on your phone, or scour Pinterest. I always order more than one size too, for ultimate flexibility.

Is it ready to wear?

Is this garment ready to pop on and go or does it need a little work? If so, how likely are you to make that happen or will it lurk in a corner waiting to be altered and in reality gathering dust? Be absolutely honest with yourself here, and if it’s not likely to happen, walk on by.

Is it a classic?

From celebrities or the general public, I coach my clients to work towards the 80/20 rule, aiming for 80% classic pieces that can be worn time and time again, and 20% fun and frivolous trend-led items that will date more quickly but bring the fun factor. Be wary of those trend pieces and assess how much you love it. Can you see yourself still wearing it when the fashion has moved on? 

Plump for accessories

If I do ever come across an amazing sale that demands a better look and for some reason I am not prepared, the one category I will always look at first to avoid the scrum is accessories. This is for the simple reason that I believe you would be hard-pushed to have too many. 

Accessories such as belts, shoes, scarves hats and statement necklaces allow you to create endless combinations out of the most basic of capsule wardrobes so are always worth investing in. I am a sucker for a belt, as almost every outfit, no matter your shape or size can be improved with one. I have adored the large statement-corset types that have been out there this season and I would be thrilled to find one at a good price. Accessories such and this require little to no trying on, so can be easily snapped up leaving other shoppers to sharpen their elbows in what can often feel like a jumble sale. 

Footwear is another favourite for obvious reasons, but probably my most loved item to search for is a coat or jacket. Easily tried on, a great time to pick up something unusual and quirky that others have been a little wary of trying, and let’s face it - in the UK, absolutely needed for at least 70% of the year!

Who are you shopping with?

It’s so easy to get carried away in the frenzy of sales treasure hunting but before you start, do consider exactly where - work with whom - you are investing your money. Is it a large international chain store with questionable ethics or a small independent, sustainable brand. We vote with our hard-earned cash and its more important now than ever before to be selective about who we support. Take a look at the app ‘Good on you’ which will quickly give you feedback on the sustainability of your favourite brand.