Top Tips for Successful Sale Shopping

So, after all that exhausting Christmas shopping, we are now being lured back into the shops and online to snap up sale bargains.  But look before you leap; a bargain is not a bargain if you only end up wearing it once or find it doesn’t go with anything else in your wardrobe.  Here are a few hints for the thrifty ion-store bargain hunter:

• Firstly, dress for the hunt – wear comfortable footwear, layers you can strip off in hot shops, a shoulder bag to keep your hands free and plan out what you need and what your budget is.
• Make sure you understand what colours and shapes flatter your own natural colouring and body shape and don’t be tempted into a major colour or style mistake just because it’s a great price.
• Bear in mind the so-called bargain’s CPW (cost per wear).  For example, a soft white cashmere jumper costing £100 which goes with lots of items already in your wardrobe could be worn once a week during the 6 months of winter/spring.  So 26 weeks wearings divided by £100 is £2.60 per wear.  That amazing red dress you see for £100 may only get 3 wearings before you get fed up with it – that’s £33 a wear!
• Go for classic, investment buys in the sale such as great underwear, shoes, a tailored jacket or coat, staple work shirts and suits.  Avoid buying ‘fashion’ items which are in the sale for a good reason ie they won’t be in fashion much longer.
• While it’s always a refreshing change to buy something ‘different’, especially if it is a good price, you should recognise that your style is just that, your style, and that the item could end up never seeing the world outside your wardrobe.
• Always ask yourself ‘what will I wear it with?’ and ‘when will I wear it?’ – Impulse buys rarely work out.  Buy in haste, repent at leisure amidst your credit card bills.

Hate shopping?  I love it!  And I can help you but doing all the leg-work for you.  Check out my Accompanied Shopping Trip session and let me take the hassle out of the hunt.