Sales Savvy
The first question I ask myself as I pick up a sales item? ‘Would I have bought this before I knew the price?’ There’s always that inner turmoil: ‘Buy it, it’s such a bargain! But do I actually need it? Haven’t I already got a black top just like this? Yes, but this is YSL and it’s 50% off! I HAVE to have it!’
Second question: does it complement my existing wardrobe? It’s best to have a shopping list of things you actually need (rather than want)! Think of shopping for clothes like shopping for food. When you prepare a meal you list all the ingredients because missing out one thing could ruin the results. In the same way, you should know what’s in your wardrobe and what the missing ingredients are. It could be a basic white t-shirt, a skinny tan belt (these are going to be major in Autumn/Winter 2010) or some killer heels. Write down what you need and keep the list in your handbag!
Tailor-made
We may still be enjoying the summer weather but now is the perfect time to be planning your Autumn/Winter wardrobe and this year’s trends are some of the most wearable we’ve seen for years. Designers returned to classic pieces with tailored jackets, oversized camel coats and trousers flared elegantly from the knee.
Sales can be a great time to invest in tailored items like these – it’s rare we get the opportunity to be on trend, classically chic and bag a bargain at the same time so I’d grab it with both hands!
Tailoring is an area that is always worth investing in. Badly cut or poor quality suits can really cheapen your look but buy these classic items wisely and you can get many seasons’ wear out of them. How you wear them can still ensure a contemporary feel. Emulate Chloe’s A/W 2010 runways by picking up a tonal satin blouse from Coast or LK Bennett.
If any more excuse was needed then Michael Kors (well known for his amazing tailoring) has just opened at Bicester Village.
Fashion forward
Accomplished shoppers probably snapped up all their essentials at the beginning of the season when there was the widest choice. If so, sales are a good time for fashion indulgences. Remember fashions come and go – take inspiration from the latest fads to develop your style but don’t blindly follow them. Adapt the trends to suit your style and show you’re fashion savvy not a fashion victim!
Size matters?
A good seamstress is a godsend. If you do see a fabulous item for the perfect price but it’s slightly too long or too big on the waist, remember adjustments can be worthwhile. It’s much better to get something gorgeous that can be fitted exactly than something that’s almost there but never quite right.
