As much as I love to shop ... (I do it for a living) ... there are some pitfalls to shopping during sale time. Whenever I'm with a client doing a wardrobe consultation, most of the pieces with tags still attached or that are completely inappropriate for their lifestyle / body shape etc, were bought during a sale frenzy. So at the risk of sounding like a crotchety old school ma'am - here are my top tips for shopping during sale...
What to buy?
With so much choice of clothing on sale, try not to get caught up in the moment and only look for and buy things that you actually need. Some of the things that are always on my list are ...
Tops
We always need tops. I think my wardrobe eats them, because I always need them.
The number one thing I write on my clients shopping list after a wardrobe consultation is tops, in a variety of colours, styles and textures. Everyone needs a great selection of versatile tops that will go with many outfits ... this does not mean buying the same top in a gazillion colours just because you like it. It will end up looking like you are in uniform.
Shoes
I have never met a woman who had too many shoes. I've met plenty who have no room to put them, but that obstacle is easily overcome and not important to this story! My theory is that the more you have the longer they will last, so you have my blessing to add as many pairs of shoes to your wardrobe as you can physically carry!!
Accessories
Sale is a great time to treat yourself to items that you do not necessarily buy throughout the year, like belts, necklaces, rings, bangles etc. Accessories are where you can really let your personality go wild, as it is much easier to wear a load bangle than it is a jungle print jumpsuit for example. As I always say, $200 spent on accessories is the equivalent of $2000 spent on clothes.
Underwear
Summer sales on bra's and undies are usually great, and this is when I stock up for the year ahead.
In addition to this list, keep an eye out for any items that are genuine reductions (mot just cheapies brought in for the sale period), that will add value to your wardrobe and pass the wear-ability test.
The Wear-ability Test
Key questions to ask yourself before you purchase ...
Where will you wear it?
How often will you wear it?
How many items in your current wardrobe can it be worn with?
Does it suit your body shape?
Does it make you look amazing?
Only once you are happy with the answers should you consider purchasing. If you are still confused, consider the golden rules of sale:
Golden Rules
It’s not a bargain if it doesn't flatter your body shape.
It’s not a bargain if it doesn't flatter your skin tone.
It's not a bargain if it hurts your lifestyle to buy it (i.e. you will need to eat baked beans for a month to pay it off your credit card).
Merry Christmas and Happy Sale Shopping.
xx
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