Everyone loves a sale, am I right or am I right? Aahhh, but bargains are only a bargain if you actually ‘need’ the item. I know it’s tempting to go a little cray cray at the sale and grab everything that sends your heart fluttering because it’s ‘so now’, ‘so cute’, ‘so cheap’ or maybe you think you ‘might fit into it’…one day. Hey…yes you…STOP! Let’schill for a minute and take some time to read my tips before you hit the stores.
DOLLAR PER WEAR…IT’S A THING
Ok, you work hard for your money right? Think about how much you earn per hour, then work out how many hours you actually had to ‘work’ for that ‘bargain’. How’s the calculating going? Now work out how much you will ‘actually’ wear that item. I know I’ve had plenty of ‘bargains’ in my wardrobe over the years that turned out to be duds!
HAVE A PLAN
Before you hit the sales work out what you need and where the ‘gaps’ are in your wardrobe. Maybe you need a new dress or some jeans?…staples that will see you through years of wear? These are the items that you should be hunting for at the sales. Good investment pieces that you will wear year after year are even better when you get them at a discount. Of course, if you’ve been coveting an item for aaages and it’s on sale then run don’t walk!
KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD
Go through your wardrobe, make a list of what your ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ (yes, they’re different) are and then look at your budget. Are you a ‘cash only’ kinda girl at the sales or are you prepared to use credit? Figure out what you can afford to spend and stick to your budget, because nothing haunts you like shopping guilt!
SALE REGRET
If you need time to think about a big purchase then walk away and have a cuppa, sometimes getting away from the bright lights and excited salesperson gives you clarity and can save you from a costly mistake.
BE PREPARED
Hit the stores prepared. That means with your list, eat a meal (because no one likes hangry shoppers), coffee onboard and wear comfy clothes and shoes. When I shop with clients I always suggest comfy knickers, supportive bra, leggings or pants (not leggings as pants), and a shoe with a small heel. You will be getting your gear on and off alot so a quick change is good, a shoe with a little heel helps to get the ‘feel’ of an outfit. Don’t be afraid to grab a scarf or necklace on the way to the change room either. This will help you to ‘dress’ the outfit and make your decision to purchase (or not) easier.
ONLINE
If you are shopping the sales online then know your measurements and understand the returns policy. It also pays to check shipping costs, sometimes the items are a bargain but the shipping can cost just as much. It might even pay to do a group purchase with a friend.
Personally I’ll be steering clear of the sales because I’m not fond of crowds and untidy stores or queues at the change room. If you are planning on hitting the stores I hope you find a ‘real bargain’ and have some fun.
Do you have something on you list? Got any good shopping tips?
Great tips there Jenni..no sales happening here in my small town, so I won’t be shopping..xx
Not even a peek online? 🙂
good tips here thanks jen!
they start the sales earlier than they used to I’m sure?!?!
my wardrobe is chokkas! … some culling could go on there indeed!
I’m certainly not going into the city for the sales!
I would like some new long boots though!
enjoy your weekend hun! love m:)X
You might need to trawl the internet for boot bargains?
I like online sales the best because there are no crowds. Dorothy Perkins (UK) have the best sales and often offer free shipping too – plus there’s no messy displays, no queue for the changing room and it’s super easy to find your size! I’m currently making do with what I’ve got (which isn’t much!) and saving myself and my money for spring! xx
Good work Sammie, I’m already thinking of spring fashion too x
Great tips Jeni. Unfortunately I’m shopping my wardrobe this winter and will actually sew something for me, that I’ve been meaning to do forever. Zoe xx
Sewing is such a handy skill, one I don’t have. How cool to whip something up
Some great tips, Jen. I did a stock take at the beginning of winter, 3 knits, 1 pair of jeans, an anorak and a pair of books later, I’m done!
Erin you did good!! I purchased a new anorak this season too and it’s getting a good workout x
I have a few needs but want to try and go without the kids, which means I’ll probably never get there.
Maybe online?
Wonderful tips as always miss! I need (and I mean need) new work pants but I’ll be avoiding the sales. I’m like you I hate waiting for a change room! Haha
Thanks Em, maybe you need a personal shopper
I definitely need a new winter coat, but that’s what online shopping is for… I can’t imagine braving a real-life store during the sales. Sooooo messy on every level because I would spend way too much money! x
I’m the same…see the pretties and spend the money!! I’m a much better online shopper x
Great tips Jenni, especially the one about converting the cost to your hourly rate. I really need to start doing this, especially for those cheeky lunch break shops I’m so guilty of. Xx
Oh, it’s so tempting working close to great shops. 🙂
I’ve been super keen to invest in a trench coat for years, time to do it! I suspect I need to try it on though but like you, I can’t handle the shops!
I will often try on pieces throughout the season and then buy at the sales…beats the crowds x
Definitely didn’t fancy my long weekend in the changing room so order the tops I needed online and headed to the beach – got to love the Queensland winter. It should turn up in the next month or so and we’ll add a scarf and boots to our look. And yes we know the rest of the country snickers at our winter style but it’s really not cold enough for all that gorgeousness.
I grew up in Queensland, when I moved to Adelaide I was in total shock at the ‘four seasons’ but fell in love with winter dressing. When its 15 degrees and freeeezing I miss the Queensland winter 🙂