We have said goodbye to Mariah and finished off the last of the Quality Street for another year.
So here come the January Sales.
Love it or hate it when January arrives there is no denying that we will be bombarded with ‘Sale’ advertisements whether that be on our TV screens, social media posts and print media. Together with our friends talking about it, there really is no way of hiding from it.
I personally can't bloody stand the sales!! I can't cope with the mess, the crowds and the queues, so personally it's not for me, however, on the other hand, having been a Stylist for over 15 years, I can come armed with tips and tricks to help my clients when it comes to Sale shopping. I know many people who thrive in the sales and really enjoy picking up a bargain!
Sales are the perfect time to make smart investment choices so ask yourself the question ‘What gaps do I have in my wardrobe?’ If that Reiss Camel Coat you’ve had your eye on has now been reduced, it will make it the perfect time to buy it! That black timeless handbag that will go with everything in your wardrobe, now is the perfect time to buy it. That navy cashmere jumper that you know will look great with your boyfriend jeans, now is the perfect time to buy it, and so on and so on...you get my drift!
Why are you buying it?
I know that might seem like a stupid question but it is a really important one. Are you buying it because you're tempted by the cost? Perhaps you wanted it when it was full price but you couldn't justify the cost? Do you have something that will work with your current wardrobe? Or are you buying it to fulfil and emotional need? These are all the little things you need to think about when hitting the sales.
Top Tip: Look in your wardrobe before you go shopping and look at what is missing from your wardrobe. Make a list and stick to it whilst you're shopping. This way you won't be tempted by what you WANT over what your wardrobe NEEDS.
The price trap
I regularly ask my clients when we're shopping the sale - would you buy this if it were full price? There is no point in purchasing a piece for it to be just hung up in your wardrobe! You already know by now that is mine and Kate's biggest gripe! Clothes are there to be worn. Your wardrobe is the VIP space where clothes should feel honoured they made their way in. Spend a moment when you're in the shop to ask yourself "what do I already have in my wardrobe that this piece can work with?"
Don’t buy a size too small
...with the intention of losing weight. The amount of clients' wardrobes I have seen over the years, who have pieces that they haven't worn due to that reason! If it doesn't fit you. It's not right. Simple as that!
The Power of Three:
Kate and I have a motto that we can't stress enough to our clients ‘How can you do it three ways?’ That is what needs to be at the back of your mind more importantly than ever whilst shopping. If you can't think of three ways to wear something… do you honestly really need it? Take a cashmere sweater for an example. The three ways of wearing it would be:
French tuck into a pair of leather trousers with heels for an evening out.
Underneath an oversized blazer teamed with skinny jeans for casual office wear.
Tucked into a culotte with white trainers for breakfast.
As long as you can wear it 3 ways, it fits you, it's an investment piece… you've got this! And one more thing, don't get too angry with the mess and crowds!
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