Every year the seasonal sales seem to start earlier and this is particularly true when it comes to what were traditionally the Boxing Day Sales, which seem to have already begun across the high street and more importantly, on the web.
At SoSensational, we love online Sale shopping and here’s why: online Sale shopping alleviates the stress of dealing with over-heated crammed shops (to say nothing of bonkers customers prepared to pick a fight if they believe you have picked up the particular bargain they had their eye on). It also allows you to try on in the comfort of your own home rather than in a hot, over-crowded changing room.
And online Sale shopping also offers you the luxury of being snuggled up on the sofa, a cup of tea in hand, whilst you browse the perfectly laid out virtual sales (where it’s far easier to spot a bargain and a size and the colour) rather than having to brave those icy-cold winter mornings to say nothing of the sharp elbows of some determined sale shoppers hell-bent on getting that Prada handbag knocked down to 135 quid.
But it is as easy to get caught up in sale madness online as in an actual shop and finish up purchasing a pair of bright pink boots because they come with a big designer name and a 75% discount….
Even online, we all still need to be savvy when it comes to sale shopping, if we want to find sensational but really worthwhile bargains. So here is SoSensational’s go-to guide to successful Virtual Sale shopping. Much of the advice involves having a strategy and making lists and all you savvy ladies will be well aware of much of this, so please just think of it as a helpful reminder.
1 – FILL IN GAPS IN YOUR WARDROBE
First of all, think about what is missing from your wardrobe in clothing and accessories – it might be stuff you need every day, or only for special occasions (like a gorgeous clutch bag for parties), so take some time to think about it. Then make a detailed list of what you need to fill in those gaps (i.e. write down colour and, where relevant, shape – for instance “black pencil skirt” rather than just “black skirt”). And keep in mind that 20% off a great piece that you will wear every week versus 70% off a piece that goes straight to the charity shop having never (or almost never) been worn, is a far better deal. As an example of a perennial gap-filler, take this stunning black roll neck by Gerard Darel – the perfect strategy piece that will never date and is well worth the investment.
2 – BUY WARDROBE STAPLES/BASICS
Basics are what you wear a lot of, and what works in your wardrobe… For Jan, it is black jeggings, for Cyndy, it will be orange tops. But no-one knows better than you what basics/essentials you need; so make a list.
Cashmere knits in solid colours are not truly essentials, but are always worth investing in, as is denim, cotton shirts, trousers in your best cut and a good quality blazer in your best dark neutral. Although the fashion pundits keep telling us opaques are over, you and we know better. And if you wear them for work or weekends, buy several pairs in the sales, especially if you can find them by top brands such as Fogal or Wolford. Ankle boots are not going away anytime soon and are great for work and weekend wear, so if you can find them in your size in basic colours, enjoy wearing them for the rest of this winter or “lay down” a pair for A/W16.
Some big-ticket classics, like this camel coat, are a true investment piece and could definitely be described as a wardrobe essential…
3 – SEASONAL UPDATE
In addition to perennials, try to add a stand-out piece or two to update your wardrobe. For instance, adding some on-trend print gives a classic camel coat a fresh look for the remainder of winter.
4 – BUY FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
Look at your diary. Do you have events covered? But also ensure that you haven’t bought six party frocks because you love them all, when you only have one party or black-tie event to attend over the coming months. As we all know the frocks will stay in the wardrobe with the tags on never to see the light of day. Even if you don’t have specific evening events or parties in your diary, evening shoes in suede or in gold or silver if heavily discounted are a brilliant investment; ditto evening bags.
5 – ORDER IN MORE THAN ONE SIZE
One of the best things about internet sale shopping is the ability to buy things in more than one size and being able to return sale goods. If you are unsure on the fit then buy it in a couple of sizes, rather than waiting to see if the one size you have bought fits. Finding out that it doesn’t but by then the item has sold out is very frustrating. This is especially true for big investments with large discounts which are worth the money but sell out super quick, like this gorgeous coat from LK Bennett.
6 – BUY TWO
If you find a white cotton shirt, say, or a cream silk shirt you absolutely love and that will prove invaluable in your wardrobe, think how annoying it will be when it goes in the wash or to the dry-cleaners. So, if you find such a garment heavily reduced in the sale, buy two.
7 – SCRUTINISE
Review your online basket. Make sure that you will really wear every piece. But, that said, do stock up on everything you really do need and don’t hold back on basics; after all a handbag will always be a worthwhile investment, so why not stock up!
[su_button url=”http://www.sosensational.co.uk/shop/sale/” target=”blank” background=”#6c20b1″ size=”7″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: arrow-right”]Start Shopping![/su_button]
Do tell us about your best or favourite sale bargain! Just leave a message below…
Leave A Reply