SAVVY SALE SHOPPING

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

Most of us love a bargain, and the sales can be a great time to bag one! There are, however, many pitfalls to sale shopping, so, here’s my guide to being a savvy sale shopper:

Audit your wardrobe before you go

Think about what you already have, and where the gaps are to give you a game plan for hitting the shops. It can help to have an idea of your budget before you go - those sale bargains can add up if you get carried away!

Remember to stick to the three style principles

Is it a good colour for me? Does it fit me well? Does it suit my personality and lifestyle?

One out of three? Put it back on the rail, no matter how much it’s reduced, it’s going to sit unloved in your wardrobe, or worn once or twice at best before you realise you’ve made a big mistake!

Two out of three? It’s a maybe. If the colour’s not great, could you make it work by combining it with another shade, or adding a scarf, or piece of jewellery? If it doesn’t fit 100%, could you get it tailored or adjusted? Having something amended to fit you perfectly can really make a sale purchase worth it. NOTE – things that are a bit too roomy work best than items that are too tight to start.

Not your usual style? A sale can make us do funny things when it comes to making clothing decisions! A jewel-encrusted leopard print faux fur coat we might not normally pick up becomes a draw when it was £200 reduced to £50! But you really aren’t saving money, if it’s something you aren’t going to wear. Leave it for someone else who’ll love it!

Consider the cost-per-wear

You’ve probably heard me talk about the ‘cost per wear’ of an item before. A simple formula (who knew maths could come in handy for fashion!) where you divide the price of an item by the number of times you have, or are likely to wear it. A sale ‘bargain’ dress that you had to have because it was reduced to £30, worn once before you realise it was a mistake has cost you £30 to wear. A £300 investment coat you’ve had for three years, and worn at least 100 times, becomes just £3 per wear. Thinking this way can help to make more conscious, wise purchases. Enjoy it!

As ever, fashion and style should also be fun, so enjoy your bargain hunting – you might find some fabulous things that normally might be out of your price range. And if you do make a faux pas purchase, you can always sell it on or donate it to charity! Just don’t be tempted to leave it languishing in the wardrobe because you feel guilty it’s still got the tags!

For a great alteration service locally – I recommend Louise MacIver who is based in Felpham Way – her contact number is 07762 941588 I can help with auditing your wardrobe and shopping with you to make sure you’re buying wisely. If you’d like some help with staying stylishly cosy this winter, do get in touch to see how I can help www.vickybooker.com and email: vicky@vickybooker.com

I offer a Personal Shopping service as well as styling.