Survival of the Fittest: How to Grab a Bargain

You know the saying “It’s a jungle out there”? I’ve always thought it to be a really strange saying and couldn’t really relate to it being relevant in daily life. Yet, the more I think about it, the annual winter sales could really be said to be like a jungle! And it’s not just the crocodile leather-style shoes or the faux-fur mane on a parka jacket in the clothes stores that makes me think that! It’s the ‘every woman (or man) for himself attitude – the survival of the fittest and warrior-like approach you almost need to take when braving the terrain of the Mid-Year Sales!

So to save you from being caught up with the herd (I know, heaps of puns in this blog!), I’ve come up with my best tips to guide you on how to grab a bargain so that you can buy clothing and accessories that will be great, long-term buys and not just things you’ve speared off the shelves, just because it’s the sales!

Coat

The mid-year sales are the ideal time to look at investing in a beautiful, luxurious coat that you will enjoy wearing for many years to come. The key to sale shopping for coats is to look for timeless cuts and fabrics. Long wool coats in classic styles in black, camel or navy pop up every season from designers and the on the high street. A trench coat with its distinctive cut and belting is another classic and adds a polished look to any outfit. Avoid anything that is too ‘on trend’ or with patterns in seasonal colours as they will look dated for next season. Think classic and timeless!

Boots

While it can be tempting to splash out on the latest laser cut, thigh high boots (and let’s face it, they do look incredible), it’s worth investing in a gorgeous pair of leather made boots with a classic heel. Block heels are ideal as they are annual favourites for autumn and winter, looking amazing with a dress or shorter length skirt. Depending on the cut of the boot, they’ll also work really well under trousers and jeans too; once they’re slim lined in their fit around the calves they won’t add bulk to your legs. A flat-heeled pair of boots are a great investment too as they are comfortable to walk in (think of the comfort for next year’s sales!) and are classic, and won’t date too much.

Suit

Whether you like to wear suits every day for work or if you love the look of a stunning suit with a slip or camisole style top at night, mid-year sales are the ideal time to look into investing and updating your wardrobe with this staple item. And let’s face it, if you find a bargain in the sales, you could easily justify buying yourself a second one! Choose black, navy or chocolate browns as these colours are always winter favourites. Single or double-breasted suits are so classic and easy to dress up, or down, depending on what you wear underneath. I don’t think you can go wrong with a great tailored trouser suit in a classic wool mix fabric.

Classic White Shirt

Yes, I know there are so many great white shirts out there in the high street stores at the lower end of the price bracket. And yes, when worn under a suit, you might think, what does it matter? Well I have to tell you, there is nothing quite like the feel of the softest cotton fabric, white shirt on your skin. When you invest in a higher quality cotton shirt, it really does make a difference to how it feels on you and how it looks on you. With the mid-year sales, you can afford to look for a more luxurious style and just see the difference!

Little Black Dress

If you’re like me, you’ll not be alone in having not just one little black dress, but several for all occasions! A girl can never have to many LBDs! The sales are a great opportunity to look at your favourite designer or label and see what they have on offer. Let’s face it, black never goes out of fashion, it’s a staple of many in their wardrobe (mine included!) so you really can’t go wrong investing. The key is to choose styles that flatter your body shape. For example, if you tend to hide your arms, well you won’t get much wear out of a halterneck or sleeveless black dress, even if it is black! Think of what styles you know, love and get lots of compliments in, and aim for a black dress in that style cut.

Handbag

Just like shoes, a girl can never have too many handbags! However, while you might have different bags for different occasions – for a day out shopping, a night out on the tiles or quiet dinner with friends – it is worth investing in a really good quality, everyday handbag which will stand you the test of time, season after season. A leather handbag is a must as it is sturdy and strong enough to withstand whatever you throw into it! Good thick straps with strong stitching and classic colours like camel, beige, navy and black will go with just about anything you wear colour-wise.

Shoes

If you’re a real Carrie Bradshaw from ‘Sex and the City’ who just loves to splurge on luxury shoes, the mid-year sales are a clever time to invest. Choose classic stiletto or court styles in neutral shades that will go with everything. Nudes are great for lengthening your legs and you really can’t go wrong with classic black. Or if you are looking for that statement pair of heels which you know you will wear with everything, go on, now’s the time to buy those! Just check to see that the pair you have your eye on will go with at least three or four of your favourite outfits to wear so you get good value out of them!

Hopefully my tips for investment pieces in the mid-year sales will help you avoid any scuffles like Elaine from Seinfeld! What’s the best piece of clothing or accessories you’ve ever bought in the sales? I’d love to hear!