The temptations of sale season are hard to escape. Typically taking place mid-year and again end of year, we see chain stores, boutique designers and various e-tailers offer their goods discounted to make way for new season collections. While we all love a bargain, often we’re blinded by the mentality of how much we think we are saving, over the thought of whether or not we really need the hot ticket item. Here we offer a few tips to help you make wise choices this sale season, alongside showcasing a few of our top sale picks.
It’s a good idea to know your wardrobe extensively, this will ensure you don’t buy double ups of things you might already have but have forgotten about, though this leads us into our next point – take note of what you reach for to wear on a regular basis and what is appropriate for your lifestyle – knowing your personal style (and sticking to it) means you are less likely to be distracted by trends. Make a wish list of items that will round out your wardrobe and only refer to this when perusing sales, utilise the ‘refine category’ function while online shopping and this will help you to keep focused.
This sale season I have picked up this sweet silk dress by Liam pictured on the right, which I think will be quite versatile in that it can be casually layered over a t-shirt or under a knit and then dressed up on its own with statement earrings and heels. I have also nabbed this lightweight knit by Lonely Hearts which will be a good piece for trans-seasonal dressing. And lastly I’m a sucker for ruffles and have had my eye on this fun Karen Walker number since it came out, with a few weddings coming up I think it’ll be a jazzy addition to my wardrobe.
Liam ‘Sila Silk Dress’,’, $229 now $129 from Ruby (left), ‘Mabel Sweater’, $270 now $162 from Lonely Hearts (centre), Karen Walker ‘Helena Dress’ $490 now $245 from Society NZ (right).
Sale season is a really great opportunity to support local designers whose price point might usually be out of reach. The likes of Kate Sylvester, Ingrid Starnes, Juliette Hogan and Twenty Seven Names create beautiful designs suited for work, home, weekends and nights out and you can be sure you’re investing in well made, quality clothing. Fresh colours and feminine silhouettes are Starnes’ signature, as perfectly displayed in her ‘Aya Skirt’ pictured below left. You could consider seeking out an independent designer such as Rachel Mills, we love her take on an updated version of the white shirt aptly named ‘New’ pictured in the centre, or there’s Penny Sage who has this chic nylon trench included in her sale collection. Independent designers run a limited production line which means you’ll be one of few to own an exclusive piece.
Aya Skirt, $299 now $179 from Ingrid Starnes (left), New Shirt $379 now $189 from Rachel Mills (centre), Sunshower Trench $745 now $596 from Penny Sage (right).
Other tips to remember:
– Only buy in your size, try not to get sidetracked by the ‘mega savings/percentage cut’ attached to the item you’re lusting after, if it’s not going to fit, then ultimately it’s a waste of money.
– Always seriously ask yourself ‘Am I only buying this because it’s on sale?’, if it’s not a sure thing, question how likely you are to incorporate the piece into your wardrobe and consider the cost per wear factor.
– If you are shopping online, carefully check the returns policy before you buy, some companies offer returns and exchanges on sale goods, while some don’t, it’s best to have your bases covered.
Images supplied.