Who can resist the lure of the sales? Well, me normally, I hate the crush!
But even for me, seeing everything I never needed at eye-wateringly low prices, it can be difficult not to splurge on unnecessary items. Come on hands up – how many of you have got items in your wardrobe with the ‘sale’ tag still on?
(Me, 1 dress from 2 years ago that I bought in Galeries Lafayette but I now keep it as a dire reminder for my Style consultations so perhaps it is being ‘used’ ?!)
At least I’m protected from the pre-Christmas sales as they start in France on the 2nd Wednesday in January BY LAW.
Here are some tips on how to avoid breaking the bank on those ‘bargains’ and most important of all how to have fun while you’re doing it.
What to expect
When you hit the shops there will be lots of items in the sales from this season’s hottest colours. But it’s worth taking a minute to consider if next year you’ll want to wear ‘volcanic orange’ for example or a red sequinned jacket when everyone else has moved on to another colour that is more fashionable. If you are going to invest make sure it’s one of your best colours.
If you don’t know which colours those are, then instead of rash spending invest in a colour analysis, because for €250 it will be one of the best investments you can make.
Make a list
Before setting off, make a shopping list of everything you wish to purchase and set yourself a budget. There is no point in buying something that is heavily reduced if you don’t really need it. Don’t be swayed by any amount of saving. If you’ll never use it or wear it, it is a very expensive item if viewed on a ‘Price per wear’ basis. Try to make sure you only purchase items that are on your shopping list as you know they’ll be put to good use – be strong!
Getting started
Go out on a day when you are feeling positive and energised – we all know this varies. Any purchase made to cheer you up will undoubtedly be a mistake.
Shopping is tiring so:
- Wear comfortable and easy to remove footwear
- If you are shopping for a dress, take some higher shoes and tights with you. Don’t try and imagine how it would look with your socks on.
- Be sure to apply some make-up so you look your best
- Wear a good bra and decent underwear. You want to look respectable if you’re stripping off
- Keep a watchful eye on your handbag – thieves love crowded shops and distracted ladies
- Take a few coffee breaks and of course have a delicious lunch – don’t forget the diet starts tomorrow 🙂
Know your rights
Smart sales shopping or cry later
Before you make a purchase be sure you know the store’s refund and exchange policy during the sale period. This will differ for each company, so to avoid misunderstanding always ask or read the signs that are usually displayed at the till point. A lot of the most well known Parisian shops do not offer any refunds on sale items or give you a very restricted number of days to reflect, so be careful.
Enjoy!
Most importantly, have great fun at the sales – it can be a great day out. And remember those words of wisdom from Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City which are on my Wardrobe Revamp page “I like my money right where I can see it – hanging in my closet!”
If you think you’d rather put that money to saving yourself money for the rest of your life then, whether it’s the sales or not, treat yourself to a consultation with me. Afterwards you’ll know exactly what suits you and make wiser decisions when shopping.
Invest in yourself knowing the consultation will pay for itself a thousandfold by saving you Money and Time!
Do leave me a comment as I’d love to hear from you.
Stylishly,
