Jun 04, 2014 03:10
by Chelsea Thomas
Bargain shopping is a masterful skill. We have all gone a bit cray cray when confronted with a sea of red tags, slashed prices and crammed racks of clothing. We have all hyperventilated in the change rooms and purchased a stack of things so cheap we just couldn’t let them go. That item then hangs in the wardrobe, is barely worn and with tags still attached, it gets sold for a couple of bucks at your next market stall or garage sale.
1. Head to the sales rack
Before hitting the full-price section – and that goes for online and in store. You might find what you’re looking for, for half the price of what you’d pay in the full-price section.
2. Cost per wear
Do the math and work out the cost per wear of every item you’re considering. For example, if a pair of shoes costs $100 and you’ll wear them about 10 times, that’s $10 per wear. You’ll be able to quickly assess whether the item is worth the price.
3. Ask for a discount in store.
You might be surprised how many retailers are under the pump to make budget and will grant you a small discount to secure the sale. This is also a good idea if you’re in an independent boutique and purchasing a number of garments.
4. Write a list
Before you leave the house or turn your laptop on, know what you want. Better to buy something that you really need than purchasing another fashion piece that looks like all the others you already own!
5. Shop the outlets.
Even Sass and Bide have outlet stores. You just have to keep your eyes peeled for when and where they pop up!
6. Use the search ‘price: low to high’ setting online.
An obvious but important tip.
7. If in store, always try before you buy.
It’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of a sample sale. Wear something easy like a maxi dress if you’re going to trying on clothes all day.
8. Sign up to your top five retail brands’ e-newsletters and mark their sales in your diary.
Sign up to labels who put on real deal sales. Bonds and Dissh often do while Country Road is known for their annual storewide sales (which also include their sale stock).
9. Copycat the catwalk.
Pick some pieces straight from the catwalk that you are lusting over. Note their colour, shape and style. Keep pics in your phone and if you find a copy at a lower price, you can quickly compare and have that expensive look without paying the designer price.
10. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no!
If you’re not jumping out of your skin to buy the garment, don’t make the purchase. Collect fashion pieces that only inspire you and excite you!