It’s been three years since my last sample sale.

But last Thursday morning at 8.00, there I was. On the doorstep of the Cohen et Sabine sample sale. Don’t get me wrong I used to be the sample sale queen. I never walked away empty handed. Who couldn’t justify $150 bucks on an Akira skirt still in David Jones for $1000?

But this sale, I decided, I’m not here to buy anything. I have just moved house and my credit card is maxed. “I’ll be good!,” I told myself. I was there purely as a scout for my friend, a shining beacon of moral support in the decision making process.

Out into the cold and tormenting rain I naively ventured a thought that surely we would be the only ones crazy enough to line up in a dark stairwell awaiting that moment when the doors suddenly open and all hell breaks loose?

Wrong. It turns out of course we weren’t the only ones. Thirty girls stood patiently making idle conversation with the lucky girl standing in place ahead of them thinking, maybe if I distract her enough she will be slow out of the starting gate?

Smack bang on 8am the doors opened and Red Hot Chilli Peppers spilled out. As everyone raced up the stairs I thought to myself, I’m not even dressed for this! I had a full bag, trench coat and umbrella to carry. I had worn jeans, boots and a jumper, totally the wrong gear for pulling on and off in a hurry for the multiple runs to and from the change-room. Oh well I had a reputation to uphold. Never fear dear readers I jumped in and did my best.

So what’s the best stairway to success in a sample sale?

1. Always take a friend with you, preferably one who isn’t there to shop. They can scout clothing and sizes for you while you are changing. Develop a tag team situation. You help them at their favourite designer sale, they in turn help you.

2. Check out the designer’s website or store ahead of time. You might find some pieces you love and can make a beeline for. That Leona frock I wore to the ball last week was one such well researched piece. Tried and tested (literally) I ran straight for it during the sale.

3.Wear clothing that is light weight and can have clothing thrown over it. Leggings, ballet flats and a singlet are perfect.

4. Try not to take a bag, just throw your money and credit card in a pocket or an over-shoulder purse that doesn’t take up valuable arm room.

5. Never be rude or pushy remember, everyone is there to snuff out a bargain. If you are generous and kind that nice girl in front of you might hand you that perfect sequined frock you are dying for.

There are also several key words for to bear in mind for success. Take my advice, follow these and you are sure to never come home empty handed.

Phase One: Needs

The trick to a sample sale is to know what you need and make a beeline for it. Denim and shoes are good ones to go for here. If you are lucky to have a fully stocked wardrobe you can move onto phase two. There was nothing needed so I moved on to my wants.

Phase Two: Wants

Always go for a fabric hunt first. Peruse each rack and grab any gorgeous fabrics you find. Silks, beaded pieces, cashmere and wool all go first. Denim can wait (unless you need new jeans or are at a Sass & Bide sale) jackets are also quick to go.

Pull out any items that will become wardrobe classics, remember a sample sale is generally end of season stock so if you buy anything too trendy by the time the next season comes around you might not even wear it.

Think about size later, make sure you have grabbed the best of the best to try on at your leisure. By the time you have tried it on and decided to head back to the racks it will be all gone.

Phase Three: Eye Spy

Keep an eye out around you. People will be discarding items left, right and centre that could be your size. They were probably ahead of you in the line and have some of the juiciest items. The sales girls are usually pretty busy so these pieces take their time getting back to the rack. I have picked up some of my favourite pieces this way.

Phase Four: Stop and Smell the Roses – this is your stylist talking

Assess your current wardrobe situation. Do you really need this? Take a moment to think of some of the combinations you will create with it before taking it home. Remember you can rarely return sample sale items. If you are too much in sale mode get your friend to give you their honest opinion. At this point you have time to mull over your chosen items. Don’t allow yourself to get wrapped up in the frenzy and make bad choices that you will regret. Don’t be scared, once it’s in your hand they can’t take it away from you! Take your time and you will come away from the sale a happy girl.

So did I end up purchasing? Hello! The question isn’t did I buy, it’s what did I buy! I grabbed a divine beige hand embroidered cropped jacket off a chair in the change room discarded by someone who had decided it just didn’t work for her. It did for me and is hanging in my closet waiting for spring.