As I may have mentioned previously, I love a bargain so I am in heaven when the sales start.
However, over the years I have honed my definition of a bargain and will not buy something simply because it has a large ‘reduced’ label stuck on it!
My golden rules for sales shopping are:
- Make sure you aren’t buying something that is a fad and will be out of style in a few months. I try to use the sales to buy classic, staple items that won’t date such as a good quality coat, smart black trousers, leather boots etc…
- Shop smart! I have my eye on various items in the run up to Christmas that I check as soon as the online sales start, like the stripy jacket below. I was going to buy it anyway but decided to wait and see if I could get it for a lower price, and I did!
- Make sure you buy the right size! It is very tempting to buy smaller sizes during the sales with the intention of going on a diet in the New Year to fit into them. I have done this in the past and it rarely works!
- Ask yourself if you would buy it if the item was full price. If the answer is ‘no’ then the chances are you are simply buying something for the sake of it, therefore it is not a bargain!
With these rules in mind, I popped into a few shops after Christmas and here is what I came away with:
Black ballet pumps reduced to £5 in Matalan: I actually find Matalan’s ballet pumps very comfortable and black ones go with everything. I thought the delicate bows on the front of these made them look very pretty too and I would wear these out to dinner as well as to work.
Heart necklace reduced to £1.20 in Accessorize: I love charm necklaces and this red rose one is gorgeous. I have a thing for red accessories anyway so can see myself wearing this a lot.
Blue and white peacock scarf reduced to £3 in Matalan: This scarf looks a lot more expensive than the £3 price tag and I really like peacock prints. You can never have enough scarves either and this one is lightweight enough to wear through to spring.
Purple top reduced to £4.99 in Marks and Spencer: This top was reduced from £25 so was a real bargain. It is a very flattering cut so hides those extra festive pounds well! As it is one colour, it will be easy to dress this top up with some accessories.
Black and white stripy blazer reduced to £9 in Matalan: I have had my eye on this jacket for a few weeks so I was very pleased when I found it for half price in the sales. This is obviously quite a statement print to wear so I will keep the rest of my outfit simple when I wear it – probably black skinny jeans and a plain top.
Maroon Slippers reduced to £2 in Matalan: I love walking through the door and changing into a pair of slippers and I have them dotted all over the house. These maroon ones will be a lovely addition to my collection and are very comfortable.
Long stripy t-shirt reduced to £9 in Marks and Spencer: I got some lovely black knitted leggings in my stocking this year and was looking for some long tops to wear with them. This stripy one looks great with them and is just a bit different from the usual black and white stripy tops I always wear.
Black satchel reduced to £4 in Matalan: I favour satchel bags for work and was very annoyed when I noticed a tear in my current one. This replacement bag is a little on the small side but still looks smart and ‘geek-chic’.
FCUK lip-glosses reduced to £6 in Boots: I haven’t used any beauty products or make up by FCUK before but these lip-glosses looked so lovely that I couldn’t resist trying them out…I will let you know if they are any good!
Next Year’s Christmas Stuff: These items come under my ‘Shop Smart’ rule. I always buy my Christmas cards, crackers, stickers and wrapping paper in the January sales. It is so helpful the following Christmas to get all of it out of the loft knowing it is one thing ticked off the to-do list. It does mean you need the room to store it for the year, but if you have the space then I highly recommend it!
I have also ordered a few bits and bobs online so will probably write about these when they arrive.
Have you managed to bag any bargains in the sales?! x
hannahhotcakes 