Seize the Sales!

Seduced by sales? DW me too. I can’t think of a better time to lose yourself in an online shop… so let me show you how to get it off to a flying start!

Sale time is great for getting the investment pieces that you really really really ‘need’ to complete your wardrobes but can’t quite justify when they are full price. I’m talking anything leather, denim, ‘proper’ winter coats, classic cut blazers, beautiful boots, and stunning handmade accessories.  

Sale shopping can be dangerous because we get carried away and buy things because of the price rather than the important things, such as perfect fit, great quality, special details, and how many items it works with that already exist in your wardrobe. My not-so-secret tip to avoid these negative buys is to shop independently.  I hand on heart champion that buying from indy brands and boutiques will eradicate poor ordering choices and bad quality clothing for good. Also, European brands are very exciting to shop too.

Sometimes we just want that quick fix from a new purchase (I mean any kind of distraction is very welcome atm) or the buzz we get from wearing something new, I totally understand that, but it’s not sustainable, useful or beneficial to your wallet long term. Remember, style is about investment, careful curation and versatility and is likely to develop over time as well as with your growing confidence. By choosing pieces that suit your shape and complexion as well as reflect your personality from brands you love, it’s a no brainer for successful sale shopping.

I have a few tips I’d like to share with you to help keep you on track and to avoid the overwhelming sale rabbit hole and get you in the zone. …

1. Put your positive pants on – none of this ‘I hate shopping, I’m rubbish at it, I can’t find it’ malarkey – take your time over it (you don’t have to order everything straight away – take a few days if you need too there’s no pressure) Remember shopping is going to make your daily dressing so much easier!  Have fun discovering new brands, especially female founded and independent brands. – Start by checking out my recommended ones below from Independent Boutique, White Feather and take it from there!  

2. Research – Start a Pinterest board (& check out my Pinterest account to get cracking) Collect lots of ideas that catch your attention and save them. Don’t overthink it, just go with it. You are likely to save similar items and that is the beginning of understanding and getting to grips with your personals style. Then you can write a shopping list of the items you love but don’t own yet.

3. Wardrobe edit - If you can face it, (not essential) look for gaps in your wardrobe, take note of when you get dressed over the next few days and if you think ‘I wish I had a…..’ then pop it on your shopping list.  Check out my guide for editing your own wardrobe here. If you can’t handle the thought of it, or need some reassurance, book a virtual one with me here!

3. Brand knowledge – Understanding which brands work for you eradicates poor ordering and bad fitting clothing that makes you think it’s your fault they do not fit when actually, it’s just not the brand or right shape for you. Knowledge is power here! Don’t forget to try out new brands to keep your shopping exciting and more desirable! Plus, waiting for new clothes in the post should be EXCITING… especially during these COVID times.

4. Use Filters when shopping – Time is of the essence. Knowing what you need and what style suits your figure when online browsing means you can use the filters on all shopping platforms so that you are not immediately overwhelmed by choice or have pages of pieces to sift through. Use your shopping list from when you have edited your own wardrobe (if you’re not sure how to check out my wardrobe edit blog first)

5. Save it all on Moonsift -You can now keep all of your open tabs in one safe place rather than risk losing them all with one accidental click after one vino too many…yes I’m speaking from experience here! Moonsift is a browser add on that you simply download to your chrome bar for free and it functions similarly to Pinterest.  It saves the links to a simple mood-board in one place. Each and every direct link is there safe and sound and won’t disappear. All that’s left is for you to come back to buy it when you are ready. If the brand or shop is supported by Moonsift yet, you can request coverage so it will be covered next time you shop!

6. Ask yourself - Will it suit your shape and complexion? Do you have something similar, if so does it need replacing? What 3 outfits it will work with/improve? If you answer yes to any of them, you are allowed to buy it!

7. Quality over quantity – The less is MORE approach is crucial. If you have a huge wardrobe, you’ll never wear it all even if you rotate it, it’s such a waste! The only time I buy from stores that have a high turnover for designs, e.g HM or Zara is when I fall in love with a current trend rather than a classic trend that you know you will love and wear for many years ahead. For example, I’m obsessed with metallic biker boots at the moment. I can’t get enough of them BUT I’m not sure I will love them in a years’ time.

8. Support Independent Boutiques – Boutiques collections are handpicked by the owner, each piece is chosen with love and for real women in mind. They stock independent brands too which are much better quality, a more reliable fit, and are made with love and passion and it honestly shows when you wear the clothing. The pieces are just SO much better and supporting small businesses means you are helping someone fulfill their dream. It’s an actual no brainer to support local businesses. I love picturing the happiness and relief on the owner’s face when an order comes in. Plus, some like White Feather Boutique in Herne Hill, London, do a click and collect or even home drop off sometimes if they are local.

9. Shop till you drop –Don’t stray though (unless it’s over to a brand you’ve never heard of before website), and if you are unsure, sleep on it and you’ll know when you wake up if it’s for you! If its all a bit too much, book in a virtual shop with me and ill do it for you! Check it out here…

10. Check out my Sale Highlights – I’m releasing my independent sale highlights next week, but if you can’t wait that long, here’s a sneak preview of my top sale pieces from White Feather Boutique, which is literally down the road from me and is offering FREE UK delivery… Click here to shop The White Feather Sale

So, go get your homework done, and next week I will share my sale highlights from 3 independent boutiques. Then you can treat yourself AND give back to independent and small businesses!!!

Stylish wishes and a happy New Year, Sian xxx

I am Personal Stylist based in London. I am a colour analysis expert, wardrobe stylist, and personal shopper. I specialise in body shape style, wardrobe edits, and shopping for clients. I am also a virtual stylist. I do online styling, online style advice, virtual body shape workshops, virtual wardrobe edits and online personal shopping.