Make The Most Out Of Mid-Season Sales

I love shopping (okay that’s an understatement), so when all those bright red banners go up, I find it very difficult to contain myself.

But, after years of impulse buys, gleefully bringing home a menagerie of discounted items never to be worn, I think I’ve learnt a thing or two about surviving Sale Fever:

Don’t get caught up in the moment.
It’s easy to get fall for so-called ‘bargains’. Before you buy anything (75% off or not) you want to know that you WILL actually wear your purchase. Ask yourself these questions first:

•    Will that snake print pants really go with the rest of my wardrobe?
•    Am I perhaps conning myself into believing that I need this particular item, just because it’s cheap?


Hunt for the items you need.
By now you’ve probably noticed some items missing in your winter closet. Black boots, a long cardigan, basic tee shirts and a coat - these useful ‘wardrobe staples’ are the items you should be looking for on sale.

If there is something you really need, which you manage to find discounted, you will never regret that purchase.


Only buy things you can still get some wear out of this season, and next.
Trust me, there’s no point in buying a faux fur jacket at the end of winter. You’ll wear it twice, then it’ll be too warm, and you’ll have to squeeze it into your closet till next year.

Will you still want it in a year’s time? Debatable. So, unless you still have some time to wear heavy winter clothing, rather buy ‘transitional’ mid-season basics.


Keep upcoming trends in mind.
Occasionally a designer or brand jumps the gun and introduces a trend early. These are the gems of sales, so keep your eyes peeled for anything that looks like it could be worn in spring/summer - like a neutral coloured skirt, floral dress or something in a pastel shade.


Quality check – are you really getting a good deal?
Often, items which are ‘marked down’ are actually just on sale for what they were worth in the first place.


Take a close look at the stitching, the lining and the fabric. Remember, it still needs to be worthy of your money at any price. Good quality denim for under R500 and leather boots for under R800 are great deals, so look out for these long-lasting quality finds.
For some fantastic winter bargains visit The Big Birthday Sale on www.36boutiques.com – your one stop shop for shopping online. Alexis Chaffe is fashion editor of 36Magazine, 36Boutiques monthly online magazine.

Sales are:
My weakness. I usually know of them BEFORE stores even advertise!
My nemesis. The best items sell out before I get there.