Is it really a bargain?

Summer sales are on and now is one of the peak times of the year when a casual trip around the shops could result in the purchasing of one of those items that stay in your wardrobe for years and rarely, if ever, see the light of day.

We all love a bargain but remember it’s only a bargain if you actually wear it and introduce it into your regular wardrobe. It’s not only sales that can make us easily part with our hard earned cash, the pressure of an event or the need to treat ourselves can also result in shopping disasters. When you’re hitting the shops, regardless of the reason, you want to make sure that you’re nothing but prepared thus eliminating crazy purchases.

Believe me, we’ve all been there, and I also have come home from town with some pieces that in the cold light of my bedroom looked truly hideous on me. If I’m going shopping, there’s a few things I always do to ensure it’s all smooth(ish) sailing.

Comfort is key! Wear shoes you can slip off easily, trousers that slide on and off - I’m thinking light elasticated waists, loose light layers and nothing too tight or restrictive. If you see an item, you are going to need to try it on and if the thought of disrobing a hundred layers and opening shoelaces and buttons is going to deter you then you need to take this obstacle out of your way.

A quick trip to the fitting room can be all you need to give the item a yay or nay and there have been countless times where I couldn’t be bothered to try something on only to get home and discover it needs to be brought back. Believe me, there has been more than one occasion where I haven’t had a chance to bring the item back and it’s ended up being donated to a friend or family member.

Much like what you wear, the time you shop will have a huge impact. Early morning is my favourite time to shop when the shops are generally that bit quieter and you won’t have to jostle about or queue for fitting rooms. Plus, the shop is neat and tidy at this time and you can properly browse the rails.

I can sometimes fall into the habit of buying the same shapes time and time again because I know they suit me which means that at times I completely overlook new shapes. I’ll often see something on someone and think it looks great but feel like it won’t suit me but take the time to pick one or two pieces you wouldn’t normally go for.

You’ll be in the fitting rooms trying other pieces on and you never know, you may be pleasantly surprised, and this new shape could breathe a new lease of life into your wardrobe.

Again, whilst your trying on things be honest with yourself and ask yourself some questions. Where will you wear the item, do you already have pieces that it will go with? There’s nothing more annoying than buying something and then taking it home and realising nothing works with it. You don’t want to have to buy a whole new set of clothes to make this work. The same goes for colours and trends, just because they’re everywhere now, can you really see yourself wearing it? Also make sure you feel good in what you’re wearing. We all want to leave the shops feeling like hot stuff in our new purchases. Do not accept anything less!