And the lessons I learnt from them... Sifting through my assortment of summer bargains strewn across the bed, my expression shifts from delight (I can’t WAIT to wear that) to confusion (what on earth was I thinking?!). Yes, readers — I, too, make bargain blunders. I make simple mistakes that result in wasted money, wardrobe clutter and a slightly damaged bargain-hunting reputation. So, this year, I am determined to see the errors of my ways and never make the same mistakes again.
Bargain mistake #1
After stumbling across an amazing weekend clearance sale in Alexandria (Sydney’s bargain Hot Spot) in a pop-up boutique, I thought I’d struck gold. A small semi-circle of racks was packed full of premium past season stock. Only problem was... nothing was in my size. After trying on a series of ill-fitting pieces, I finally found a super sexy racer back silk dress with my number on it. One look in the skinny, slanted mirror (which was half covered in reject try-ons and obscured by fellow self-gawking shoppers) told me it was perfect. I bagged the $60 dress (reduced from $250), only to arrive home and find that it, too, did not fit... AT ALL. I then had to go out and buy a new bra, some Hollywood tape, some new shoes and take to it with my sewing kit just to make it work. Bargain? I think not.
Bargain shopping lessons:
- Sizes differ between brands, so don’t assume your usual size will fit. Try before you buy.
- Take a long, hard look in the (preferably straight) change room mirror from a range of distances.
- Get a second opinion on the outfit.
Bargain mistake #2
I’m at the checkout of Witchery and I’m fishing through the bowl of massively reduced-price jewellery on the counter. I LOVE Witchery accessories, and so I pick out a pair of earrings. I thought the red sticker said $5 — it actually said $20 — but I buy them anyway. Still a bargain (they are Witchery after all). I wear them that night bar-hopping, and as I’m running to catch my train home I hear the dreaded tinkle of a broken earring falling onto bitumen. I inspect the surviving earring under the light and realise it was being held together by a wire coil as thin as a fine hair. Should have seen that coming.
Bargain shopping lessons:
- Never assume that a great brand equals great quality. Designer labels make mistakes too, which is sometimes why the product is reduced.
- Inspect the item closely! Look for design faults, marks or scratches and always notify the sales assistant of these before you make your purchase. You could even ask for a further discount. It’s not a bargain if it’s only going to last one night.
Bargain mistake #3
Desperate to spruce up my man’s wardrobe with a few unique tees, I hit Glebe markets on a stinking hot Saturday. It takes me 45 minutes to drive there in Saturday traffic and when I arrive, the Broadway parking lot is a war zone of cars tailing trolley-pushing pedestrians to their vehicles. The markets are a heaving mass of sweaty bodies, I haven’t had my coffee, and my vision is blurry from the heat. I spot a menswear stall and pick out two tees for $50. No, make it four for $80. I may as well, after coming all this way and enduring all this pain! Did I want a receipt? Nah don’t worry — I’m outta here. When I get home, I collapse on the lounge room floor and hold up my purchases.
“Who are they for?” he asks.
“You,” I reply sweetly.
“Well, thanks, honey but... well, I don’t think they’re me.”
I take a closer look. Hmm. You mean you don’t like loose fit, round-neck choker tees with skull-and-cross-bone graphics? Oh. My bad. In my rush to escape the sweltering markets I’d bagged whatever t-shirts were at arm’s length. I mean, I had to get something to make the trip “worth it”, right? Wrong.
Bargain shopping lessons:
- Shopping for someone else is always a risk, but if you do it — pay attention to their style, and always keep the receipt.
- Consider the weather conditions and how this will affect your shopping trip — sunshine and rain can both cause chaos with traffic, parking and crowds.
- Be prepared with an umbrella, coat, hat, sunscreen and water, depending on the weather. Being comfortable helps you to make better decisions when you’re shopping.
What bargain shopping mistakes have you made and what did you learn from them? Comment below or email bargainguru@universalmagainzes.com.au.
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