Though I consider myself a highly skilled bargain shopper, I must admit there are several things I’ve purchased on sale that have delivered zero value for money. Sure, a deal or steal is fantastic in theory — as long as there’s a place for it in your life. Cost per wear
No matter how amazing a bargain you uncover, there’s no point buying something if you never end up using it. For example, if you buy a T-shirt on sale for $5 but never wear it, you have wasted $5. Not a huge amount but it all adds up!
Caught up in the excitement of a sale, I’m sure many of us are guilty of falling madly in love with a particular item and becoming blind to its inappropriateness. Whether it’s a size too small, does nothing for your figure or is just plain wrong, certain items should never leave the dress rack. I’m guilty of all these faults. I once bought a beautiful Witchery silk dress that was two sizes too big, having convinced myself that a belt would solve the problem. In the end, the only person to get any wear out of it was the mannequin I used to help sell the dress on eBay years later.
To avoid such blunders, ask yourself a few questions before heading to the cash register. Does the item fit perfectly? Is it flattering — both in colour and style? Does the item go with more than three things in your wardrobe? How often will you wear it? Can you wash it at home or will it be at the dry-cleaners every weekend? Only once you have answered these questions should you even consider forking out your hard-earned cash.
Be prepared
There’s no point entering a sale aimlessly — you’ll just end up buying things you don’t need that take up precious wardrobe space. To save money, figure out which fashion pieces you actually need for your lifestyle then check out the sales to find them. Go forth with a clear list and mark off the missing items as you go.
As a regular visitor to sales, I should have a complete wardrobe by now — sadly, this is not the case. I have hundreds of dresses but no trousers, jeans, neutral heels or sandals. I always head straight to the pretty dresses — meanwhile I have nothing to wear with them.
Classic blunders
There are certain rules to follow when shopping at sales to ensure you’re scoring a true bargain. Too often we convince ourselves that we can fix a faulty item once we have it home. Shopping for clothes is like relationships: you shouldn’t think you can change them into something they’re not!
Rule 1: Cheap shoes are never a good idea
Cheap shoes made from synthetic materials will not only hurt your feet; they’ll also fall apart after a few wears. A good pair of soles — and genuine leather — will last years and provide a much better cost-per-wear ratio.
Rule 2: Solid foundation
How many times have you found an item with a button missing or a tiny hole, but bought it regardless? Sure, minor adjustments can always be made but if the stitching is poor or damaged, the garment is no good. I once bought a designer top at a sale — the only one of its kind with all the buttons and stitching intact. I failed to take this as a sign that it would inevitably fall apart as well (which sure enough it did).
Rule 3: Try before you buy
No matter how long the queue, always wait for the change room. Sales often feature a no-returns policy, so if you truly love the item try it on. Big sales often have communal change rooms, so be sure to wear good underwear that will work with any outfit. And once you’re in the change room — BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. If you’re never going to wear it, don’t buy it. It’s as simple as that.
What sales faux pas have you made? Comment on the Bargain Shopper blog or email bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au
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