Your capsule wardrobe and the winter sales

We all anxiously await the annual sales - winter sales, summer sales, autumn sales. Some line up for hours early in the morning to be the first inside their store of choice. But with many sales starting online on christmas day it is so much easier to let your fingers do the walking and not have to jossle for parking space, join long lines for the changing rooms or line up to cash your items. The great thing about online shopping is that you can do it from the comfort of your living room.

This plaited trim top would certainly suit the body shape of Susannah but not Trini. Just a reminder to buy what is flattering for your body shape and avoid the pitfalls of online bargains.

Avoid the pitfalls of shopping in sales and online bargains

Whether shopping online or browsing the store sales it is important to stick to certain rules to avoid the pitfalls of shopping in sales. To ensure that you only buy clothing and fashion accessories that truly flatter you and most importantly that you need, identify gaps in your capsule wardrobe and know what you are looking to buy. I am sure you made a shopping list for christmas so do the same for your sale shopping to be sure that you will not be adding more of the same to your wardrobe.

Make a list of your wardrobe needs.

For me I know that I need v neck and cowl neck knitwear, camisoles and a strapless bra. At the same time I know how much I can afford to spend. It is important to set yourself a budget and not overspend.

If you are fortunate enough to have no gaps in your wardrobe then see if the prices are reduced on your wish list items. I am forever adding items to my wish list but do remember to revisit your wish list periodically. Wish lists do indeed save you the time of having to search for the item again on the internet. So use your wish list facilities which is available on most websites.

Online Designer Bargains

The post christmas and January sales are a perfect time to re-invent yourself through fashion and update your wardrode. It also makes financial sense to buy up the outfits you will need for upcoming special occasions like weddings, christenings, black tie dinners, cruises and other special occasions.

For these special occasions it is always a good idea to plan your outfit down to the correct underwear needed well in advance. This saves you time and money as last minute rush shopping can lead to panic buying and diasterous purchase decisions.

Since every girl should have a black evening number in her wardrode. Here are some handy black evening dresses at bargain prices online from House of Fraser.



This Anoushka G Louisa short jersey dress with intricate beaded detailis available online from House of Fraser at £55 down from £125

Assesorize with this Onyx, Lava Stone and Prith Bracelet from Munique Fashions

This Long Plait Back Dress from JS Collections is available at House of Fraser at £105 reduced from £150.

This long Halter Evening dress is now available for £22.50 down from £150. This full length halter neck evening dress comes in a stunning bold print and is fitted to the body with a slight flare at the hem.



Wrap up warm for your night out in this Alpaca Wool Shawl from thesymphony-life
Handcratfed in Peru, this exquisite cloak is woven from a luxurious alpaca wool blend, unparalleled in softness and warmth. Elegant and versatile, it is a must-have for your winter wardrobe. Available in black or tan.

Winter Sale shopping

It’s easy to get caught up in the buying frenzy in the post Christmas sales. Some people get a rush just from the crowds in the store and the pushing and grabbing.

Remember there are many sale bargains and unique designs to be found online that are not available on the high. So for the real bargains that will set you apart from the crowd, shop online.

This Cydwoq - Ridge Sandal from http://www.lastfootwear.com is reduced from £164.99 to: £75.00


This Sabrina Sailor Pant by Kelly B is available at www.nimli.com for US$99 reduced from US$200. Made of bamboo denim, these indigo sailor pants are both fashionable and eco-friendly. Back leg seams, self covered button, and wide leg.

If you are hitting the high street for the January sales there here are 10 tips on shopping sensibly

1.Set yourself a budget and stick to it

2.Identify your wardrobe needs i.e. do you need basics like pullovers, jumpers, jackets, winter coat etc. It’s a great time to get a new coat or boots. Although it is a winter sale include purchases that you can use year round like your crisp white shirt, jeans, tee-shirts etc

3.Stick to buying the clothes that will flatter your shape and size. At the same time look for unique items of clothing etc.

4.Variate your colour scheme, try colours you usually shy away from

5.Every item of clothing you select does not have to immediately match up with another item from the same store

6.If the lines are too long for fitting as they usually are then take two sizes and try at home in the comfort of your bedroom but ensure that there is a return period on all items that you are taking. Most importantly return what does not flatter.

7.For stores with closing down sales don’t assume that everything is dirt cheap and that you must peruse the shelves until you find something. Move on to another store.

8.Store discounts vary so start with your store choices with the bigger discounts if you wait a week or so other stores discount their merchandise even further to as much as 70%. Expand your shopping radius and browse in stores you have never ventured in before.

9.Fight the feeling that you are missing out if you do not hit the sales immediately

10.The woman with a keen fashion sense can always find great additions to her wardrobe.