Galway Advertiser 2003/2003_10_09/GA_09102003_E1_022.pdf 

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News

Fashion

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Bagging a
SOME PEOPLE have all the luck. They just walk into a shop and are imme diately assailed by b a r gains. Their trained eyes a n d noses for budget prices j u s t seem to lead them to the areas with emblazoned signs saying "AH stock must g o " o r "Designer gear reduced to clear". Their finely tunes skills for bargain spotting are not confined to fashion, they are equally as successful in china stores, DIY shops and furniture outlets. So how do they bag all the bargains while the rest of us go home empty hand ed or worse still leave the shops after paying the full price for items? For a start, they are aware or are switched on to wise buying. For them, every excursion to the shops is an opportunity to strike gold. Once they get inside the doors, they are on full alert, eyes and ears on stalks. Bargain bins or any thing with a reduced price tag draws them like a mag net. If knockdown priced goods are hidden away or obscured, they are willing to search for them. These are not targeted shoppers hunting for one item to update their wardrobe or revitalise a jaded seasonal favourite. They are bargain hunters who combine fox-like cun ning with jaguar-like speed. They are not averse to using their elbows in the hunt for riches and woe betide you if you cross their path. They have mastered two invalu able skills; they know how to spot real bargains and how to make their money go further. Here are 20 golden rules to help you outshine them or at least give them a good run for their money. 2. Arrive early. Start out early in the morning, if pos sible. Avoid shopping with your partner, overly sensible friends or small children. To bag real bargains, you will need missionary zeal, all the energy you can muster and an ability to carry out your task with military precision. 3. Dress to suit the occa sion. If you intend to spend the day traipsing from shop to shop, you will need com fortable shoes. Wear clothes that are easy to get in and out of otherwise you will waste valuable shopping time lacing up boots and buttoning up jackets. It is worthwhile making a bit of an effort with your appear ance too because this will give you a better picture of how clothes will look on you 4. Visit as many shops as possible. This advice applies whether you are shopping for occasional tables, a Crombey coat or a pair of sensible walking shoes. Compare prices, selection, and incentives (some shops will allow you to return items and get a refund if you change your mind. Others offer loyalty bonuses).The larger depart ment stores are often the best targets for serious bar gain hunters. However, small shops and exclusive boutiques can also offer big discounts on quality items.

bargain
and brand. 13. Visit the shops often. Stores change stock fre quently and often slash prices on reduced items daily. 14. Avoid fun items. Don't be tempted to buy something just because it is cheap and cheerful or "dif ferent" or "fun". That's usu ally why it's being sold off. 15. Check the finish of the outfit, both inside and out. Examine seams, but tons and zips. These are a good guide to overall quali ty16. Shop safely. If buy ing nightwear, especially for children, opt for fire-resist ant items. 17. Know your colours. Start with a few neutral colours which suit you and then build around these. The most versatile neutral bases are navy, grey, black and beige. You can then add additional colours to give these a lift. Most people can wear most colours, it is the shade and intensity of these which determine whether they will work for you 18. Look out for acces sories. These are often reduced in price and are an ideal way to update and expand your wardrobe. Jewellery, bags, belts, scarves and hats are good bets. They can change an entire outfit, disguise figure flaws, take an outfit from day to evening or update last year's favourite. 19. Give yourself time. We tend to make mistakes when we are tired and rushed. Avoid shopping at peak times or when you are feeling below par because your judgement may be impaired. 20. Know your con sumer rights. If the coat you bought falls apart at the seams days within buying it or your shoes let in water, you are entitled to a refund or replacement. Under the Sale of Goods Act items must be of merchantable quality and be fit for their purpose. However, you are not entitled to a refund on any seconds bought at a reduced price.

H O W T O BE A
BARGAIN H U N T E R 1. Shop with a n open m i n d . This is one of the secrets of successful shop ping. It is also probably the downfall of those of us who find shopping irresistible. Try not to shop.for one par ticular item because this will only focus your mind. The latter is to be avoided at all costs if you are in a bar gain hunting mood.

Cardigan cut belted jacket 140, black wool polo neck jumper 9 0 , and black leather trousers 260. 7. Look out for quality items. The best bargains are classic items, such as coats and suits. Choose colours for all seasons instead of high fashion shades or styles which will date very quickly. For coats, French navy, black and camel are wise colour choices. Do not buy anything that does not go with at least two other things you already own 8. If you see something you like, snap it up. Otherwise, some other dedi cated follower of fashion will. If you are unsure about an item, pick it up and carry it around the shop with you as you deliberate whether it's worth spending your hard earned cash on. day to evening with maximum impact. For men, a tai lored suit or trousers and jackets are good buys. 10. Stock up on basics if you are putting a wardrobe together for the first time. If you have just landed your first job, watch out for colourful tops to mix and match, jackets, classic trousers, and bags. Buy some of the latest lines if they suit you and your pocket 11. Buy one season ahead. Outlets tend to sell summer stock in winter and vice versa. An unexpectedly mild winter or cold summer can leave retailers with huge amounts of clothing to shift which they then need to get rid of rapidly.

5. T r y e v e r y t h i n g o n . Some clothes have hanger appeal, others do not but may look great on. You could be by-passing the bar gain of the century if you do not take time to find out if it 9. Buy a complete look. is the perfect garment for This is easier than buying you bits and pieces because it 12. Double check sizing. 6. Be prepared to buy will eliminate the effort of Increasingly, stock is being b r a n d s you h a v e n o t co-ordinating garments. A labelled in European sizing heard of before. Broaden well cut black skirt will which can be confusing. Mocha/slate blue herringbone trouser suit Jacket 205. your vision and be prepared work well with a number of Never rely on what the label to take calculated risks. Trousers 13#. Strip wool jacquard waistcoat and obi looks and can take you from says. Sizes vary with style 88, wool jacquard stripe/paisley scarf 7 0 , and wool All from Michel Ambers at Marians, Francis Street, Galway jacquard fringed wmdowpane check unlined coat 260. and Anthony Ryans, Shop Street.

Jewel coloured boucle tweed jacket 230 and high waisted palazzo pants and rose jacquard obi 160.