Galway Advertiser 2006/2006_06_29/GA_2906_E1_016.pdf 

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16

Galway Advertiser

June 29 2006

NEWS

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FASHION

BEAUTY

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H E A LT H

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LIFE

MARY O'CONNOR Getting the most from the summer sales
When you walk past a shop and see the word "Sale" emblazoned in bold lettering across the window do you stop dead in your tracks? Before you know it, you are lured inside with promises of knockdown prices and unbelievable value. Even if you are tempted to resist the urge for a quick browse, you override that thought at once telling yourself you might miss out on bagging a cut-price item. But before you get swept along on a wave of sales fever, make sure your bargain hunting skills are finely tuned and that your elbows are sufficiently sharp to ensure a successful onslaught on the stores! The sales are an ideal opportunity to make some good fashion investments, to target quality outfits which you've had your eye on and are hopefully now knocked down to rockbottom prices. They also give you a chance to revitalise your current wardrobe with some of the season's hottest favourites. If you have children, you will probably be able to pick up lots of bargains for them, too. Babygros and pieces you can mix and match are usually reduced in price and will help you build up a budget wardrobe for your little ones. However, remember overspending is a real danger. It is very tempting to succumb to the biggest reduction or the cheapest offer only to find three months later that you have not worn the outfit and it is adding further clutter to your wardrobe. You should ask yourself would you pay the full

How to have sales sense
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO MAKE YOUR MONEY GO FURTHER AND TO BAG SOME REAL BARGAINS.
* Decide how much you want to spend before you go to the sales and resolve to stay within that budget. * Try not to shop when you are tired, hungry or in a hurry. You can overspend in these situations. * Leave the family at home, if possible. People tend to overspend if their spouses or children tag along. Also, sales shopping can test the strongest relationships! * Do not pick up items unless you want them. Shopping surveys show that if you pick something up, you'll buy it - five times out of ten - whether you need it or not * Buy the best you can afford. A few well tailored pairs of trousers or an expensive suit are a better investment than several cheap and cheerful pieces * Make a list. Jot down what you want to buy in advance and try to adhere to that list. Before they head for the shops wise spenders look at their clothes and decide what they need to brighten them up. Perhaps it is a well cut jacket or stylish shoes. Aim to update your current collection with a few good buys. * Not all special offers are bargains. If it is what you want and the price is right, go for it! But if you did not need it in the first place, it is not a bargain, no matter how special the price. * Be sure to read cleaning and washing instructions before you buy. Is the garment suitable for what you are going to use it for ? * If you are shopping for footwear, try to be sensible and suit the shoes to your purpose. Remember, delicate shoes with heavenly heels may not be ideal for long walks! * Take your time. It is essential that you get your right size. * The golden rule of smart shoppers is to maximise each purchase. That does not always mean paying the best price but paying the best price for what you really want. * Invest in classics. Up-to-the-minute looks will always be enticing when they are on sale, but remember that even the most appealing trends have a short life cycle. If you want to get more than a few months' wear out of your purchase, stick with the classics. * Do not be tempted by odds and ends. An embroidered skirt in teal or a fireengine red man's jumper - both from top designers - are selling at knockdown prices. Chances are you will not be able to resist them. However, if you do not have something in your wardrobe to go with these or if you really do not need them, think long and hard before parting with your hard earned cash. * Train yourself to comparison shop. Comparison shoppers know where the best bargains are usually to be found so when it's sale time they head to these outlets to save even more money. Practise this valuable skill by noting the prices of items as you shop during the year in different places and then compare the prices. Be sure to record the regular retail price, not the sale price. Also check the mark down racks to learn where the best bargains can be found so that in the future you can return to the lowest priced shops. * Not only are sales great times to pick up items you need, they are also ideal for shopping for the future. * Look through fashion magazines before you set out for the shops so you'll be au fait with the current look. If it suits you, buy some of the latest lines. * Be honest. Wishful thinking does not pay when sales shopping. Do not kid yourself you are a size 12 when you are a generous 14.

Fidelma Loughran of Roscam with her son Myles at the BT Sale on Tuesday. Photo:-Mike Shaughnessy

price for the item now on special offer. If the answer is "no" you should reconsider parting with your hard earned cash.

It is important to have a clear sales strategy drawn up so that you will not rush blindly into the shops buying everything that is cheap and cheerful.

Realistic budget
Experts recommend working out a realistic budget before setting foot inside the shops. Try hard to stay within this pre-set limit. Every time you are tempted to deviate, ask yourself is this top/trousers/belt for which you are willing to sacrifice future lunches really worth the money. Of course, one of the

Shopping at Roches Stores s ale on Tuesday.

Photo:-Mike Shaughnessy

best ways of ensuring you do not spend too much is to avoid carrying plastic money and to bring only a certain amount of cash to tide you over. This will quickly bring you to your senses if the lure of a Little Black Dress or stylish three piece suit becomes too great. It is important to have a clear sales strategy drawn up so that you will not rush blindly into the shops buying everything that is cheap and cheerful. If you want to get the best deals, then make a list of the items you want and need and the shops you intend to target in your quest for bargains. The best way to maximise your chances of getting a bargain is to spend time beforehand thinking about your fashion needs. If you have a basic collection, then you may just need to revitalise it with a few good investments. There are two types of sale shoppers. Targeted shoppers identify a gap in their wardrobe and shop for key items, such as a jacket, jeans or particular top. They do their research - often before the sales begin - and know which shops stock the looks that suit their lifestyle and budget. Most of us identify with the other category, bargain hunters. They are dangerous shoppers with the potential to waste euros on so-called bargains which will never be worn. Hands up how many of us recognise ourselves from that description?