Galway Advertiser 2009/GA_2009_12_10/GA_1012_E1_094.pdf 

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94

L I F E STYLE
NEWS I FASHION I BEAUTY I H E A LT H I

December 10 2009

LIFE

MARY O'CONNOR
Bargain hunting at the sales
Is the rain and doom and gloom of the recession dampening your mood? If so, maybe you need an injection of retail therapy to brighten your spirits. Now is the perfect time to hit the high streets as the last of the summer sales see fashions being reduced to giveaway prices. Every self respecting fashionista should be planning to bag the best bargains at this annual summer event. The sales give us an opportunity to make good fashion investments, to target quality outfits which we have had our eye on all season and are hopefully knocked down now to rockbottom prices. Shopping experts warn the sales can be a minefield for those who do not have a clear sale strategy. Faced by an array of "never to be repeated" reductions it is all too easy to rush in and snap up cut price items but rue your haste later. Too often we succumb to the biggest reduction or the cheapest offer only to find four months on that we have not worn it. One way to avoid overspending is to work out a realistic budget and try hard to stay within it. Many of us fall into the trap of impulse buying. Seduced by the thought of bagging a once in a lifetime bargain we buy something we do not need and will probably never wear. The best way to get a good deal is to spend time beforehand deciding what you want and how much you are willing to spend. Examine your fashion needs. If you have a basic collection then you may just need to revitalise it with a few good buys. The amount of money you are prepared to spend is an important consideration. Decide a figure in advance and aim to stay within it. If you are tempted to stray ask yourself would you pay the full price for the item now selling at half price. If the answer is "no" you should reconsider parting with your hard earned cash. What should you look out for during the sales and how can you maximise your chances of getting good value for money? Firstly, think ahead to the next season, say experts. Aim to buy a look rather than bits and pieces. This will eliminate the difficulty of trying to shop for coordinates later. The larger department stores tend to be good bets for serious bargain hunters. Watch out for classic looks and colours which will not date. Avoid eye-catching styles or faddish patterns which will lose their appeal and value quickly.

Top tips for sales shopping
* Do not leave hitting the shops until the last minute. They are quieter in the morning and everything will be nicely arranged. * Avoid shopping for something you need to wear that night. * Before going to the sales have a good idea of what items you want to buy. * Head to stores which are normally out of your price range. You may be able to treat yourself to something special at a fraction of the usual price. * Buy basics. Colourful tops to mix and match, jackets, classic trousers, shoes and shirts are good bets. * Buy the correct size, do not cheat. Who wants to live on lettuce leaves? * Make sure you like the item before you buy it. If you shop in a hurry you may find yourself stuck with something you do not want and cannot return. * Shop with an open mind. Try not to limit yourself to one particular item. * Accessories are good bargain buys. Look out for bags and elegant costume jewellery, for example. * Aim to buy clothes that will last for a few years. * Look through fashion magazines before you set out for the shops so you will be au fait with current trends. * Examine the washing instructions on the garment before buying it. How colourfast is it? Is it pre-shrunk, does it need to be dry-cleaned? Make sure you check before you find out the hard way. * Mauves, blues and midnight shades never look like last season's leftovers. * Ethnic styles and tops work in all seasons. Snap them up. * If buying shoes, buy them to suit the occasion. Pretty, lightweight shoes are ideal evening choices but are unsuitable for Irish daywear. * Check the finish of garments, such as seams, buttons and zips. They are a good guide to overall quality. * Visit several shops and compare prices. You may find a big difference in prices for individual items. * Try the men's departments for basics, such as T-shirts and shirts. They are often cheaper and you may find more choice. * Buy children's clothes with room to grow or ones that can be let down if required. * Do not buy anything that will not go with at least two other things you already own. * Do not be tempted to buy something just because it is cheap. Avoid fun looks or unusual colour combinations. * Do not use your credit card. You'll be less likely to overspend if you buy only what you can pay for now. * Do not be swayed by fashion trends. If you find a style that suits you, stay true to it. * Avoid linen unless you intend to spend the rest of your days standing up to ward off creases. * Do not buy anything without trying it on first. Some clothes have hanger appeal, others do not but look great on. You could be bypassing the bargain of the day if you do not take time to find out how a garment looks first. * Do not be a slave to particular brands. Broaden your horizons and be open minded.

THE

CLINIC
www.thehearingclinic.ie

Professional Hearing Aid Services

O'Beirn's Pharmacy
11 Henry St. Galway
Every Tuesday
Ph: 091 582479 for appointments
Prescriptions All Make Repairs Grant Applications Audiometery Tympanometery Tinnitus Masking Counselling Rehabilitation Caring Advice

Lia Stokes from Kilcolgan at BORN Clothing on Thursday

1 stone or more overweight?*
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Adam Butcher, Galway

* Never trust your memory. Be sure to take the outfit you are trying to complete with you. This is especially important if you are trying to find a colour match. Also, be sure to look at the garment in natural light. It may appear a different shade under fluorescent light. * While it may be your dream outfit, if it is in the wrong colour, style or size then it isn't a bargain so walk away. * Never shop after having a few drinks, a massage or anything which makes you feel lightheaded. The emotion will go to your brain and cool reason will go out the window. Shopping when you have just got paid may make you feel extra flush too and break down your resolve to be an effective shopper. * Do not pick up an item unless you want it. Shopping surveys show that if you pick it up you will buy it - five times out of ten - whether you need it or not. * Not all special offers are bargains. If it is what you want and the price is right, go for it. But if you do not need it in the first place, it is not a bargain, no matter how special the price is.

Frank McGrath M.I.S.H.A.A.
Ensure your AUDIOLOGIST is an I.S.H.A.A Member

091 765772
*BMI of 25 or above

www.lighterlife.com/adambutcher