Who doesn't love a good sale? When everything is on a massive discount, it's definitely time to hit the stores. But it's also the time when everyone else is hitting the shops too. The lines are long; the wait for the changing rooms is endless; the stores are crowded; and let's not forget the disappointment of finding something you were dying to buy at 70% off, only to realise that your size is sold out. It's enough to make you vow to buy your clothes at full price.
I've shopped at enough sales (further attestation from my bank account and my accountant, if required! Ha!) to have learned a few hacks that make getting the best bargains a snap. Read on for a stress-free sale season.
1. Make a list:
How amazing is the cropped red tee? And it's so cheap! So you pick it up. When you get home you realise that you also have a cropped navy blue tee, a cropped white tee, a cropped black tee and is that a cropped yellow tee luking in your closet? Yup, it is. When everything is discounted, the excitement of getting a good deal can make you forget that you already own several similar pieces. A shopping list will help you remember exactly what it is you wanted, and save your money.
2. Wear Separates:
And also shoes that are easy to slip off and on. You might find some gorgeous jeans or trousers in one store, but nothing by way of tops to tees. If you're wearing separates, you can easily try on the items and get a good idea of what they'll look like with tops or bottoms you already own. If not, you'll be standing around the changing room in a tee and your knickers, mentally figuring out what the shirt will look like tucked into jeans. It usually means purchases we later regret, because you'll never know that those trousers bulk up at the back when tucked into a shirt unless you actually tuck a shirt into them.
3. Know your stores:
This is the most important rule of sales. Sizes these days vary so greatly not just from store to store, but also within stores themselves. It's crucial to know which age group the store is catering to. The size and cuts of the majority of the items available will reflect this.
Forever 21 is very much a teen/college haven, and while their sizes are pretty much the same, note that the bustlines are tighter and the lengths shorter. Their trousers and shorts don't really have much curve either. The clothes are cut for straighter figures with less by way of curves. It's great news if you're petite and slim, for that means the items will fit true to size. If you're not, I'd suggest sizing up - especially for dresses and rompers. Like pretty much every store, theirs is a 'no exchange' on sale items. So make sure that it fits and is comfy before you buy it.
My suggestions: Tees, comfy shorts for sleeping in or wearing around the house, their bralettes and crop tops. If you like their athletic wear, their leggings and sports bras are worth picking up too.
Zara is all about the latest trends. Their 'straight from the runway' ethos means you'll find whatever is trending abroad here. They even have their exchange policy applicable to sales. It's great news for you, if you hate standing in lines. Zara will let you exchange discounted items. For this reason, Zara is probably the most popular store during sales, and it is chaotic. Never buy anything white from Zara during the sales period - it will invariably be stained. Also check the items you do pick up. There will be frayed seams, makeup stains and maybe even a rip or two. Frankly, it's far better to shop online when it comes to the Zara sales. But be warned, you will find items in stores that you won't find online. So it's worth taking a look. Zara has the most size variation for a brand. I have things from XS to L. Yes, really. As a general rule, if it's a boxy cut or oversized go a size or two down. If it's a waisted item - meaning that it goes in at the waist, and has an actual waistline - size up. Buying your size will mean that you can never eat when wearing the piece. When it comes to V-necks, note that you will need a tailor or you will be flashing your bra. Zara likes low necklines.
My suggestions: Tees - especially the basics, jeans, trousers, shoes and bags. Usually the better Zara tops are sold out before the sales hit, as are their dresses. If you're travelling, look at their jackets and coats. They have great bargains that will keep you warm in the bitterest winters.
H&M is like the best of Zara and Forever 21 in one store. The prices are low, but the items are still very on-trend. However, remember H&M's no more than seven items in the dressing room rule. It makes for the longest ever lines during sales season. Also remember that discounted merchandise is not exchangeable. Which makes it a very painful place to shop during the sales. H&M runs true to size for most of their basics and their formal wear. The trendy pieces are usually smaller - size up here. And their LOGG range runs a little bigger in most cases. You can easily size down. Their shoes also tend to run larger than other stores. I'm a 36 in H&M but buy a 37 everywhere else.
My suggestions: Shoes, their sleepwear and their LOGG range. Everything else I'd rather buy at full price and have the option to exchange it if I need.
Westside, Central, Pantaloons, Lifestyle Stores, Shoppers Stop etc. Most Indian brands retail the same manufacturers. You will find the same items in most of these stores. I'd suggest Westside for more unusual items, stuff that everyone and their uncle won't possess. Their prices are good too. Tees are more or less cut to regular sizes. However beware of the women's tees that are cut to go in at the waist. They look ridiculous unless you have a waist. Size up for those cuts. When it comes to dresses and fitted trousers (or leggings and jeggings) size up. The thigh area is very unforgiving. Also the bustline, which is actually kind of surprising given that Indian figures are usually bust and thigh heavy.
My suggestions: The slogan tees - they are just so great! Flowy trousers - but be warned, they don't usually carry smaller sizes of these and you usually need to size down. Leggings, they have them in all colours.
Mango targets pretty much the same age group as Zara. However it's more for the working woman and less for the teen. Don't expect to find much by way of trendy items here unless it's accessories you're after. But the pieces will be well cut and the fabrics will be great.
My suggestions: Tees, always. I love their tees and they don't break the bank. Formal blouses and their dresses. Mango also have amazing blazers. If you really have to dress up for work, it's worth investing in one from Mango.
And lastly, Marks and Sparks aka Marks and Spencer. This is the place to go to if you're on the larger side or want some grown up pieces. They cater to older women, but that doesn't mean younger ones can't find great stuff here. Their clothes are amazing if you have curves - my Beyonce-built sis swears by their jeggings - and some of their sleepwear is so soft you'll feel you're floating away on the clouds. Be warned though if you're on the skinny, short and straight up and down side, you will need to size down. And they usually don't have Size 6's and 8's in much on their non-sale days, much less on the sale ones.
My suggestions: Their linen collection, especially the shorts. Also their leggings and their jeggings if you're curvy. Check out their sleepwear sets, and their knickers are very good value for money.
I've realise that I've spoken more about the stores than anything else. But I do feel that this is the most important thing about the sales. If you know what you'll get in a particular store, and what you should be looking at size and clothing wise, you'll be making very smart sale decisions.
A few last minute suggestions:
Buy your formal dresses from Forever New. Go to Aldo's for the shoes and Charles & Keith for bags and wallets. Earrings and the like are best purchased from Accessorize, unless it's for a young girl, then go to Claire's.
Happy shopping, peeps!
Till next time,
MumbaiGirl.
Instagram: @maryannecp
Check out my IGTV vids from my Instagram page if you like hauls, try-ons and general updates.
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