Today I went sale shopping. This is rather significant for me, as I usually avoid the sales at all costs. I like to think of shopping as a sensory experience – it’s about taking time to really look at things, feel the fabrics, imagine them in your wardrobe. When it comes to sale shopping, there’s no chance to do these things. You’ve got to keep your eyes open and your elbows sharp… grab things you like, work out the price, put back the ‘not so sure’ items and pay. You can do all the nice touchy feely bits when you get home.
But, after a year of poor retailing and the threat of a VAT increase come 1st Jan, there are some really great bargains to be had and I thought now was as good a time as any to get involved in the January Sales.
So, here’s my sales tale. First up – ASOS
The ASOS sale started on Dec 24th and is advertised at up to 50% off. After a really good trawl around, I found the biggest savings to be had were on dresses, knitwear and footwear. I filled my basket with everything that caught my eye then, with a total of £249 (ARGH!!), I removed all the things I could do without. In the end, I only bought these…
Steve Madden biker boots, £105 down from £150, ASOSI spent over £100 so got free next day delivery (next working day, which is tomorrow!), but if you spend over £75 you’ll get free standard delivery, and there’s the Super Saver delivery option, which is always free no matter how much you spend. Returns are free too, so if I change my mind they can go straight back… although I highly doubt I will!
Next up – Topshop
Topshop is somewhere I rarely visit. I adore the clothes but find them hideously overpriced for what they are. I think the fact that the clothing is often hyped as ‘high fashion’ is used as an excuse for high prices. If you’re like me and think the same, the sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on Topshop goodies. I really recommend this sale for knitwear – they had racks and racks of jumpers, knitted dresses and cardigans. I originally picked up 4 different pieces but really had to restrain myself!
Top, £10 down from £18, Topshop
Cardigan, £18 down from £35, Topshop
Slipper socks, £7 down from £12 and tights, £5 down from £8, Topshop
Then on to Gap
Gap is one of my favourite high street stores – the quality is fab, everything is really well cut and they really do know basics. Of course, you have to pay for all that. The Gap sale was advertised as up to 50% off and was really well stocked, with plenty of sizes. I wanted jeans but their skinny styles never go on sale – shame!
Tee, £6.99 down from £10, Gap
Wool cardigan, £24.99 down from £55, Gap
Finally, H&M
I find H&M shambolic at the best of times, but add a sale and frenzied shoppers into the mix and things just seemed to crumble! I couldn’t face looking at the sale section as it was madness, with clothes everywhere! So I went straight for the denim section as I need new jeans…
Jeans, £14.99, and wool beanie, £3.99, H&M
The jeans are just how I like them – tight with a bit of stretch and very straight in the leg. Since I had my hair cut short, I’ve been finding it really hard to wear hats without looking bald! This mini beanie sits atop my head without covering too much hair, so it’s perfect.
Total spend: £195.96 – I’m pretty impressed with that, I must say! I’ve stocked up for the next few months and it’s all really great quality stuff that will last for much longer than one season. I’ll definitely pay more attention to the sales from now on!
Did you get any really great bargains?
