Eastlife January 2019

SHOP
Who can resist the lure of a January sale?
Everything you’ve had your eye on in the
run up to Christmas is suddenly a fraction of
the price. With social media now influencing
consumerism more than ever before, it feels as
though sales and discount codes are available
everywhere, but how can you tell if you’re really
bagging a bargain? With this in mind, we’ve put
together five simple tips to help you become
the smartest of sale shoppers:
Where to start
Before you head into the crowds it’s vital to have a clear
idea of what you need. It can be tempting to indulge, but
neither your wardrobe or your bank balance will thank
you for it. Though the glitzy party dress you wanted is
now only £20, will you really wear it next December?
Pre-sale online research and making a list of key items
will stop you wasting your pennies.
Quality over quantity
Towards the end of last year, thanks to Stacey Dooley’s
BBC documentary ‘Fashion’s Dirty Secrets’, there was
a shift in buying habits. The programme showed the
shocking environmental impact caused by fashion, and as
a result influencers and bloggers started to share the importance
of sustainability in fashion with their followers.
However, sustainable fabrics come with a higher price
tag for obvious reasons, but the sales are a great time to
snap up a bargain. When shopping, check the fabric of
the items of clothing. Organic cotton, hemp, linen, wool
and cashmere usually cost more so are worth buying in
the sale – you’ll be helping the environment and buying
pieces with longevity saving you money in the long run!
Be prepared
Changing rooms are hell on earth during the sale season.
Long queues and tropical temperature cubicles are
enough to make you throw in the towel. Avoid having to
try clothes on by wearing a thin outfit under your coat
so you can simply slip items over the top and make use
of the store full-length mirrors. It will save you buying
an item that doesn’t fit, that you’ll never get around to
taking back.
How to be savvy sale shopper
Think bigger
Yes the sales are great for picking up clothing
and home furnishings, but those who save the
most are those that think bigger than material
items. We all know January is rather depressing,
so why not escape your blues with a holiday.
Flights from the UK are far less packed with
holidaymakers and business travellers in the first
weeks of January. Depending on the destination
and whether it’s low or peak season, with some
time, effort and research you may be able to find
some cheap flights to put a smile on your face.
Bargains on Bargains
If you’re in need of a wardrobe update head to
one of the region’s outlet shopping destinations.
Dotted throughout the East are the likes of The
Galleria in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, and Braintree
Freeport and Clacton Factory Outlet in Essex.
These outlet destinations offer up to 60% savings
on RRP prices on designer and well-known
brands. Add to that sale discounts and you’ll pick
up clothing, accessories and homeware items at a
fraction of the original price.
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