Well you may think the sales are over now and it’s time to think about the autumn but if you love a bargain – and who doesn’t? I would say get out there because there are now some REALLY good buys to be had with lots of shops offering 70% off the normal prices.
The trick, of course, is to not get caught out buying summer stuff that will be out of date next year so think more classic shapes and cuts. Alternatively think practical as the clothes that are comfortable for hot summer days tend to reappear every summer. My guess is that it will be a while yet before the maxi dress looks jaded because when the heat is on it is just so good to wear for any occasion, especially over swimmers or with no undies around the house.
Another staple is the cropped pant, mini skirt if you can get away with it or the wide soft cotton or linen pants. Ballet pumps, flat sandals or wedges are guaranteed to make an appearance every year because they are kind to feet in the heat.
Now I have been around the last week checking out the best places to shop and my recommendation would be DFO Essendon where I picked up a pair of Nicole Farhi linen pants for $49 (woohoo!) in the European samples rail at Trent Nathan Resort. Frat House is selling Abercrombie and Fitch T shirts at 2 for the price of 1 with some fine long sleeved T’s going for an incredible $5 for 2. Ginger Tree has racks of amazing bargains with maxi dresses at $19 and many items below cost. Witchery and Country Road have good stocks of discount items and Oroton have got $30 off already reduced prices. Jag has good discounts throughout the store on jeans, dresses and T’s and the store staff are really friendly and helpful.
Brand Smart at Nunawading has David Lawrence and Jigsaw offering the best bargains with leather belts reduced from $99 to $19 and Diana Ferrari has discounts still on the smart casual clothes ranges as well as summer shoes. The Designer House has some good one off bargains of Firetrapfor sporty young gear and designers such as Jil Sander, Betty Barclay, Jaeger etc. for timeless classic pieces.
In Westfield Doncaster try Arthur Galant for evening wear, Laura Ashley still has clothes at great discounts (also log onto their website for the 50-60% sales on furniture etc. customer.service@laura-ashley.com.au) Pepe for sweet little sun dresses and Myer still has racks of sale items for most of the labels they stock.
So if you love a bargain now is the time to shop but my advice would be:
1) Don’t compromise on fit unless you are sure you can get it altered at reasonable cost
2) Don’t be swayed by the label ask yourself ‘If this was in Best and Less would I still buy it?’
3) If it’s poor quality, damaged, not your style or a hideous colour leave it on the rack
Happy Hunting – go to it girls!
Chris