Wise Winter Sale Shopping

The Fashion Cult — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:58:10 +0000

For those that didn’t completely bust their budgets buying trinkets for Christmas, now is a terrific time to take advantage of the deep discounts of winter sales. But like all sales, it’s possible to get trapped by the illusion of the “good deal” and end up spending unnecessarily. Don’t buy ultra-trendy items that are slashed to 90% of their retail price. Instead, the Cult advises that you to look for high quality wardrobe staples, which might be more modestly discounted but will prove to be of much high value when you are still getting use out of them five years now.

For example, you might be riveted by these exaggerated platform wedges by Charlotte Olympia. I agree that they’re kind of charming and the 50%+ discount is attractive. But in two years – or even next season! – will you truly be happy that your dropped upwards of $600 on these? Think about how many wears you’ll realistically get how of these. They are currently on sale at Matchesfashion.com, but the store has plenty of wiser winter sale options. See a few of them below.

For dresses, look for classic silhouettes, in durable colors (neutrals and standards like red), and natural fabrics. From left to right:

Similar guidelines can be applied to coats. These winter items tend to require a greater monetary investment, making it even more important to make thoughtful choices. From left to right:

Smart Sale Shopping for Spring/Summer 2010

The Fashion Cult — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:32:34 +0000

Smart Seasonal Sale Shopping (S4). It’s about that time again – the moment in a season when your still in the thick of the climate, but stores have put the current season items on sale. These points are great opportunity moments for your wardrobe, but it’s important to approach the free-for-all with a little perspective. Otherwise, you end up spending a ton of cash on items that will only get a wear or two then end up looking stale by the time next season comes around. Instead, use sale periods to get deals on classic wardrobe staples, investment pieces, and items that will be able to wear into the next several months. If that half price item you’re drooling over falls into one of the following categories then proceed with caution. If not, then leave it on the (e)rack and save your dough for the impending Fall season’s wardrobe budget. Right: a reminder from the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic that more is not necessarily better. In the movie character’s case, more was definitely worse!

Classic Cuts
Every decades seems to have an over-the-top trend in clothing shape, but there are certain silhouettes that are timeless. A tailored shift dress is one of those that will look chic season after season, and year after year. Dresses below by Giambattista Vall, Freda, & Emma Cook. Click for info or to purchase.

Little Black Dresses
There are certain wardrobe staples that every style conscious woman should have. The little black dress ranks high among these – for it’s ease and versatility. Dresses below by Boudicca, Maxmara, & Sportmax. Click for info or to purchase.

Fall-Appropriate
If an item you buy now can still be worn 3 to 6 months from now, then it’s a good sale candidate. Granted, you may have to do some strategic layering, but these items will fit into the cool seasons just fine. Below: Jacket by Belstaff, dress by Chloe, & leather jeggings by Les Chiffoneurs. Click for info or to purchase.

Black Pumps
These shoes might not follow the list rules completely, but they come close. Black pumps are another key wardrobe staple and sale time is a great time to get a good deal on a quality pair. Shoes below by Alexander McQueen, Brian Atwood, & Marc by Marc Jacobs. Click for info or to purchase.

Investment Pieces
Sadly, we’ve seen the last of what the late Lee Alexander McQueen designed directly. Of course, the house will go on – not to mention the heavy influence he had on other designers – but the 2010 seasons represent the end of an era. Accordingly, they are sentimental and might have special worth in future years. All items below by Alexander Mcqueen. Click for info or to purchase.

The Fashion Cult » sales

Wise Winter Sale Shopping

Smart Sale Shopping for Spring/Summer 2010