SUMMER SALE: THE DOS AND DON'TS!

What will you be adding into your dream closet this summer?
Photo credit: Sex and The City

It used to be that there were two sales per year, the summer sale, the winter sale. Now they are all year around. However perhaps the best ones in my opinion still come during the original two, the winter and the summer months.

We've all been there, seen those incredible 50% off signs in the window, walked in and ended up with bags full of things we hadn't intended on buying. Not a great idea especially when many sale pieces are non-returnable and everyone hates that feeling of buyers remorse. 

Well here are EV's tips and tricks to run through your mind before making that purchase. Let's go! 

1) Would you buy the item at full price?

Just because the price ticket is 50% off or perhaps even more, ask yourself, would you buy the item full price? Do you really love it or do you just love the price? If the answer is just the price, put it back. If you adore the piece and would still buy it (if your account stretched to it) at full price, then proceed to number two.

2) Do you have things it will go with in your wardrobe already?

If you love the piece but would have to buy other items to go with it, shoes, accessories etc, then put it back. It's going to end up costing you even more in trying to find suitable items to pair with it and it's probably not within the comfort of your style if you don't have anything in your wardrobe that it matches with. If you do have other pieces that it will go perfectly with, proceed to number three.

3) Do you already own something very similar?

If you have a ton of black jackets, beige bags, whatever it is you are contemplating buying then put it back. If it's so similar to the rails of items already in your closet it means you already have ample amounts of that piece and your money would be best saved for a different piece that you don't already have but will be a perfect update in your wardrobe. There are exceptions to this, but as a general rule, if you have a lot of them, put it back. If you don't proceed to step 4.

4) Is it a classic?

Sometimes it's fine to spend money on really trendy pieces, but as a rule, if you are looking for a really seasonal piece that is really on trend for that season, I would hit up a store like Forever 21 or H&M where you can then spend a small amount of money on it and then give it to goodwill the following season guilt free. However if you're looking to spend money on a trendy piece, I would skip it. As on trend as it looks this season, it will look equally aged and outdated the next. If it's a classic, and your getting it a cut price and it will still look great in your wardrobe 5 years from now and you've passed all of the above thoughts, go for it!

Happy shopping!

With all that said here are some of EV's tips for what to keep a look out for in the sale : 

​Leather jacket 

BCBG Jacket WAS $998.00 now $349.50

Leather jackets never go out of style. Opt for a color that will match a lot of the colors in your wardrobe. Blacks and beiges are great and go for a cut that isn't too on trend. A moto jacket or a cropped one with simple clean lines and silhouette will always look classic and update a number of pieces in your wardrobe.

BCBG have great sales each summer and this is one of their best yet. The above jack is now on sale! 

Another tip: If you have a BCBG store near you and you like their items, go in and check it out during their current summer sale. They often have much more in store than online. I have seen (and purchased) moto jackets and classic cropped ones that were $300 down to $90 or less that aren't listed online. Also nothing compares to seeing the item in person. You can check how it fits, if it will fit in with your other pieces and make sure it is something you want to invest in. 

​cLASSIC BLAZER 

​A classic blazer is a great investment piece. Same as with the leather jacket be sure to choose one with clean lines, and silhouette. Buying a piece like this in summer is a great time, as they are technically out of season but will never be out of style. This is another great sale piece from BCBG.

​tHE TRENCH

Michael Kors Trench WAS $200 now $119. 

The trench has been around for years and is such a classic staple in both men and women's wardrobes and I don't see it going anywhere soon. Burberry is obviously synonymous for the trench, and if you are going to splurge you can't go wrong with their classics. Available on sale throughout the year in outlets around the country it really is a piece worth the investment if your budget allows it. However Burberry are by no means the only wonderful trenches out there and this is another great time of year to invest in one. The above is from Michael Kors and is currently on sale! 

​A classic ankle boot

Calvin Klein Ankle boot WAS $188.95 NOW $131.90

Another item that is a great piece to invest in during the summer months, the Ankle boot. Can be worn with dresses during autumn in those awkward transitional seasons, jeans in the evening all year round and of course brought out during those full winter months. This is a time of year where there are so many going on sale. You may not feel like trying on boots when the sun is blazing, but the winter months will come around before you know it, and you'll have yours all ready to go at a fraction of the cost.
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ADDITIONAL GREAT SALE ITEMS  : SELF PORTRAIT 
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I am a big fan of Self Portrait clothing line. Their pieces are incredible, and their dresses are so luxurious but do cost a pretty penny, however this time of year they are doing great sales. Price cuts from $300+ down to (sometimes) just $60 or so. I got two dresses in this years sale for around the prices above. I will do a post about them once I have them, however they are no longer listed on the website. I suggest signing up to get their emails so you'll be notified when they go on sale, and hop on quickly as usually the best pieces are gone within the first couple of hours! 

Here are some of my EV picks from what is still left on sale: 

denim culottes Was £135.00 now £41.00​ 

bonded culottes WAS £150.00  Now £45.00​

sleeveless biker jacket Was £250.00  Now £75.00

All photo credits above: Self Portrait.

Hope you enjoyed some of these tips and tricks and happy (wise) shopping!!