Everywhere I go I see “SALE” signs – the temptation to buy is strong. Petra Laranjo explores 10 things to think about to ensure that you don’t have buyer’s remorse at the end of the day.

I’m already exhausted! And apparently many of you are too?
Although, I’m not too tired for a solid bit of shopping! A girl has to acquire a bit and a bob here and there, yes? All those in favour say...”Yes please and thank you”.

You would have noticed the plethora of SALE signs everywhere. The bold 70% off neon red script = happiness. Who says money can’t buy (some form of) happiness!
 
CAUTION ahead. SALES have a tendency to aid us in parting with our gold cards all too easily...and on goodies which, more often than not, prove irrelevant, wasteful and redundant.
So, the trick to ON SALE shopping is as follows:

Shop on an empty stomach. That way you won’t have as much energy to mindlessly trawl the mall and sample all that is on offer thereby swaying your decision from ‘Do I really need it?’ to ‘I guess it’s cute so yeah...might as well.’

• Shop with a purpose. I need high-heeled peep-toe matt black shoes vs. ‘Oooooh but look how cute those grey metallic platforms are’. (Been there, done that, proudly didn’t purchase those....although, if truth be told, the red suede heels made their way swiftly into my cupboard. I did need those.
• Shop with a list. As per above and as one should when grocery shopping. Focussed, funnelled purchases of necessary items.
• Shop with a clear vision. Look out for items that will complement and update your current wardrobe...unless you need a makeover or revamp that is.
• A SALE is not a SALE if you have to take the item to a tailor to mend or re-shape, hangs in your cupboard indefinitely without even once being allowed to proudly prance around in public, or simply goes with absolutely nothing else in your wardrobe...hence forcing your arm into acquiring other items (probably not on sale by the time you realise it) in order for you to create a ‘look’.
• Shop alone. Statistics show that shopping with a friend merely spurs you on to recklessly swipe your card.
• When in doubt, leave it out. Stay strong. There really is no point to keep ‘umming and ahhhing’, even at home, and then end up hurling it into the charity box 3 years later after never wearing the thing because you’ve never really been comfortable in it. 
• Sales are a good time to shop for gifts. That doesn’t mean you can skimp on cheap useless items. It’s the thought that counts so if you are going to get that gift, consider the “giftee” in your decision.
• Remember that you CANNOT return items on sale!
• Trends on sale - SO last season!

About the Author: Petra is an Image and Personal Brand Consultant. Feel free to contact her by emailing  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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