How to survive a sale?

HOW many times have you come out of a sale, utterly unhappy about the clothes you just purchased? It's a common phenomenon - people get lured by that red board which flashes the word ‘SALE' in bold letters and a lucrative amount off the MRP. Pria Agni, fashion stylist, agrees, "Brands always have clever marketing tactic that consumers always fall for. It is very important to know what you need rather than what you want from the sale."

What: Steve Madden masquerade pumps
Available at:u00a0Steve Madden, Palladium, Lower Parel
From:u00a0Rs 9,999
To:u00a0Rs 6,999
It's a great buy because: Silver glitter peeptoes are always a party staple

The other reason is, of course, that incessant, impulsive tug your brain makes at your purse strings - the fact that the store is offering you a huge discount on their collection can be a big plus for any shopaholic. Agni agrees, "Every consumer should make a list of the things that they need. It saves time." Many brands don't let you try things before you buy them. Agni alerts, "Always make sure that you try things on, especially jeans. It's very important to have the perfect fit that suits your body. If the brand doesn't allow you to try a particular garment, do not buy it."

u00a0

How to be a smart shopper
1. Know exactly what you want to buy - a top, a skirt or jeans. This will save time and energy when you have to battle shoppers at the sale.
2. Always ask the cashier whether a particular garment is on a ‘flat off' or ‘upto some amount'. Most of the times, the brands never mention that on the price tag
3. Go in early to avoid mobs at the store.
4. Don't buy something just because it offers a huge ‘70% sale'. Look out for something you can mix and match or something that you can probably wear more often than others.
5. Look out for something that has an exclusive feel to it. Vintage pieces always have an edge over other garments
6. Never underestimate the side racks and the corners of the aisles - they always have something unique to offer
7. When buying accessories like bags and shoes, always check if the zippers work fine.
8.When shopping online, do your research, browse through the array of clothes, take your time to decide. Looks can be deceptive, what looks great online, may not be the same when you receive it.
9. If you are a confused shopper, ask a sales assistant or a personal shopper to assist you. Many high-street brands offer you this service.
10. Don't overspend. Have a budget. You are going there to save, not to splurge.

What: Animal print corset
Available at: La Senza, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla
From: Rs 2,790
To: Rs 990
It's a great buy because: The colour is superb and is a great option to wear under androgynous blazers

Pics/Sameer Sayed Abedi and Sameer Markhande

u00a0

What: Black glitter dress
Available at: Promod, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla
From: Rs 2,950
To:Rs 2,360
It's a great buy because: A black LBD is a must in every girl's closet

What: Green lace dress
Available at: Promod, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla
From: Rs 3,250
To: Rs 2,600
It's a great buy because: Lace will never go out of fashion. A classic green lace dress exudes vintage charm

What: Glitter sling bag
Available at: Promod, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla
From: Rs 2,450
To: Rs 1,710
It's a great buy because: It can go well with jeans as well as a classic dress

What: Tangerine zipper dress
Available at: Bebe, Phoenix Market city, Kurla
From: Rs 10,050
To: Rs 7,050
It's a great buy because: A tangerine dress always adds the right amount of glamour to your overall look

What: P.Sandles
Available at: Steve Madden, Palladium, Lower Parel
From: R3,999
To: R2,399
It's a great buy because:The tribal print on the shoe make it a great casual wear

What: Cream scoop top
Available at: Promod, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla
From: Rs 2,450
To: Rs 1,960
It's a great buy because: It can go well with jeans as well as a classic dress

What: Studded bow shoes
Available at: Bebe, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla
From: Rs 6,450
To: Rs 2,850
It's a great buy because:The bow and studs detailing can add instant dash of glamour tou00a0any outfitu00a0

u00a0