River Island cut their sale prices by another 50% and more bargain shoes!

There isn't much left online, although my daughter managed to get loads for £52 yesterday, but if you can get instore, River Island have cut their sale prices by another 50%. Loads of things for £5 and hopefully the snow will mean that not many people are going out to snap up the bargains. To get a look at a selection of things bought by a fellow blogger, Tor at Fab Frocks, click here.

And now for some more shoe porn...


£29 reduced from £129! at John Lewis, click here to buy. It seems that new stock is added almost daily on the John Lewis website.

What a bargain at Kurt Geiger!

Was £120 now £29

I did say with so many Sales on at the moment that I wasn't going to Blog about individual ones, but I have changed my mind now I have seen the Kurt Geiger sale. My daughter has just bought both these amazing shoes with massive reductions, both down to only £29 per pair plus an extra 10% off for today only by entering promotion code COSYTOES at checkout, so be quick, there is sure to be a pair to float your boat, or what about grabbing a pair of classic winter boots with a great reduction? She got free delivery as well, so a total of £52.20 for both pairs - amazing!



was £110 now £29

Wardrobe Staple - Sales Update

The Fashion slot on "This Morning" just covered sale shopping, for investment dressing on pieces that will see you through to Spring.
They did a jeans, white shirt and Trench Coat combo outfit, classic pieces mentioned in my previous post, but I was amazed by the Trench which was from Reiss and in the classic stone colourway and was reduced from £245 to £75. I have checked the Reiss website and unfortunately it is not on there, you would need to buy it instore, but be quick as at that price, it is not going to hang around for long!

Meanwhile I did see a lovely pair of evening shoes on their site. I usually always recommend going for black or a metallic colour as bronze, gold or silver go with everything and these fab shoes are reduced from £139 to £42! With their black trim you could team with a black or gold clutch and gold jewellery.

www.reiss.co.uk

My first Christmas Present Haul from River Island

Firstly let me say that I am quite sad that I can't actually copy pictures from the River Island site to show you what I have bought, but will tell you about them anyway. It all started when my daughter reminded me that it is her boyfriends birthday next week and that she was hoping I would buy him something as his parents had bought her a birthday gift last month. She suggested that I have a look on the River Island website as they had a sale on and that he always likes to have new clothes. I was amazed at the bargains I found and we picked out a lovely cardigan for him reduced to only £12! I must admit I do love that cardigan look over a shirt, polo or crew neck T-shirt on boys/men. Then I thought, well hang on a minute, I will have to buy him a Christmas present aswell and then I have another daughters partner to buy for, a 22 year old nephew and a 20 year old niece so why not do the whole lot for the £3.95 standard delivery! I got mens t-shirts for £5, a lovely stripe v neck jumper for £10 and a cute top with a sequin panel for my niece for £10. All in all 6 items for a total of £62.95! So if you have any teenagers or young adults to buy for this festive season, do hop on to the site and have a peek at the sale section, far better to grab a bargain now than to leave it till the last minute when there are no sales on and you might pay £30-£40 for a mens cardigan! www.riverisland.co.uk

A womans right to shoes

Lots of Fashionista's and Fashion Blogs I read, were going crazy for the Christian Louboutin sale at The Outnet yesterday and if you missed my shout out on Twitter, then you will be pleased to know that there are still some styles left in stock, but be quick they won't last much longer! As the Recessionista has mentioned before, if you only buy one pair of evening shoes, go for black or a metallic colour, like these fab silver ones, Original Price £415 Now £166 60% off! They will be a fab wardrobe staple and last you for years - investment dressing at its best!

M&S sale started today

M&S is my favourite place for underwear and nightwear so I always get excited when the sale starts and if there is anything the children or I need now or in the very near future, this is when I buy.
When buying bra's I always buy 2 or 3 pairs of matching knickers, don't ask me why! So I have just been online and bought 2 bra's each with 2 pairs of matching knickers, 3 single pairs of knickers and a nightdress for £32.00. My only dissapointment was that I was unable to get any longsleeved and long legged pyjamas for my little boy for winter, but you can't win them all!
Bear in mind gift ideas, cardigans, jumpers, shirts, nightwear there are even beauty items in the sale, so get online and grab some bargains now and start that Xmas Gift box! www.marksandspencer.com

Premium Rate Denim at less than High Street Prices

My love of premium denim at New Look prices leads me to constantly search asos and yet again, its outlet section has come up trumps with 2 pairs of Superfine skinny jeans for only £35! you can buy them here. Beats all the sale tat that is now left online and instore - it may be 70% off but try getting your size!

If you buy one thing this week....

and you are a size 16, make it this fab Velvet by Graham and Spencer dress, reduced to an amazing £45! you can get it here.

How to find the best designer sales bargains

The insider’s luxury shopping destination, FashionConfidential.co.uk, launches new Bargain Hunter section to sit alongside the women’s section and recently launched Style Report.

Bargain Hunter, the go-to destination for all you need to know about sale shopping including the hottest sales buys from across the web, designer discounts, exclusive sample sale invitations and insider advice. Bargain Hunter takes the hassle out of designer discount shopping by putting all your need-to-know information and must-have products in one place which saves you loads of time going from website to website to bag a pair of Louboutins as the site has links that take you straight to the relevant website to make a purchase.

SHOPPING
This section features a main sale shop where users can shop an edited selection of the hottest sale pieces from over 30 online designer boutiques, including Net-A-Porter, Matches, Browns, Liberty, Feathers, Anya Hindmarch, my-wardrobe, Bernard and Europes finest; Maria Luisa (Paris), Biondini (Paris), Paleari (Milan), Societe Anonyme (Florence) and Paristexas (Copenhagen). Updated daily – users can shop by category, designer and price, making navigation quick and easy.

FEATURES
Sitting alongside the shop are regular shopping features including a weekly round-up of the ‘Top Ten Sale Steals’, ‘Designer Focus’s’ – kicking off with Christian Louboutin (with Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu to follow), seasonal trend features and ‘Editor’s Sale Picks’ updated each morning.

EVENTS
Bargain Hunter users are also invited to attend exclusive in-store events and sample sales which aren’t open to the public. Recent sales have included Chloé, Hermès, Jimmy Choo and Matthew Williamson.

INSIDER ADVICE
Informative listings include an insider’s guide to the best offers and discounts and a round up of the best online private sale sites. Plus you’ll find editorial features with advice on how to bag the best bargains and how to shop designer sales like a pro.

NEWSLETTER
A dedicated Bargain Hunter newsletter provides subscribers with access to exclusive information, sale previews and event invitations only available to members.

So if you are looking for a high end bargains under one roof, the link to the Bargain Hunter Section is here.

Free Vest top with Elle Magazine!

In this months UK Elle Magazine (August Edition) you get a free Paul & Joe Sister vest top! There is a choice of four colours, grey, white, cobalt blue and fuschia pink so you can match up with your existing wardrobe.

More Sales Shopping Advice

There seems little point in updating you on what shops have gone onsale since my last "Sales" post, just to say that most shops are now on Summer Sale. If you are still unsure what to buy there is my "Hot Picks" post here and also this article from "The Times" gives its own version of what to buy. This previous post of mine covers my own version of what The Times is saying and it does differ from the professional fashion jurno point of view so is well worth a look so that you can pick your own list of wardrobe staples and best buys from both articles.

A great way to keep in control of your Sales Shopping, is to write a list of what you want to buy, but on the back of an envelope. That way you can use the envelope to put your receipts in as you make your purchases, this will help you to keep a track on your spending aswell as to be able to locate your receipt, should you need to exchange or return something. Before you pay for your purchases, always ask for the returns policy as they can change with sales merchandise, sometimes shops will not refund, only exchange or credit note. Always make sure you try on what you are buying as in the Recession, you don't want to be left with credit notes that won't go very far on full priced merchandise when the Sales are over.
Maybe make a list of say, 5 items that you really need to build a staple wardrobe and then underneath write another 5 as back up, just incase you can't get all of your first choices. That way you won't end up buying things that you really don't need and wasting your allocated budget!

Hot Sales Picks

Lots of great sales starting everyday! A few of my favourites are:-
All Saints - with up to 30% off.
I really like this Solid Kansas Silk Dress which comes in Scarlet (pictured) coral, purple and washed black, Was £120.00 / Now £84.00

French Connection currently have up to 50% off and this dress is also a favourite of mine which I saw in their s/s campaign and is now half price at only £70!


Don't forget to check out Miss Selfridge, Oasis, Dorothy Perkins etc and the Harvey Nichols sale starts this Thursday for the serious and slightly better off Fashionista and Browns Fashion will also suit those with longer purse strings as will Matches!

Shopping the Sales in the Recession

The onset of the summer sales, may be the first chance many of you have had to treat yourself and your wardrobe to an injection of this seasons essentials. Many Personal Finance Bloggers have stopped buying clothes completely since the Recession took hold, but now they, along with you, may be in desperate need of a shopping spree either because they have a holiday coming up, a wedding to attend, or are just so fed up with not buying, may want to inject a few wardrobe staples into their closet, so here is the Recessionista (UK) guide to what to buy in the sales.

1. A dress - go for a classic style, that is not too cocktail but would work for a wedding with heels, or holiday evenings. Strapless with a tulip style skirt are all the rage for youngsters at the moment but depending on age, may not be suitable. Avoid Black, keep that for winter, although a black background with a bold floral print looks good for all seasons.

2. Basic t-shirts - Neutral colours are best, white, black, navy, taupe, khaki and beige go with everything and can be layered in winter. Go for short sleeves and vests.

3. A tulip shape skirt - either floral to wear with plain vests (pick out the colours and get a couple of vest tops to create a different look) or cami or a block colour with a tie belt or bow on the front.

4. Bottoms - look for classic styles that will last years. The sales are a good time for buying Premium Denim, go for dark skinny or straight leg styles for evening, boyfriend cuts for daytime and white for summer if you dare. Linen trousers and cropped styles are a summer essential, so if you don't already have any, then now is the time. City shorts are a smart option for either the workplace or evenings out with a pretty blouse.

5. A pretty blouse or coloured tunic - An item like this will work for evenings out or can be dressed down with casual bottoms and flip flops.

6. Cardigan - often needed on cloudy days and for chilly holiday evenings. If you can only afford one, go for black as it will do for the winter season aswell. If not, go for a brightly coloured one, pick out a colour from the lovely blouse or tunic you bought at No.5 above! Not only will it go with the lovely top you bought it will sit nicely over those black and white vests you bought at No.2! If you can afford Cashmere in the sale, then get it! If not try M&S and Gap.

7. Sandals - Flats for day, Gladiator or similar styles work well, go for black, white or any metallic colour as these go with everything. Styles with Stones/Diamante on, make a great alternative for evening wear when you don't want to wear heels.

8. Heels - Again go for the same colours as mentioned for Sandals, as this eliminates the need for lots of pairs.

9. Clutch Bag - A clutch is essential for evenings out, weddings etc. Match to your chosen shoe colours

10. Flip Flops - Havianas usually go onsale at Office either online or instore or grab a pair of classic Birkenstocks. Again consider colour so that you only have to take one pair on holiday.

11. Tote Bag - A large bag for everyday can double up as a travel/beach bag for holidays again to eliminate the need for more than one go neutral, black, tan or beige. Canvas styles will of course, be cheaper. Zara do great tote bags.

12. Hat - Not essential if you are not going on holiday (although still worn by the stylish), essential if you are. Straw trilbys are big news this season. Jigsaw do a great one, Accessorize is cheaper.

13. Swimwear - Whether you want Pucci poolside or Primark, don't waste money buying loads, I never travel with more than 3. A good black one, from a High End brand will last you more than one holiday. White looks fab on a great figure with a tan but can go off-white really quickly if you are constantly in the pool.

14. Sunglasses - can't afford high end? M:UK available at House of Fraser are reasonably priced (even better in the sales) or try Karen Millen or Jigsaw. Go for either big and black (aka Jackie O) or aviator styles as both are timeless classics. If going for aviators, if you wear white gold jewellery and have silver sandals, go for silver coloured arms/rims to give a real polished look to any outfit (apply the same rules for yellow gold).

15. Watch - If you need a new one, the sales is the time to grab a great timepiece. Match bracelet watches to the colour of your other jewellery.

Golden Rules for sale shopping.

1. Do check sale start dates at your favourite stores.
2. Make a list of what you feel is missing from your wardrobe, what needs replacing or what you actually need for your holiday etc
3. Visit stores in advance of sale starting to check out stock and to see who has the pieces you need.
4. Bear in mind some shops will bring out past seasons stock to clear if they still have any. This is fine if there is a classic piece you need but never be afraid to ask for a further reduction if you know a garment was from the stores s/s 08 season.
5. Remember that most stores will have a better sale range instore than online. I have recently been in to 2 Whistles shops who have had some lovely pieces in the Sale, but when I checked online, nothing I have seen was on the website. So to get the best stuff you may have to leave the armchair. This will save you having to pay delivery charges, traipsing to the post office for returns that don't fit and waiting ages for the refund to your card. I only recently got a refund for an item I returned to House of Fraser 6 weeks before!
6. If you shop at local, small, Independent Boutiques, ask about Sale preview evenings. At shops like these you may be able to put stock on hold at close of business the day before the sale starts to ensure you get the pieces you want.
7. Maxi Dresses can be shortened when the style is no longer fashionable - so their is no need to avoid if you see a great dress in the sale but don't like long billowing dresses.

Never forget that the Sales are a great time for buying gifts and presents in advance to save money in the long term. Is it your Mums birthday next month, would she love that great jumper currently at 1/2 price? Would those Champagne Flutes currently on sale in the Department store do for your cousins wedding present in September? Think ahead and outside of the box to utilise the Sales to your full advantage - they are not just about Fashion (believe it or not!).

30% off at Asos

Asos has 30% off selected styles, check out whats on offer here.

Up to £25 off womens wear at House of Fraser

The Good news is it is not just womens wear, but across all departments at house of fraser. Offer ends Sunday 17th May, so hurry!

Day 24: Daily Tracking: No money spent today. Free Stuff: Grazia mag from daughter no.1. Stuff with Food: Made sausage rolls out of yesterdays leftover sausages.

Days 16 & 17 and sale dress from Whistles.

OK, OK, I am way behind with this daily tracking thing. I just seem to have had a lot on lately. Tuesday (Day 16) was spent at Bluewater looking at Dresses. I decided that I would look around the Department Stores first at labels I wouldn't normally buy, like perhaps, Phase Eight or Fenn Wright & Manson, but before I got to those concessions, I had to stop off at Whistles. I saw a great Whistles dress in my size and in the sale, so got the assistant to hold it for me whilst I continued my search. Nothing really struck me at the end of my rounds and I debated whether to go to John Lewis and maybe Jigsaw but went back to try on the Whistles dress. It looked far better than expected, covered in multi coloured flowers, therefore any colour shoes will match from pink to yellow to electric blue and emerald green. The picture is rubbish and it is far nicer on, a lovely silky material and fully lined and when you are looking at cost per wear, as we do in a recession, at only £80 it will do for my daughters 18th party, would be fine for holiday evenings and any time I might go out for a meal. The silly shop assistant took off the label, so I can't remember the original price so if you have seen it and know, please tell me, I think it may have been £120.

Day 16
Daily Tracking: Sushi & Coffee: £4.65. Chewing Gum: 50p.
Day 17
Daily Tracking: Loo Roll in Savers: £1.89. Train Fare for my daughter: £2.00.
Free Stuff: Got another Loreal Professionel Conditioner on a voucher, as my daughter had her hair done on Saturday and I forgot to get her to pick one up.

Only one day left on the Outnet flash sale - spring dresses

Only one day left on theoutnet spring dresses flash sale. You need to sign in to access, so register now if you haven't already done so.
I am loving this Vanessa Bruno silk dress with 60% off, now only £112. It fits in well with this seasons trend for Bright colours, would be great for a wedding, the races etc but is also a good investment piece which will never date and as we all know girls, dressing in a recession is all about buying quality wardrobe staples which you can pull out year after year.

Sincere Apologises to Hobbs - oops!

Oh dear, I feel such an idiot!
I rang Hobbs this morning and explained about the missing t-shirt. The very nice man on the end of the phone at customer service advised me that an email had been sent, telling me that the yellow t-shirt was in fact, out of stock. I muttered my apologises about not reading my emails properly and promptly hung up whilst I logged on to read my spam.
OK so I am a fool, but why did the item not say "out of stock" when I put it in the shopping basket? lots of other things came up with an "out of stock" message so why not that? and, and why was there no message on the dispatch note?
So you see it is still their fault, sort of, but thought I had better admit to you all what happened before my comments caused the downfall of yet another High Street Store and Hobbs fell off your shopping radar. So apologises Hobbs and I may even shop with you again when you reduce that gorgeous black and white £199 dress!

Up to 50% off at Asos

Another sale has started today, that of the wonderful Asos.com up to 50% off.

House of Fraser and Kurt Geiger sale news

Grab a bargain and get up to 50% off at the House of Fraser mid season sale which starts today online and instore.

Kurt Geiger also has up to 40% off selected styles, so if you haven't done so already, check out my previous post concerning the KG gift card, preloaded with £15 towards a purchase at KG, which comes free with this months Elle Magazine. Check out Kurt Geiger online by clicking on the button in the right hand panel.