Real Talk 26th December 2016 by Victoria Stokes

Take Note! This Advice Will Ensure You Leave With All The Best Bargains In The Post-Christmas Sales

A professional shopper shares her advice for surviving the madness that is the Stephen's Day sales.

Hurrah! It’s St Stephen’s and all those gorgeous gifts that you couldn’t afford to splurge on before Christmas have all been sliced to 50% off. The plan? You’re headed into the sales to nab all of the best bargains, obvs.

The only problem is that everyone else has the same idea, so how do you hit up the sales and make sure you leave with a load of bargain-friendly goods?

Professional shopper Laura Mullett says that the best way to navigate the chaos is to first and foremost consider your own tastes and budget. There’s no point rushing home with a bag load of clothes that aren’t your style and are well above your means, after all. “Think of need as well as want,” she suggests. “Whether it’s some denims and jumpers and blouses for casual wear; nab the bargains that aren’t just disposable fashion. It’s also an opportune time to nab a a good coat or a classic boot for example.”

Christmas Sales

Not sure what you need? Have a root through your wardrobe and jot down any sartorial gaps you need to fill.

Once you’ve got to the store Laura has some tricks for making the process more enjoyable. “Bring your earphones and listen to a good podcast to keep you occupied for the waiting periods,” she suggests. “This is especially important if you’re queuing outside the major department stores. Make sure to bundle up and endeavour to dress waterproof to brave the elements too,” she recommends.

A key piece of sales-shopping advice? Once you’re in store, and you’ve selected items that you need, don’t even think about skipping the changing room. “I would highly recommend trying on even though the queues feel like an ordeal,” says Laura. “It’s not a bargain if it doesn’t fit you!”

Most importantly, don’t lose your head. “Stephen’s Day is fast becoming the new Black Friday, so be prepared for the queues and the chaos,” says Laura. “If you’re Dublin bound, I’d recommending hitting up Dundrum Shopping Centre, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, The Northside and Southside Marks And Spencers, River Island, H&M, Brown Thomas, Arnotts and Debenhams, but be aware you need to kick off at the crack of dawn,” she warns.

Laura’s final piece of advice? Load up on caffeine and get stuck in!

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