THE LITTLE GUIDE TO SALES SHOPPING

January sales are in full swing right now and I know they can not always be an enjoyable experience. I have found myself tired and disappointed after a day spent between clothing racks and crazy women who seems to have never seen a 20% off before (I mean, it's just five euros) many times, but this year I truly enjoyed my experience and I thought I would share with you the tips I've learned. Oh, and if you're said woman, calm the hell down, for God's sake.


» KNOW WHAT YOU WANT...
Entering a store during the sales can be overwhelming: all you can see is red price tags and signs screaming 50% off. It's very easy to get lost in this craziness, and eventually you'll find yourself with some piece of clothing you would have never picked, a thin wallet, and a feeling of guilt taking over you. Also, it's very likely you've spent a good few hours in there, looking for the 'greatest bargain' you'll never find. Making a list of what you need/want can help you here: if you've been searching for a black clutch forever, this is the perfect time to go and hunt down good deal. This way, once you're in a store you'll be able to head straight to the accessorize section, and if there's no black clutch in sight, leave. At the end of the day you'll very likely own your desired items, feel satisfied and saved a lot of time. Obviously, this doesn't mean you can pick up only one item, but that you should have a clear mind before hitting the mall, not showing up like a crazy shopaholic.
TLDR » Make a list of what you need/want to avoid wasting time and money.

» ...BUT NOT EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT
I feel like there is nothing worse than setting your mind on a certain item, just to then discover it is sold out forever. You need to remember sales are made to get rid of everything that's left in the store, so chances are that 'perfect coat' may not be available anymore. If you're truly in love with something, I'd recommend you to pick it up as soon as you see it, even if it's full price. Also, remember that shops don't do sales on everything, and so that item could still be full price once you peek in to grab it, but maybe your size is now gone!
TLDR » Don't set your mind on specific items if you want to avoid disappointment.

» SET YOUR MIND RIGHT
You're going sales shopping, so there is gonna be chaos and there are gonna be queues, loads of queues. Keep this in my mind before heading out of the door and wonder if you're ok with dealing with that that day. Some days I'm just very excited, and don't really mind all the long lines and waits, others, just the thought of a people packed shop with clothes all over the floor makes me shrink. If you're feeling like the latter, then maybe it's better if you're staying home that day, and hit asos instead. Same if you don't have much time. If you'd go anyway, you'll just end up being that annoying girl who keeps on sighing and that won't enjoy her shopping at all.
TLDR » Know your shopping is going to include a lot of queues, waits and people packed places, and ask yourself if you can cope with that today.

» LUNCH HOUR
Though you should've braced yourself for the queues and the people, there's nothing wrong in trying to avoid the worst of it. I found the best time to shop is during lunch hour, let's say 12 to 15: most people are obviously having lunch and so the shops are likely to be a little quieter and less packed. If you're worried about you getting hungry, simply have a huge breakfast that will keep you full till the afternoon. Another great moment to shop is the early morning, when the stores have just opened, especially during weekdays.
TLDR » Best hours to shop: 12 - 15 and 9 - 10.

» DON'T BE FOOLED
When you see a nice red tag that reads SALE it's difficult to don't get excited straight away and feel like you've just came across the best bargain ever. Truth is, some times it's not really. Try and read only the price you have to pay and don't look at how much it was reduced. Would you pay that money for it normally? If the answer is no then maybe you should put it down, even if it's 70% off. I have some times found myself in the queue to the till with some horrible overpriced pieces in my hands that I thought I'd have to buy only because they were from a cool brand I couldn't afford normally. But a plain gray sweater at 50€ is still overpriced even if it's from Brandy Melville, especially if H&M sells it at 10 and if you keep in mind my splurging guide.
TLDR » Don't buy something just because its price was reduced, but ask yourself first if you really like it and you are going to use it.

» KNOW WHERE TO GO
Time matters, especially while you're sale shopping. There are some places that just don't have anything cute - and you know it - or that simply don't do sales. Also, keep in mind to hit the places that have the best deals first, as they're the first to sold out. From my experience I love H&M and Lush sales, not so keen on Zara (and its tricky tags) and I would definitely avoid places like American Apparel, where they do only 20% off and only on socks (really AA, really?).
TLDR » Try and know first the places with the best deals.