Defining Style

With the cold snap happening, shoppers are snapping up winter sales.  After a warm May, the winter chill has set in and shoppers are having a field day.

Winter coats, thermals, scarves, gloves, hats and opaque tights are going fast.  As a Personal Shopper I  struggled yesterday while shopping to find a cotton skivvy.  I thought this would be a standard item at a department store, however all I could find was new transeasonal stock.  The shop assistant said that winter sales were almost cleared.

So if you come across a classic item you can wear again and again at a great price, go for it.

Posted by Image Consultant Robin Powis from Defining Style

I've been talking for a while about the boom for savvy shoppers with stores often on sale.  Many retailers have already attempted to entice shoppers with their early winter sales as a result of a very warm May.  Stores realise there is no sense in holding onto winter stock as they need to pave the the way for summer stock that starts arriving in the store from mid July onwards.

Sales will continue so ensure you spend your money wisely.  If you are in doubt and have to ask someone if you should buy it then the answer is NO.  Also remember that our winter is very short, so trans-seasonal garments are much more vesatile.

Posted by Image Consultant and Personal Stylist Robin Powis from Defining Style

Continual warm weather in March hasn't been kind to retailers who are discounting their 2010 Autumn Winter fashion stock.  In both Sydney and Melbourne retailers are using opening price points to lure shoppers into buying their new winter pieces.

Last year shoppers were fuelled with the second Rudd government stimulus to purchase their winter wardrobe.  This year shoppers will be more cautious after spending big before last Christmas. 

Shopping Tip:  Keep for your eyes and ears tuned for great Winter buys this season.

Posted by Robin Powis, Sydney Image Consultant from Defining Style

The 'Discounting War' continues in the retail sector as many shoppers now view discounting as their right.  I'm so glad I'm not a retailer.  It seems every time I go shopping, DJ's; Myer or the chain stores have something on sale.

I remember queuing up for the Christmas Clearance and Half Yearly Sales however, with discounting happening so often why bother.  There always is a weekly catalogue in my letterbox detailing discounts of the week, or the daily newspaper outlining a must have bargain.  

Please remember, a bargain is only a bargain if you really love it and it looks great.  Buying a piece of clothing you'll only wear once, or will sit in your cupboard is not value for money.

Posted by Image Consultant Robin Powis from Defining Style

There's an old saying that you buy for others before Christmas and you buy for yourself after Christmas and, we usually spend a little more on ourselves than others.  It stands to reason that after Christmas, larger ticketed items are more popular to purchase.

So when shopping for that designer item for yourself, don't forget to stick to the rules.  It has to be totally your style personality, suit your body shape, be in your colours and above all you look fantastic.  Don't spend a fortune on something that will sit in your closet or is a fashion fad. 

Remember the golden rule, a sale is only a bargain if you wear it time and time again and it is a classic that won't date.

Posted by Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style