5 Great ways to splurge and save

The talent behind the Shana label has fashion in her genes (her mom is Stefania Morland) and pursefriendly tips up her pretty sleeves.

By Shana Morland

1

Choosequality I’m a huge believer in quality. You may spend more at the start, but you’ll save in the long run as it’s better to have one lasting piece than a bunch of cheap buys that fall apart after a few wears. My first ever splurge was during high school – a silk, knee-length Miss Sixty dress that made me feel very proud. And do you know, it’s been over 12 years and that dress is still going strong!

2

Buy

what you really need Instead of going for one or two big seasonal shopping trips, buy individual pieces as you need them. That way, you won’t risk buying in a thoughtless frenzy, and then have a wardrobe of pieces you never wear.

3

Be sale savvy Sales are a fantastic way to find fabulous threads at bargain prices, especially when designers empty their rails for new season collections. These markdowns are usually around March and April, August and September, midyear and January. Get onto the mailing lists for your favourite stores, so you hear about specials first. Just stay disciplined at a sale: only buy clothes that fit and flatter, make sure that items will work with pieces you already own, and don’t fall for something just because it’s marked down. Good items to buy on sale include classy underwear, great boots, lace frocks and basic dresses in a solid colour.

4

Restyle

your old favourites You don’t need a huge wardrobe to look good. One pair of jeans, for example, works with a T-shirt and sneakers, with heels and a sequinned top, or with a velvet jacket or hoodie. Similarly, a simple black slip dress works on its own with heels or sandals, under a long-length cardigan with boots, over a T-shirt with the sneakers that you wore with your jeans, or with a faux-fur wrap and retro jewellery.

5

Shop smart Commission stores, like Cape Town’s Stock Exchange and Joburg’s Rags and Lace, are a wonderful source of gently worn and sometimes new designer buys. Find bold beaded jewellery at craft markets, and explore fêtes and vintage stores for embroidered bags, glitzy tops and pretty dresses.