what the ELLE team say…
Claudia Jukic, market editor “If there’s a sale rack with loads of the same style, I walk away. That many missed sales can’t be wrong – I’ve learned this the hard way. If I’m debating a sale purchase, I do the inner-tag test and check the fabric make-up. If it’s a natural fibre, sold!”
Laura Culbert, acting chief sub-editor
“I usually do everything in my power to avoid the shops at sale time, but... overseas sales are a different matter. Maybe it’s because I wasn’t in the country when the items first dropped or perhaps it’s the greater selection – whatever the case, I’ve been known to do some serious damage at a Barneys or Bergdorf sale.”
Janna Johnson O’toole, beauty and fitness director
“I credit most of my shoe wardrobe to Net-a-porter sales. My advice is to know the inventory – I had my eye on Isabel Marant shearling boots but couldn’t justify paying full price (we live in the Southern Hemisphere after all!). When they finally took a big cut, I grabbed them at a bargain price.”
Jennifer Kang, acting deputy chief sub-editor
“Sales are great for buying things I’d only wear occasionally. It means I can try different or unusual styles without the cost-per-wear guilt. Basics are usually reasonably priced even when they’re not on sale, so I instead opt for statement or work-wardrobe pieces.” Laura Collins, features and culture editor “Truth be told, I really dislike shopping – trying clothes on, fighting 40 people to get on the escalator and having sales assistants throw fake compliments at me (or, even worse, ignore me!). But I can drain my battery on apps like Net-a-porter or Asos. If there’s a great sale on, I’ll skim every page then do an in-cart cull.”
Elle Mcclure, digital producer
“I like browsing from the comfort of my lounge where it’s easier to compare prices and do a big sweep on everything out there via sites like Polyvore. I shop the same way during the sales as I do year-round (i.e. buy time-tested classics, in black). I also apply the same considerations I do at any other time – just because it’s on sale, doesn’t mean it’s free.”
Amy Starr, beauty and lifestyle associate
“If I love a piece, and it’s in multiple colours and on sale, I’ll buy two or three. I’m a creature of habit and dress in varying forms of the one ‘uniform’ for a season. Buying practical things on sale means it’s a genuine saving – so you can buy twice as many, right?”
Mahalia Chang, digital producer
“I make sure I know what I want before going in for the kill. High-pressure and high-discount sales are like a competitive sport – it’s best to go in with a game plan.”
Brooke Bickmore, workflow director
“I’m all about having an open mind and zero expectations on what I’ll find. If it’s a warehouse or sample sale, I make sure I’m wearing a full brief in case there are shared change rooms.”