GO CLOTHES SHOPPING ONLINE FOR LESS

With fewer of us finding time to traipse the high street, here’s how to get a budget-friendly wardrobe from the comfort of your sofa deal of the week

From your notso-secret F ASOS obsession to the dream basket you have ready and waiting in your Topshop account, most of us love an online clothes shop. But giving your wardrobe an update needn’t require re-mortgaging.

“With a little know-how and a few shopping hacks, you can bag yourself a new wardrobe without breaking the bank,” says Abigail Yearley, spokesperson for Topcashback. co.uk. Read on for Abigail’s little-known tips…

SIGN UP FOR ALERTS

Fed up with finding out too late that an item you wanted is in the sale and now there’s only one size left? “Use price-drop alert sites such as Love Sales (Lovesales.com) or Notifyy (Notifyy.co.uk). They allow you to add items from online retailers to your ‘wish list’ and will send you an alert when the price goes down,” says Abigail.

BE SOCIAL AND BAG SECRET REWARDS

Brands are using social media more and more, so get involved and you’ll be the first to know about sales and offers. “Follow your favourite retailers on social media, sign up for their newsletters and engage with them,” advises Abigail. “Many brands throw private flash sales just for their followers as a reward for loyalty.”

SHOP MID-WEEK

“Retailers often roll out sales and discounts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to boost their sales on slightly slower working days,” says Abigail. “If you browse the websites of your favourite shops mid-week, not only will you be more likely to get a great deal, but you’ll also benefit from a wider selection before bargain items sell out.”

CUT DELIVERY CHARGES

“If you can, always choose ‘click and collect’, which is usually free,” says Abigail. “Check if there’s a minimum spend for free delivery. If there is, order enough to hit the minimum amount and return the items you don’t want – or buddy up with a friend or colleague.” Also Google “free delivery codes” before going to the checkout, as plenty of brands offer them.

DITCH YOUR BASKET

Load up your shopping trolley, but wait before you finalise the purchase. “Retailers see shoppers’ activity, and many will encourage you to buy that basket with an email, including a discount code,” says Abigail. Make sure you’re logged into your account when shopping.

EARN CASHBACK

Shopping via websites such as Topcashback.co.uk and Quidco.com mean you earn a percentage of your spend. “Brands including Tesco, ebay, M&S and Expedia are on board,” says Abigail. “Download the Topcashback Notifer, a desktop app that sits within your browser. It lets you know when you’re shopping on a retailer’s site that offers cashback.” Get some celeb-approved sparkle! Glitz N’ Pieces are offering 20 per cent off everything for Closer readers. Simply enter the code GLITZ20 at the online checkout. They sell bags, accessories, homeware and jewellery. TOWIE’S Billie Faiers is a fan of their two-circle necklace in gold.