Olivia's Guide to Smart Sale Shopping

(Jacket & Shirt: ASOS, Shorts: Topshop, Sunnies & Shoes: Urban Outfitters)

I can't lie. I'm no expert on sale shopping, but throughout the many years of being what could only be described as a 'Shoppaholic' and enduring '50% summer sales' and the dreaded Boxing day sales, I have gradually picked up hints and tips on how to sale shop sensibly, minus any impulse buys (no, you DON'T need those fluro hi-tops). So when 'Most Wanted' at Voucher Codes contacted me, asking me to road test this summers Great British high street sales, I was certainly up for the challenge. With a £70 budget, and the internet being my oyster- I scoured high and low for some smart bargains in order to make the most of what was on offer, minus any back-of-wardrobe wastage!

After hours of searching the net; my two top sites wound up being ASOS and Topshop. I managed to pick up this gorgeous peter pan collared shimmery bouclé jacket, Juke Box print shirt and tacky-yet-amazing ice cream collar necklace- all of which I'm confident as pretty sale savvy buys. I had had my eye on the jacket for as long as I can remember, so although it was quite a fraction out of my budget, knew it was quality over quantity and that I will certainly get the wear out of it all the way through until winter. The same goes with the blouse; lately I've been in need of more tops to wear with my expanding collection of bottoms and this shirt seemed to add the perfect pizazz to a basic pair of jeans (or even hidden under a jumper with the collar poking out). Finally, I went with this amazing ice cream collar necklace from Topshop. Another thing I'd had my beady eyes on, and another thing that will update so many things I have in my wardrobe already- perfect!

Below I have compiled my top 5 tips for sale shopping, and what to bear in mind before you part with those pennies! After all, sales are about saving money, right?

1. Look at the markdowns! Check out the actual price reduction. Some high street shops (ahem, Zara, ahem) cheekily only reduce things by £10 or so, occasionally lulling us into thinking things are far cheaper than they actually are. Do you need those snake print trousers because they are a few pounds cheaper? Thought not. Also! See if there is anyway of getting a further discount. Check voucher code websites for free delivery and extra percentage markdowns- they can really make a difference!

2. Before you hit the websites and fall into the trap of needing anything sparkly and with cats printed on it; have a think- what do you need in your wardrobe for the rest of this year? Do you need a good jacket? Do you need some nice sandals? It’s far easier to go shopping knowing what you need, so you don’t impulse buy on things you don’t. Look for versatile basics, and things you always keep going back to (in my case, printed trousers).

3. What have you had your eye on? With my blog; making wishlists sadly documents things I’ve wanted for a while, so when things go into sale- I know the first things im going for. When I spotted this jacket in the ASOS sale after coveting it since Spring, I knew it had to be in my cyber basket!

4. Accessorise! When people sale shop they're usually after top notch clothing bargains, but places like Topshop always have amazing accessory reductions, instantly updating old outfits, or things you already have. Update outfits with reduced statement pieces.

5. What's ‘in’ next season? (A horrible phrase I know) but if you’re a savvy fashionista you’ll want to be taking into consideration the upcoming trends, key transseasonal pieces, and certainly things that will last throughout the year. For example; the jacket I picked up. Not only is good for summer (due to its vibrant colouring) but also makes a fantastic winter piece- being very 60s inspired and due to it's bouclé appearance.

Have you bought anything amazing in the sales this year? What are your best sale tips?

x