Sale Season : A Considered Approach

Hello World! Let’s dive right in!

Much more careful about how and where we spend our hard-earned cash, quality and longevity are most desirable when it comes to any wardrobe addition, whether high street or high-end.

As a Caribbean girl living in London for over a decade, I must say there’s a likely chance I may never get used to British weather. However, that does not mean I don’t have fun dressing for it. In fact, dressing for autumn/winter provides many styling opportunities that become even more appealing during the end of year into new year sale season when we can snap up some sweet deals and not break the bank, especially after the gift-giving festive period.

Sale season took no time getting used to for this island girl. I've always loved fashion; poring over magazines and creating style wishlists as a young girl, hoping to one day curate the perfect wardrobe. After all, style is an expression of self. But all grown up now, I no longer include excess in that curation. I value making more considered purchases and investing in forever pieces that whisper those three little words : Cost Per Wear.

So let's delve into some of the bargains I've uncovered during sale season so far. Price points vary - from high street to high-end, with classic and contemporary brands in the mix.

It's worth adding that we are not building a wardrobe from scratch here so certain basics/items won't be featured on this list (I’ve already got the perfect white shirt and boots) but these sale prices for my select purchases were impossible to ignore.

Toteme; Turtleneck Jumper

I've had my eye on this near-infamous jumper for awhile (and I mean ages!) and completely understood its almost cult-like status the moment I first tried it on.

If you're after that trending quiet luxury look and feel, this is a must-have with its premium, weighted knit ... but you'll have to act fast as it's almost sold out in Net-a-Porter's current sale, with the sand and green colour-ways being the only ones marked down. Green is also on sale at MyTheresa. It’s out of stock at Liberty London but they carry other beautiful Toteme pieces that you can try on in-store.

There are many similar styles on the high street which I quite happily carried on with but this one pretty much lived rent-free in my head so it was easy to jump at the sale offering in a colour-way that’s not too Insta-heavy. Don’t get me wrong, I would invest in them all but I plan to enjoy this one and can see myself reaching for it year after year. The mantra after all is Cost-Per-Wear.

Calzedonia; Coated Leggings

Naturally I needed leggings to go with that Toteme gem so I turned to tried and trusted Calzedonia. Even Taylor Swift is a fan so that’s saying something.

Now, no look is complete without arm candy and this is where I get a bit indulgent. I might as well claim it - I'm a bag hag. The right bag/accessories will always elevate a look and that's just a fact. My handbag and accessories arsenal is pretty well stocked but I've taken advantage of sale season and added some new beauties to the stash. First up and much loved by royalty and influencers alike is the London-based handbag brand, Demellier. It was hard to choose. The Vancouver and New York are favourites for a reason but I opted for a top-handle style and silhouette that was non-existent in my collection. After quite some time on my radar, The Nano Montreal made the cut. Don’t be fooled by its size; for good things often come in small packages. This elegant bag packs the essentials and the beautiful taupe goes with everything! The Duchess of Cambridge is a fan of this style; and it's easy to see why.

Demellier; Nano Montreal

But … if you’re into that big bag energy like I am these days, let’s upsize in this colour scheme. Enter my current obsession - The Heart Bag by Coperni, Paris.

Coperni; Heart Leather Tote Bag

She comes in other colours too, including patent red. If you don’t mind a little attention, check out the usual suspects (My Theresa, Selfridges etc.) for a bargain on this Parisian brand loved by Dua Lipa, among other superstars. Fun fact : Dua has been spotted with The Swipe Bag. I’ll be spotted with the denim version ...

Coperni; Denim Swipe Bag

A double zipper goes all the way around, making this unique and practical. It fits perfectly under the arm and is beginning to look like my new gig-buddy!

Mango; Asymmetrical Denim Skirt

Now no sale-season haul would be complete without some denim bottoms. This skirt is great if you’re planning ahead for spring/summer and perfect for winterizing. I’m partial to an asymmetric cut and this one easily catches the eye so after sitting in my basket at full price for awhile, I quickly hit the buy button at half off!

& Other Stories; The Slim Cut Jeans

Sticking with denim, these jeans from & Other Stories have a huge fan base and I found a pair in my size at a bargain. Literally the last pair on the sale rack at the Regent Street branch on Boxing Day, I lucked out. They fit perfectly despite my feeling a bit bloated. Formerly The Favourite Cut Jeans, these have undergone a rebrand and are now known as The Slim Cut Jeans.

Toteme; One-Shoulder Midi Knit Dress

It was love at first sight. Can’t go wrong with a knit dress during the colder months and one from Toteme, marked down further, is an absolute steal!

Adidas; Samba OG

My black Adidas Sambas served me so well last year, that I added the cloud white/grey to my stash during the Black Friday sales. Bright-coloured Adidas Gazelles are my go-to of-late but these Sambas go with almost everything and we love an all-rounder. The red version caught my eye recently; it’s quite striking. Red also happens to be the accent colour of the moment. Limited availability in multiple sizes of the cloud white/grey style, however, proves that the Samba trend is still going strong.

Monica Vinader; 14k Gold Huggie

The Monica Vinader Flash Sales have been a highlight of sale season. Offering up some major discounts on some truly beautiful pieces, it’s worth a double take, whether you’re looking for minimalism or a statement piece.

Anthropologie; Denim Clutch

Bet you didn’t expect this. Not just another bag … another denim bag! You were warned. Self-professed arm-candy obsessed.

The fashion set has declared that the coming year will be dominated by a few bag trends and the large clutch is said to be one of them. Denim-lovers, this one’s for you. Further discounts take this piece to a mere £14 (down from £78!). Such a great find. Comes with a strap too! Go brave with an all denim look and keep things polished with sleek leather footwear and statement jewellery in mixed metals.

The faux-leather clutch in the same style came at a bargain too but is no longer available in the beige colour that I purchased but there are still some other colours available in the ongoing Anthropologie sale.

Anthropologie; Frankie Clutch with Chain

Mango; Knitted Turtleneck Dress

Snapped up this polished knit dress in the Black Friday sale and let me just say, I never got cold in this number! Cozy and stylish. I could not ask for more.

The M Jewelers; Angel 10k Gold Ring

Say hello to the perfect pinky ring. Looks good on other digits too! The Angel Ring was featured on the hit TV Show Euphoria, among other pieces. Loved by celebs like Emily Ratajowski and Bella Hadid, Mark Shami’s NYC Brand, The M Jewelers, has cool-girl pieces a-plenty, with their flower ring and nameplate necklaces being bestsellers.

The M Jewelers; Old English Alphabet Pendant Necklace

The Net-a-Porter sale was too good! Snapped up a second piece from The M Jewelers.

I have always invested in solid gold pieces because they last forever and I keep my everyday jewellery on, even while asleep or showering (yes, I’m that girl!) That does not mean I don't take care of my pieces. I do. Hence their staying power! My most treasured pieces are those gifted to me by my mother over the years; and from other loved ones who are kind enough to invest in such quality. Gifts of gold are showered upon newborn babies where I come from (Trinidad and Tobago) and these pieces are passed down from generation to generation. It’s a beautiful tradition I intend to maintain as my circle grows.

Isabel Marant; Tresia One-Shoulder Ribbed Cotton-Jersey Tank

I can be a bit of a Francophile and Isabel Marant has got French-girl-cool nailed with this one. Pair with your favourite jeans or slip skirt, heels/boots and blazer or leather jacket. This tank makes getting dressed so easy! I love this style so much that I picked up a white version from Arket too (below); but at a much more modest price-point, of course!

Arket; One Shoulder Ribbed Tank

Mango; Ribbed Tank

And because white tanks are a staple, this style makes the cut yet again. If it ain’t broke …

H&M; Mermaid Ribbed Knit Skirt

I do not expect this to remain in stock for much longer. With only a few pieces left according to their official website, H&M gets it right with this premium knit at a bargain price. I know I’ll be wearing this in spring and for many cold seasons to come.

Free People; Denim Car Coat

Boxy denim? Yes please! Grandpa-core calls for oversized silhouettes so if you’re into that particular trend, this car-coat does it with an edge.

Le Specs; Subdimension Black Tort Sunglasses

I can see why Duchess Meghan is a fan of Le Specs. Premium eyewear at highly affordable prices. On sale, even better! These could easily be taken for high-end designer sunnies. Guaranteed to elevate any look.

Le Specs; What I Need Square Frame Acetate and Gold Sunglasses

So … I treated myself to a second pair. These are so stylish! I’ve got summer on the brain already.

JW Anderson; Leather Chain Hobo Bag

I’ve had my eye on this bag for quite some time so when this new season colour-way came into the sale at Harrods before the holidays, I did not delay. Beautiful leather and that signature JW Anderson chain detail are among the finer qualities of this piece.

Cos; Trapeze Tote Bag

Let’s wrap up this considered sale haul with some more big bag energy and another bag I had eyes on for a while. Soft, high quality leather for that price was a no-brainer so it really should not have taken me so long to hit the buy button. There’s nothing like the words out-of-stock to make me take the plunge when a wish-list item becomes available again. This piece is no longer available but I hope it’s restocked because Cos does beautiful, minimalist handbags with understated branding at fantastic prices. Their fashion-editor favourite - the leather crossbody - is a must-have. That quiet luxury look does not have to come at a steep price.

Now the January sale season is only halfway through so chances are I may stumble upon some more bargains so watch this space …