From charity shops to designer dupes, how to shop smart and save a ton of cash
BUYING items at the right time of year can save loads of money.
With autumn here, now is the time to buy your winter coat, making the most of latest sale prices.
From raiding charity-shop rails to finding designer dupes, save big with these tips . . .
GO TO AN OUTLET: Check out shopping outlet villages such as Bicester, Oxon, or Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth to pick up a designer bargain. Another way to do it is through official online outlets. For example, eBay’s Superdry shop is having a sale and you can get 50 per cent off its women’s hooded flight-bomber jacket, RRP £129 but on sale for £65.
SCOUR SECONDHAND SITES: Use auction sites such as eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace to check listings in your area. There are currently a lot of coats listed at really cheap prices but what you will pay will usually creep up as the cold weather sets in.
END-OF-SEASON SALES: In the current sales, staff often put old stock on the shop floor, which means you can get the great quality at bargain prices. At Burton, a men’s faux-fur hooded parka jacket was £75 but is now just £20 in the sale — a £55 discount. Meanwhile for women, MandMdirect.co.uk is selling the Brave Soul rusette quilted long-length jacket, RRP £64.99, for just £29.99. That’s a tasty saving of £35.
SWAP SHOP: Often last year’s winter coat is still perfectly fine. But if you fancy a new style, why not swap with a mate to avoid forking out for a new one? It’s an easy, free way to update your wardrobe.
CHARITY SHOP STEALS: Get down to your local charity shop mid-morning this week to have a look through the latest coats and jackets. Staff usually keep these back until this time of year and buying just before the winter rush is the key to landing a bargain. I found a Jigsaw coat for £20 in my local charity shop, while warm and comfy parka jackets were around a tenner.
SAVE AT THE SUPERMARKET: Check out superstores’ own-brand clothing ranges, which are so good at the moment. I’m really impressed by the Tu at Sainbsury’s yellow hooded raincoat, £32, a dupe for the much pricier Joules Coast waterproof yellow mac, which is £109. That’s a £77 difference.
- PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
GIFT a thirsty loved one with a personalised Stella Artois beer and glass set for £6.99, usually £10.99.
SAVE: £4
Cheap treat
CRACK a pack of four Magnum Classics for a cool £2.50 with a Tesco Clubcard, normally £3.
SAVE: 50p
What's new?
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In the box, you get six haircare essentials worth more than £103 for £55. It even includes the iconic Hydrating Melting Mask, worth £27 alone.
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Top swap
STRIDE into work in a pair of nude Thendan heels from Aldo for £75 or get similar at Dorothyperkins.com for just £18.75.
SAVE: £56.25
Giselle's little helper
WITH prices dropping for PCR tests, and more countries opening for tourism, book yourself a break now before prices increase. In the past week, I’ve seen bargain flights to Croatia and Spain, starting at £20. Airbnb prices are also rising, so make sure to get in there quick.
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