Sample sales and designer items

It’s no secret that I love a sample sale; like most of us I’ve been conditioned to love a good deal. And getting up to 95% off designer items feels like a win.

But it’s easy to go overboard at these sales, buying for the “deal” and imaginary lifestyle. (How often do you *honestly* have an occasion to wear a runway dress? I used to go to red carpet parties with a previous day job, and even then I didn’t have the need for lots of these garments!)

Katie wears a silky black blouse with long sleeves and a pussybow at the neck, matched with an autumnal coloured maxi skirt with ditsy floral print and black ankle boots.

On the flip side, it can be a great opportunity to buy elegant staples for corporate offices from a brand with only 2-4 collections a year, a slower production process, and all at prices that are more affordable than the RRP.

That’s how I came to afford the blouse in this photo, and most of the other designer pieces I wear. I cherish these pieces; one day they will comprise my heirloom wardrobe.

When I get home from work the first thing I do is change into pyjamas and either hang up my day clothes to air out, or if I got too smelly I place it in a plastic bag with a sock filled with baking soda, to help neutralise the smells. I always take the time to dry clean, and get to know my cleaners and explain how I’ve worn and treated a garment so they have the best chance of cleaning in a way that won’t cause damage.

I feel responsible to these items in a way I never felt with fast fashion. I haven’t bought them to wear once, but rather on repeat and the to pass down to a younger woman, one day in the distant future.

What do you consider when you buy clothing?