Bargain hunters

I am often known for sniffing out the best bargains whenever I step into a store. It began many years ago when I would head straight to the 'sale rail', and take great pleasure going through the rack to find a special piece- I saw it as 'the hunt', very hunter-gatherer-esque. Things have now changed, and I hate sale rails with a passion and I avoid any store which looks like a jumble sale like it was the plague (take note, H&M). If I can't see what the store has to offer without having to rummage, I feel claustrophobic and march straight out of the door. As a result, certain stores get blacklisted, never to be revisited again.

This is reflected in my closet which is organised with a military precision so fierce that it would put MI6 to shame. For me, it's important that I know where everything is, what I would need it for, and what I would put together (or what I wouldn't!) so I have very little to think about in the mornings when I stand infront of the wardrobe scratching my head. But while my shopping likes and dislikes may have changed, one thing remains: I love a good bargain.

My biggest 'steal' is by far my white RM Roland Mouret "Castor" jacket, purchased at the 1st anniversary sale of TheOutnet.com and, with a price tag of just- I kid you not- £1, it was a total saving of £1,135!

I know that many people who tried to access the sale were unlucky and experienced a blocked site. The website simply couldn't keep up with the amount of traffic generated by the sale, leaving many customers disappointed. This makes this jacket even more special to me and a reminder of the result of perseverance and pure luck.

Further deals in my shopping repertoire include a Michael Kors "Hamilton" bag, worth £370, that I managed to find for £160, a pair of Paul by Paul Smith tan boots, reduced from £500 to just £100, and a Tibi "Mila" silk dress with a price tag of £250, bought at the very impressive cost of just £49.99. Who said student life has to be tough on your style?

I believe that most things in life are accessible, it's just a question of throwing yourself head- and heart- first into the (often infuriating) waiting game. I also think that when hunting for a bargain, look to the classic staples that will work hard for you, get better with age, and generate comments from others regardless of where you are, how long you've had it or your age. I can happily see myself wearing my Castor jacket in my 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.

So, with that in mind, ready on your marks...get set...

Photo credit: TheOutnet.com