Come Sale Away

After the excitement of Christmas and all it's festivities I often feel a little sad that it's all over. Luckily, to pep me and so many others up, the January sales arrive and promise enough reductions to tempt most people out of their cosy pyjamas and into the shops.

Lupe Go Lightly on Great Western Road announce their Mega Winter Sale in their own ever eye-catching way.

This year I was ill and could not muster enough energy to have a day of SSS (that's Serious Sales Shopping), I guess my bank card has avoided a beating (this time) with only one item purchased.

The trouble with sales - especially January sales - is that they can often bring out a bad side in people that are normally quite calm and rational shoppers. Take it from someone that has worked in one of Glasgow's busiest stores on Boxing Day (and beyond), and been to a good few January sales herself - it can get ugly. It's important not to get caught up in the frenzy of it all, otherwise you could end up buying things you don't even want, never mind need. It might be the last one, but when are you going to wear a neon green boob tube? Yes, it may be 50% off but it is three sizes too small (there's wishful thinking and then there's really wishful thinking) and you made fun of it when you first seen it four months ago at full price. I rest my case.

Even though we are halfway through the month there are still plenty of sales going on for anyone hoping to bag a bargain. Here's a quick roundup. In town, House of Fraser, Urban Outfitters and Fred Perry (to name a few) are still going strong. In particular the Amy Winehouse for Fred Perry collection (which I had my eye on when it was originally released in all its black and pink rockabilly glory) is now 50% off, making it all the more appealing.

Sketches from the Amy Winehouse for Fred Perry Collaboration, now in Fred Perry's winter sale.

There's bargains-a-plenty going on in the West End local boutiques for those less willing to venture as far as town, or looking for something a little more unique. Felix and Oscar (Great Western Road) are having a fantastic little sale, featuring 30% off all clothing (excluding pieces by Get Cutie and F&O) and 20% off No Added Sugar. A quick stroll further up the street and you will find Lupe Go Lightly (pictured below) having their 'Mega Winter Sale'.

A selection from Lupe Go Lightly's stylish window display (various prices).

I love this store, it is difficult on a normal day to come out empty handed so when there is a sale to be had it's even more tempting. Finally, vintage clothing stores have January sales too dontcha know? Retro on Otago street are offering 20% off the full price on all stock.

For people that aren't even willing to leave the house, there are a good few online sales to keep you occupied. In particular, Temporary Secretary are having their winter sale, with up to 50% off their collection of cute and quirky jewellery. Prices start at a mere £3.00 and my top picks are this vintage style brass telephone necklace (£14.40):

Telephone necklace (photo used with thanks from Temporary Secretary)

And I love these bright pink cupcake earrings, cute as a button and priced at only £3.75 - making them literally cheap and very cheerful:

Cupcake earrings (photo used with thanks from Temporary Secretary)

To get the best out of January sales, sometimes it's worth making a list of what you are ideally hoping to get and trying to stick to it. Sometimes its more fun to set yourself a budget and see what happens. Even though I love a good sale, I'm also looking forward to the year ahead and seeing all the new collections hit the shops and online stores.

Have you been hitting the January sales?