So what is this sample sale business?

Well dear chiconomista, we thought you would never ask! A sample sale is a very special event where designer clothes straight from the designer are made available to us mere members of the public. The clothes are heavily slashed in price and are typically made up of actual samples that brands use in fashion shows, press shoots or during the buying process. Sometimes, the items are excess stock or end of line items.  Previously it was only the fashion elite who got to attend such exciting events but now more and more brands are letting us in.

With all these designer goodies at heavily reduced prices, we are sure that you’ll understand that in order to get the best out of the events, a spot of military style planning would serve you well.

So without further ado, here is our guide to getting the very best deals from the sales and making sure you emerge looking like the cat who got the Chloe (see what we did there?).

Step One: Find the sale. Sounds obvious but you’ve gotta be in it to win it. Check our sales diary to find out what is happening, where and when.  There is often not much notice so make sure you check here daily.

Step Two: Research the brands that are available at the sale and what items they will be selling, such as sunglasses. Select items from each label by visiting their site and print pictures of the items for reference. Also check for a sizing chart on either the designer’s site or store, as sizes vary massively between labels.

Step Three: Call ahead on the day to make sure there are no ‘unforeseen circumstances’ that would prevent the sale going ahead.

Step Four: Bring a friend. Two people can comb through the all deals better than just one person. Plus, she can help you carry your bags.

Step Five: Wear comfortable shoes. Be warned chiconomistas, sample sales require a lot of standing and walking (and possibly a spot of dashing). This is no time for gorgeous (but troublesome) heels to get in the way of a good bargain.

Step Six: Get there early.  No point arriving just in time to see the cleaners, well unless you want to help them carry their bargains home

Step Seven: Be bold. Once you have your item in sight, advance with confidence, dodge the elbows and hold on to it for dear life.  Leave it hanging around on the rail and it will not be there when you spin round. Guaranteed.

Step Eight: Take cash.  Lots of sample sales will not take cards so take a firstful of the green stuff just in case and you’ll be good to go.

Step Nine: Thank us later.  When you get home and you have your feet up. Allow the giddy feeling to pass over you and swing by our site to let us know about your bargains.  We can chat in the forum, in the comments sections, on twitter or heck, even on the phone. Go on, give us discount envy.

Step Ten: Enjoy!