Fashion: how to be savvy at the sales

As winter sales approach, it's handbags at dawn as we gear up to grab a bargain. Savvy buyers plan ahead for a flexible fashion haul that will last into next season and beyond, finds Annemarie Quill.

We only wear 20 per cent of our wardrobe 80 per cent of the time," says Lee Kleiman, co-director and designer at Repertoire.
Remember this before you go to a sale - "It is not a bargain if you don't end up wearing it". Most of us shop spontaneously, "but if you haven't planned ahead, you will end up with an unplanned wardrobe".
indulge loves Lee's pre-sales tip to work out what you need. "Line up your coat hangers and every time you wear a piece and put it back in the wardrobe, place the hanger the other way. The coat hangers that never move hold the stuff you need to get rid of."
Now we have space in the wardrobe, what should we buy in the sales? We all have a faux pas or three lurking in the back of our closet that we bought breathlessly on sale but never wear.
Items that have gone out of fashion, like those tartan pants that were reduced by 80 per cent but really only work for a Bay City Rollers revival night. Or items that we don't know how to wear - palazzo pants that are so on-trend, but while the shop stylist looked like she had just stepped off her Mediterranean yacht in hers, you look as though you're about to wallpaper the lounge.
indulge asks three Bay fashionistas how to be savvy at the sales.
Lee Kleiman, co-director and designer, Repertoire
What's the best way to get a great bargain in a sale?
Beat the crowds and get a preview of promotions by joining the store database. When you're the first, you have more options, especially with sizing.
Plan before shopping a sale. Assess your wardrobe at the start of every season. Keep a notepad in your wardrobe and jot down any items you need while getting dressed. When you arrive at the sale, ask the sales assistant about these items.
 "Clever pieces" should be high on your radar - long cardigans, merinos, jackets and layering pieces will extend your wardrobe.
What should we look for in the winter sales that will continue into summer and winter 2012?
Wide-legged trousers: If you are feeling uneasy about this upcoming trend, ease into it with a pair of black, reasonably wide-legged pants. Be careful with shoes. High-heel loafers ensure you don't look short in the leg.
 Fur: Repertoire has an amazing black fur collar (1 - was $279.90, now $194.90) that is the perfect piece to start off your fur collection. Beware, people will pet you!
 Colour: Step away from black and grey. Bright blues, pinks, yellows and greens feature heavily in the upcoming seasons. Pretty ballet pastels continue to have a presence.
 Costume jewellery: Wooden and chunky bangles are in for summer. Silver and leather jewellery pieces will last, too.
 Big-ticket items: Coats or a great black jacket.
 Shoes: Get a second pair of boots. Soft beige through to chocolate brown colours will continue through to summer and winter.
What are the three top items from Repertoire that you think are great buys in the sale?
 Velvet butterfly dress: (was $269.90, now $189.90)
 Merino long cardigan: Great for layering, really slimming and looks great with everything (was $249.90, now $198.90)
 Velvet bubble skirt: Brilliant for next winter and converts into a dress. Was $289.90, now $199.90
What should we avoid?
Satin and other shiny fabrics.
Worst sale purchase?
A prominent New Zealand designer's dress that I have ended up wearing only once. It is an ethereal, whimsical dress, the kind you could hang on the wall. A spontaneous purchase, it doesn't suit my lifestyle.
Rodelle Payne, owner, Sisters Boutique
What's the best way to get a great bargain in a sale?
Get there first; as soon as the doors open. Be aggressive, but take the time to try things on.
What should we look out for in the winter sales?
Ankle boots: Essential to your wardrobe - they will still be around next winter. Great knitwear pieces and merino basics.
What are the three top items from Sisters that you think are great buys in the sale?
Standard Issue sloppy cardi in indigo (RRP $325, sale price $195). This cosy number can be dressed up or down and works well with leggings.
Sass and Bide "Come back soon" T-shirt in ivory (RRP $160, sale price $96). Transeasonal and stylish. If it's good enough for Sara Tetro, it's good enough for us.
Kate Sylvester "Letterman" Jacket (RRP $360, sale price $199). This classic jacket is perfect for winter and is a staple for any wardrobe. Team it with jeans.
What should we avoid in winter sales?
Flash-in-the-pan trends. Anything too bold that you may not be used to wearing. Don't simply buy because of the label or the savings. Buy because of the fit.
Worst sale purchase?
I recently bought gloves that were for two right hands.
Michelle Newlands, manager, Wendy's Boutique
What's the best way to get a great bargain in a sale?
Ask the girls in-store for assistance. They know their stock and the latest look. They can help you find bargains.
What should we look out for in the winter sales?
Anything feminine. Lace; tailored and cropped jackets; waistcoats; man-style pants. Experiment by mixing flowing fabrics with harder textiles, for example: chiffon with leather.
What sale items from Wendy's are great buys? 
We like this Trelise Cooper skirt (was $595, now $297.50). You can wear it with layers and boots for winter, but it will still be current in summer with a coloured singlet.
Scarves (all 50 per cent off, $59-$89).They add colour and texture and there are so many edgy ways to wear them.
Boots - nobody can ever have enough pairs. Ankle boots will still be hot for a few seasons. We love this pair in teal suede (3 - was $419, now $209.50),
What should we avoid in the winter sales?
Fashion is ever-changing - nothing is ever really out of fashion. All your pieces can be reinvented. Vintage pieces can be mixed with your new favourites.