Sunday August 23, 2009
Be a smart shopper
By DZIREENA MAHADZIR
It’s sale time again but before you hit the stores, hear what our panel of local fashion experts have to say about stretching your shopping dollar during the economic slowdown.
WITH the current uninspiring economic outlook, shoppers have had to find ways to get more value for their money – and have enough spare cash to put aside for a rainy day.
If you’re accustomed to spending most of what you earn, shopping on a budget takes a little getting used to. Especially during the current Malaysia Mega Sale, when it’s easy to get pulled into buying things you don’t really need just because they cost a lot less.
To garner some tips on how to shop smart, The Gardens at MidValley City, Kuala Lumpur, put together a panel of six experts from the fashion and retail industry to discuss the issue. They were makeup artist and fashion stylist, Alex Eu; Andrew Tan of andrewsmodels; designer Sonny San; Wirda Adnan, editor-in-chief of Glam magazine; Jacqueline Ng of bag label Gin & Jacqie; and Elizabeth Tan, director of leasing for The Gardens. The moderator was Joseph Teoh, marketing manager of The Gardens.
Here’s what they had to say at the discussion entitled Style Savvy: How to Stretch Your Ringgit During the Mega Sale.
What should be on our shopping list in an economic slowdown?
Alex Eu (EU): When I first heard about the economic crisis, I thought, here we go again. How do we approach this? There are people who have cut down on shopping and people who aren’t affected.
I feel people should spend more on quality products, specialised items, or just one major piece. This season, I would say, get one pair of expensive shoes that willl update your look. No need to be dressed in designer clothes from head-to-toe. Its no longer about what brand you’re wearing.
Andrew Tan (AT): Shopping is fulfilling, but what do you purchase ... that’s the question. You can mix your brands or buy only one special thing.
AE: When you carry your Birkin (bag), who cares what shirt you’re wearing? Everyone’s looking at the bag!
Sonny San (SS): The basic items don’t move. Customers want something special.
Wirda Adnan (WA): But isn’t that wrong? Where would you wear it after that? With basic items, you can use them all the time.
Jacqueline Ng (JN): I sell practical stuff ... things people use every day, but with a difference. I think being different sells.
SS: I think people want to see colours, something with life. It cheers them up. They want to invest in pieces they don’t normally wear.
Are more people waiting for sales to go shopping?
WA: I don’t really buy during sales, I just pick up things when I see something I like. Some things may not fit into your wardrobe. I go for classics, so I can wear them all the time.
Elizabeth Tan (ET): I find that high-end jewellery and watches are moving. It’s the middle-of-the-road brands that aren’t. And people who buy luxury brands may now go to brands like Zara or Massimo Dutti.
AT: People are still shopping and highstreet brands like Topshop, MNG and Zara are very popular. The younger generation are definitely shopping.
JN: I also sell online, and I get people from Perak and Sabah buying my bags, so there are still people who are shopping.
How can one be style savvy on a budget?
SS: I invest in something that works for my style.
AT: It’s not about the price but whether you’re going to wear it.
ET: I’ve actually been shopping more (recently). It’s about spending wisely and buying items that I can use with several things.
WA: I think it’s important to maintain your weight so you can still wear the same things from 10 years ago!
AE: I always buy special pieces, but now, of course, not as many. When it comes to men’s fashion, things don’t change much and you should just buy key pieces.
SS: Invest in good shoes and bags. I don’t spend as much on clothes and I use my bags to death. Once in a while I will splurge on wacky purchases.
WA: The credit card people should work with us, I think, and offer interest-free shopping with longer periods to pay off the bill. Everyone still wants to look good and stylish.
AT: A good bag and a watch ... that’s what I would go for.
ET: Accessories, bags, shoes, jewellery ... something that can update my look. Look for shops that offer value, like points systems. Loyalty cards, for example.
Joseph Teoh (JT): Accessories are important but I think for women, having a pair of black pants and jeans are very important.
WA: Age also plays an important role when it comes to buying clothes. Look at what suits you, don’t buy clothes that are too young for you.
SS: Think quality cuts.
JN: If you’re clever enough, try buying something plain and customise it. Then it becomes a one-off piece.
SS: Never buy on impulse, that’s a bad decision.
What items have you splurged on recently?
AT: It’s an Hermes bag that I can use for work and it’s a classic.
WA: A Bulgari ring. I have sons, so I can pass it down to my sons’ wives. Now I have to get another one, because I have two boys!
SS: I bought an expensive pair of jeans, but they make my legs look fantastic, and I’ll wear it for the next five years. It’s dark denim, so if the trend evolves, I’ll make it work.
AE: My Rick Owen shoes!
How does one avoid looking cheap?
SS: Always get a good fit, and don’t buy anything shiny.
WA: White is a good choice. With black, sometimes you can see the lack of quality.
JT: I think you shouldn’t buy tailored cuts, go for an unstructured look.
ET: Fit and fabric are definitely important.
AE: If you’ve got a good body and you’re in good shape, you can wear cheap clothes and look good.
How does one get the most value for one’s money during the Malaysia Mega Sale?
ET: Go for value added services and shop at specific places.
AE: Use discount cards.
AT: Use your credit card privileges.
JT: I think the 70/30 rule should also apply, 70% of your budget for classic things and 30% for the fun and cheap stuff.
WA: I think sharing is good, tell your friends not to buy the same things and then switch with each other!
ET: And you should check your wardrobe and do a lot of mixing and matching.
The panel’s picks for Fall?
AE: Rick Owens four-inch wedge boots.
SS: Rick Owens high top sneakers with the zip at the side ... basic but with a twist.
WA: A nice jacket that I can use wear to the office, and a belt.
AT: An interesting vest would always be a key piece.
ET: A bag. I don’t go for brands, just anything that would suit my style.
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