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Walk through any shopping mall right now and you will be bombarded by sales signs everywhere!
"The anticipation of getting a good deal is what drives us toward the cash register, not the object itself—and as a result, we end up with stuff we don't particularly want", says Ellen Shell, author of Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture.
Here are a few tips on how to recognise a good bargain and avoid the future dreaded question
“what was I thinking of?”
Great Buys:
• An item that is in your size and fits
properly.
• Timeless pieces that will not date in
colour or style.
• Clothes that fill real (not imagined)
gaps in your wardrobe.
Disaster Buys:
• High fashion that will look “very last
year” in about 2 weeks.
• An item which is not your personal
style eg a “romantic” blouse when you
are a “classic”.
• Garments that are too small, fabrics
that don’t hang well – there’s usually a
reason they are still sitting on the
rack.
Apply the match 3 principle:
Before buying any new clothing item, ask yourself:
• Does it match at least 3 other items in
my wardrobe?
• Can I wear it for at least 3 occasions?
• Can I wear it over 3 seasons?
It is better to come home empty handed than to buy something for the sake of it and waste money?
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Ernst & Young recently held their yearly graduate training programme. I presented the “Power of First Impressions” to 220 bright young graduates.
at the Fairlawns Estate was a morning filled with laughter and a few tears.
With Woman’s Day 
Step back, clear the “mind” noise of everyday life and focus on the bigger picture. Have a pen and notebook ready. Establishing your priorities is the first step towards achieving a well-balanced life. I apply a great exercise learnt from Laura Fortgang, author of NOW WHAT? 90 Days to a New Life Direction. Ask yourself and answer truthfully:
5. Apply The Power of POW = Personal Objective Word
7. Give up the Juggling Act
“Phenomenal You”