sale — Archives — On Track On Trend

This weekend thanks to Instagram I discovered House of Baulch was having a one day sale at their studio in Collingwood. What a find! If you aren't familiar with HoB it's an accessories label that packs a punch with strong statement pieces, bold use of colour and lashings of gold. All things I love in my accessories.Having bought HoB pieces in the past I knew of the label but never had a chance to see the range properly in the flesh, having only seen most things online (www.houseofbaulch.com) Designer Kathryn Baulch was there to help with selecting pieces from the current season, past seasons, samples and one offs.I walked out of there with some amazing pieces that will definitely be featuring in my spring racing wardrobe and my day to day outfits. It was very hard not to scoop up one of everything because the pieces fit so well with my own aesthetic. I prefer to wear accessories that announce themselves- that is, pieces that you cannot ignore and command attention. My favourite pieces at the sale were the tassels and I left with two pairs of jumbo tassel earrings and a neck piece type scarf made of twenty two jumbo tassels that was made for a fashion show. Not having much self control I also picked up other earrings, bracelets, bangles, a bag and a ring.Statement jewellery is very 'on trend' at the moment but can be a little tricky to wear. It is generally accepted that you wear one statement piece and keep everything else fairly simple. However when you have statement jewellery as fabulous as this is I say more is more! Stack, layer and pile on your jewels, its much more fun that way! By Angela

It's half-way into winter and I'm over the cold and dressing in five layers everyday. The latest resort collections have been shown (I'll show my resort edit soon) and I'm already dreaming of sunshine and spring! But reality sinks in and I've got a few more weeks of the cold to suffer. On the plus side its sale time and winter stock is on sale everywhere! I'm a girl with champagne tastes on a beer budget so here's my tips for maximizing and getting the most out of your fashion dollar.1. Stalk your prey. Been lusting after something? If there's still plenty on the rack play the waiting game and see if you can get it cheaper next week, or the week after... When it's the last lonely garment in your size it's time to strike!2. Check and compare prices online AND in every currency. Some online stores allow you to purchase in different currencies and from different countries' sites. It isn't necessarily the best option to buy in your home currency from your home store. Do remember to factor in exchange fees and extra postage costs.As a side note to this- if I go into a store and get great service, I believe in paying for it. It's bad manners to try things on in a shop and Google for better prices online in the change rooms.3. Sign up to mailing lists of your favourite stores and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and twitter. Loyalty programs and being the first to know about sales is valuable if you are loyal to certain brands and stores.3. Don't get swept up by a 'bargain'. If you didn't like it at full price, look away at the sale price. Just because a dress is 80% off doesn't mean it's no longer ugly.4. Buy for next season. I use sale time to buy basics for the following season.I also let items 'bake' in my wardrobe. If something is amazing a great price but doesn't work with my current look I consider buying it anyway. Some of my favourite pieces have been unworn for a year or two then 'bake' long enough to become an important and loved part of my wardrobe. The key is to remember to take it out and see how you can wear it. Re-read tip #3!Great wardrobes are built up over time, not overnight.5. Buy quality. The items that get hauled out year after year are my better quality items. That doesn't mean expensive either. I look for well made garments and natural fibres. Quality garments will also help you look more polished with less effort.Finally, accept that some items are worth eating soup for a week to own. Ok, this isn't a sale hunting tip but working in fashion I have learnt that everyone fashionable I know will cry poor, yet will still find the $$$ for a new outfit. It's all about priorities! By Angela.