Hit List
You've seen the trends in the fashion mags - now find out where to buy them.Every month we pick a key fashion trend, and scour the shops to find the best and most flattering pieces - the stuff you can't live without. It might be classic pieces, the coats and classic shapes worth investing in, or picking up in the sales. Or it might be high fashion trends, that you'll wear all season before moving onto the next big thing.
So, go on - use us as your personal shoppers, peruse our recommendations, and take your pick!
It's easy to get distracted by great deals when the sales hit the shop floors.
We've all been there, but [deep breath] do you really need it, will it seem like such a bargain once you get it home, and will you really drop a dress size so it fits you?
Planning your attack means you can nab the best of the bargains, and get pieces which work with the wardrobe you already have. Pick up discounted pieces that are either timeless classics or are still going to be on-trend next season.
We've scoured the shops and have the low down on what you should be looking for in this year's sales...
Image from River Island: Coat £79.99, Skirt was £49.99 now £20.
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Underwear-as-outerwear
Underwear-as-outerwear is still with us next season, but think pretty and vintage rather than 80s Madonna. This chic dress in a gorgeous dusky pink hue has a deep V back and a subtle embellishment around the hem and neck. Miss Selfridge and River Island are also good for this look.
Dress was £55 now £40 from Oasis
Where to look for underwear-as-outerwear:
Jigsaw at John Lewis at Buchanan Galleries
Lipsy at Buchanan Galleries
H&M at Buchanan Galleries
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Lace
Lace is still with us, as are romantic vintage-inspired looks. Pick up pieces with vintage style influences - or hit John Lewis' haberdashery department, break out your sewing kit and get customizing.
Blouse was £29.99 now £12 from River Island
Where to look for lace:
John Lewis at Buchanan Galleries
Warehouse at Buchanan Galleries
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries
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Denim
Denim is a wardrobe classic that is in every season, every year. Stock up on some denim shirts, jeans or skirts. And if you're looking to be really on trend, head for distressed and patched looks.
Women's 501s and denim shirt from Levi's
Where to look for denim:
Original Levi's Store at Buchanan Galleries
John Lewis at Buchanan Galleries
GAP at Buchanan Galleries
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries
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Ladylike
1950s and 1960s ladylike silhouettes are still strong in the Spring, and the Mad Men influence remains. So keep wearing curve-enhancing pencil skirts and shift dresses or full skirts and dresses. As the weather gets warmer, prints and lighter fabrics will start appearing in the shops.
Dress was £139 now £110 from Hobbs at John Lewis
Where to look for ladylike:
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries
Phase Eight at Buchanan Galleries
Warehouse at Buchanan Galleries
Mango at Buchanan Galleries
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Biker jackets
Biker jackets are going to stay with us for a while, so if you've been swithering about getting yourself one, now is definitely the time. Pick up a bargain and wear it layered up with boots for a grungy rock chick look through the winter, and - when the warmer weather starts coming in - throw it over girly dresses for a bit of contrast.
Biker jacket was £55 now £40 from Miss Selfridge
Where to look for biker jackets:
H&M at Buchanan Galleries
Lipsy at Buchanan Galleries
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries
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Classics
Take this as an opportunity to re-stock on classic, timeless pieces that we guarantee will be the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe. Great jeans, classic trousers and shirts, basic t-shirts and killer heels work season after season, and can be mixed with of-the-moment trend pieces for a myriad of looks.
T-shirt was £35 now £25 from Whistles at John Lewis
Where to try for classics:
GAP at Buchanan Galleries
Wallis at Buchanan Galleries
John Lewis at Buchanan Galleries
Phase Eight at Buchanan Galleries
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'70s style
It's still here - 70s trends remain, and fall into two camps. Go bohemian and hippy chick, or 70s sophisticated with maxi skirts/dresses and high waisted trousers with blouses. Mango did the 70s glam thing especially well this season, so if you haven't already bought into it there's an opportunity to do some canny sales shopping.
Dress was £40 now £25 from Warehouse
Where to look for 70s inspired styles:
Mango at Buchanan Galleries
River Island at Buchanan Galleries
H&M at Buchanan Galleries
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Kitten Heels
Dainty kitten heels are still with us, due in part to the 50s/60s ladylike trend. A lot more comfortable than their sky-high cousins, you can wear them all day without doing yourself an injury. Practically everyone will have them, so pick a style that suits you best - pointy-toed for an edgier look, or dainty and delicate for ladylike.
Kitten heels were £49.99 now £20 from River Island
Where to look for kitten heels:
Migato at Buchanan Galleries
John Lewis at Buchanan Galleries
Moda in Pelle at Buchanan Galleries
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Clogs
If you bought a pair this summer, hold onto them. Clogs and wooden soled shoes were the surprise fashion hit of 2010, and are still with us in 2011. Go for heeled versions, in leather or fabric. Try River Island, Topshop and Kurt Geiger.
Clogs were £99 now £49.50 from Jones Bootmaker
Where to look for shoes:
River Island at Buchanan Galleries
John Lewis at Buchanan Galleries
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries
Migato at Buchanan Galleries
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Coats
Camel coats and macs are fashion classics, and so a great investment in the sales. They look great over anything and can be dressed up or dressed down. Macs are lighter weight than your winter coat, so are ideal for spring showers or to layer up over winter woollies. Look out for navy, red or cream macs to add a bit of practical chic to your wardrobe.
Coat was £139.90 now £79.90 from Mango
Where to look for coats:
Next at Buchanan Galleries
GAP at Buchanan Galleries
Jigsaw at John Lewis at Buchanan Galleries
Oasis at Buchanan Galleries
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Top sales tips:
Before you go, clear out your wardrobe. That way you'll know exactly what you need to buy - and you'll have plenty of space to hang it!
On the day, dress comfortably - shopping indoors means you won't need to carry around excess layers or waterproofs.
If you're buying dresses, carry a pair of your favourite heels with you for trying things on - but wear flats for comfort!
Stop off now and again for a quick tea/coffee/snack break to sustain energy levels before heading off again on the hunt for more bargain buys.
Bag was £38 now £25 from Warehouse
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Shop with friends
Shop with friends - it's more fun, you'll get a valued second opinion on that 'bargain', and you can work together to seek out those must have items.
Plan ahead - know what you want to buy, and look online or use a store guide to plan which shops are at the top of your list to visit first
Finally, reward yourselves for a job well done with a well earned rest and cup of hot chocolate or glass of fizz before making the most of your fantastic new items
Cuff was £29.90 now £16.90 from Mango
We checked all the product information at time of writing (December 2010) but, just in case anything has changed, please confirm price and availability with the shop. The products we've included here are for illustration - they're currently available in store, but we've no guarantee they'll be going on sale.
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Getting Here
Buchanan Galleries is in the heart of Glasgow city centre, one of the best shopping areas in the UK.
Find us on Google maps.