We may have some of the world’s biggest malls on our doorstep, but these stylish ladies have bypassed the marble walkways and taken the art of finding the perfect purchase to a whole new level…
THE ONLINE MAVEN
Name: Kat Lebrasse | Age: 32 | Nationality: Australian | Profession: Blogger/Stylist at Lebrasse.com
The powerhouse behind one of Dubai’s most successful blogs, Kat Lebrasse stays one step ahead by using the web to make the sartorial world her oyster.
“With life as busy as it is these days, I don’t always have time to trawl the malls or high streets for the best pieces out there. Since I spend so much of my time behind a laptop screen for my blog already, it just makes sense that I would make the majority of my purchases online,” she says.
“If I know exactly what I’m looking for, it’s much easier to type it into a search field than to try and track it down in a store, especially through the assistance of affiliate networks with lebrasse.com.”
“Sites like rewardstyle.com and polyvore.com are my favourite; they provide a really quick, efficient way to find a single product on the web. It cuts out hours of searching!”
Clockwise: Susanna studded ankle boots from Chloé, Artelier World Cuff from Artelier.M, Aminah Abdul Jillil Pumps from Aminahabduljillil.com and a made-to-order Romeo & Juliet Book, Dress from T by Alexander Wang on theoutnet.com
MOST EXPENSIVE ITEM I’VE EVER BOUGHT
My Chloé Susanna studded black leather ankle boots. I held off for two seasons, but when it became very apparent that I would never receive a sale alert, I bit the bullet and ordered them full price. Dhs5,000
LEAST EXPENSIVE ITEM I’VE EVER BOUGHT
Another T by Alexander Wang find. This time a panelled stretch silk-chiffon top in white. It was on sale at theoutnet.com for Dhs160. It’s timeless and beautifully made and I was so impressed with it, I bought it in black as well!
BEST ONLINE FIND
A T by Alexander Wang pleated neoprene mini dress. Originally priced at Dhs1,500 and still at that price everywhere else, I nabbed it for Dhs210 on theoutnet.com in a flash sale!
MY NEW-SEASON SHOPPING LIST
Clockwise: Skirt Dhs2,038 Zimmermann at Daduluxe.com, Bag Dhs3,515 Mansur Gavriel at net-a-porter.com, Boots Dhs3,690 Valentino at stylebop.com
HOW TO SHOP ONLINE
1. Find the cheapest price. Sites like shopstyle.com are great for comparing the market and Google’s shopping page also yields really useful results.
2. Search by size to save yourself time. There’s no point falling in love with something that’s only available in XXL.
3. Familiarise yourself with the retailer’s return policies. Many have started charging restocking fees as high as 25 per cent of the total order value if you decide to send something back.
4. Make a wish list. Websites such as shopbop.com alert you when your listed items go on sale.
5. Sign up for emails. Many stores provide you with promotional codes and email newsletters announcing sales before anywhere else.
6. Net-a-porter.com and matchesfashion.com give you the option to receive an email when an item comes back in stock.
7. Avoid hefty shipping costs with shopandship.com. They provide you with 13 physical forwarding addresses globally so when ordering internationally you can enter a local address. Aramex then personally deliver it to the UAE for a one-off fee of $45 (Dhs165).
8. Some retailers offer free shipping for minimum spends. Weigh up getting an additional item in your wardrobe versus paying for shipping.
9. Apps such as Like To Know have made social media shopping easy. Sign up, like an Instagram photo with a liketk.it link and you’ll receive relevant, ready-to-shop product links to your inbox.
10. Follow blogs. Many – including my own – have curated items, offering different online retailer options and price points.
THE THRIFTY PRO
Name: Katie Anna Laycock | Age: 33 | Nationality: British | Profession: Real Estate Agent
Seasoned property guru Katie applies the same prowess to her real estate deals as she does to hunting down shops where she’s sure to find a bargain or two.
“Being quite eco-conscious at heart, thrift shopping has not only solved the problem of never wearing the same dress as someone else to a party, but has also kept my mind open to new ways of updating outfits without the added guilt,” she explains.
“Back home charity shops and eBay.com were my hunting grounds, but here in Dubai I love shopping events like myexwardrobe.com, which allow you to recycle your clothes as well as find new pieces to inject back into your wardrobe.”
“I am more than happy to invest in slightly used or unwanted items, especially since the ladies of Dubai tend to part with an array of barely worn, fabulous pieces.”
Clockwise: Goat-fur coat by Diane Von Furstenberg, Bag from Alexander Wang at theluxurycloset.com, Snakeskin slingbacks from Jimmy Choo and quilted handbag from Chanel
BEST THRIFTY FIND
Snapped up at a myexwardrobe.com event, Jimmy Choo snakeskin sling-backs that had never been worn for Dhs400.
MOST EXPENSIVE ITEM I OWN
A bright orange, quilted Chanel handbag that was hunted down and given to me as a gift!
LEAST EXPENSIVE ITEM I’VE EVER BOUGHT
A Zara dress I ended up ruining with a sharp piece of statement jewellery. I wasn’t too devastated as it was a bargain and I got a lot of wear out of it.
MY NEW-SEASON SHOPPING LIST
Clockwise: Jumper Dhs6,572 Mary Katrantzou, Necklace Dhs4,770 Erickson Beamon, Skirt Dhs3,080 Marni
HOW TO SHOP THRIFTY
1. Authenticity confirmation. Ensure the product comes with some form of validity that you are buying the real deal.
2. Do your research. If a certain brand has never produced a particular style of bag, it probably isn’t legitimate and, therefore, not a bargain!
3. Do not buy for the sake of it. If a product is overly worn or smells, it’s an absolute no go.
4. Consult a friend. They will offer advice and honesty.
5. Packaging. When buying a bag always ask for the dust bag as well. It will protect the item and ensure a decent price at re-sale time.
6. If you’re not using a treasured item, recycle it and re-invest the cash to purchase a new piece that you’ll love.
7. Shop around. I enjoy looking online at theluxurycloset.com and rifling through the tables at Dubai flea markets (dubai-fleamarket.com) or going to events like My Ex-Wardrobe where they often combine shopping with a ladies night.
8. Don’t dilly-dally. Items are often unique at these sales so a delayed reaction will equal a ‘you snooze, you lose’ scenario!
9. Negotiating can be an enjoyable sport and, if the vendor senses you are serious, a good deal can be agreed upon that suits everyone involved.
10. Most of all, enjoy it! Shopping is a joyous activity that can help to mend a broken heart or erase the memories of a bad day.
THE SALES EXPERT
Name: Stephanie Khouy | Age: 34 | Nationality: French | Profession: Fashion PR
Girl-about-town Stephanie uses her knowledge and contacts within the fashion realm to hunt down statement pieces at jaw-dropping prices.
“When it comes to shopping, I focus on sales for finding standout pieces that will top up my seasonal buys,” says Stephanie.
“I tend to opt for investment accessories that will last a lifetime and that I’ve wanted from the start of the season. Having said that, I’ve also been prone to snatch a one-of-a-kind, impractical piece just because I had to have it at the time.”
“There’s a thrill in finding the right piece for a song. There’s also a delayed gratification in holding off for a discount or until an invitation for a sale comes through. It makes the shopping experience all the more fun and exciting for me.”
Clockwise: A seasonal colour-block dress by Prada, Wool and lace Chloé jacket, Heels from Nicholas Kirkwood
BEST SALE FIND
A pair of Dior sandals for Dhs600, which should have retailed at considerably more.
LEAST EXPENSIVE ITEM I’VE EVER BOUGHT
A few years ago during the recession, a high-end retailer closed its doors and slashed everything to 90 per cent off. I found three pairs of Nicholas Kirkwood heels for Dhs300 each
MY NEW-SEASON SHOPPING LIST
Clockwise: Bag Dhs5,945 Chloé, Dress Dhs3,660 Isabel Marant at Boutique 1, Heels Dhs3,133 Aquazzura
HOW TO SHOP THE SALES
1. Keep your eyes on the prize. At the start of each season begin working out exactly what you want.
2. Evaluate your wardrobe. Purchases should be investments that merge with your current closet.
3. Work out a budget. Leave a small margin for over-spending (obviously!), especially when it’s a sample sale where there are sure to be last-minute must-haves.
4. Try on the pieces prior to the big day. This means no messing around and no risk of missing out.
5. Know the purchase policy. Avoid the disappointment of no exchanges or refunds in case you have a change of heart.
6. Stay in the know. Stores will often have mailing lists to keep you informed of when the sales are happening.
7. Follow your favourite brands on social media. Two words: flash sale.
8. When shopping at outlets, learn the delivery dates to get first dibs on the best pieces.
9. Calculate the cost-per-wear. Let’s be realistic, are you really going to make the most of a winter coat in Dubai?
10. Don’t panic buy. If you can’t find anything this time there will always be future opportunities.
Photographed by: Farooq Salik and Vikram Gawde
