Sales warning

CRUELLA de Vil Dalmatian dotty coats, glittery jumpers and brightly-patterned shirts area all likely to be making an appearance on the sale rails in the next few days. But beware. High fashion items at low prices may be a combination hard to resist; but will they really prove to be value for money?

The more memorable an outfit, the less often you are likely to wear it. Moreover, will you want to wear a shimmering gold pullover in the middle of February?

"The golden rule when sale shopping is: love it madly, need it badly, or don't buy it," says York image consultant Sally Hanley.

When sales shopping, Sally advises against impulse buying - that's how mistakes are made. Shopping with a purpose is the safest bet.

"When you see something you really like but can't afford it, but then find it in the sales, then that is the best buy," says Sally.

To get the maximum out of the sales, Sally advises you to look out for wardrobe staples such as trousers, skirts, jackets or even coats in colours that suit you, in styles that fit you and with a look that would easily fit in with the rest of your wardrobe. Leather boots, shoes and bags are often really good buys too.

"Look for mainstay garments that will tide you through the next year," says Sally. "Something fairly memorable like a fake leopardskin coat is too obviously this season and won't be fashionable for long."

And she warns shoppers not to get too caught up in sales fever.

"People browsing can get exasperated because of the tempo sales generate. It can mean people will spend money just to buy something and will regret it later. But it is nice to have a rummage if you can regard it as fun."

Sales are already underway at Etam in Coney Street and party wear at Hobbs and Laura Ashley, both in Davygate, is now reduced. The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet went into clearance on Thursday, offering further reductions on its already-discounted stock.

Most stores will start their sales after Christmas. We've contacted some of the leading chains to find out what will be in store for bargain hunters...

Boxing Day

Allders, Clifton Moor

Sale doors open at 10am. Inside will be a wide range of home wares and electrical items, many reduced by up to 50 per cent. Best buys include savings of up to 50 per cent on selected sofas.

Currys, Clifton Moor

An insider tells us there should be some great deals on DVD players. Watch TV ads for more details. Doors open 9am and get there early as last year people camped out overnight.

December 27

Bhs

Expect to find savings of up to 70 per cent on clothes, with best buys in the outer wear, party gear and children's clothes sections. Items in the home goods department will be cut by 20-50 per cent. City branch in Coney Street. Home store outlet at Monks Cross.

Browns, Davygate

Star buys include leather sofas reduced from £999 to £499, all Gerry Weber designs half price and 50 per cent off Rigby and Peller's Bonita range. Look out too for big savings in the cook shop and in the linen department. Starts at 9am.

Debenhams

The Davygate store is keeping mum about what discounts will be on offer when doors open at 8.30am. It will be open until 7pm, so plenty of time to trawl around and hunt for a bargain or two.

Fenwick, Coppergate

Savings of between 30-50 per cent on women's and men's fashions, with YSL and Cottonfield at half price. Selected handbags reduced by up to 50 per cent and towels and Stella pans will be half price too. Open from 9am to 6pm. The store will also be open on New Year's Eve from 10am-4pm.

Gap

Promises of big reductions on current collections. From 9am. Spurriergate and Davygate.

Habitat, High Ousegate

A must for all style-conscious home-owners, with bargains galore. Store card holders are also entitled to an extra ten per cent off.

Marks & Spencer

Open from 9am-7pm for the first day of the sale (or from 8am for account holders). One fifth of all goods will be on offer at half price in Parliament Street and Piccadilly stores. Best buys include ladies' occasion wear, all at 50 per cent off. Check the website too for bargains: www.marksandspencer.com

Next

An institution in itself, with doors opening at 6am. Discounts of up to 50 per cent on women, men and children's clothing as well as big savings on home wears. Branches at Coney Street, Stonegate and Monks Cross.

Oasis, Coppergate

Expect discounts of 35 per cent on most ranges with selected lines at half price. Best buys will be chunky Angora knits £42 to £25, glazed leather jackets £170 to £70 and knee-high boots at £35.

Image consultant Sally Hanley can be contacted on 01904 702734.