What to buy in the sale now – part one

The pandemic has revealed two things: first, there is a disconnect between end-of-season sale prices and actual retail prices. The mark-up on retail pricing appears to be massive, assuming retailers don’t sell below cost. An 80% reduction on Brionj shirts? Really? 

Second, online shopping is the future. (Even Chanel, that has always been vehemently opposed to e-tailing, delivers to my doorstep). The future of shopping is a catch-22 situation for me, as it is one of my life’s great joys to aimlessly wander around retail spaces, but I am fearful of COVID-19, and I’m not rushing out anytime soon.

I don’t need to resolve this dilemma today, as there are many online bargains to choose from this year. Shoes make the bulk of my sale purchases this year, and you’ll see why. This is part one of a two part blog.

But first, a monetary health warning…

You can find bona fide bargains in the shoe department of any multi-brand retailer at the moment.  Personally, the buyers at net-a-porter consistently deliver the best selection of sale shoes. I hope a quick comparison with their close competitors, matchesfashion.com will convince you of this. Had a look? Yes, matchesfashion.com is the final resting place of terminally awful shoes.

This year, thanks to COVID-19, my ginormous feet can choose from 300+ shoes in the sale.

That’s never happened.

I’d ordinarily buy boots and sneakers in the summer sale, but not this year. I can diversify my portfolio and buy (wait for it) sandals and more slingbacks that I must have. It’s as if Diwali has come early for me.

PS. I may have a thing for shoes, but show me a woman who doesn’t, and I’ll show you a freak with seven toes.

Malone Souliers Josie 85s

These shoes give me a Mrs. Maisel vibe. They are so elegant and beautiful. I love these. Period.

A different colour combination of the same pair of shoes on matchesfashion.com only carries a 30 percent discount. Perhaps the muted gold and silver offering is perceived as being difficult to carry off justifying the 70 percent reduction on net-a-porter. However, I am Indian, and anything gold or silver, be it eyeshadow, hair color, or shoes will never be a challenge to carry off.

Aquazzura Panthere pumps

I have a thing for Aquazzura shoes. They are the shoe equivalent of Henry Cavill for me: they are bold, in your face, and stylish. Anywho, the pandemic willing, I plan to wear these 4-inch beauties to my friend’s big five-oh later this year.  

Paciotti leather sandals

I love the square toe of these sandals, which is just as well as “squares” are back. I’m unsure why the brown version carries a higher discount than the black or white version, but who am I to complain about a 60% discount?

The flats and sneakers

I never used to wear flats, as I am quite short at 5ft 4 inches. However, you kind of need flats when you become an on-demand taxi service for home-based tyrants under 2 feet.

These LOQ Tere leather sandals are just fun with their quirky multi-coloured circular heel.

Finally, I am not a big fan of sneakers and hate spending more than GBP 100 on a pair. However, I wouldn’t say no to either of these pairs. I love the muted gold of the Stan Smith pair, which unfortunately is now only available in a UK size 4.  

If you are in Dubai…both Bloomingdales Middle East and Ounass have discounts on luxury shoes such as Valentino, Jimmy Choos, and Bally. Both websites are definitely worth a glance.