Last week we caught up with Kirsty, the brains behind Sample Hunters. She told us about her passionate love of designer labels and her vision of giving fashion label lovers the opportunity to obtain multi brand designer garments and accessories at affordable prices.

1. How would you describe a Sample Sale?

An opportunity to obtain designer labels at highly discounted prices.

2. Which designers/brands will you have in stock in the next sample sale?

See by Chloe, Joseph, Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, Belstaff, Armani Jeans, DKNY Jeans, Juicy Couture, Stone Island, Dirty English, Oliver Spencer, Duchamp, Gieves and Hawkes, Missoni, Money,

Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo and many more.

3. Which are the most popular designers in your sales?

See by Chloe, DKNY Jeans, Juicy Couture, Vivienne Westwood. Oliver Spencer.

4. What kind of items do you have in stock?

Dresses, Trousers, Shirts, Skirts, Scarf’s, shoes etc.  Everything you need for a completely new wardrobe.

5. What is the range of sizes that you have?

We have all sizes available.

6. Do you carry stock for Men, Women & Children?

We carry both Menswear and Womenswear.

7. Which is the best time to come to the sale to avoid the crowds?

Generally first thing in the morning. As they say the early bird catches the worm.

8. What is the biggest discount you offer?

DKNY Jeans RRP £150 – Sale Price £20

9.Top tip for finding the best items at Sample Sales.

Give yourself enough time to look at every rail as they are always filled with bargain and surprises.

10.Who is your typical customer?

Fashion focus savvy shoppers. That is why Sample Hunters is the best kept secret in fashion.

Sample Hunters offers their clients an ideal way to indulge in guilt free designer label clothing at up to 80% off recommended retail price.

They hold sales around 4 – 6 times a year and also offer pop up sales in various locations within London. For all the information about their September event go here.

Social networking websites have totally revolutionised the way we communicate – whether you use them to spy on you ex or catch-up with old school friends and have a sneak peek at their holiday pics, the possibilities seem endless. Brands have certainly clued in to their potential, adopting them as the ultimate free marketing tool.

A quick search and you’ll find all your favourite stores have Facebook pages and Twitter accounts – designed to keep you up-to-date with all their latest news. So, whether they are promoting new stock or announcing the date of a sale, you’ll be in the know. Plus, many brands like to reward their followers with discount codes and exclusive competitions. The same may be true when you sign-up to receive newsletters – but you don’t have to give away any personal details only to end up with an inbox full of spam. Instead just sign up to SalesGossip and you can get information about any Sale that is going on in London in one place.

Hannah Moss - Confessions of a Shopaholic

Yes, it’s that time of year again. The bikini diet may, or may not have been a success, but when the schools and universities break-up for the summer it means one thing – it’s time to hit the beach! If you are lucky enough to be jetting off on your jollies this summer it is well worth your while to travel light. Easier said than done, I know. For all the talk of capsule wardrobes, show me a girl who doesn’t like to have options. You may well ask whatever happened to being prepared, but just think of the bounty of bargains that could be filling up your case when it’s time to return home…

When exchange rates are in our favour a holiday is the perfect excuse for a shopping spree. Three years ago when I was in the US the exchange rate was an amazing 1.98 dollars to the pound. When I was there this year it was down to 1.58 – but there were still bargains to be had. I got some great deals on American designer labels such as Ralph Lauren and DKNY. This gorgeous Michael Kors watch was half price!

It’s worth knowing that Macy’s is one store to give international shoppers a discount which effectively wipes off the sales tax charged. The zip on my suitcase was in severe risk of bursting open by the time I had to fly home!

We all want to bring back more than sand in our shoes – who doesn’t love souvenir shopping? Just remember, the best prices tend to be where the locals themselves shop. Markets are a great place to put your haggling skills to good use, just be prepared to walk away if you are not satisfied. Make sure that you reserve valuable suitcase space for items that you either cannot get back home or that are considerably cheaper at your holiday destination. It pays to do your homework. Finally, take advantage of the duty free goods (within your limits, of course).

Hannah Moss - Confessions of a Shopaholic

You don’t have to wait for a sale to get a great discount on your shopping. Fashion blogger and self-confessed shopaholic, Hannah Moss brings you her money saving tips each week…

Introductory Post:

For many a fashion addict the very word ‘shopaholic’ conjures up images of denied credit cards and angry debt collectors – but not for me. Without the tiniest hint of shame I’ll admit it: I’m a shopaholic – there, I said it. I even named my blog Confessions of a Shopaholic. No, I’m not a WAG or an heiress, far from it! I just love nothing more than finding an absolute bargain and telling the world about it. Shopping can be as much of an opportunity to save money as it is to spend it.

Dare I say it’s a skill – well, they do dedicate an entire task to shopping on The Apprentice. It’s a matter of knowing when, where and how to get a good deal. It sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But how many times have you treated yourself to something new, only to see it reduced the next time you go shopping? And that’s not even counting the times a sale has passed by without you hearing a single thing about it. According to a survey conducted by Sales Gossip a massive 70% of people only get to know about a sale if they happen to be walking past the store. I say it’s time to increase your odds of bagging a bargain – starting by signing-up to receive free sales alerts from Sales Gossip.

Shopping has changed, and continues to do so at an alarming rate. No longer do we have to wait for twice yearly sale seasons where the stock is outmoded. Discounts come in all manner of shapes and sizes all year round – flash sales, pop-up stores, blink and you’ll miss them one off events… it could be a full time job keeping track of them all if Sales Gossip didn’t do all the hard work for you.

However, the average high street sale isn’t the only way to get a discount on your shopping. Over the coming weeks look out for my series of top money saving tips designed to help you stay in the black – it’s the only colour that never goes out of fashion!

If you’re a fashionista with a taste for something exclusive, Greenwich high street is the place for you!

For anything vintage or exclusive designer fashion, Greenwich provides it all from shoe shops, books, art, records, furniture, gift shops to enjoyable food and deliciously fresh meat and fish. Shopping in the South East of London couldn’t get any better than this quaint historic area with lots of personality and a remarkable landscape setting.

Greenwich is a small area with a combination of independent and designer shops to suit all kinds of shoppers needs and tastes. Not to mention the fabulous Clock Tower Market on the weekends selling everything in arts, crafts and vintage antiques. For those of us who are more into well-known High Street brands Greenwich Shopping Park, off Bugsby Way in Charlton, is just a short bus ride away.

It is also a great place to spend an evening of retail therapy. A convenient and stress free environment if you are looking for more high street brands, brands such as New Look, Maplin, Next and many more, which range all the way through from fashion and beauty, to health, sports and electronics.

After a day spent in the Greenwich area there is nothing better than a relaxing drink in one of the many pubs and bars, or dinner in the fantastic restaurants and cafes to round off the end to a complete shopping experience.

You may have wondered the reason why so many cosmetic companies give out free beauty samples – the simple answer is cosmetic sales are heavily driven by word of mouth recommendations. Thus if you like a beauty product you tell a friend who is going to tell another friend, and so on.

Additionally, in the current economic climate women are really starting to do their research when it comes to making cosmetic purchases. Beauty products can be quite expensive and most women will refrain from buying something new in the market if they don’t know whether the product is going to work or not.  It is for this reason that cosmetics companies will hand out small sampler packs to women who can ‘try before they buy’ at home. If their product is a hit with that person, there is a good chance they will go on to buy the full-sized product.