Tom Sharp gives some timely advice on how to get the best out of the sales.

LET me introduce you to Tom Sharp, a man whose fashion writing I came across while enjoying a coffee and a people watch' on the busy streets of Manchester.

"This guy knows his fashion," I thought, as I flicked through an article on clothes styling for men. Needing a male fashion guru to keep me up-to-date on the men's side of things, I got straight on the mobile there and then. Tom was most helpful and, after lots of designer chat (often in need of a translator, such is the world of fashion talk today), I got Tom to give our men some useful tips for this season's sales.

"The festive season is only just over and already the refunds queue is raging in M&S. Having reported lower sales this season, the shops are geared up to clear their stock for their spring/summer collections. OK, it's bad news for them but it can prove good news for us.

"However, be warned," says Tom. "Year after year we all make the classic sale purchase mistakes, getting caught up in the sales frenzy on the high street, buying too many, too now' purchases just because a week ago they were double the price.

"Next year do your homework. Check out your favourite stores on the web to find out when their sale starts and what's on offer long before it's in the window - be prepared. Don't just do the rounds of your usual shops, it's your chance to get those classic, well-designed pieces that will last you for years.

"Obviously I speak for the male species," says Tom, "we are always looking for a bargain when shopping for clothes - we prefer to leave more money for sport and going down the pub. Sale time is good, but be warned, you can get carried away in the discount frenzy. You suddenly have the chance of purchasing that bright green Versace look-alike shirt with the red polka dot pattern as seen in GQ last year - you wanted it then but it was more than £200, now it's in front of you half price. STOP! It might have looked good on that tanned, muscled model hanging out with Kate Moss on some sun-soaked Bermuda beach for the magazine, but this is the North West of England in the middle of a freezing cold, wet January! Sorry guys, but you haven't got the pecks', waistline, or Kate, so leave the headline-grabbing shirt where it belongs - on the sale rail, less 50 per cent.

"No, the golden rule (or rather the black rule) is - buy classics, buy black to invest. That is why the early bird does indeed get the John Smedley merino wool roll neck in jet black for £20!"

January 9, 2003 11:00