Article: Mary Fourie from women24

This weekend sees the start of the seasonal sidewalk sale of one of the bigger shopping malls in Cape Town. For the trend-setting fashionista this is the most dreaded seasonal event of all. This is a time when that exclusive and expensive item that you scrimped and saved for is for sale at half the price. In the weeks to come you will not be able to walk down the street without seeing every other Kate, Victoria and Lindsay in exactly the same outfit as you.

For the rest of you fashion followers, tell me, how many times have you gone into a store just for a peek and then walked out with bags full of merchandise that you didn't really need but that you could not resist as it was on sale? Months down the line and that see-through lace top with the sexy open back is still lying in my closet, safely hidden below my favourite tracksuit pants alongside the white bikini I promised myself I would be tanned enough to wear this past summer.

Not forgetting the catfights and the inner bitch that is released from inside every woman when you throw together a bin of discounted goods and a few shoppers. Even the most elegant and controlled of persons is capable of turning into a spitting, scratching witch.

How can one survive the mayhem that is created by this retail extravaganza? Dare I say that one should avoid the mall altogether, as this is near impossible for any individual regardless of age, size, or what label she wears.

Perhaps a few tips then:

1. Do not shop in heels. Converse takkies give one a stable base upon which to ground oneself during the tug of war that may ensue over an item.
2. Do not shop in your favourite designer gear. A few rips and tears here and there will ensure your survival and that of the item you wish to purchase.
3. Take regular rest intervals and make sure to refuel to keep those sugar levels up, preferably spiking.

And lastly, give your girlfriends a call and organise a get-together where you can all relax and unwind and revel in each other's senseless spending...

Mary is 21-years-old, and works at Diesel. She has recently decided to start dressing like a real girl, heels and all, whilst still keeping her alternative edge – the black hair and lip ring. She hates the concept of fashion (i.e. having a bunch of people decide that something is cool so that the rest of us can follow) but really can't stop herself from loving it and pursuing a career in it.

What are your sale survival tips? Or do you just launch in head first and hope for the best? Do you also have a collection of items that you bought on sale and have never worn?