Every quarter (or so) the doors open on a funny, old white building in King's Cross for the Designer Warehouse Sale. I have friends who go religiously, so I went along for the ride. And now, I won't miss it.

On my first trip (last March) I walked away with a gray Mackintosh raincoat for £160 that I've worn at least 10 times (so the current price per wear is £16, but this is an item I know will get down to £1). I also scored a black and white Philip Treacy hat (that reminds my partner of something his grandmother would have worn). It's only made it out once - after midnight at a dinner party we hosted - which I'm not sure counts as a proper wear. But at £20, that's OK. I like owning it.

My last visit was Friday the 15th of June. Again, I arrived around 6 p.m., and again, it was basically empty. This time the take was even better - a light blue Jasper Conran leather tote that gives my laptop the home it needs (£75), a silver and tiger eye earring and ring set (£30), a Philip Treacy visor (£10 - I love visors), and a can't-miss gift for my best friend (£20). My friend visiting from NYC took home a fabulous necklace (£30), and would've bought more if she wasn't suffering from the exchange rate.

We also considered a flowy Prada shirt, Gucci sunglasses, a Betty Jackson dress, and a pair of Cavalli stilettos.

So basically, you've got to go. Here's a step-by-step guide to the key points:

1. Mark your calendar to go after work on Friday, 14 Sept. The best stuff is on the first day, and most people go on the weekend.
2. Sign up to the mailing list for a reminder: www.dwslondon.co.uk
3. Bring your £2 entrance fee
4. Check your jacket and bags at the door (prevents theft and also gives you two free hands)
5. Start hunting!
   

The weekend following the women's sale is the mens sale, which guy friends say is just as good. Come September, make the effort. You'll leave a better a dressed person!

Women's
14-16 Sept
30 Nov-2 Dec
8-10 Feb (2008)
11-13 April (2008)
13-15 June (2008)

Men's
21-23 Sept
7-9 Dec
15-17 Feb (2008)
18-20 April (2008)
20-22 June (2008)

Here Is The Writer : Sarah Western Balzer

Sarah Western Balzer is the managing director of HITC Life and is always on the hunt for reader-writers, so if you're one, make yourself known (sarah.western@hereisthecity.com). Sarah's other job is running a business that helps expats with lifestyle relocation, and is always on the hunt for clients, so - you guessed it: www.arrivalslimited.com. Sarah moved to London five years ago from New York but is originally from Florida, and still suntans like it's 1989. She is so grateful to the banker who introduced her to Here Is The City that she married him, and they live in Wapping with their son.

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