Sniff out a bargain..

October is when the sniffing and snuffling officially starts, and I don’t mean flu. It’s the beginning of the white truffle season. Eager little pigs are led by leash across the thick forests of Italy to root out the revered fungus. As its rarity makes it upwards of £900 per pound, this is the lowly swine’s chance to shine (and shake off some of that bad press.)

It’s sensitive nose and passion for the truffle makes its species the most adept at unearthing from the muck a delicacy deemed exquisite. Presented on many a prestigious plate, they were coined the ‘diamonds of the kitchen’ in 18th century France.

So, from haute cuisine to haute couture - the sample sales have begun. After all, a fabulous bargain is much like a truffle – a veritable diamond in the rough (and yes, during a good sale we girls are known to behave like pigs.)

I was invited to one at Libelula recently (www.libelula-studio.com). Renowned for their gloriously feminine dresses with colourful prints, I knew it would be a scrum (I’ve long been a fan, and was thrilled to collaborate on some placemats with them this year.) I got off to a bad start by getting lost on the industrial estate, looking for their HQ. I searched helplessly, imagining Libelula stock depleting with every wasted moment I spent in the car park. Until I saw some smug looking shoppers exiting a non-descript door, and I bolted straight in.

I found the office. And it was empty of shoppers! Delicate garments were hanging daintily from rails, each item heaven sent: A sweet black jacket with a stunning brooch, floaty chiffon blouses and one after another of killer dresses that manage to say sexy and elegant in the same breath. I was mid gasp over something, when I was gently told that this was all new season. The sample sale was in the room next door. Of course it had been too good to be true.

I stepped into pandemonium. In a small, airless room, yummy mummys were wading frantically through piles of garments, shoving each other and snorting with crazed glee. Their toddlers screamed in their bulky push chairs, horrified at the lack of attention and entertainment, as these women stripped down to their underwear. Surveying the scene I thought twice about entering the fray. Was it worth it? This ground had been pored over. But I’d come this far…

I joined the truffle pigs. Giving myself a time limit of 10 minutes (the screaming was unbearable…) I didn’t hold much hope. But on a final glance, I saw The One: a stunning long patterned dress in silk, with adorable cap sleeves. I swear I heard angels. With a quickening heartbeat, I found some privacy and tried it on. It was a perfect fit – on me, and for the festive season.

I paid the designer and discovered it was 85% off. She told me I’d undoubtedly dug out the best piece there, and she’d only put it out that morning on a whim. Well, I happily trotted home feeling like the prize piglet.


Scarlett Willow