Smart Shopping: How to Get a Deal

Head over to Saving Money & Loving Life to see my guest blog for my two entrepreneurial/role model sorority sisters.

Like the sweet sounds that Chicago belts out, Carrie Bradshaw, "you're the inspiration."

When Heather approached me about a guest blog about saving money on fashion, I think my head cocked to the side. You see, I'm a more, um, how do you say..."sacrificial" buyer. 

   Example thought process:
   Spring Break 2009. Saks dressing room.
   My mind: "Ashlyn. So you really want these Hudson jeans?"
   Me: "Um, DUH. Did you just hear Sloan?" (she's my bestie)
   My mind: "Yup. She wore up and down they made your butt look awesome."
   Me: "Yeeaaahhh. Sooo...."
   My mind: "Done. I just hope you enjoyed your last supper here on spring break. No more eating."


The good news is, I'm growing up. Be it the copy of "Financial Peace" by Dave Ramsey my Grandfather gave me for Christmas, or just the fact that I can't be a 4-year-old with money any more, I'm getting better. Sacrificial spending is no way to live, especially when great deals are honestly, not that hard to find. 


CLOTHING
Frugal Fashionista. Drop everything. Click through this blog. Piece of cake, huh?
The Budget Babe. Repeat above instructions.
TJ Maxx. Never underestimate the Teej. The bigger the city, the better the selection. Stock up on Lilly Pulitzer sundresses, Juicy Couture flats, BCBG heels, and Calvin Klein dresses.
ModCloth. Check out the under $50 dress section. All a little "Anthropologie," in my opinion, perfect frocks to carry you through church, sorority formal, and game day.

All above dresses under $50. Photos courtesy of ModCloth.com.

Lulu's. Similar to ModCloth.
Forever 21.
Charlotte Russe.
Etsy. This open marketplace boasts everything from frocks to baubles, to precious aprons that would be perfect for Supper Club night.

Aprons made by Rosewater Kitchen are $26.

Web. Overstock.com, Bluefly.com
** If you're serious about fashion, consider joining sample sale websites, where you'll get the heads up on Kate Spade, Tibi, Burberry, and more at unreal prices. Gilt Group, Rue La La, and Haute Look are a few of the favorites. If you need memberships, just shoot me an email!


JEWELRY
Forever 21. I'm a pearls-watch-and-same-two-bracelets-everyday girl, but for a Saturday night out, Forever 21 is always dependable. Try this necklace ($5.80) with a LBD and sky-high stilettos. Cough*Yurman*Cough.
Girlprops. .You're a Southern girl. You've got pearls. But sometimes, you need just a little bit bigger studs. Enter Girlprops 12-pack of pearls for $3.99.
Fred Flare. Just don't be distracted by the shiny objects.


MAKEUP/PRODUCTS
Sephora. Head on over during January for a free skin consultation and product recommendation/samples.
The Cosmetic Company Outlet. If you've got a spring jaunt to Destin planned, hop into this store (it's next to J. Crew). Bobby Brown, MAC, Clinique--all major price-slashed.
T. J. Maxx. Perfume. That's all I gotta say. Okay, I'll also add that's where I get my Tom Ford Black Orchid, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, etc. Wow. I feel like I just bore my soul.
Elle's Counter Culture page. Top dermatologists and makeup artists peruse the aisles of Target and WalMart, tossing the best cheap products your way. 

Elle's February Counter Culture column points out the best your local drug store has to offer.

Web. TheFairest.com (Another sample sale site. I can give you a membership, shoot me and email!) BeautySteals.com

Other tips...

Sign up for email lists for your favorite stores--you'll be the first they alert when the sale section is updated.

Use ShopStyle.com to tailor your search, example: Black, pumps, size 7, $20-$50.

Where do you go to get a deal?