| There has been a lot of talk about the economy lately | | | | recently picked up an authentic Chanel handbag at for |
| and the forecast isn't looking too good which means | | | | 50% off retail at and the selection is endless. Based on |
| it's time to start looking at ways to tighten the budget | | | | my budget (and a little bit of principal) I would never |
| and cut back on the things you don't absolutely need. | | | | pay full price for a designer handbag because I know if |
| Though the thought about going without might seem | | | | I wait for the "it" bag craze to die down, I'll visit my |
| grim at first, there is a silver lining when it comes to | | | | favorite site and get the bag 40% off. You can also |
| shopping. Just because you have less to spend on | | | | shop for brand new designer jewelry from Chanel, |
| fashion doesn't mean you have to stop trying | | | | Gucci and others at more than 60% off. |
| completely, following is a list of tips that help the budget | | | | - Wait for end-of-season sales: All of the major |
| fashionista in all of us keep looking fabulous. | | | | department stores mark designer handbags off |
| Clothing | | | | toward the end of the season an although it's nice to |
| I thought starting off with the most obvious wardrobe | | | | carry a bag as soon as the season starts, if you can |
| item was a good way to kick off the list especially | | | | hold out, you can find what you're looking for. But if you |
| since a lot of us have already started thinking of spring | | | | plan to wait for these sales, make sure you are the |
| wear, plus shopping for clothing on a budget is often | | | | first to know because inventory goes fast and is |
| the easiest. Although no one likes to worry about the | | | | usually sold out the day a sale starts (if you miss the |
| economy, one positive result is retailers know that | | | | boat, visit the discount designer handbag web sites |
| consumers are holding onto their money tighter than | | | | who sell authentic bags at a discounts year round). |
| before, so they are more willing to hold sales and | | | | - Out with the old, in with the new: If you are as much |
| make higher decreases to entice consumers to spend. | | | | of a handbag lover as I am than you probably have a |
| Here's a great way to take advantage of dropping | | | | couple of designer handbags lying around that you |
| prices but still come out with the stuff you want: | | | | haven't used in a while which means you can afford to |
| - Be a savvy sale shopper: I already mentioned how | | | | get rid of them. If you sell these unused accessories |
| you might notice more sales and promotions from | | | | on eBay or to a consignment shop, you can have |
| retailers in an effort to boast slow profits, so as a | | | | some extra money to spend on the designer handbag |
| savvy shopper it pays off to know when your favorite | | | | you really want. Try it out, it won't hurt as much as you |
| store is holding a 'secret sale' (join a mailing list or | | | | think. |
| befriend the sales staff to become a VIP), | | | | - Vintage: More than even clothes, vintage designer |
| end-of-season sales (household names like Banana | | | | handbags, jewelry and accessories (wallets, scarves, |
| Republic and Macy's hold seasonal sales where items | | | | etc.) can not only save you money but even outlast |
| are 40% off), watch for the buy-one-get-one-half off | | | | many of the trendier bags. Sites like LuxuryVintage sell |
| type of coupon sales because you can buy the | | | | authentic Chanel handbags in amazing condition (little to |
| non-sale item you've been eyeing and get another item | | | | no wear) for as low as $400 and since Chanel |
| half off. | | | | handbags are timeless, this is a small price to pay for a |
| - Shop online: Even the most experienced shopper can | | | | bag you can wear for years to come. |
| find it daunting to keep up with the sale schedule at | | | | - Don't be a snob: In addition to the luxury leaders like |
| their favorite stores which is why shopping online has | | | | Marc Jacobs and Prada, the handbag heyday has |
| become so popular. Gone were the days where you | | | | allowed for smaller labels like Elaine Turner, Tano and |
| weren't sure of your size or if something looked good, | | | | Pietro Alessandro to make a name for themselves. |
| most online shops allow for easy returns. But it's better | | | | Often made from the same high end materials as |
| to know the types of clothes you look good so you | | | | couture fashion houses, it's easier than ever to score |
| won't have to mail back a bunch of returns. The best | | | | an ultra-soft trendy handbag, like the Elaine Turner |
| part about shopping online is that often times you can | | | | Paige Python Frame Bag or the Alex Tote, for a |
| find the same brands at cheaper prices because an | | | | fraction of the cost of an expensive designer label. |
| online retailer doesn't have to pay for retail space. If | | | | - Cheap Chic: We usually don't like any handbags that |
| you don't believe me, I found Rachel Pally dresses at | | | | fall into the $15-$40 range but we have to say that |
| 50% off at or check out ShopBop and click on the | | | | lines like Melie Bianco and Murval are quickly making us |
| 70% off sale section (you'll be amazed at what you | | | | change our mind. We wouldn't recommend spending |
| see). Plus if you sign up for your favorite e-tailers email | | | | your money on a bunch of cheap, poorly made |
| list, you'll get even more savings with sale | | | | handbags but if you want the look of the moment |
| announcements and coupon codes sent right to your | | | | handbag, than Melie Bianco will probably have it. Visit |
| inbox. What's easier than that? | | | | and be amazed at how Melie Bianco manages to |
| - Invest in classics: Though sale shopping can result in a | | | | make such stylish and gorgeous handbags at such |
| ton of savings, to really save money try not to buy | | | | unbelievable prices. |
| something you won't end up wearing just because it is | | | | Shoes |
| on sale. Sure a designer label pink suede skirt at 80% | | | | There is not a lot of advice we have on shoes |
| off is a great deal but if it's hot outside or pink suede | | | | because we think that most savvy shoppers (who are |
| isn't in style when the weather cools, you've wasted | | | | women at least) have this category covered but we'll |
| money that could have been used toward something | | | | include a couple of pointers just in case you need a |
| you'll wear again and again. Trends are always fun but | | | | refresher: |
| invest in a couple of classics that can take you through | | | | - Invest in a good pair: Shoes are quickly becoming like |
| an entire season. I'm thinking white wide-leg pants and | | | | designer handbags in the fact that they are wildly |
| a yellow dress but you can pick your favorite spring | | | | expensive and there are now a ton of "must-have" |
| staples. | | | | styles. Christian Louboutin is the leader of the pack, |
| - Vintage: If the thought of secondhand shops scares | | | | followed closely by Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blanik but |
| you than you haven't been shopping at the right | | | | finding a pair of these beauties at a discount can be |
| vintage store. Vintage can be ultra-hip and you'll be | | | | pretty tricky but not unheard of. If must have another |
| surprised to see what you find in the right vintage | | | | pair of shoes (to add to the 30 you already have), than |
| store. Make sure to find one that offers items in good | | | | try to invest in as much shoe as you can afford. |
| condition and reasonable prices (some are actually | | | | Maybe we walk a lot but we've found that investing in |
| expensive) and go hunting for shift dresses, capris and | | | | a good pair of shoes (leather upper and leather sole) |
| 50's style blouses that have been seen in all the | | | | can take us a long way. |
| fashion magazines. Plus there are even some great | | | | - Online: There are a ton of online sites selling only |
| online vintage shops (JillsConsignment and | | | | footwear and it's sometimes hard to go through them |
| LuxuryVintage) that carry amazing stuff in awesome | | | | all but the one good thing about so many choices is |
| condition. | | | | that there is more competition which means that price |
| Handbags and Accessories | | | | points will be lower. We haven't found a ton of online |
| It doesn't matter if there are tough times or not, | | | | sites that we like to shop at for shoes because we |
| fashionistas are constantly on the lookout for bargains | | | | tend to shop for more high end brands (goes back to |
| on designer handbags. The good thing is that a good | | | | that investment thinking) and there aren't a lot of sites |
| designer handbag has a much longer run than designer | | | | that sell expensive shoes but one place I have found |
| clothing because if you invest in the right designer | | | | luck at saving money is eBay (yes, eBay). I would |
| purse or designer jewelry you can wear it for many | | | | never purchase a designer handbag from eBay |
| months as opposed to changing up your clothes due | | | | because there is no way to guarantee that you are |
| to trends and weather conditions. And even though | | | | actually getting an authentic designer handbag but |
| designer "it" bags cost more than ever, the average | | | | shoes are less likely to be knocked off. But be |
| designer label handbag costs $2k, I've done my | | | | prepared to search often because the selection is |
| homework and found ways to score a hot designer | | | | limited however you can find some amazing deals |
| bag, designer jewelry or accessory from Prada, Gucci, | | | | (brand new Lanvin flats for $200 or Prada heels for |
| Tod's, Chloe, Anya Hindmarch, Marc Jacobs, Yves | | | | $100). So brush up on your bidding war skills because |
| Saint Laurent, Valentino, Burberry, and even Chanel at | | | | wining a pair of Manola Blanik Mary Janes is harder |
| up to 70% off retail. Don't believe me, see for yourself: | | | | than actually walking in them. |
| - Shop online: As with shopping for clothing, shopping | | | | - Sales: Like clothes and designer accessories, the |
| online for designer accessories can really pay off. | | | | best and easiest way to save money is to know |
| Unlike clothes, you don't have to worry about how an | | | | when your favorite shoe store is having a sale, but the |
| item will fit because most reputable sites will list the | | | | early bird gets the worm in shoes sales because if |
| exact measurements and provides photos from all | | | | there is one thing women have in common its shoes. |
| angles so you can see exactly what you're getting. | | | | So although a slow economy can be a huge drain on |
| Since online retailers don't have as much overhead as | | | | your wallet, just remember that looking good doesn't |
| say a big department store (it's hard to find a designer | | | | have to suffer a recession as well. Become an |
| handbag in a small boutique), they are able to offer | | | | experienced (and smart) shopper and you'll ride out |
| substantially more savings for the exact same purse. I | | | | tough times with the shirt on your back. |