My rules for bargain hunting.

For years people have always asked me to help them with their wardrobes. I'm a finder, organizer and editor - and I'm really good at it. Lately some people who aren't as close have seen my blog and asked for help and it's clear I need to explain a few things. Bargain hunting is not an exact science. Much of it is luck - just being in the right place at the right time. If you're looking for a deal you have to be open. If you ask me for a pair of black designer shoes in your size I can help you, but if you want a specific shoe in a specific color in a specific size, just go pay full price because it's unrealistic that exact shoe will turn up. It might turn up (my eyes are always open) but it can take months. It took me over a year to find my Pedro Garcias that I blogged about.

Cheap Louboutins don't just fall out of the sky LOL. Again, it's timing and luck. Be patient and I'll get you a pair eventually. If you're on a deadline or picky, again, just go pay full price.

I tend to find amazing things because I shop often and buy what turns up instead of looking for anything specific, that way I have it before I realize that I needed it and I don't have to pay retail :) I also tend to research things to death and I have trained my eye to spot quality across the room - it makes thrifting much easier. It's all about knowledge. Know your size, know what fits, and know your designers - then you're always prepared because you never know what will turn up. I love the thrill of the hunt. Some days I score and some days I don't.

I don't know how much longer I can do this for free. Most people pay for personal shoppers. I'm a Certified Image Consultant and I have a marketing degree from FIT. I did have a real job once upon a time but I "retired" to have my kids. At some point this (blogging/shopping/styling) should probably be my job - I just have to figure it out. I'm a stay at home mom and my husband is a teacher. I thrift, coupon & occasionally sell a few things on Ebay to pay for my shopping habit. All three of my kids are finally in school so I've been taking the time to workout, shop a little, and put myself together. My goal for this year was to organize my house and to feel like myself again - and so far I'm on track :)

I've had an incredibly busy couple of weeks and it's not quite over yet. I promise to post about my recent finds and adventures soon!

Shoppinggal