My secrets to fabulous on a budget: Consignment Stores

In my last post I mentioned consignment shopping. Consignment shopping is similar to thrift store shopping in that everything is pre-owned. However, unlike a thrift store everything (if you go to the right place) is in perfect condition. Here are a few things to remember when consignment shopping:

-You're probably not going to barter

Consignment stores have a set price because they are actually just a middle man for the seller. Usually the price will go down as the piece gets more and more out of season. However, the price is significantly less than what you'll pay at full price. If you bring in pieces of your own to sell, you can usually get store credit which is worth more than actual cash.

-As always: Know what you want before you go in!!!

My little niecee-poo Janen needed a winter coat. So I walked in looking specifically for a winter coat. Here is what I found:

                                                                  
Perfect, right? When you know what you're looking for, you won't spend a ton of money AND you won't get overwhelmed.

So, let's review:

-Don't be upset if they won't barter.
-Know what you want.

Consignment store shopping can be seriously overwhelming, but also a lot of fun and a great way to get new-to-you items. If you're a little hippie that wants to be green it's ABSOLUTELY perfect--such a great way to recycle and prevent waste.

Inappropriate? Yes. Hilarious? Also yes.

So, I know this is very uncouth of me, and I know my sense of humor can be quite gauche and distasteful. However, this is just...well...fabulous.

Gaddafi: A terribly fabulous man.

Enjoy!

My secrets to fabulous on a budget: Flea Markets

Three phrases will get you anything you want (but you MUST know what you want):

-Flea Markets
-Consignment
-Outlets

Anyone that knows me knows that I frequent all three...well...frequently. I am the lucky to live in a large city that has flea markets every weekend. These are a few important rules for flea market shopping (if you want it  to actually be a deal):

-Know what you want!

Make a list of things you want in your wardrobe. I, for one, have been itching for a fur. Literally, for years I have been searching for the perfect piece: it had to be brown, and I preferred mink. Without $10k it was a challenge (as you can imagine).

-Know your vendor!

There are a few guys at the market near me who sell fur. However, one guy in particular consistently has gorgeous furs (and vintage designer handbags--when he gets a Gucci you KNOW I'll be first in line). He buys everything at estate sales, so there is an EXCELLENT chance that a piece is genuine and an even better chance that the piece is in excellent condition.

-Know your price!

Clearly, I will never be able to afford a seven thousand dollar fur stole like this one. Well, never in the next 5 years. However, I knew I couldn't find something for super cheap. I set my number at about $200. I know, I know, still low for a mink, but high for something I'll "only wear" on "special occasions" (let's be honest, I've worn it outside to have a cigarette). And yet, I found this:

She's gorgeous. Beautiful. PERFECT!!! Just looking at her warms my heart. And she was marked at $150. Right? I know. Get up off the ground and back into your chair ('cause you're about to fall out again). My vendor had marked it down to $75. Right?! Now back into your chair one last time... He took another $10! That's right, for that beautiful piece of heaven I paid $65. I promise to post pictures when I'm not wearing it with leggings and Uggs on my balcony. 

So let's review our rules for flea markets:

-Know what you want.

-Know your vendor.

-Know your price.

With these simple rules you won't spend too much, and though gratification isn't as instant as just showing up and purchasing willy-nilly, you'll end up with pieces that your children will fight over inheriting in your will.

Changing it up!

I've changed a bit over the last six months...year...two years, and I've decided to update my blog accordingly. I've got a lot of new friends, a new boyfriend, some new nieces and nephews, and quite a few new fabulous pieces to my wardrobe. I'm going to share them all with you here.

More to come!