-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.
