Shopping Secrets

My bargain shopping jackpot with the Manolo Blahnik heels was a rare occurrence. I wish I could say I had such luck on any shopping outing.  Several of you asked how in the world did I find such a bargain. Well, I wish there were a perfect formula for landing a deal like that one.

The best advice I can offer is this: Keep your eyes open. Look for beauty everywhere. (You've read about this concept, right?)

Now friends, the simple answer to the burning shoe question: 

"How do you buy a pair of Monolo's for $5?"  

Answer:  a charity shop

Some of these incredible stores open their doors to the public (not just the clients they serve) and offer their goods for amazing prices to raise funds for projects the charity is involved with.

At the shop where I lucked out, all of the shoes, new or "gently worn" were priced $5-regardless of designer.

 

My next piece of of stellar shopping advice would be to simply keep your eyes open.  Look for beauty and quality first.  Don't search for the designer labels.  Look and feel for the quality of an item's construction and open your eyes!

Sterling silver, for example, is black with tarnish--and fabulous patina!

Just take a look at Eddie's flea market candlestick find "before and after":

(I'm about convinced this guy could make a sow's ear into a silk purse!)

In our odd economic times, the New York Time's is spreading the news about alternatives to retail shopping.  Check out their article here(first published in 2006).   Here is another article on the love affair with malls-or should we say- retail therapy.   

Now it's your turn.  I want to know your very best buys.  What, where and how did you do it?  I know you've got treasures to tell all about and I want to hear!

A Teaser:  In a later post we'll talk about this: