Bargain Shopping

I keep telling you that there’s no other way to become an extraordinary bargain shopper without learning as much about the trade as possible.

I grew up with a tailor in the house, my beloved grandmother, who “created” most of the dresses I wore by following my sketches.  Both of my parents were engineers, so we were not poor. Still, my communist country did not believe in fashion any more than it believed in free markets, so I had to get creative.

Their disinterest in garments and accessories, forced me to learn about the style world on my own. For example, I now know what fabrics are made of just by looking at them and can also tell the difference between quality and non-quality leathers.

Bottega Veneta Starting at RueLaLa.com at 11 a.m.

Why?

Speaking of quality, you have to appreciate the workmanship and technique of Bottega Veneta, a brand famous for its intrecciato work (woven and interlaced fabric).

The Italian brand was born in the ’60s, in Venice, an area known at the time for  producing ready-to-wear garments. Because they couldn’t get the manufacturing equipment they were looking for locally, they adapted by using super fine leather that allowed them to use ready-to-wear equipment. And that’s how their most recognizable element of the brand was born.

Vintage Hermes Handbags Starting at Gilt.com at 12 p.m.

Why?

Another example of extraordinary craftsmanship comes from Hermes. The company continues to use one expert craftsperson to make a single handbag at a time. Hard to believe, but there are no assembly lines and no giant machines. It takes the craftsman 18 to 24 hours to hand stitch one bag. That’s why, my darlings, these bags cost what they cost. Enjoy, even if only to look at them. Why not? They are, after all, little pieces of art.

Bargain shopping is like a game of cards: you play the hand you’re dealt, but you have to know the rules to play it well.

Unless you know the trends, the brands and yourself, you simply cannot be a successful bargain hunter. Learning the ropes takes time, but if you are serious about your wardrobe and your wallet, it is time well spent.

The names Hermes and Birkin certainly don’t need any introduction on this site. What you might not know, however, is that RueLaLa has three “pre-loved” Birkins to give away and you could be one of the lucky winners. Enter for a chance to win this iconic handbag by sharing the giveaway information with five friends.

Starting at 11AM:

Judith Leiber at RueLaLa.com

Why?

We all have to go a social event where we have to look fabulous at some point in our lives. Judith Leiber promises the perfect accessory to any little black dress and tower high pumps.

Starting at 12PM:

Lafayette 148 at Gilt.com

Why?

Lafayette 148 is also a well known brand that’s loved for its well tailored, luxurious pieces equally suited for nine to five or after-work cocktails.

Don’t forget to also check out the Mulberry handbag sale on Beyond the Rack before it ends on March 22.

Even though December 31st and January 1st are only a day apart, there’s something about the beginning of a new year that makes us all feel like we’ve started afresh. Call it a second — or third, fourth or 20th — chance to get it right, call it a clean slate. Whatever you dub it, though, take advantage of the new year’s sense of renewal.

Like many, I do come up with a list of resolutions and goals for myself every year. Most of these goals hover somewhere between the categories of lofty/unobtainable and “things I should be doing anyway.” In the end, I find it’s best to make resolutions that better my body, mind and soul and have the potential to turn into lifestyle changes — not just a 365 day challenge.

Some resolutions are more personalized (such as traveling more or budgeting time more efficiently) while others are lifestyle habits we can all benefit from (exercising more and eating better both qualify, and are two of the most popular new year’s resolutions).

Another new year’s resolution we can all benefit from is better shopping habits. This boils down to money management, but the way we shop also says a lot about our personalities. For example, some people rarely shop around to find a better bargain while others hurriedly shuffle to the discount rack even if they’re not in need of anything.

The shopping habit I’m most guilty of? Online bargain shopping. During my free time, you can catch me perusing deals on designer duds at eBay, sifting through the hundreds of Etsy stores and clicking on any e-advertisement promising a good deal.

I’m also signed up at myriad monthly subscription websites — including JustFab, Birchbox, BeautyFix and JewelMint — and receive about 20 to 30 emails daily from various clothing/jewelry/makeup stores. The worst part is that while many delete these daily emails, I’m guilty of checking out what’s new (and what’s discounted), which only tempts me further.

This year, I’ve made a vow to cancel all my monthly subscriptions (who needs a new pair of shoes every month, really? My husband refuses to look inside my closet for fear of the great shoe avalanche) and will only allow myself purchases when absolutely necessary (e.g. special occasions or a new fitness gear when mine’s ready to be tossed).

Perhaps in the coming years I’ll be able to make goals like some of my other friends, who vow to go an entire 365 days without buying even one new piece of clothing or pair of shoes. For now, though, I’m taking baby steps. After all, new year’s resolutions are about making changes that translate into lifestyle habits.

By Wendy Rose Gould