Membership Has Its Privileges

What I'm currently fawning over: LeSportsac totes by artist Tomokazu Matsyama

I may be out of a job but I can’t say I’ve stopped shopping. I’m a serial shopper so I’ll always find somewhere to spend money; 99cent store, Ross, Target, Goodwill, the beauty supply… You name it and I’m there with my pennies in hand. A while back I was sent an invite to Gilt Groupe, a member’s only discount shopping site. To be honest, I never really looked at the daily emails that inundated by inbox because I don’t like piss myself off first thing in the morning. I’d scan the subject, see the luxury brands offered then I’d get upset, then I’d hit delete. Same thing every day and sometimes multiple times a day. Finally, I got brave or curious and opened the email, and to my surprise, I found deals. Real deals on hot stuff. It was bananas! I actually could afford new stuff from the brands I like and others that I want to get to know! Imagine that? Gilt Group is fabulous but you have to act fast because the best items tend to sell out quickly. Check it out here at Gilt.com. Refer a friend scratch that, a friend who actually makes a purchase, and get twenty-five smackaroos in your account!

It’s OK to Shop

Ladies, my apologies for the untimely blog.  I had far too much fun drinking during the day with my slightly employed girlfriend, which rendered me too exhausted to post last week’s treat, but here it is. Enjoy!

Life without a 9 to 5  has caused me to become much more frugal with my spending but it hasn’t cured me of the shopping bug. I may be job challenged but I continue to do my part to stimulate the economy. I’ve learned that a true shopper will make it happen anywhere.  I happen to fall fabulously into that category. It was a learned behavior though. Long ago, one of my bestfriends tought me that labels don’t give way to style. It’s gotta be in you. Just like name brand food items don’t necessarily make the food good; you still have to work your magic. And ladies, I make magic in the kitchen and the closet!

I’ll share with you three places that continue to make my life fabulous: Ross, Buffalo Exchange, and the 99cent Only Store. Get familiar.

Ross: I copped 4 pairs of heels for under 80 bucks! Ok, 2 pairs were birthday gifts, but I still had to make it work on a $50 budget (Thanks Ms. Bates!). I made it out with two pairs of heels for under $50. The deals were so bananas, I spent 17 bucks on another shoe gift to myself and returned two days later and found another pair for 22 bucks!  I can’t explain it any further. I had to capture it in pictures.

Chinese Laundry $17

Carlos Santana $24

BCBG $16

Marc Fisher $22

Buffalo Exchange: Here’s the deal, if you’re a stylish girl, someone should want your stuff and Buffalo Exchange is just the place to hawk it. So prune your closet and peddle your wares, sister. Unload your undesirables at Buffalo Exchange or any other trade spot (Crossroads, Wasteland, or a consignment shop). Get cash or store credit, which allows you more shopping or gas money. Either one is a come up. Whatever they don’t take, try Ebay or Craigslist. I suggest merchandizing the product if you’re gonna sell it online. Be philanthropic; whatever doesn’t sale, donate it and be sure to get a receipt. It may be helpful during tax time.

99 Cent Only: I’m a confessed foodie so I’ll be damned if I eat cup-a-noodles, even during these lean times. I don’t care what my pockets are like, I’m not eating like jailhouse- bread and water. A girl’s gotta eat and I do so well. While buying my cheap tissue, I discovered the 99cent store has food. And good food like fresh fruit and veggies, REAL BUTTER, frozen seafood, exotic seasonings and sauces (mango chutney!); my favorite 5 minute Gumbo starter kit by Zatarans, turkey bacon, Pellegrino mineral water, salads in a bag and not just iceburg lettuce, olives- good for a mid-day martini (a cocktail in the daytime is acceptable when you don’t have a job, as long as it doesn’t become a coping skill). They even have soy milk, regular milk, fresh pasta, sour dough bread; I could go on forever. Bottomline, you can now afford to eat well, even if you have to make it yourself.  The key to 99 Cent store grocery shopping is to buy only what you’ll eat in the near future. Items like fruit and veggies may not make it past five days. The money you’ll save will afford you an occasional restaurant outting.

Hope you all find this info helpful. I’m sure some of you employed people  will find  today’s tips practical for your pocketbook too. Now excuse me, I’m gonna go and make lunch for myself: grilled shark, sauted baby spinach, with a sliced tomato and red onion salad; all compliments of the 99cent store.  Now go, shop!

Cheers.