Times Are Tough

Maybe I just feel the need to make excuses for my lack of writing, but I will echo what many already know...Times are tough!

It seems that in addition to college loans and home foreclosures the "maybe-recession" has hit the department stores!!! Aghhhh. While it may have been a good thing for my wallet to go without, it has been a little bit more difficult for my sanity and for this blog.

So, I've decided to talk about where you can find good deals still (and they aren't always where you think).

Let's start with J. Crew -- Used to be I'd get excited just thinking about a trip to the outlets, for many reasons, but the J. Crew outlet in particular has long been a fan fave --until recently. Gone are days when I scored a cashmere sweater for $30!!! Now it is Hello $90 pants! WHAT? Even if I love the item and would pay full price in the store, don't insult me by putting that price tag in a J. Crew outlet. It is a matter of principle, but I just won't do it.

Now, what is interesting is if you head to an actual J. Crew store at the right time (which was about 2 weeks ago) and you could score a great linen blazer for $35 over 75% off! but don't be fooled into thinking the prices are the same everywhere, I've seen to frequently higher prices online or in differing stores. Moral of the story, shop around. (Or better yet, let me do it for you).

And this is a great time to do it with the change from summer to fall clothes in the stores. As you've probably heard before, it is smart to buy clothes at the end of the season on sale to put away -- but when your mouth begins to salivate (as mine does) for the mix of chunky knits and fall tweeds it can be hard to see ahead -- not to mention how will you even know what will be in style a whole year from now!! Well, these are respectable worries, but buying a few classic pieces could pay dividends next year or even this winter. Don't get me started on the Burberry cashmere coat Sister Muse 2 got at the outlet in Freeport for $200!!!! BTW, for those heading to Maine for a last summer hurrah -- make sure to hit up the outlets, Burberry has now turned into a clearance house and some of the prices are out of this world!! After you work up an appetite, head to Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster for some delish food and views of Maine that can't be beat!

OK I clearly digress, because Lobster doesn't really go with the "times are tough theme" -- but with all the money you're saving....

My point is to be creative -- First off, look to your wardrobe, what do you have that can be re-purposed? What do you need to create a fresh new look? Then shop around. Look for sales...I have a friend that swears by eBay for jeans! I definitely think for jewelry, bags and sunglasses its a go! Go to the nearest ritzy suburb and look in consignment shops where the desperate housewives bring their lightly worn belongings...

And as I always say, mix and match, high and low = no one will ever know!! So don't forget JC Penney, Target, and the long forgotten Gap!!!

With my upcoming posts, I'll be sure to report deals and steals and what to invest in when watching your wallet. With summer ending and fall approaching there will be all sorts of fun shopping to be had!!!