How To // Be a Bargain Shopper

"Like a kid in a candy store." 

I've always been the type of person who gets an adrenaline rush after finding an incredible pair of jeans or an adorable dress on major clearance. I truly hate to pay full price for anything, unless we're talking Forever 21 prices, but even then, their fashions can always be found at a discounted price...read on to see where I find those deals and the tips I use when bargain hunting.

1. Find the coupons and the sales

Though I will never be a qualified couponer for the TLC show Extreme Couponing, I do love the satisfaction of applying discount codes to my online shopping cart. My favorite places to search for both print coupons and online promotional codes is RetailMeNot.com. Another easy route to find coupons is to simply Google what you're specifically searching for (i.e. Shopping the Sparkles and Prays boutique, simply search for "Sparkles and Prays discount codes").

*Shameless plug: All blog readers can receive 10% off the S&P boutique at any time with the code: SP_BLOGLOVE

Another tool that I've found to be extremely helpful--specifically when searching for designer brands on major discount--is the Shop It To Me personalized sale alert emails. Create an account, customize your brand preference and the size you're looking for and receive email alerts when your favorites go on sale!

2. Join Cashback or Rewards Programs

A few months ago I created an account with Swagbucks.com. This site is a free and easy to use rewards program. For every dollar spent at a wide variety of online retailers, Swagbucks will award you a certain amount of points that can eventually be redeemed for gift cards and prizes. Since I regularly shop online at retailers such as Sephora, Target, and Nordstrom, I'm able to rack up points often enough to enjoy gift cards for places like Amazon and Starbucks. (Keep in mind that this program only works if you log into Swagbucks and then click on the retailer you'd like to purchase from through the Swagbucks site, this is how they keep track of your points and activity.) Would you rather receive cash back instead of gift cards? Check out Ebates.com, which is a very similar program to Swagbucks.

TIP: Keep a handy list of all online retailers that offer cash back through these programs so you never miss out on potential reward points!

3. Shop Secondhand, First

I've said it time and time again on my blog, but shopping fashion apps such as Poshmark before buying regular retail price items, is a MUST. Some of my favorite secondhand Poshmark finds have been these J Crew Emery flats in nude, this Tiffany & Co. blue heart necklace, and a pair of Swarovski embellished Badgley Mischka heels.

Some of my other favorite places to shop secondhand is thrift stores, eBay, and flea markets. I'm a sucker for anything 1920s-1950s inspired, so places like these ones are perfect for my love for vintage. It's incredible that what's one (wo)man's trash is another (wo)man's treasure!

So, what are your best bargain hunting tips? How do you save money as a frugal fashionista? I'd love to collect more tips! Thank you for sharing.

xo,

Elissa