I’m a clothes horse. My closet looks more like a boutique than a typical bedroom closet. I have my favorite affordable stores (which I never shop without a coupon) but I lust after designer brands. Over the years (and with the assistance of my sister), I’ve gotten pretty good at combing discount stores to find the big names on clearance.
It takes time and persistence, but the payoff can be big…
Six weeks ago, I found a pair of Michael Kors wedges at DSW. The department store price was $198. The DSW price was $66 plus an additional 30% off. I loved them. I Tweeted them. I resisted them. I wanted a better deal.
I stopped into DSW two weeks later, and the wedges were still there. Still on clearance for an additional 30% off. Again, I resisted.
Fast forward three weeks and I’m packing for a trip to New York, thinking about how great those wedges would look with one of my outfits. I decide to stop into DSW one more time, hoping that by some miracle they are still there. I scan the clearance section and see nothing, but just as I’m about to leave, there they are! With an additional 70% off!
I practically skip to the register; happy to pay $20 for a $198 pair of Michael Kors wedges.
On my way out of the store the alarms go off. My bag is checked and I’m told my cell phone must have set off the alarm. I should have known better. I get home and there’s a big black sensor, right on the buckle. I was frustrated, but I reminded myself what a good deal I snagged and added it to my to-do list.
So, the next day I stop at the closest DSW, explain the situation, and am met with blank stares. Apparently the security sensors differ from store-to-store and they could not remove the kind that was on my shoe. Back in the car for a 30 minute drive to the store I originally purchased the shoes from.
I head to the register, explain the situation again, and the two associates behind the counter think it’s funny. Yes, it’s absolutely hysterical that one of your coworkers left the security sensor on my shoes, forcing me to drive around Austin for 2-hours to have it removed – now please give me an additional discount for my trouble.
Which they did. After I told them that I wasn’t amused, they upped the original discount to 80% off, making the shoes the bargain of the year at $12! To further redeem themselves, the manager left a nice voice mail apologizing for my trouble and offering an additional discount on my next purchase, which I appreciated.
And that is the story of how I got $198 Michael Kors wedges for $12.
If you’re counting, that was five trips to DSW.
I’m exhausted.
And if I fall and break my ankle the first time I wear them, I’ll know that karma really is a bitch.
Are you a fashion maven? In the mood for some bargain shopping? I listed several high ticket items on eBay for a steal and will be listing more as the week goes on!
My husband has been out of town for three weeks, so admittedly there was some money spent this week that was celebratory. It was nice to splurge, but we’re back on the straight and narrow again.
Warning: Sprinkling of the f-word and other swear words throughout video. Watch at your own discretion.
It should be illegal for songs to be as catchy as the new Cee-Lo Green track. Even though it’s August, I declare this the Song of the Summer and a worthy Theme Song for Frugal Bloggers.
Did you take advantage of the amazing Gap Groupon this week? The site troubles were worth $25 for $50 worth of merchandise at any Gap store. Plus, I had a $5 off Groupon coupon!
BlogHer. Blissdom. IZEAfest. EVO. Mom 2.0. Savvy Blogging. Affiliate Summit. Blog World Expo. The list goes on and on.
Blogging conferences are the hip new getaway. I’ve been to my fair share and plan on attending more. Getting away for a weekend with family and friends is hard enough, so how do you make blogging conferences affordable if your blog isn’t making any money? Even if your blog is making money, conferences can be pricey!
Here are a few of my simple ideas to make blogging conferences budget friendly. If you have more ideas, leave a comment!
Plan ahead. Tickets are all ready on sale for BlogHer ’11 in San Diego. I did some quick math and putting aside $20 a week saves enough to purchase a ticket at Early Bird Pricing and has the entire trip paid for by the opening keynote. Tally up your anticipated costs, divide by the number of weeks until the event, and voila - your savings schedule!
Take advantage of Early Bird Pricing. Many conferences offer a discount for being one of the first to purchase a ticket. Also pay attention to different tiers of pricing – student, blogger, sponsored – you can save hundreds!
Special Rates. Conferences often negotiate special hotel rates. Take advantage of those rates by booking early. Reduce your costs even more by finding roommates! You’ll be able to stay at some great hotels at a fraction of the cost.
Treat Your Blog Like a Business. If you aren’t already, start saving those receipts. If you are making money blogging or plan to make money blogging, your blog is your business and blogging conferences are business trips.
Sponsorship. Take your blogging relationships to the next level – start discussing event sponsorship with companies early. Everyone handles sponsorships differently, but here are a few of my sponsorship rules:
Only approach companies you’ve worked with before.
Take a soft-sell approach.
Offer partial sponsorships.
Be honest about why you are attending the event and what you hope to learn/gain/experience.
Be knowledgeable about sponsorship guidelines laid out by the event hosts. This will effect what you can offer your sponsor.
Do not over-promise what you can deliver to your sponsor.
Be Picky. Not every conference appeals to every blogger. Determine the type of conference you’re looking to attend (beginner, technical, networking…) and hone in on those that meet your requirements. It may not be the biggest conference and it may not be the most well known conference, but you’ll gain the most from those that meet your qualifications. That? Is money well-spent.
Are you frugal, but love shopping?
You can save money buying online when you use valuable coupons, discount codes and free shipping offers.
Car needs repair? Need to make an important trip? Get a payday loan. A $500 payday loan is for people who want to manage their expenses before their expenses manage them.
Payday! Payday!
$25 Post Office
