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.

The Story of the $12 Michael Kors Wedges

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!

Take a look…

NWT Tibi Madeline Cap Sleeve Dress – color Haze size 12

Miraclebody Jeans – Katie Size 18

Miraclebody Jeans – Samantha Size 16

Luminess Air Pro Airbrush Kit w/ 10 Full Size Samples!

Brand New Glitter TOMS – White Size 8

Baby Banz – Adventure Banz Camo Baby Sunglasses

Vera Bradley Tote in Very Berry Paisley

NWT Hobo International Nylon Tote Bag

Kushyfoot ‘Flats To Go” foldable ballet flats size 8

Fit In Clouds foldable flats – Wedding White size Large

Fit In Clouds foldable flats – Black size Medium/6.5-7

Current eBay Auctions

Payday! Payday!

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.

• $80 Costco
• $59 Target
• $130 Academy Sports
• $14 Which Wich
• $23 gas
• $164 State Farm – car insurance
• $42 Time Warner – internet
• $128 utilities
• $490 car payment – Prius
• $500 Chase
• $14 vet
• $18 Staples
• $22 Five Guys
• $100 Book People
• $7 Jimmy Johns
• $110 Gap Outlet
• $14 UT volleyball
• $570 ING

See that $570 to ING? That breaks down to $500 to emergency savings account, $50 to down payment fund, and $20 for Blogher ’11.

Daily Dollars – August 22 thru 28

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.

If I was richer, I’d still be with ya

• $25 Post Office
• $63 grocery
• $20 Groupon
• $8 parking/drink at Austin tweet-up

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!

Where did you spend your money this week?

Daily Dollars – August 15 thru 21

I couldn’t resist ordering this tee from Threadless (with a coupon, of course). If you need one for yourself, go ahead and splurge. It’s only $5.

Friday Frugal Funny

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.

Ways To Make Blogging Conferences More Affordable

I’ve been on a CVS hiatus these past few weeks because we’ve been fully stocked, but this week it’s time to use some ECBs I’ve accumulated and take advantage of some free items!

As always, you can find more CVS deals at these blogs…

• Deal Seeking Mom
• Kingdom First Mom

Transaction #1

Purchased:

• (3) Dawn dish detergent on sale for $0.97 with card – (3) $1 off P&G rebate coupon = FREE
• (6) Sobe Lifewater on sale BOGO – (3) BOGO Sobe coupon = FREE
• (2) NYC Cosmetics nail polish on sale BOGO half off – (2) $1 off magazine coupon = $0.58
• (1) Gillette ProGlide razor for $9.99 – (1) $4 off Sunday coupon = $5.99 with $5 ECB

Earned:

• $5 ECB from Gillette

Total = $6.57

Transaction #2

Purchased:

• (2) Head & Shoulders shampoo for $4.99 – (1) BOGO Sunday Coupon = $4.99 with $4 ECB

Earmed:

• $4 ECB from Head & Shoulders (note that website says limit 1, but register printed multiple ECBs on my receipt)

Used:

• $5 ECB from Gillette (Transaction #1)

Total = FREE

Total Out of Pocket = $6.57

CVS Savings – Week of August 15

Yikes! I was out of town last weekend so I have double the Daily Dollars to list, but am super happy we were able to put some money towards our emergency fund this month.

• $150 pet hotel
• $129 cabs
• $108 grocery
• $376 car payment – Corolla*
• $190 Capital One**
• $200 Chase
• $320 ING – emergency fund
• $28 gas
• $180 Sprint
• $29 eBay seller fees
• $58 ProFlowers
• $12 Real Simple (1-year)
• $10 IKEA

*Only one year left on the Corolla payments! Par-tay!

* Paid in full. Woot woot!

Daily Dollars – August 1 thru 14

A few weeks ago, I finally had my fill of washing every dish in the house (re: a few mismatches plates and bowls) whenever we wanted to sit down to a decent meal. So, I scoured the internet for new dinnerware sets and ended up ordering a fantastic set of orange Sengware dishes from CSN Stores.

I couldn’t be happier with my experience with CSN. The dishes are top quality, the site is easy to use, and the shipping was prompt and free.

I just need to finish my Sengware set with a few extra plates and bowls and I won’t have to scramble to wash dishes before dinner anymore!

CSN is providing a gift certificate to be used towards completing my dishware set. All opinions are 100% mine. Please see my site policy with any questions.

Deals on Dishes and Dinnerware