Savvy Shopping: Average Girl Style

We're in a recession people! While it may have been chic to show your findings from a spending spree in years past, now it's all about bragging about a great bargain. Check out some of my favorite ways to save while still looking stylish.

Loehmann's: Man, I love this store! In my opinion it's like T.J. Maxx or Marshalls but better (though TJ's is a close second). Best to avoid shopping on the weekends when intense shoppers who throw elbows are in full force, but go in on a week day or night to take your time to browse the racks. I've scored a $450 Nanette Lepore dress for under $60, silver Ray Ban aviators for $30, and more recently a really cute, bright-blue Juicy Couture bathing suit for just $25 (regularly $120+). Just saw the exact same bottoms on sale at Bloomies for $57 (see pic); score! At Loehmy's, always check out The Back Room for the best designer fashions at discount prices, and don't miss the children's and men's sections. They're typically small but have good finds. Bought my girl five pairs of Splendid leggings at an embarrassingly inexpensive $5 each!

Shop it to me: This site refers to itself as "your personal shopper," and they don't disappoint! Register, tell the site your go-to brands and stores, and then get ready to receive emails with sales of your favorite... everything! It's kind of dangerous! Takes the hassle out of going to a million web sites to look for sales or Googleing the item you're looking for. Everything from Tory Burch to Old Navy, Saks to the Gap, DVF,Michael Kors, NineWest, whatever your heart -- and stylish bod -- desires.

Gilt.com, RueLaLa.com, etc: We can't all live in NYC with enviable fashion, gorgeous window displays and sample sales seemingly around ever corner, but at least we have fab web sites like these that offer them right at our finger tips. Register at these sites and others (mom alert: check out zulily.com). Be aware that the merch is pretty limited. If you want something, be at your computer the second the sale starts, or beware... the competition is fierce.

TAGG tip

Shop the day BEFORE a sale (if you have time to go back the next day): Especially with stores that have limited merchandise, this can make a big difference. Not only are stores less crowded, but there's a much better chance you'll find your size. I get emails from about a half dozen or so of my favorite shops so I'm always in the know about a big sale. Find what you want, try it on and put it on hold. The next day, just make a pit stop at the store to make a quick purchase. This also gives you the opportunity to review potential purchases one last time. Just ask yourself... Do I reeeaaalllyyy need it?

Look for more of my tips in a future post; can't give it all away at once! What are your favorite ways to save on the latest fashions and wardrobe staples?