Welcome!

“Bargaining has become a way of life for one-third of women shoppers. They’re damn proud of their savings.” –Wendy Liebmann, WSL Strategic Retail, WWD/DNR CEO SUMMIT

“Vogue's been on the decline and it looks like they've resorted to going a little more mainstream to sell some mags. Sucks for them that 'high fashion' can't pay the bills! Anna Wintour's mag will reportedly feature Gossip Girl fave Blake Lively on the February '09 cover. And, First Lady in waiting, Michelle Obama, will supposedly be the March cover girl.” –PerezHilton.com

As a self-admitted shopaholic, I cannot slam high-fashion. I could never. It is one of my dreams in life to own Chanel. Not a beautiful bottle of No. 5 or the ever-classic mother of pearl logo sunglasses, but real Chanel. Luscious, luxurious, expensive Chanel. I spent a summer interning in New York City and half of my time was spent bug-eyed and drooling over the windows at Barney's, Saks and every high-end boutique imaginable. And thus, it would be against my fashion religion to say that high-fashion is not worth the price tag. Most of the time, I would say it so is.

Unfortunately, I do not have the income, inheritance, or sugar-daddy it would require to support my expensive taste. Nowhere close, in fact. So what is a young, fashion-obsessed, moderately paid Chicago girl to do? Shed away my sense of high-end pride and take on the stigmaed sport of... bargain-hunting. Yes, bargain-hunting. Something so easily mastered by those not-so-close family members that leave you unsatisfied Christmas morning when you open a quite obvious GWP (gift-with-purchase) or BOGO (buy-one-get-one)... incense, decorative shoe soles, an Esprit purse circa 1991- my personal collection of Christmas losers goes on and on.

Fortunately, there is a new way to bargain-hunt, one that you can be proud of. There is no need to lock your Chloe bags (sure, I wish) and throw away the keys, ladies! Wow your friends, family, & co-workers with a wardrobe that screams ELLE Fashion Closet but won't leave you stuck in the dreaded cycle of minimum balance credit card payments. It has taken many years to master the art of finding a great deal, but I've got it down. With the economy in such a state, I feel compelled to share my daily research of fabulous fashion and those great pieces that are worthy of a high price tag, but are graciously affordable for us not-so-rich, but oh-so-glamorous girls.

Enjoy!