6 Bargain Hunting Tips {or How to shop at T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshall's}

Last week I wrote about the importance of not being a bargain whore. This week it is only fair that I illustrate how to shop at discounted stores and get the most out of the sales and clearance racks. T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshall's always have unique discounted items. As I mentioned last week, buying just because something is on sale is just not worth it. Here are my suggestions on how to get the most of your bargain hunting experience:

1. Develop a relationship with an employee, but don't expect boutique service.

Employees at this type of store are usually pretty busy taking care of the mess someone else made. Be courteous and considerate, try to develop a relationship with someone you see working in there frequently. Ask if they are able to call you on your mobile when they get something from the brand you like, or even better, save your size.  

2. Find out when new merchandise arrives. 

This is a big one! Part of developing a relationship with one of the employees is to find out when the new merchandise arrives. Trucks usually come to the store a couple of times a week, and once the merchandise is gone, it's gone.

3. See something you like? Take it with you and try it on! 

Once the girl next to you sees it, you know she'll want it and then it's goodbye wonderful, one of a kind, discounted shoes. My advice: take it, try it, then decide what to buy.   

4. Don't go in a hurry.

Shopping in these kind of store is about the search for good discounted merchandise. Take your time, you never know what you can find.

5. Take advantage of the mess.

Just because it says that everything on that rack is a certain brand or size doesn't mean they all are. You know how messy these stores can get, so look everywhere. 

6. Discounted doesn't equal cheap.

Take your mind off of the "I'm here to find Guess Marciano shoes for $29.99." Chances are you will find Marciano shoes a at discounted price, which with high-end brands can easily mean $200.00. Discounted? Yes. Cheap? Not so much.    

For Ocala area friends

The Villages T.J. Maxx usually has more high end brands than the Ocala one. The reason? The Villages demographic is not as into high end/designer names as the demographic in Ocala. Road trip anyone? 

Send me a picture with your bargains finds, would love to see you! mara@wearinocala.com or post to facebook.com/wearinocala

How not to be a bargain whore

Take a good look inside your closet – what do you see? Are you one of those people who prides themselves in buying everything off the sale rack? The real question is, do you really wear all those clothes you buy on sale? For many of us, the temptation of the clearance section at your favorite store is something too hard to resist. But the truth is, we usually get things just because they are on sale and then they go to the closet where they never get to see the light of day again. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about bargain shopping! But I have learned my lesson on how not to be a bargain whore - and so can you. Here is a couple things to think about and do before spending your hard earned cash:

1. Never leave the store before trying it on

It doesn't matter how cute it looks in your hands. If it doesn't fit, you are never going to wear it! There are some pieces of clothing you can get to a tailor, but if it needs too much tailoring you'll end up paying more money to the tailor than the original price of the item. 

2. Do I really need this item?

This is the hardest thing for me when I'm shoe shopping. I can always find a reason to "need" more shoes! But then, same thing happens. They are in my closet waiting for that special occasion where I'm going to need them... sigh..... and there goes my hard earned cash. Before you spend any money, think about what other similar items you may already have and the condition they are in.  You may need to replace that old pair of beach sandals with the ones on sale. Totally worth it.

3. Is it a trend or can you use it forever?

There's nothing worse that buying something so trendy you can only wear it a couple times. Plus, chances are, that if it's already on sale, the trend is almost (or about to be) over.    

4. Do I have anything in my closet that I can pair this with? 

What's the point on getting something on sale if then you need to buy the rest of the pieces for the outfit before you can wear it?  This applies more to shoes and accessories. No point on buying the lovely orange earrings if there's nothing you already own that you can pair them with.

5. Beware of "generic clothes."

These are pieces of clothing so cheap you'll be crazy not to get them, only to find out later that colors fade easily, the fabric doesn't look the same after only one wash and it's a size smaller after it came out of the dryer. 

All of this doesn't mean you should never get items on sale. But next time you are bargain shopping think about all those clothes in your closet you never wear and ask yourself why. Try to find what works for you and if it would be worth spending the money.  Unless you are shopping for a Halloween party, skip the generic clothing clearance rack. Put your money to a better use and buy that nice blouse you can use forever.

Retro Chic Extravaganza! Featured local store: Jezebels

Walking into Jezebels in downtown Ocala is like walking to a world of "retro chic extravaganza." The store has that ultrafemme vibe you can't find anywhere else around here. Every nook is filled with posters and memorabilia featuring glamour icons of the past. There are retro household items for your viewing pleasure, clothes that would make Bettie Page green with envy, and hundreds of cool ways to give your wardrobe that modern but classic look. Teresa, the proud owner, tells us about her baby: "This store is like a toddler, it takes a while to define its personality, and we are still trying new things."  

There's a little bit of everything in here, so much more than lingerie! They also have clothes (beautiful cocktail dresses), accessories, purses, jewelry, corsets, bathing suits, and skin products. The best thing of it all? Prices range from $19.00 to $125.00 and absolutely everything is made in the USA. The Margarita Bloom skin care line is made to order. Go to the store, sample - and most important smell!!! all the yummy flavors, then place your order. 

No other store in Ocala offers that kind of service, and these products are exclusive in the area for Jezebels. The bathing suits are from one of my favorite lines - Agua Bendita, a made in Colombia line that leaves little to the imagination but is high in glamour. Just by trying them on you'll feel like a star! The clothing lines include: Folter (also exclusive at Jezebels). This line is a cross between edgy and sweet, perfect for the rocker chick in you to let the rough side meet the sensual, feminine one. They also carry Bettie Page/Tatyana - inspired by a former Russian top model who fell in love with our culture and Bettie Page. A line of clothing that reflects the beauty and mystery of women without being vulgar. Favor by Barrie - up and coming designer from San Francisco who adds the west side flavor to the store, and Sourpuss - a line of clothing for those girls who like the unusual.  

To make it even more interesting and fun, Teresa has a line of homemade aprons. Yes, homemade! Teresa's mom is a professional seamstress and she is the one responsible for these cute and sexy creations. She also makes sure no two are alike. Imagine you are in your kitchen, your man walks in and there you are - wearing a very sexy transparent apron and nothing else.... dinner in bed anyone? There are of course, all kinds of aprons available, but the transparent ones got my attention right away! 

When you stop by, don't miss the Jezebels girls - living "dolls" saying hello and blowing kisses on the window. I personally love shopping there, the service is always nice and the prices are even better. Plus, they gift wrap for free! Check them out - go play with their clothes, and see how you too can become a Jezebel girl.  Find them on Facebook - Jezebels Ocala - 352-368-3777