I got sucked into The Fashion Lover’s Guide to Incredible Bargains even though the author, Debbie Weisberg, is a hard core fashionista who pays for top shelf labels. She admitted to owning 40 pairs of black pants! I don’t have 40 of anything.
Debbie breaks up reviews of bargain chains and online retailers with short stories about her fashion exploits, like how she got a $10,000 mink coat for free. Now that’s a gloat every bargain hunter can appreciate!
She also shares tips for shopping online, describes 10 items you MUST have in your closet, and lists basic rules for smart shopping. Even though Debbie loves to buy clothes, she says there are certain times you should not shop:
- when you’re on vacation – aside from mementos to remember your trip, returns are often impossible and it can be difficult to gauge the authenticity
- when you need a special outfit of piece of jewelry and have less than one week to find it – instead of buying under pressure, look deep inside your closet (and the closets of your friends!) to find a suitable ensemble
- when you’re with friends who pay full-price – go along for the social scene instead
- when you’re tipsy – booze inhibits your fashion sense and puts your budget in jeopardy
I don’t agree with all Debbie’s advice, however. This is how she starts chapter two. “Upon spotting that incredible bargain, do not ask yourself if you need it. (You don’t). Simply buy it and gloat at your good fortune.”
If you’re never going to wear that incredible bargain or if your budget has more pressing needs, I would pass on an incredible bargain. But that’s because I am more budget-focused than Debbie, whose love of shopping comes though loud and clear. Her passion makes reading the Fashion Lover’s Guide fun.
Buy the Fashion Lover’s Guide for $10.76 through Amazon, or leave a comment by Thursday night to win my review copy! Know of a book I should review? Email me!
October 20th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Hey there bargain babe,
Love the site! Found it yesterday – I’m an Angeleno myself & a die-hard deals finder!! Love to try & win that book.
P.S. Do you have an electronic newsletter I can subscribe to?
October 20th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Yes, I do have a e-newsletter you can subscribe to! And if you sign up by Oct 21, you are automatically entered to win an Xbox 360 – so make sure to tell your friends and family. Join here: http://www.bargainbabe.com/email-updates-and-rss/
Good luck!
October 20th, 2009 at 10:53 am
As a law student I don’t always have the time/ $ to splurge on shopping. I would absolutely love a book like this– not only would it be a great read (because it’s not a casebook) but it might actually teach me a thing or two!
October 20th, 2009 at 10:59 am
I’d be curious to see this woman’s break-down of the stores — did the savvy Weisberg write them or the impractical?
October 20th, 2009 at 11:53 am
i plan out my shopping trips by what coupons i have in my wallet or in-box — i’ve really saved a lot this year! i’d love to read what other kinds of hints and tricks i can put into play to save some cash!
October 20th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Sounds like an interesting read.
October 20th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Ah, the good old days when I could afford to shop for just me! Would love to vicariously enjoy them again in a good read.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
While I absolutely love shopping and getting deals, I think part of being a smart shopper is learning to ignore that little voice that screams “YOU MUST HAVE THAT LIME GREEN MINI!” I ignore it almost too well. To the point where I have to convince myself that my five-year old pair of black heels may need to be replaced.
I think being fashion-savvy and being a bargain hunter can EASILY go together. As a matter of fact, being a frugal fashionista has allowed me to experiment with old and new and create great new looks. Accessories are definitely the key to spicing up an old wardrobe, in my opinion.
October 20th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
If you are a true bargain shopper, would you need 40 pairs of black pants? Wouldn’t two or three versatile, forever-in-style purchases be enough?
October 21st, 2009 at 5:51 am
I would love to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
October 21st, 2009 at 10:09 am
Reading this book ought to be interesting…I would love to see what insight she has…
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:45 am
Excellent point, Pam! I currently have a single pair of black pants and even though they are versatile, I never wear them. I much prefer jeans.
October 26th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
As a teen who loves to save money and shop..this book sounds like a fascinating read. Bargainbabe has an excellent point when she mentions not buying something you do not need..even if it is an incredible deal. Trying to save money is pointless if you are just trying to make up an excuse to buy more stuff!!