Show Us Your Life - Shopping!

This week at Kelly's Korner, she is showcasing favorite shopping locations for Show Us Your Life.

Some people might label me as a shopaholic. I have an entire closet of handbags, shoes, and random accessories to support that label, in fact my favorite book series is Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. (So much better than the movie!!) Anyway, lately I've been learning to shop smart, because as much as I'd love to shop at Banana Republic and Anthropologie, my teacher's salary just doesn't allow it.

I've come to love Target, Old Navy and clearance racks. My shopping policy is go straight to the back of the store since that is where the clearance merchandise is. I also love Forever 21 for fun accessories, amazon.com for almost anything and etsy.com when I want something unique. Pier 1 even has some super cute jewelry these days. My hands down first stop though is always TJ Maxx. They have everything there! I've bought measuring spoons, Ugg Boots (at 1/3 of the price!), coats, and my yoga mat there.

I do have another shopping secret tucked up my sleeve, and that is garage sales. I grew up on yard sales. My grandma is the absolute QUEEN of sniffing out a bargain there. She has found me Louis Vuitton purses, Liz Claiborne shoes, my Kitchenaid mixer (for $15!!!) and many other things. Not too long ago, I wandered about my house and realized nearly everything I have is from a garage sale. Here are a few of my favorites.

This yellow, crystal chandelier has been in her basement for a few years, so I snagged it for my bedroom.....although I have yet to hang it. The sign behind it was at a model home decor sale.

I got this shower terry cloth lined shower curtain for $8, and my mom had the great idea to have the "C" embroidered to give it a custom vibe. Finding the potential in the items other see as junk is half the fun of garage saleing.

This is by far my favorite of grandma's finds. This huge frame (it measures 4' x 5') was only $10 with a painting inside. I didn't think the painting went with the frame, so I plan on having dad put a mirror in it.

I found this basket for $8. That's my Wii Balance Board you see hiding in it.

Like I said earlier, half the fun is finding the potential in the items. This chandelier was builder's brass, but we sprayed it with hammered paint, and viola! I wish I had a before and after, but I was not thinking at the time. :(

Flea markets and garage sales can definitely be home to some ugly stuff, but it you dig hard enough and are patient, there are definitely some awesome finds! There are 3 things I've learned from Gma about garage sales.

1. Go early - She thinks if we go after 9 am, we are wasting our time since others have already had their go at the bargains.
2. Make an offer - She has no qualms about offering less for an item. I've seen her get things for half the marked price just by asking.
3. Have a plan - Gma combs Craigslist and papers to find the sales, and knows exactly which ones to hit at what time. It's like an art.

Whether I'm at a garage sale or a department sale, shopping is like a treasure hunt for me. I love it!

-Jenny