When I shop it’s not shopping, although I most likely have the time of my life,  & the therapy, oh the therapy, however I set out on a mission to find the world’s greatest deals. For some that may seem like a task but for me, It’s a competitive pleasure & I compete with myself & sometimes even my own willpower to “not” go above what my spending goals are in total & per item. Sounds like more work than play hunh? Well not for me,  I’m particular about the stores I frequent. Thrift stores, discount stores & buy, sell, trade shops are at the top of my list then for those regular retails stores the clearance & sale sections are my muse. I go into regular stores with my eyes on the prize. I literally avoid the front of the store at all costs (no pun intended). The front of the store is the enemy. It’s ok to treat yourself from time to time but everything in front will at some point in time during that season or even within the next 3 weeks wind up in the back with all the other treasures. If you always keep that in mind you’ll win everytime. It’s safe to say that Urban Outfitters is my favorite store. But I’ll do you one better they have a Surplus store in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of my hometown Chicago. The Surplus carries items from their regular store of which they are simply trying to get rid of, great for me because anytime I can find a duster originally priced at $300 for only $14 or a pair of Ecoté White Crackle Leather boots originally priced at $200 for only $39 or even a pair of black leather Dolce Vita boots originally priced at $300 for only $19 count me in!  If you ever visit this store then is when you’ll understand the love I have for this place. It embodies my free spirited hipster love for fashion, home, beauty & music. I visited the store this Wednesday to shop for my daughter but still left with a couple jewels for myself. These very pointy black SUEDE (yes suede) oxfords by Silence + Noise were only $5.00 can you believe that? & these pointy toe wing tipped silver metallic oxfords (with an all leather inner) by Miista were only $40 both a steal! Tell me about how I should be locked up for leaving that store with such amazing deals! Pace yourself when you journey out to your next shopping venture & set goals. When you stick to what you want you’ll have a successful bargain shopping adventure & before you know it you’ll be a bargain shopping maniac, just like me!