There are some designer stores that you can’t even mention without countless dollar signs flashing in your head. Stores which have items that you love to drool over, but can’t seem to justify—or handle–the costs. Well, just because a high-end store has some pretty expensive items doesn’t mean you have to miss out completely. Hidden in these glitzy establishments or their websites can be great little finds, some even less than you could imagine. Of course, their method of madness is that if they get you in the store or in a buying mood, you’ll drop a few bills and a hunk of plastic as well. I’m telling you if you stick to your guns, stay strong in your ways, and browse with your eyes open and your wallet closed, you can make a day out of strutting the town and hitting the en vogue establishments without missing this month’s car payment. For example, here are a few things you can grab that are awesome and won’t break your bank:
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SEPHORA
Sephora Brand Nano Eyeliner: I love these little goodies. They come in a huge array of colors ranging from the basics through the now hot glitter neons. They are old school and need a sharpener, but I prefer that kind of liner anyways because I can get that super-sharp tip to precisely glide over the lids. They aren’t huge liners, but they are small enough to carry anywhere and cheap enough to create your own collection. Nineteen shades come in at only $5 each.
Roll-On Designer Perfumes: Not all of the hot scents right now come in purse-sized packaging, but with the new airline regulations, more and more of them are. There are great advantages to getting the smaller roller versions. First, they are killer cheap compared to a full-sized bottle. Second, you can mix and match at a fraction of the price depending on your fragrance mood of the day. And third, the smaller container means that it won’t lose its potency of scent by laying around a long time. My current favorites—Stella McCartney Stella Eau de Parfum Roll-On , $17; Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum Roll-On, $16; Marc Jacobs Daisy Rollerball, $20; DKNY Delicious Duo Rollerball, $20.
MACY’S
GUESS? Blondie Crossbody Bag: Quite often, you can hit Macy’s for some super sales. But lately their handbags have been quite the steal. Crossbody bags are so in right now. Just check out Coach’s line ranging in price from $150 and above. Ouch. Guess? has some fabulous bags at great prices even when they aren’t on sale! This bag is extra chic because it is big enough to hold a necessity of goodies and comes in killer designer colors (wine and pewter) that go with all that is in right now. Available now, on sale for $36.
TIFFANY & CO.:
Return to Tiffany™ Mini Heart Lock Pendant: If you know your jewelry and you know your silver, then I’m sure you’ve heard of Tiffany’s. That famous little blue box is known by many, even those who have never been to NYC. It’s not easy to make a purchase from Tiffany’s without laying down several large bills. But this little gem is a real find. It is the infamous Tiffany lock pendant with its trademark logo on the front. Granted, it is not huge, but it is genuine. Plus it even comes with a chain so you can wear it straight out of the box or even put it on one of your own. And of course, it comes with the blue box! In Tiffany’s pure sterling silver for $85.
T.J. MAXX & MARSHALLS:
Endless clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories: The all-knowing shopper knows where to find the big names at the small prices and these two stores are definitely my go-to places when I want a big designer selection aT a fraction of the price. The items are not damaged or irregulars and they are not (always) off season. Most of the time they are just surpluses that the designers need to move. And move them I shall—right into my closet!! This past year, for example, I found a few really awesome items at my local T.J. Maxx that easily could have gone for more than twice the price in the designer’s NYC stores. For example– A killer silver trench coat by Guess? for under $50; a hot pink and black leopard tote by Betsey Johnson for less than $20; a pair of snakeskin print purple patent leather pumps by Jessica Simpson for under $30; and a matching purple ruffled cardigan sweater by DKNY for less than $25. When I looked at the retail price of these items online, together they easily could have sold for over $300. And I paid $125!!!
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It’s a fact that name brands don’t necessarily mean better….at all! But there are times when certain lines have an edge on current fashion trends that you can’t find any place else. Or the designer just has a style all their own that you just crave (for me that’s Betsey Johnson and Guess?). But you don’t have to drive down to the Big Apple and pay retail prices that are flat out obscene. Do a little browsing online for sales and steals at the store’s/designer’s site, hit the discount retail stores that sell the big names, and keep an eye out here for the lowdown on what is hot at prices you are sure to love!! Before long you’ll be a deal-searching fashionista just like me!
Sassy Auburn's Diary Of A Glamour Junkie... 
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