Top Score Purchase from Labor Day 2009: Juicy Couture Multi-Rings Long Necklace

If anyone asks me these questions: "How do you know if you got a deal?" and "How do you shop smart?", my answers will be listed all in this single blog entry. This Labor Day Weekend was not about shopping, but more about eating. It was so unlike other Labor Day weekends in my teens and adulthood life. As much as I tried avoiding my favorite stores like Juicy Couture, I still couldn't resist popping in to see what's on sale.

Five minutes after browsing through clothing racks, I decided to walk over to the pretty glass display cabinet. There was a sale section and a new arrivals section. The one thing that really stood out was this long stranded cluster necklace. As I asked the sales person to show me that necklace, I had my fingers crossed behind my back that it will be on sale and that it will be within my budget. The original retail price was $138, and guess what's the sale price on it?

Juicy Couture Multi-Rings Long Necklace

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$49.99!

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Plus 25% off the Sale Price!
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$38!!!!!!

It was marked down so many times that I couldn't resist not buying it. Honestly, I would have willingly paid $50 for it. But hey, if Juicy Couture wants to be more recessionista-friendly, then I won't refuse.

What I love about this necklace is that it isn't just a necklace. It is made up of a cluster of 8 separate rings that I can wear separately. Isn't that a deal? My 3 favorite rings of the whole batch is the one with the crown, the Class of 2009 pink ring, and diamond eternity ring.

Close up of the 8 rings

Close up of the Class of 2009 Ring

So back to the questions of: "How do you know if you got a deal?" and "How do you shop smart?" Well, this is how. See marked down prices on the box.

Deals & Steals #2: $9.99 Jeffrey Campbell Ankle Booties

If you are a bargain hunter like myself, you will find yourself scouring the retail market for deals and steals. My motto has always been "There's always a better way to shop"; and that holds true till this very day. My personal possessions include items that are marked down so low, they may as well be free!

I recently got this pair of Jeffrey Campbell Ankle Booties at Daffy's Herald Square in Manhattan. I wouldn't say they are the nicest of the nicest JC designs, but you won't believe how much I actually paid for it! $9.99 was what I paid for these booties (original retail was $158 I think). I have bought shoes from Daffy's in the past and they were good deals, but this is definitely the best deal I ever got on a pair of leather shoes...PERIOD! Recessionista Tip: Daffy's has really good deals on shoes especially, definitely stop by there if you live in the NY or NJ area.

If you haven't heard, Jeffrey Campbell, an LA shoe designer has been around for almost a decade and is a legitimate quality company that produces designer inspired designs at a fraction of the designer price. Jeffrey Campbell shoes are not dirt cheap but they are very reasonably priced with most styles are priced under $100, with several exceptions priced $160 or so. These are some of my favorite Jeffrey Campbell shoes that are also reasonably priced.

Jeffrey Campbell On Top Bootie on sale $71.17 at overstock.com

Jeffrey Campbell Betty 2 Heels on sale $55 at overstock.com

Deals & Steals #1: $4.48 Charlotte Russe Strappy Heels

If you are a bargain hunter like myself, you will find yourself scouring the retail market for deals and steals. My motto has always been "There's always a better way to shop"; and that holds true till this very day. My personal possessions include items that are marked down so low, they may as well be free!

I've not shopped at Charlotte Russe since I graduated from college. For those of you who have not heard of Charlotte Russe, they are like Forever 21, only smaller. I was there last weekend to check out their shoes because my friend Makenna just got a pair from there for only $26.99. We saw a similar pair selling at Aldo for $80. I wouldn't have thought about going to Charlotte Russe for shoes but for the 20 to 30-something price range, I didn't mind getting them as long as they don't hurt my feet. Charlotte Russe had a Buy One Get the 2nd pair for $10. Unfortunately they didn't have my size in the other designs I fancied except this pair of black strappy heels for $26.99. As I was pulling out my credit card to swipe it on the machine, the cashier said "Oh, it's on sale for $5.99 plus 30% off because it is the last pair, so your total comes to $4.48." I was shocked for like 2 seconds, then I pulled out 5 bucks and got my 52 cents change back. This is seriously the best deal in shoes I have got ever! I mean I can't compare them to Christian Louboutins or Jimmy Choos, but they are as comfy and well-made as some of my other Aldo, Nine West and Steve Madden shoes. Here's some other designs from Charlotte Russe on their website that are nice and Recessionista Friendly!

Charlotte Russe Woven Cuff Stilettos $32.99

Charlotte Russe Two Tone Platforms $29.99

- Reminds me of the Christian Louboutin Etrier Sandals

Woven Strappy Stilettos $39.99

OLD NAVY FLIP FLOPS FOR $1 A BUCK ONE DOLLAR!

Recessionista alert! Flip flops are $1 at Old Navy tomorrow May 23rd. Maximum of 5 pairs per customer. Patterned and metallic flip flop styles are excluded. One Day only, while stocks last! Need I say more! Hurry!