My Shopping Guide 101 - A look at where I shop and my savings tactics!

Hey lovelies!

So let me start off by saying, if you know me personally or if you read my blog every once in a while, you know that I LOVE to shop. 

If I could make a living being a personal shopper or consultant. I would because...let's face it...I'm addicted. 

Not to the point that I can't pay them bills!! I swear!

You may be wondering what the heck this post will include. Let me give you a brief synopsis. 

- (Some places) Where I shop 
-How I save (so important!)
-What to look for

So ladies...let's begin!

*Make sure you KNOW your measurements! Don't be afraid to measure and find out...it will help so much when buying online!*

(FYI - there are lots description in this!)


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*Let me say that I don't shop at any particular place. There's no way you will find great deals if you just stick to a couple of places. You have to broaden your shopping horizons! Branch out!*

EBay -

Here's what I find to be the best tactic with ebay. Do you have a particular brand that you buy? Is there a size you feel comfortable buying online from that brand?

In this scenario Forever21 (for cardigans) is my go to brand on ebay. 

I purchased these 3 cardigans (all images from ebay) - The most expensive one was only $8.00! 

So for a total of about $23 (including shipping) I have three perfectly good cardigans!

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A somewhat expected website I'm sure. 

My tips to save since there are rarely coupon codes to use - 

I only buy items on Modcloth if they are on sale and it HAS to be under 40 bucks. I also base my purchases on reviews. Even if I love and "need" to have it..if the reviews don't make me feel confident about the dress working on ME...then I won't buy it. Sale or not!

Also, sizes run funny on modcloth, so I also make sure to stick to a style that I am confident that it works on me if it's a bit small or large. As you can see they tend to be empire waisted dresses!


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It's no secret that I love shoes. I think it's a mutual love though...I'm pretty sure they love me too. 

UrbanOG and Go Jane are my absolute favorite sites to buy shoes, affordable, and amazing shoes!

I refuse...refuse to pay an arm and a leg for a fun and fabulous pair of shoes. I can't wrap my brain around shelling out over 50 bucks for a pair of shoes. At that price it's a stretch for me to buy it. 

The best part about these two sites is there are almost ALWAYS coupon codes or on site discounts. (This goes for any online...check discount coupon sites!)
Sometimes you just have to do a little "leg work" to find active coupons.

A bonus about websites that sell shoes, they will almost always have what you're looking for because their inventory is so large, woo hoo!

Feast your peepers on these beauties and the affordable prices -

Also, UrbanOG has Deals of the Day, where they feature 3 to 4 different items from the site at drastically reduced prices! They also share coupon codes if you are a fan of their Facebook page.
The fact of the matter is, even without a coupon the prices are still great!

PS - GoJane offers free shipping for orders over $60.

*Links to shoes*
Tweed Heels
Combat Boots
Platform Sandals
Ballet Flat

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Zenni Optical -


Now for all my lovelies that wear glasses. Zenni has been my go to place to shop for over 2 years now!

You have the ability to choose how much you want to spend and I always set the maximum at $15...because I'm cheap!

Zenni doesn't usually give coupon codes. My best guess is because of how inexpensive their glasses are.

Below are the glasses I ordered the last time I placed an order.
(Which by the way was September of 2011 and they are all in perfect condition)

Links clockwise from the top left - 

Are you ready for the total? This ENTIRE order, including the prescription, and shipping only set me back $41! If you have to wear glasses you know how pricey they can be so it was literally a miracle when I was told about this site. Who told me? My boss! Now I'm not stuck with one pair of glasses due to the cost of getting more options. Amazing!


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Lastly, always check thrift stores, and consignment shops! I have more clothes from 2nd hand stores than I have from shopping online! Sometimes it can be a nerve-wracking event but if you're prepared to spend some time in the racks chances are good that you'll find a lot of pieces! 

Sunday mornings, right when the thrift stores/consignment shops open, are always the quietest in my neck of the woods.

*Keep an open mind when you're "GoodWill hunting" because your new favorite dress/top/skirt/jacket could be on the rack!*

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And an honorable mention goes to Eshakti - I have A LOT of dresses from Eshakti - why? Because I started shopping there around the time there were a ton of sales/deals then Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

They are far more expensive then my usual buys which is why I waited until the major sales!

But when you sign up, you automatically get a $20 gift certificate/coupon in your email, so that's a great incentive! Plus everything is fully customizable!! 

I haven't purchased anything since the sales or big sales came to a halt.

Keep an eye out though! They are often having a sale! 


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If you have any questions about anything I mentioned or didn't mention please shoot me an email or comment and I will get back to you!

Heck, if you want me to do any research for you on coupon codes or deals, just let me know! I'd LOVE to lend a helping shopping hand! Send me an email or tweet me and I'll get back to you ASAP! 

*If you made it all the way down here...thank you for reading this and I hope it helped!*

Talk to you soon!

**I was NOT paid in any way, shape, or form for this post...these are all based off my own personal experience!**


  1. Totally agree about shopping secondhand! I always think of it as a little adventure. I feel like I'm also more open-minded about style when I'm in a thrift store, so it's fun to try on new things.

    About those glasses, were you able to tell them your prescription, or were they more like the glasses at drug stores with pre-chosen options? Because I'd love some new frames, but my vision is crazy bad.

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    1. You enter your prescription for each pair you order. Just get it from your eye doctor. Make sure you get the PD (pupil distance) because it's an important part of the prescription. If they don't give it to you, have your hubby, or someone you trust with a ruler measure from the center of each pupil with a millimeter ruler. Mine is 60 which is pretty standard.

      It's relatively easy once you get the hang of the ordering process!

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  2. I think I'm going to have to try Zanni... I have only one pair of glasses, and it's been the same pair of glasses since my senior year of high school... unacceptable. Loving your shopping tips! Totally agree with all you say about Modcloth... though I did break down and get one of their more expensive dresses (after reading all the good reviews) and it's pretty great!

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  3. What a cool and useful post, Jenna! I so wish I had a job so I could splurge on all these stores ... One day, sooner than later, hopefully, ha!

    Love your shoes, btw! :P

    Have a wonderful day!

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  4. These are great tips- I like to buy lots of stuff so I'm a total bargain shopper too. We have this store Last Chance in Phoenix- it's the step after Nordstrom Rack- where all the Nordstrom merchandise from the ENTIRE country comes to die. It can be a nightmare but I buy so many of my shoes there. I really wish I could buy more at Modcloth but I usually just browse for inspiration. I need to check out the Urban OG- you have such great luck there!

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  5. I am definitely not a shopping/clothes gal (How are we even friends?!?!) but this was a great read. I wish Australia had better online stores. The US and the UK have fantastic options, all usually with free shipping or sometimes they don't even ship to me!

    I do like ebay, I should check there more often. Although I had a bad run of buying clothes online for a while. The clothes were in good quality, and they fit... but if I'd had the option to try them on before I brought, I wouldn't have brought them as they didn't really suit me. Nonetheless, I know there are some great bargains out there!

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  6. Thanks for all the tips and links! I love the shoes and their prices!

    xo Jen

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  7. This is an awesome post, thanks a bunch...very informative. I can't believe those GoJane boots are $30 bucks!

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  8. What in incredible post! Thank you for taking the time to do this.
    Have you brought much from asos?

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  9. OMG! thank you for helping me discover zenni optical! it sucks that i didn't know about them before i ordered my last pair of glasses two weeks ago, but i can order extra pairs now!!

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I LOVE reading your comments, it brings a smile to my face, you lovelies are the best! If you have a question or comment and have your email linked to your blogger I will without fail respond!

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