4. Find an IKEA. Much like the Dollar Tree, IKEA is your friend. From furniture shopping down to the smallest home accessories – this megastore has it all. At first, I was less than inclined to choose the bulk of my home décor from IKEA. For starters, I was unsure of the quality of certain home products. I didn’t want my things falling apart after three months of use, you know? Additionally, I didn’t want things that everyone else had. If you’re a young professional in a major city, you have at least one friend whose home looks like an IKEA catalog. Not interested in that, either. Finally, the place can be a bit overwhelming. If you’re not sure of exactly what you’re looking for, you can wind up spending too much or walking out empty-handed. So, here are a few suggestions for tackling the home-shopping crisis.
Browse online first. Make note of things you absolutely need. Also, keep track of styles, colors and overall home themes that appeal to you. Make sure that the items you want from IKEA will integrate well with what you already have. The idea here is to save money, not to repurchase things you already have. Choose things based on functionality, too. For example, a coffee table or side table might also serve as storage space. Thus, instead of having to buy a trunk or small bookcase in addition to a new table, you’re able to combine your needs into one purchase.
Walk through the entire store before shopping. IKEA’s are unrealistically huge. If you start picking things up as soon as you enter the store, you’ll end up with more than you need. If you do a walk-through first, and digest everything the store has to offer, you’ll be more conscious of what you pick up in the second go-round.
Compare prices. Many IKEA pieces are built similarly, but vary in price. Be willing to make compromises with your original picks to get the best value for your dollar.
Get out of there!! Once you’ve found your home necessities, there will be all these new things you seem to need, which is odd, because you didn’t realize you “needed” them until you stepped foot in this place. IKEA does an AMAZING job at tempting you at every corner. If you’re buying a comforter, the store places decorative pillows and afghans in the very next row. Well, they’re only $10 you will think to yourself. But these seemingly minor purchases will add up once you reach the register. Start basic. In a few weeks, come back for those additional pieces you wanted (if you still want them). After all, this megastore isn’t going anywhere anytime soon…
5. Buy it Used.There are so many great, rare finds just waiting for you in someone else’s living room, kitchen, garage, closet, and possibly even on their person. Thrift stores, consignment boutiques, and estate sales are excellent sources for any and everything ranging from pearl earrings to antique armoires. Your local paper can provide details for estate sales each weekend. Flea markets and yard sales can be eventful, fun places to shop and discover. You may stumble upon the exact CD you lost a few months ago, or find the perfect photo frames for recent vacation pictures. Fans of Design on a Dime might also appreciate second-hand stores and markets for purchasing furniture and houseware (as an alternative to the gargantuan IKEA).
Craigslist, eBay, and Amazon.com also offer an extensive variety of used and discounted products. Consignment boutiques may require some research depending on where you live… but upon discovering one, treat it as a rare find! Much of my new wardrobe comes from a charming little boutique right in my neighborhood. Here, I’ve found used Citizen Jeans, Louboutin patent-leather pumps, a Marc Jacobs shoulder bag, and countless summer tops. This place is a jewel!
Going “used” doesn’t always mean used by strangers. Some of your best friends are potential sources of new-used stuff. This fall, for example, instead of dashing off to Neiman’s for the latest finds, host an Exchange Party with your BFFs. Everyone should bring clothes that she no longer wears. At the party, each person holds up one of the garments she brought, explaining where/when she got it, why she no longer wants it, and maybe offers a cute anecdote about where the garment has been. From there, let the trading begin. At the end of the party, whatever is unclaimed is donated to charity. (And, if you add wine and light hors d’oeuvres to the mix, the party will surely last well past the clothes exchange!)
Some helpful sites include:
http://www.goodwill.org/page/guest/about
http://www.thethriftshopper.com/
www.craigslist.org/
http://www.estatesales.net/
6. Look for Deals. Deals come in all shapes and sizes. Looking for deals, however, leads us away from “necessity” shopping and progresses down the path of “luxury” shopper. Deals are for those who aren’t quite “dead broke” but would prefer not to break the bank in order to have a good time. I admit I’m acquiring a bit of an expensive taste these days. Though it has not gotten the best of me, an occasional splurge, in my opinion, is warranted when I’m made to fax, file and invoice for hours on end. If you have expensive taste, there are websites dedicated to tracking down these brand names and highlighting amazing sales prices. Shopbop.com is one example.
Deals are also important when going out for a night on the town. Instead of reverting back to the same old spots, look for new things to do in your city. Most major cities have some sort of alternative publication that highlights the forthcoming week’s events, drink specials, art exhibits, poetry slams, concerts, etc. These opportunities are usually pretty cheap, if not free. If you’re not into new things, and prefer the “same old spot”… well, that’s sad. But, your “same old spot” probably has a mailing list for you to join. From there, you’ll receive updates about guest performers, special promotions, happy hours, and the like. But really, you should try something new. It’s good for you!
http://www.shopbop.com/
http://www.shopittome.com/
http://www.dailycandy.com/
http://www.creativeloafing.com/
http://www.citysearch.com/
Also check out the City Paper, offered in cities such as DC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, and Nashville…
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