How does chichibeauty shop? 3 tips for the average shopper.

As with anything you do, I remember what mama chichi used to say. "If your gonna do anything, at least do it well." Shopping has really evolved. Although hitting the pavement is always important, hitting the internet is just as important as well.

But exactly how I do it (shopping for the best deals) is really like a sport, and to anyone who doesn't believe me, you try spending 4 hours tracking down the perfect pair of shoes for that wedding your going to the next day. (Us chic's just love last minute, don't we? sssshhhhhh, don't tell the boys)

But basically, there are three rules I like to follow as I'm looking for the best stuff at the best price. Are my rules the end all be all of deal shopping? Nope, but they've worked for me, and I hope they can at least lead you in the right direction.

1. Be prepared. It's good to have at least some knowledge about the different shops, both online and offline, and what the offer. Let your curiosity do the walking! See something interesting in a small jewelry store that you see in a mall, or next to your favorite theater or restaurant? Stop in, take a quick look. You don't have to memorize the place, just make a personal note about what they offer, what particularly caught your eye, and some basic prices. There's nothing wrong with taking a quick note either. I keep a small little notebook in my purse for just such occasions. I take a quick note about the shop, the name, the basic location, the basic offerings, and a quick price check. Do this online as well! Sometimes when I'm reading my favorite blogs or reading my favorite online mags, like Los Angeles City Beat, Fashion Net, Style, I check out the advertisements, or links, just to find new and cool places. And taking notes online is just as easy, if not, even easier with todays social bookmarking services like ma.gnolia, or thisnext. (thisnext, by the way, is a social shopping site where you can rest assured to get really great info.) With a little preparation, you can be ready when your going to do some serious deal hunting.
   
2. Be focused. Ok, here is where you need a little discipline. Don't go deal shopping until you have a particular item in mind. If your looking for "something like a radio" your not gonna find a deal. Make a list, and keep it SHORT. Don't start shopping a list that is more than 5 lines long. If you have to go to different stores on different online retailers to find what you want, doing it from a short list is the way to go, to keep your focus sharp. For instance, if your shopping for a new handbag, you can narrow your search to a few online stores or retail stores. Be sure that you keep your choices down to what you want, and what you can afford. Start with a style or color, then the features, and so on. With a clear focus on what you want, you can go through piles of closeouts, or pages of online content, until you find what your looking for, and at the right price.
   
3. Deals is relative. This is where I sometimes lose people. A "deal" is not necessarily "the cheapest price." What do I mean? Quality is something you have to take into account. Obviously, I can find the perfect black pumps, from almost anywhere, and they don't have to be name brand. However, if you find the perfect Prada black pumps, at a price that might be three times as much as discount pumps, BUT half the regular Prada retail price, I'd say you found yourself a deal.