Steals for Under $20

Sometimes you just want to buy something.  Some people feel urges to smoke, gamble or drink; others feel the urge to shop.  Comparably, shopping is certainly the healthiest choice!

A helpful analogy: dieters are always told to eat one square of chocolate instead of denying themselves – which puts them at risk of eating the whole king size candy bar.  Shopping is the same way.  If you feel the need to shop but are low on cash, try these shopping ideas, all for less than $20:

1)    Visit the accessories wall at Forever 21.  Don’t buy necklaces and bracelets made of fake silver or gold.  They’ll only turn green (your skin too) after a few wears.  Instead, buy fun plastic rings and bracelets.  Most items are under $5 and I’ve had inexpensive pieces like this for years.

2)    Hit the streets of Soho on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  Vendors line the streets hawking their homemade goods.  Earrings, broaches, headbands and other fun accessories can be found for $20 or less.

3)    Visit a ribbon store in the Fashion District.  Inexpensively add color to your wardrobe by buying several lengths of your favorite ribbons to create a new selection of belts!

4)    Visit the “sale” table in the Bloomingdale’s jewelry section.  Many weekends (subscribe to their sale emails), items will be marked down 30% - 70% off regular prices.  I’ve gotten gorgeous $90 necklaces for $10 apiece. 

5)    Check out Screaming Mimi’s on Broadway for a huge vintage selection of clothes, hats, shoes and accessories.  Be on the lookout for the occasional brand-name find.