Holiday Wrap-Up

The fwc diva is always careful about how she spends her hard earned cash and the holidays are not an exception. The current state of the economy has not really changed this habit, I just don't feel quite as lonely anymore during the bargain hunt. It seems the recession is bringing out the "frugalista" in all of us.

I usually have some, but not much competititon when scoping out potential prey. When dealing with sites like eBay, I usually just wait it out until near then end of the auction and if there has been no activity swoop in for the kill by setting my bid limit about ten to twenty bucks more than I think the other bidders are willing to pay. Usually, it never gets near my max bid and I pick up the item for a song.

Recently, I've gotten some great bargains but because I am so accustomed to being one of among a few hunters in the field, I've gotten a bit spoiled. Let me tell you, there are many, many other hunters out there this season. Nevertheless, I think I did very well.

Today's trophies:

Coach Pink Slingback Pumps

Approximate Retail Price: $160

DWF Diva Price: $22.16

Source: Ebay

Coach Tan Slingback Pumps

Approximate Retail Price: $160.00

DWF Diva Price: $21.32

Source Ebay

Theory Wool Stretch Pants

Approximate Retail Price: $245.00

DWF Diva Price: $9.99

Source Ebay

Have you scored any trophies lately? Do tell...

A Royal Pedigree

Hunting is a sport that is popular with both the common man and those of royal peerage. When I'm on the hunt I'm looking for a few things, the first of which is quality, the second is price and the third is brand. Branding can sometimes be a little controversial. I'll be the first to say that many brands that command a heft price for their goods are simply not worth it. The quality, the craftsmanship and the attention to detail are often lacking and sometimes non-existent.

There are some brands that are synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and longevity.
Burberry is one of those brands. The label began in 1856 and by 1955 had earned an extensive Royal following. Burberry was awarded a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1955 and a second Royal Warrant was awarded to Burberry by HRH Price of Wales in 1989.

As you know by now, I am an avid hunter of high quality "trophies" - pieces that are timeless and well made. This is what I do and I am very good at it if I must say so myself. So when I came upon a pair of classic Burberry slacks I knew I had to have them. Of course, I had to adhere to my "very best for less" rule and that was not a problem in this instance. I can't think of a better quality pair of slacks to add to my wardrobe.

Today's Trophy:

Burberry Wool Trouser

Approximate Retail Price - $350.00

DWF Diva Price - $15.80

Source - Ebay

Have you scored any trophies today? Do tell...

Happy Hunting!

The Terrain

Every good hunter should know their terrain. It can take years to compile a list of tried and true spots with abundant prey and once you do it is very difficult to bring yourself to share this wealth of knowledge even with family and close friends, sometimes especially with family and close friends. I on the other hand have a responsibility to my dear readers to make sure you are fully prepared for the hunt - so I've gathered together a list of some of the best places to find great deals on high quality designer trophies.

All of these sources offer the very best merchandise at prices significantly below retail and therefore qualify for inclusion in the Fashion Without Compromise List of Fertile Terrain. Most of these sources are located in NYC but for those FWC Divas spread across the globe, I've included online sources as well.

The Fashion Without Compromise List of Fertile Terrain

Consignment - 371 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11217
Description from nymag.com: "White leather furniture, cream curtains, and Verner Panton shell chandeliers eschew the typically kitschy thrift shop look for something infinitely sleeker. Weiss's consigners tend to be editors and stylists who drop off barely (or never) worn press gifts and photo shoot leftovers, like a Henri Beguelin satchel with tags still inside, a silver velour Chloé gown, or a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps—all priced at least forty percent below retail."

Cadillac's Castle - 333 E. 9th St., New York, NY 10003
Description from nymag: "The mission of Cadillac’s Castle is twofold: to sell lightly worn and new designer clothes at discount prices and to build an extraordinary vintage collection…Much of the designer merch—Sigerson Morrison shoes and bags, leopard-print dresses by Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino Cheap and Chic outfits for ladies who lunch—still bear their original tags, along with a new sticker that reads about one-third of the price."

BIS Designer Resale - 1134 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10028
http://www.bisbiz.com/index.php
Description from nymag: "…The tiny consignment shop is jammed with more labels than Style.com's home page: A recent visit held barely-worn Manolos, several Chanel suit jackets, and a small stash of Hermès purses (alas, no Birkins). The store itemizes its stock by category—heels, skirts, eveningwear—rather than designer, but mention Gucci, Pucci, or any other name and you'll immediately be shown what's available. Die-hard shoppers can hunt for BIS bargains around the clock on the store's eBay page, and phone calls from regulars asking about new arrivals are a common occurrence."

Michael's, The Consignment Shop for Women - 1041 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10075 http://michaelsconsignment.com/
Description from nymag: "The used designer merchandise is virtually untouched, with nary a dainty tread worn off the Prada and Louboutin heels. Nothing is more than two years old, save for the occasional vintage piece from Chanel, Hermès, or Pucci…If an item’s out of your budget, check back in a month. Everything is marked down 20 percent each of the first two months it’s in the store. In the third month, it’s finally reduced by 50 percent."

La Boutique Resale - 1045 Madison Avenue, 2nd floor New York, NY 10075 - http://laboutiqueresale.com/
Description from nymag: "The racks are loaded with blue-chip designers—you'll find gems like Prada handbags, Escada suits, a black Chanel skirt suit, and sassy shoes from Prada, Manolo Blahnik, and Ferragamo."

Designer Resale Corp. 324 E. 81st Street 10028
http://www.designerresaleconsignment.com/
Description from nymag: "Make sure you pay attention to the color-coded items, because merchandise is reduced by 20 percent after 30 days, and by half after 60. Keep that in mind while you're skimming the racks, which recently revealed a Chanel knit suit, Hermès scarves, and an Yves Saint Laurent vest."

INA - 21 Prince Street New York, NY http://inanyc.com/
Description from nymag: "Peter Som, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Zac Posen: The labels on the racks at Ina read like The Daily during Fashion Week. The couture consignment store is famously known for acquiring the Sex in the City wardrobe library when the show wrapped, and since then they’ve kept their reputation going as the place for used designer clothes at half the original price."

Do you have any suggestions to add to the list? Do tell…
Happy Hunting!

The Socialite

It's been said that the Bull Elk is the hardest animal to hunt in North America. Let me tell you, the Bull Elk has got nothing on the perfect pair of jeans. Talk about a difficult hunt! How many times have we spotted "that pair" only to get in the dressing room and find that what looked so promising on the shelf either looks like sackcloth or sausage casing when we put them on?

Well, my hunt has come to an end. I found my perfect pair "The Socialite" by Joe's Jeans. The company describes "The Socialite" as "...The Perfect Bootcut - Contoured to the hip this jean gives the illusion of a long sexy silhouette. Whether your attending the latest art opening or hosting a cocktail party you'll fuse sophisticated glamour with red hot fashion." I have to agree and the best part is finding the very best for less.

Today's Trophy:

Joe's Jeans "The Socialite"

Approximate Retail Price - $184.00

FWC Diva Paid - $19.51

Source - Ebay

Have you scored any trophies today? Do tell...

Happy Hunting!

The Lady In Pink

There are times when I wonder which I love more, the hunt or the trophy. Never is this more true than when I'm shopping. When I'm looking for that special item (i.e premium designer, well crafted and under $100) I stalk my prey like Sarah Palin with a moose in her sights. Sometimes I decide to let it go which is always the case when the price is higher than $100 and often the case when the price is higher than $50. Usually though, it never comes to that. Since I am all about Fashion Without Compromise, herein known as FWC, I always go after and always score the very best for less. While the pic does not do it justice, trust me when I tell you, this is a beautiful dress and will fit like a dream.

Today's Trophy:

Armani Collezioni Pink Wool Dress

Approximate Retail Price - $1100.00

FWC Diva Paid - $15.18

Source - eBay

Have you scored any trophies today? Do tell...

Happy Hunting!