Cutline Speaks

Bargain Shopping Goes High-tech

posted by Shannon on March 15, 2010

It must be said that nothing gets my heart racing more than a semi-annual sale, rows of clearance racks or finding that perfect pair of jeans on sale. I’ve also been known to crawl out of bed early on a Saturday to catch a 4-hour sale or hit “refresh” way too many times to ensure I have the most updated information on my favorite site’s online-only sale merchandise.

While there is something refreshing about good old-fashioned bargain shopping, I have been using technology and the Internet more and more to get my “fix” for reasonably priced clothes and accessories. And I’m not alone. The more I talk to friends, the more I have come to realize that technology has turned the bargain shopping game upside down. I’ve decided to let the Cutline Speaks readers in on a couple of my favorite technologies for shopping. Add your favorite shopping app, site or gadget in the comments section. Happy shopping!

1.) RedLaser. This iPhone app turns your phone’s camera into a barcode scanner and gives instant price comparisons. Maybe the store down the street has those same shoes for 20 percent off, now you can find out with the snap of a picture. The cost is $1.99 and well worth the potential savings. I have a ton of friends who use this whenever they go shopping; they won’t pull the trigger on a purchase without first making a comparison.

2.) Gilt.com. This is an invite-only discount designer clothing Web site (don’t worry, they’re not super exclusive – I got in, right?). In the past if you wanted designer clothing for 70 percent off the normal price, most people would think you were insane. Gilt offers designers like Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs and Cole Haan all in one place during very select 36-hour windows of time. The site works because of a rolling schedule that alerts members to sales mere hours before they happen. Gilt keeps you on your toes, definitely check this one out. BONUS: There is a free “Gilt on the Go” iPhone app.

3.) Rustyzipper.com. Yes, there are definitely some odd items in this virtual vintage second hand store. However, if you have time and are into browsing through some of the clothing galleries, you’ll be sure to find some treasures.

4.) SheFinds.com. Michelle Madhok, founder of SheFinds.com, is the former editorial director at AOL. She created the site around one train of thought: the busy career woman doesn’t have time to shop. She studies trends and surfs the web for the best items, then passes the information, online coupon codes and great sales onto readers and subscribers. If only everything was this easy!

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