I live by many mantras but one of my all-time favorite especially when it comes to styling is “There’s always a way to get the things you can’t afford”. This week post is all about how to acquire the stuff your dreams are made of without breaking the bank. Since the onset of Ebay, online consignment shops have grown exponentially. Sites like The Real Real, Fashionphile, and 1STDIB.com offers gently-used pre-loved designer clothing, shoes, bags, and jewelry at prices that falls well below retail thereby allowing the designer loving diva to stock her shelves with brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Balmain. But as always, let the buyer beware. I don’t have to tell you about the occasional unsavory character out there peddling fake-me-outs for a quick buck. That’s why it’s imperative to know the validity and reliability of the site prior to purchase, make certain your consignment shop of choice can authenticate the merch, and is willing to accept returns for a full refund if the item(s) is found to be a counterfeit. So to all my bargain seeking hustlerettes rolling in the consignment game, may you be graced with patience, perfect timing, and killer negotiations skills that will lead you down the path of amazing deals when shopping the second time around.