This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

The Hidden Price You Might Pay for A Good Bargain

Finding an awesome item on sale may sometimes bring you an unwelcome surprise.

Hello Stamford! I trust that you all have had a nice week and are (obviously) happy that it is Friday!

As my first week writing Bargain Betty, I don't want to overload you on my capabilities to shop till I drop. But literally — my friend and I once spent 11 hours at Woodbury Commons outlet mall Christmas shopping. Four trips to the car, a few cocktails and a ruined pair of flats later — and I physically could not move anymore.

But, getting back to the good stuff: Stamford bargains!

Find out what's happening in Stamfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Tuesday, I had three very specific fall "must-haves" in mind when I went out searching for the best bargain this week and asked you to weigh in on what you thought I'd find for the best bargain:

  • A trench coat
  • Wearable anywhere boots
  • An autumn inspired "everyday" handbag

Well folks, it was an interesting week in the world of the bargain hunt. First, I went to my trusted faithful, in Stamford, where I was more unlucky than usual in my search for any of these fantastic finds. After sifting the racks and finding more makeshift Halloween costumes than anything else, I turned my head and sighed and thought about where I should go next.

Find out what's happening in Stamfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So, my next thought was to go to one of my favorite places for fashions fiscally perfect finds– !

As I searched through the racks, I became a bit— disheveled— at the lack of good deals out there for these items. As much as we're right in the middle of Fall (even those this temperature makes me think different), in the retail world, everything is three-six months ahead. Swimsuits are on the racks in mid-April, and you can always find Christmas decorations about a month before we even eat our T-day turkey! So, shopping for these three essentials scores– to me– seemed like an easy feat.

But alas, after over an hour of browsing the rows of shoes and scourges of bags, I was able to just take off for the night when I spotted an extra sale rack in the clothing section. Eh, what the heck? I thought and quickly started searching.

And I found this coat (see slideshow) for…drumroll please…$10.00!!

Originally, $129, this tan trench is exactly what I was looking for— and at the right price. Once I checked with the sales rep to make sure I didn't all of a sudden become cross eyed and read the price tag wrong, I started leaping for joy!

 And then I saw this an ink stain on the back of the collar— no wonder it's $10.00. But, then I tried it on and thought, "Maybe I can get it dry-cleaned and fixed?" Then I remembered the mantra I tell myself, which I am now telling you, so take my words of wisdom wisely, just because it's a bargain, doesn't mean you need to buy it. And besides, the dry cleaning bill can add even more money to the price I originally paid.

Just as I was placing the jacket back on the hanger, I realized something: the ink tag is underneath the fold of the collar— completely hidden! Ah yes, bittersweet. I'll know it's there, but no one else will. Do I buy?

Well, I bought.

And I wore it the other day and it looked fabulous– even with the ink stain!

Who knows– maybe I'll spring for the dry-cleaning one day, but for now– I'm satisfied knowing that I found a bargain just around the corner from my apartment!

And on a side note, let me just state that my hunt for the bargain will not always result in me purchasing these fine products. As much as I would love to grab all of these lovely finds for myself, I promise to leave most of them for all of you! ( My wallet thanks me as well.)

So, is there anything you want me to find for you? Let me know and I'll start hunting! Happy shopping!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?