It happened to me again. Of course on the month I vow to give up shopping in an attempt to work towards browsing more and buying less — the kick-start for my new series, The Want Edit. I don’t have much of an excuse, but the story of course I’ll share.

My Love for a Good Deal

I’m convinced that my obsession for a good deal is in my blood, and quite frankly, I’m proud of it. I’ll never forget as a little girl going to visit my Grandma Gogarty who lived near the waterfront in Chicago. We’d get on the bus and ride to downtown to her favorite place, Marshall Fields (RIP, Macy’s you never stood a chance). Having worked in retail as a young adult she would tell me that the trick was to always buy good quality, and to never pay full price. Why I’d ask? Because after raising six children she realized higher quality items would last longer. You’d also get the most for your money – which could go a long way when you sought after deals. Everything goes on sale eventually my dear Cortney, she’d say.

So here I am, 25 years later heeding Grandma’s advice. Though we never got to experience the grand Marshall Fields days here out West, we are fortunate to have the beautiful Nordstrom and its charming discount sibling, Nordstrom Rack. Especially downtown Seattle – right next to one another! When I’m bored on the weekends or maybe just have a few minutes to spare before catching my bus on the way home from work… you can find my breezing through the Rack.

I’ve gotten good — the 20 minute “return” I call it. Except no one has to know it’s 20 minutes spent there… it’s just a “crazy, busy return downtown” ;). Down the escalators, straight to the designer handbag clearance racks, then to the spotlight designer clothing racks, scanning quickly past the women’s racks lining the pathway to the shoes, where I end again in designer. % of time I buy something? I’d say 33. Always designer? Heck no, but when I spy a true prize… those are the days…

And I Saw Her Standing There

Which leads me to this occasion I mention earlier, when I thought it’d be a great idea to kill some time after work before a girls dinner — you know, the “return”. And it was raining, so I had to keep dry. As I popped into the Rack on a Wednesday evening, and headed down the escalators to the designer handbag rack, I saw a light shine down to a beautiful tan Chloe bag that was standing all by her lonesome just waiting to be held.

A unique style I haven’t seen, the softest leather, perfect condition, the best smell, tan, gold… just what I had been missing from my “adult” handbag collection. And the best part? With my Nordstrom discount + the $80 notes I had that day, a whopping 75% off in savings.

I freaked. I was on a kick of being good, and of course I find the mothership.

Perhaps one of my friends would buy it? I can’t just leave it here. Trev’s mom? Sis? Oh my god it’s beautiful. Has anyone here even seen this? Did they just put it on the rack?

I make friends with the sales rep as I ask if I can try it on. She claims it’s the most beautiful bag she’s seen here in awhile. Welp, there you go. Sold. To the girl who has no control.

Hello very first Chloe.

Buy Intentionally

The podcast I listened to with Stacy London that I mentioned in the first Want Edit really did change my perspective on buying behavior (it’s a good one). Specifically, being mindful about the things that come in and out of our lives — ensuring that the material items we decide to spend money on truly will add value. Buying intentionally is something I’m working towards, and I will say it’s way more rewarding when you can save up for something with big impact. Like this beautiful new friend of mine ;).

Have you had a similar deal experience ever at the Rack or another store? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

// cb ✌????

photos : Jenna Lynn Photography

THE EDIT: Bell Sleeve Top (similar) | White Skinnies | Chloe Bag (similar) | Gold Rimmed Sunglasses | Blush Pumps | Gold Watch