Bargain Hunter God

The Bargain Hunter Gods were shinning down on me Monday in NYC. After lunch with my friend Alex I planned to spend an hour (before flying home) looking for a purse. My green Ann Taylor one was frayed and dirty, but I had not been able to find a suitable replacement for months. I needed something that was adaptable but nice enough to use at work and big enough to carry all my crap (water bottle, notebook, wallet, pens, datebook, lunch, etc).

I told her my plan and she said her leather supplier made great purses. We knocked on his door, two floors below her studio, and entered a crowded room filled with bags! bags! bags! The leather smell was intoxicating. Everything was new and available at wholesale prices if I paid in cash.

I settled on a carmel-colored "naked leather" number that has a few buckles and straps, but nothing over the top like the Juicy bags. (sorry, I think they're ridiculous.) I paid $85 but the leather dealer said they go for $270 on ebags.com. I think I'm just gonna believe him.

Have a great story about finding a bargain? I'd love to hear it!