There are so many different ways to shop and none no better than another- each appeals to a different type of customer.  

Some of us love to idle through designer look books and pre-order all that they desire for the upcoming season to fill their closets with the latest and the greatest. Wow, what a fantastic way to shop, if you can or if that's your thing.

Then, there are those of us who would rather hang by their cuticles rather than set foot in any store other than a major department store where they buy what they need based on the selection in front of them. And, basta, that's it for the shopping season! Oh what a bore that would be for the rest of us who love the lure of the hunt rather than the simplicity of convenience.

The more adventurous shopper finds that bargain hunting opens your eyes to the unexpected, the unconventional, and, maybe with a little luck, that one extra-special piece that you didn't even know you would covet until you laid eyes on it. For the more eclectic consumer, shopping away from the main stream offers one-of-a-kind finds and super cute accents that make a wardrobe unique, personal, and the process more interesting. Caveat emptor: never bargain hunt when you are starved for style, you'll only pick a fashion lemon. A bargain is only worth something if it is meaningful to you, not because of the amazing price.

Getting more fashion for less is a concept that has finally reached it's time to soar. Vertis reports in its Customer Focus® 2004: Discount Store Study that 34 percent of Generation X (ages 28-39) women shop at discount stores for their fashion purchases and 15 percent of women with household incomes of $100,000 or more shop discount stores for their fashion items.

While the cognoscenti scour primo discount stores (like NY icons Loehmann's, Daffy's and, Century 21) and sample sales are prevalent in and around big cities, it's the oddball way of shopping that's more accessible to almost anyone anywhere.

Since everyone can use some funky insights to save some money, here's the FocusOnStyle
Bargain Hunting Guide to help you make the most of what you've got without spending a fortune:

- Go to the source- That's where designers get inspired- Armani-like sailor pants from the Army & Navy store, slinky charmeuse camisoles and gowns from the lingerie department, trendy skinny black jeans from its classic rock ˜n roll source, like Trash & Vaudeville on St. Marks Place or any other alternative punk rocker boutique.

- Downsize- Love the look of a skinny, lean Helmut Lang or Christian Dior suit, try the boys department. Just add girly stilettos.

- See the show, get the clothes- Fashion runway shows are now broadcasted to the public almost instantly. See what the designers are showing for next season and find fashion-forward, similar items on sale racks now.

- Upscale consignment shops- Many designers pay models and the crew in clothes instead of money. The in-season booty ends in cool consignment shops in the cities where designers have showrooms.
These shops are also great for evening dresses and stand-out outfits that some woman can only wear once. Online resale shops are a fab resource for finding gently worn vintage Hermes Kelly and Birkin bags and Chanel classics.