Zannee’s Blog at BargainsLA.com

Saturday morning started with a drive to the West Valley to check up on Hook on Handbags at the Woodland Hills Swap Meet. New Owner Xochitl (pronounced Sochi) Rodriguez is a total kick and full of ideas and energy. She has been bringing in a slew of coveted handbags by Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Lucky Brand, Dolce & Gabbana, Kenneth Cole and more at 50%-60% off. I had to flee in order not to buy any thing.

Then it was off to Hotel Surplus new digs next to The Van Nuys Airport. So much better than the old warehouse in downtown. I snapped some pics, ooh and aahed over some framed prints, one huge antique secretary with secret drawers, a oval dining table and an odd row of apartment stoves. That’s the fun of the place, ya never know what’s gonna show up.

Then I hit the closing blowout sale at Ruthie. Everything is 40%-60% off. The boutique is awesome, beautifully designed and packed with labels that are just killer… Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Velvet, Linq, C & C. etc.

I started to have a panic attack when I went in…there was no signage saying they were having a sale. Holy shit, did they change their minds? I felt sick to my stomach. I thought I’d totally goofed and was gonna have to apologize to everyone for publicizing the sale.

I must have look rather stricken cause, both sales girls came over to re-assure me. Yes, the entire store is on sale. No they hadn’t gotten signage yet. But it would be there any minute. I pined over the Kooba bags. Geeze, they are really beautifully crafted. I really want one. But I had to behave myself. I left after I checked out the goods. A really good sale with really cool duds.

I decided to go visit another favorite, Lucky You. I really love this small resale shop. Every time I go in there are always some great buys. A great pair of wedge pumps were in mint condition and only $24. Lots of tees and tops for $8-$15. I found a Johnny Was peasant blouse for $12 and showed it to a fellow shopper who snatched it up. I succumbed to a really neat burnt out velvet top with beading for only $12. I asked the girl behind the counter where the owner Dina was. She informed me that she was the new owner and Dina was opening up an art studio. Whoa! What?… I introduced myself to the new owner, Gina and we chatted about her plans for the store. At the end, I was done. That was enough bargain foraging for one day.