We’re on the precipice of a finanical meltdown, right?  I’m over the moon that Barack won last night, but I’m not sure our economy is bouncing back anytime soon … so, why do I keep getting emails and flyers with great deals on everything from shoes to clothes to really cool & unique items I feel I must have?!?!?!?!  It’s like the retail gods are playing a cruel joke on us mere mortals.  Take JCrew for example.  I feel like I get a daily email with re: lines that are like crack for folks like me — 30% off the sale price, free shipping, 20% off and free shipping.  The lures are hard to resist …  I’m sure my Financial Planner, Ellen, would say that now is the time to sit tight and wait for the markets to re-bound.  Her advice is usually prudent and practical and I really do try to take her advice to heart. But, some of the deals are just too good to pass up!  I’m no financial expert by any measure, but as a professional shopper I’ll tell you this — stuff is on sale in a way I havent seen before.  If you can swing it (try giving yourself a realistic budget to work with) now is the time to snatch up a few items at great prices.  The retail gods will hate me for this, but only (1) buy what you need or have had your heart set on; and (2) buy when it goes on sale, ‘cuz it’s going on sale, trust me.  Shopping for the sake of the deal is not what I’m getting at; there’s a time and a place for retail therapy and this isn’t it (well, some may beg to differ with me, but you get my point) … Before surfing the net or hitting the brick & mortars make a list of what you need and then shop accordingly.  Don’t be afraid of the discount or low-end stores either … I mean, a t-shirt to wear underneath your sweaters is a t-shirt.  It’s nice to have James Pearse, 3 Dots, and the like but I saw some t-shirts at Strawberry for $6.99 yesterday that will definitely fit the bill this go-round.  We’re in a recession after all.