1. What is your general philosophy when it comes to shopping? Are you more likely to focus your attention on budget/mid-range or luxury pieces?

That cheap can be chic! I've built my career on showing women how to shop smart for designer inspired pieces that make the look and feel like a million bucks.

2. What was your goal in writing Cheap is Chic?
To give new meaning to the word "cheap" and show women that style and saving were not mutually exclusive!

I wrote this book for savvy shoppers like me who have Balenciaga taste on a Banana Republic budget... it's a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know on shopping cheap and looking chic!

3. How do you decide to invest in a splurge? Where would you rather save?

I always save on trends. They come and go so fast and thanks to fast-fashion stores like H&M, Zara and Lulus.com you can still get the latest styles without breaking the bank.

For quick reference, here’s a quick cheat sheet:



4. On your website, you say your favorite pair of shoes is a pair of Chanel peep toes you scored on ebay… Tell us all the details!

I shop for 90% of my designer goods on EBAY. I have a list of trusted sellers that I've bought from in the past and I'm always on the app searching for brands like Chanel, Balenciaga, Celine, YSL, Fendi, Louboutin... you name it! One fateful day in April I typed "Chanel 36.5" into the search bar and up came the most beautiful pair of shoes I had ever seen. The were a coral patent peep toe pump with the interlocking C's on the heel...and they were under $250! All of my Chanel shoe dreams came true with that one click... they're actually the shoes I'm wearing on the cover of my book!

5. Where is your favorite place to hunt for amazing deals? What is your plan of attack?

I love the thrill of the hunt so you can always find me scouring the racks for the best deals at TJ Maxx and Marshalls

Shop the clearance racks first. Do not allow yourself to get distracted by all the pretty, shiny new things in front. Instead, go straight to the sale racks in the back—no excuses. When you start in the discount section, you will set your “price barometer” as high as possible. After seeing prices that are discounted 50 to 70 percent, you’ll find that a full-priced item seems like a huge rip-off (as it probably is).

Once I’ve exhausted all the markdown items, I go in search of dresses. Why? Because they’re an all-in-one outfit! Then bottoms and tops. Last I turn to shoes and accessories. Remember: A new pair of shoes does not an outfit make! If you allow yourself to splurge on shoes first, you might end up blowing your entire budget. Save here rather than splurge: Most accessories are trendy and will change from season to season.

6. What can we expect to see in your new book?

Think of this book as the bible of budget fashion! It's the first time a book has ever combined styling advice, shopping strategy and saving tips all into one very fashionable package!

7. What’s your favorite feature in Cheap is Chic?

I love to show women the value of strategic shopping and how picking the right pieces for your closet can really extend the life of your wardrobe so my favorite feature is the "Lucky 13"...

I take 13 items and create a month's worth of looks from just those pieces. That's 31 unique outfits if you're keeping count!

8. Your number one saving tip?
Never pay full price!



We're giving away one (1) signed copy of Lilliana's book to a lucky BB reader! Just post a comment below for your chance to win. We'll pick a winner November 19, 2013. Good luck! Open to US residents only. —Molly ♦

UPDATE 12/1/13: And the winner is... #27 Shannon! Congrats to our winner and thanks to everyone who left a comment. —BB