Ugly Christmas Sweater Shopping - On the Hunt

If you are wondering how to, "Dress like it's 1994 AND party in THE PRESENT" then you have come to the right place. More specifically, we will show you how to dress like a present, or at least how to pull off an Ugly Christmas Sweater while remaining that suave guy/girl that you act like at parties. As with any daring fashion decision, confidence is key! But first, you must find that fantastic sweater!To secure the perfect party sweater is no small feat. Where are the gems hiding you ask? In closets, in thrift stores, online and, possibly, in your own closet...
Guide to Snagging
Well, mom or grandma's closet is one place to look. The trick here is to flatter and not offend. If your mother and/or grandmother is not particularly fashion-forward, be sure not to ask for an "ugly sweater" to borrow. Ask for something cute and Christmasy and you will likely find exactly what you need!
Guide to Online Shopping
Sometimes the easiest, quickest, most fun way to shop is online in the comfort of your own home! You can surf in your snuggie and find some of the MOST HILARIOUS sweaters in the whole wide world right on the worldwide web.
Guide to Secondhand Shopping
If you are not a seasoned professional bargin-hunter, prepare for an adventure into a whole new realm of retail. A crazy concoction of the good, the bad, the ugly and a whole lotta WTF? Thrift stores are notoriously riddled with old junk, but amid the jam-packed junk racks you might just find a diamond in the rough. The thrill of the chase is exciting for seasoned professionals, but can be overwhelming for newbies.
Helpful Hints: Go to the Christmas/Seasonal/Holiday Section. Every thrift store will have one at least a month prior to Xmas. This is where everything festive they've saved up for the past 12 months is proudly displayed. It often saves you a lot of digging around!
If you are concerned about money, honey, just go where the deals are! Often, thrift stores have sales, coups to clip, dealios, half-price days, and, on occasion, "all the crap you can stuff in a paper bag" sales. So be on the lookout for the supa-sales.
Sometimes these shops can get picked over. So go early, go often and try to hit up a few dingier hole-in-the-wall shops. That's where the treasure hides! Trust me, I'm a seasoned professional.
Martha McCarthy is an entrepreneur and digital marketing expert. She is the founder and president of The Social Lights, a digital marketing agency based in Minneapolis, MN. She is also the co-founder and CEO of http://www.uglyxmasparty.com/ a site she founded with her brother in 2008.
Martha enjoys bringing brands to life online through storytelling. She uses multimedia platforms and infuses audio, video, graphics and highly compelling content. To see her work visit: http://about.me/MarthaMcCarthy

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