I decided to take $100 dollars and see if I could find an outfit at several locations adding up to that amount or less. Thanks to Culver City's hidden deals, I was successful. See the five selections below and see why you soon might feel the same, too. 

1) Last Chance

The name is what it sounds like--a last call to get 50 to 80 percent off of brand- name shoes, purses, tops and more. Their secret? The owner bargain hunts herself, buying everything at wholesale prices.

Designer names line the walls, and Mia Hanks, Sales Associate for Last Chance Boutique, names them as I go along.

"Cynthia Vincent Free Bird, Velvet, Kismet, Hourglass..." Hanks listed more, but they fell to the wayside of my bargain-hunting senses; I was busy. However, I fully heard and admired Hank's stating the importance of focusing on the budget-minded consumer.

"Even with the hard economy and everything, we still want people to look great," Hanks said.

So what was the damage done? Hardly any.

The Total:

Pink dress: $59
Gold Necklace: $18
Scarf: $22

Amount Spent:
$109

OK, I couldn't help myself, and went $9 over. It was still a steal for a whole outfit.

Last Chance,  8712 Washington Blvd., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, (310) 287-2333.

2) Style Xpress

Lovingly coined the "kid sister" to Forever 21 by some shoppers, this place  boasts current styles. While names aren't the focus, many things look like they are much pricier than they are, which is a pleasant surprise for bargain hunters.

It's a straightforward, mall-fitting discount store that doesn't sacrifice your money or your style, according to assistant manager Lupe Martinez.

"The prices are great and we always have new styles," Martinez said. "We are always getting new styles in, and we put out the new merchandise twice a week.

So how did I do with so much merchandise to choose from?

The Total:

Five pairs of jeans in light to dark denim: $50
Two pink shirts: $30
Black pumps: $20

Amount Spent:
$100

Style Xpress,  3875 Overland Ave,  Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., (310) 202-0460.

3) The Hal Wiseman House of Return Thrift Store Boutique

The store's proceeds go to a Jewish residential addiction treatment and prevention center, a"Beit T'Shuvah."

There are some unique items and unlikely deals to be found--a selection that is no accident, according to Retail Consultant Renee Hilton. Hilton credits herself and manager Valentina Montagu for turning the store into a great fundraising nonprofit.

"We wanted to do something different, let people lose themselves for awhile," Hilton said. "What's important for us is to have a very unique kind of store with very helpful staff."

The Total:

Five Cute Sundresses: $40
Four blue blouses: $20
Four pairs of heels in black and brown: $20
Ten T-shirts: $20

Amount Spent: $100

The Hal Wiseman House of Return Thrift Store Boutique, 10409 Washington Blvd., Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., (310) 204-4058.

4) Noodles Children's Resale Boutique

Don't be fooled by the small shop; this children's resale store is the answer to too many kids to clothe and not enough money to go around.

So what did I find for the tots?

The Total:

Two size 4T jackets: $20
One Dozen 2T shirts: $60
Five Toddler Dress: $20

Amount Spent:
$100

Noodles Childrens Resale Boutique, 4907 Sepulveda Blvd., Monday through Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., (310) 737-1766.

5) Ross Dress For Less

I admit that I was skeptical when considering including a chain in my "best of" for shopping in Culver City. I was determined to stick to Mom and Pop stores, local favorites and maybe a small chain. But this Ross really impressed me with the wide selection of apparel.

The store does claim to offer 20 to 70 percent off of the retail price and carries basic brand names: Roxy, Billabong and Express, to name a few.

After spending an hour treasure hunting, I came out with two outfits for $98 dollars. With the $2 I saved, theoretically, I could have walked across the street to Starbucks, but I was pretty tired after walking up and down the numerous aisles far too many times to get an actual count on.

So, what cost $98?

The Total:

Two Express Shirts: $30
Two Pants (Lucky, Paris Blues): $40
Express Sandals: $15
Steve Madden Flip Flops: $13

Amount Spent:
$98

Ross Dress For Less, 10818 Jefferson Blvd.,  Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.