By Susanne Seidman
Style Editor, Local Kicks

Everyone loves a free lunch, or a least a free latte.

I’ll admit to a competitive streak. Not so much in organized sports or trivia. Albeit Scrabble can get heated, don’t you ice out my double word score I have been planning.

When it comes to shopping, I relish getting the best deal, and I absolutely cannot resist accumulating those points to do it.

By now everyone has mastered the art of airline mile accumulation. If it was an Olympic sport, my father in law would be a 10 time gold medalist, as unstoppable as Lance Armstrong in the Tour de France. Is Palm Beach blocked out for New Year’s? But are you taking advantage of even the most widely available points plans from mega chains? I wonder.

Listen up retailers, when it comes to brand loyalty, throw in a points program, one that really amounts to some value, and you have me at “rewards.” Ditto readers, these are no brainers to save you cash. In this economy, who doesn’t want more for less. It just takes a little consistency.

I fully admit to skipping an easily made purchase at Sephora or StrideRite and taking my business to Nordstrom to rack up points. Those $20 reward certificates earned sure come in handy to snap up an extra Bobbi Brown lip gloss or combined in mass to upgrade a mundane workhorse pair of flats to darling Burberry  haymarket check while double dipping on the already valuable anniversary sale pricing.

If you combine your purchasing power, you can really rack up the points.  If my husband needs new socks, doesn’t it make sense to pick them up at a retailer who is going to reward me for my regular business? Let’s be honest. He could care less where the socks came from as long as they are comfortable and more importantly clean when he is getting dressed in the morning.

Mega retailer Gap is another rewards gem. Combining purchases at Banana Republic,  Old Navy, Gap and now PiperLime nets $10 certificates for every $200 spent, that’s 5%. If you reach silver status, you also get free shipping with every purchase. Save some gas money and shop online without the added shipping cost. It’s finally no risk shopping.

Ask your mother if she remembers taking you to Loehmann’s communal dressing room? She will probably laugh out loud.  What is worth baring it all with all those mirrors? The Insider Club rewards you handsomely for saving money in the first place.  Think $25 for every $200 spent, and they’ll also give you 15% off for your birthday. I’ve been known to score Dolce & Gabanna for FREE with my cert. Scoot up to the location on Route 50 in Falls Church or make a trek to Mazza for the best selection of top designers, including Diane Von Furstenberg, and functional ready to wear from Theory.

This is the tip of the points iceberg.

For anyone who says there is no such thing as a free latte? Register a Starbucks card online and get free syrup with each drink purchase. They’ll even send you a postcard for a free beverage of your choice. Savings never sloshed down so easy.

Check back with Susanne Seidman and Style in the City SSeidman@LocalKicks.com to read more stylish savings while you sip a skinny vanilla latte. Your wallet should be a little fatter.