Consumers may have reduced their overall spending in the current recession, but one place many women simply refuse to cut back is on shoes and handbags.

That's according to a just-completed Shopping Habits Survey conducted by Shop It To Me, a free online personal shopper for clothing sales. More than 900 women from across the U.S. participated in the survey. While half of all respondents said they are spending less overall on clothing and accessories, 34% are still splurging on great shoes and 22% are willing to spend extra on the perfect handbag.

Not surprisingly, the survey found that most shoppers do look for good deals. In fact, only 11% of respondents reported paying full price more often than not, while 22% said they always buy on sale. The remaining two-thirds of respondents indicated that, although they occasionally pay full-price, they look for bargains most of the time.

What constitutes a bargain these days? At least 40% or more off regular price, said the overwhelming majority of survey respondents. In fact, 27% insist on discounts of 50% or more. Only 7% consider the traditional 20%-off sale a good deal.

In today's economy, shopping on sale seems to be a source of pride: 80% report that they are eager to share details of the great deal they scored when someone offers a compliment on a clothing item purchased on sale. (The other 20% like to let their friends think they paid full price!)

Sale shoppers continue to hunt both online and in-store for those great deals. And, while many respondents are convinced that they find the best deals online, they don't like to pay for shipping. Fully 75% say they won't spend more than $10 on shipping charges.

Finally, when it comes to online shopping, 63% of respondents admit to doing it while at work - even though 20% say they have to sneak to do so!