What: From August 16th to the 22nd, anyone who works for a school can save 20% on any one item at Stein Mart (apparently, it has its own annual Teacher Appreciation Week). What’s cool is you don’t need to do anything to partake. Just bring your employee ID to the store.
What They Say:
“Teachers are an integral part of any community and what better way to give back to their contributions than by honoring them with this annual savings event,” said Stein Mart chairman Jay Stein.
What We Say: While this certainly isn’t a life-changing special offer, we think it’s a clever and generous way for Stein Mart to showcase its fall collection - which also is debuting this month. However, we sort of wish that teachers (and other school employees) could distribute the 20% in savings however they wish. They’ll only be able to cash in on this deal for one item, which is a tad bit annoying. But hey - better than nothing! And we certainly agree that teachers could use some back-to-school savings.
The Lowdown: Look, it’s time to clean out your drawers and get some new undergarments. Take advantage of this great sale and clearance event at BareNecessities saving up to 60% on selected items such as bras, panties, loungewear, sleepwear, etc. Plus, score free shipping for orders worth more than $100.
Here’s some great finds:
This Dolce & Gabbana: Animalier Push-up Bra, originally $215, now $119.99. The very dramatic and ultra-sexy Wolford: Champagne Corsage with original price of $445 is now reduced to $213.59. The La Perla: Venus Brief is reduced to $64.79 from the original price of $163.
“THIS DEAL HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Today Only: Save an extra 15% off dresses at bluefly.com
The Lowdown:Bluefly.com is NOT the cheapest site out there, but for those fashionistas looking to score a true designer piece for a somewhat reasonable price, there is no better site.
For today only, receive an extra 15% off already reduced prices on dresses from the likes of Nicole Miller, Badgley Mischka, and Diane Von Furstenberg. We especially like this dress from Rebecca Taylor, on sale for $189.55, down from $372.00 and this sexy, deep v neck number from Curtsey, now $66.30 from $130.00. If you have a little extra money left over from your tax returns and you put at least 50% away and/or pay off some bills, treat yourself to something like this Badgley Mischka cappucino pleated organza strapless dress
, originally $650, now $331.50 or this amazing silk beaded halter dress from Nicole Miller, for $270.30.
Shop: Bluefly.com
It doesn’t get much more posh than NeimanMarcus.com, so the idea of budget shopping on its Web site might seem laughable, but not all together impossible. Follow our tips that make the online shop a tad more accessible.
Sales & Values. We say skip paying full price for NeimanMarcus.com items and start your shopping experience by clicking on the Sales & Values section. In this section, you can search sale items by designer, new arrivals or most effectively, by category and size. The best part of the sale section is the Last Call Clearance with items starting at 65% off. Since quality is as important as price, this is a good place to pick up a Diane von Furstenberg classic wrap dress or a Lavender Label Vera Wang gown that will end paying for itself over time when applying the cost per wear ratio. Plus, you still have 30 days to return them if it doesn’t work out.
Practice TBF’s 70/30 Rule. Avoid getting overly excited about seeing an “it” bag on sale – if it’s one sale, then it’s probably no longer an “it” bag because the store is making room on the shelves for the next purse that everyone has to own. When trying to stay within your shopping budget, follow the 70/30 rule: 70 % of your closet should be classic pieces, 30% trendy, and please stick to the cheaper retailers for items that will only last a season.
Avoid Paying Shipping Cost. NeimanMarcus.com often offers free shipping on orders over $150 and occasionally on the entire order, no matter the final sale total.
In Store Returns. While online shopping is convenient in so many ways, not being able to see the item in person and try it on is a major drawback for most consumers. With purchases made at NeimanMarcus.com you can avoid the hassle of returning items by mail and take it back to the store. Note that credit for the return cannot be directly done at the store; instead you will receive an acknowledgment slip for the credit to be refunded once the item makes its way back to the warehouse, which is annoying, but you can at least save on the return shipping cost.
Price Adjustments. There is nothing worse than buying something and seeing it go on sale a week later. NeimanMarcus.com offers a one-time price adjustment for items purchased within a 10-day period. It excludes the Last Call Online Clearance and temporary special promotions, but does include the permanent online sale items, so make sure you check back to see if your item has been marked down.
Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Part of Neiman Marcus retail stores’ simultaneous allure and repel has been over its payment policy of only accepting the proprietary store credit card, American Express cards, cash, check or gift cards. However, NeimanMarcus.com allows you to pay with your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover cards making online transactions and going into debt a little easier.
Fashion News and Sales. Be in the know. Register on the homepage for a periodic email from NeimanMarcus.com. You will learn when new markdowns happen, get a heads up on Last Call Clearance sales, and have a chance to sign up and win shopping spree giveaways.
The Deal: Top Designer Clearance Deals under $100
The Lowdown: If brands/designers like BCBG Max Azria, Cosabella and Stephen Burrows seem too far out of your budget-conscious shopping radar, think again. Bluefly is currently running one of its the biggest clearance events of the year, with a HUGE selection of designer items for under $100.
What we found:
This A.B.S. stretch jersey dress for only $35.99, reduced from $126 (retail value of $210); a fuschia Romeo & Juliet Couture dress for $48.59, reduced from $59.99 (retail value of $110); or this Sweet Pea floral mesh tunic for only $20.69, reduced from $65 (retail value of $108).
Shop: Bluefly.com
The Deal: Win Free Clothing at Zappos.com!
The Lowdown: Zappos, the shoe peeps, are now selling clothing. In effort to get the word out about their new clothing section, Zappos.com is hosting a contest to win free clothes and you know there’s nothing we like more than free stuff.
While Zappos isn’t the most budget friendly place to shop on the web (for true shoe deals head to endless.com), we did find some cute items that may be worth a try—especially since Zappos offers free returns.
These bold green RSVP Farah sandals are the perfect ending to your Spring ensemble with their halter-style heel strap and 4 3/4” wedge heel ($75). If you’re looking for a non-black cocktail dress, get this graceful Calvin Klein dress with its gathered waist and optional straps; the cut offers a great fit for almost all body types ($178). Go floral this season with this eye-catching kensie Geo Flower Dress with puff sleeves and ruffles; the scoop neck and above the knee length are right in line with Spring trends ($76).
Shop: Zappos.com!
“THIS DEAL HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Free People Mix & Match 3 For $20
The Lowdown: If you’re playing out your own version of Confessions of a Shopaholic this season, rounding up designer-inspired accessories at a discount could help kick those overspending habits to the curb.
Free People is clearing out their sale inventory with a special offer that can fill out your accessories collection without filling out your credit card balance. Here’s a preview of some of the great things on sale at this online boutique: this Delicate Crochet Bead Headband, originally $28.00 and a great accessory to show off your Bohemian side. This flower-designed Manicure Set discounted from $18.00 and ideal for Spring and summer travels. Or pick up this cute Painters Navy Hat on sale, originally priced at $38.00.
Shop: FreePeople.com
“THIS SALE HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Shop the Sale Selection at Endless.com and Save
The Lowdown: Whether you’re in the market for thongs sandals, platform pumps or a pair of comfy sneakers, don’t miss the recently-updated sale rack at Endless. Despite the long list of store-closings this season, online sites like Endless.com are thriving with designer brands at low prices. Here’s what we found on a recent roundup in the sale department:
Some cute pink PUMA sneakers reduced to $47.90, originally $69.95; some chic Mia Women’s Davis T-Strap for $54.12, reduced from $69.95; and these party-worthy Michael Antonia Aissa Dress Sandals for only $40.52, reduced from $59.95.
Shop: Endless.com
The Deal: Save 15% with code THANKU15 at G by Guess until 3/16
The Lowdown: Unless you’re a pro at haggling for a lower price, a good coupon code is your friend, which is why we’re lovin’ this code from G by Guess.
The current lineup of deals include: the Skylar Embellished Top for $29.50, originally $39.50; Linear Multi-Line Earrings in an array of Spring-friendly colors for $9.95, originally $14.50; and this red hot Vanna Cut Out Top, on sale for $29.00, originally $39.50.
Shop: GbyGuess.com
The Deal: Spend $50 in Shoes, Get Free Shipping at Target.com Through 04/01/09
The Lowdown: It’s finally time to say goodbye to closed-toe pumps and booties for another season of sandals and peep-toes. Since you’re anxious to find some quality shoes on an extreme budget, step on over to Target.com for a roundup of the latest styles. If you can’t handle all the in store shopping drama, then shop online—Target.com is offering free shipping on all shoe purchases of $50 or more.
What’s even better is there are dozens of trendy styles for under $20 a pair! Pick up these golden Mossimo Gladiator Sandals for $19.99, or these beach-ready Lona Wedge Flip Flops for only $12.99. If you’re looking for something special for that night out on the town, snag these eye-catching Hailey Knotted Strap Heels for $19.99.
Shop: Target.com
THIS SALE HAS ENDED
The Deal: 10-25% off All Jewelry and Watches at Overstock.com
The Lowdown: Let’s face it. Sometimes a new piece of jewelry is all it really takes to brighten up a dull day, and when your favorite sparkly is on sale, there’s even more reason to smile. Get your jewelry fix without sabotaging your savings account or get-out-of-debt strategy with the latest sale on jewelry and watches at Overstock.com.
We found some dazzling gems and jewels at great prices on our recent shopping rounds: this gorgeous 10k Rose Gold London Topaz ring is now $89.99, reduced from $99.99 and comparable to a retail price of $199.52! Get this Sterling Silver Multi-Gemstone Bracelet to celebrate Spring flowers for only $59.99 after a $20 discount. And if you’re still searching for a simple but chic link bracelet, be sure to pick up this Sterling Silver San Marco Bracelet reduced to $22.49, originally $29.99.
Shop: Overstock.com
The Deal: Women’s Spend $50 in Women’s, Get Free Shipping at Target.com Through 04/01/09
The Lowdown: Target’s usually a top pick for budget-friendly finds, and now they’re offering free shipping on all Women’s collections through April 1, which means it’s high time we balanced out the neutral closet with a few bold and bright pieces.
Check out some of these great deals that qualify for the free shipping special: Merona Sleeveless Camis in Fiesta Coral and other Spring shades are now reduced to $9.99. Get these loose and comfortable Mossimo Flare Pants for just $22.99 and this short-sleeve Coral Argyle Sweater for only $19.99. It’s a must-have piece for your office closet.
Shop: Target.com
THIS COUPON HAS EXPIRED
The Deal:Get 30% off at Gap, Old Navy
, and Banana Republic’s
Friends & Family event.
If you need to pick up some basics, like say a basic white t-shirt or a pair of jeans, then this is the sale to shop. From March 12-15th, receive and additional 30% off purchases at Gap, Old Navy
, and Banana Republic
, and their outlets and their sites. In addition, Gap Inc, will donate an extra 5% to your favorite charity. Just click here for the Friends & Family Coupon or use the code BCKRH9CN8VDB to shop online.
Some of Our Picks
Save 30% off at Lane Bryant March 7th- 8th
The Deal: Coupon is good for 30% off your entire purchase (except SPANX) on March 7th & March 8th—plus you’ll earn $25 Real Women Dollars for every $50 you spend in the store. The coupon also has a promo code, so you can use it online. early on March 6th.
Get It: Download the coupon above to your desktop, print it out, and bring it in store.
The Deal: Tall Pants at New York & Company Up To 50% Off Select Styles $9.99 and Up and Petite Pants at New York & Company up To 50% Off Select Styles $9.99 and up
The Lowdown: There are many things about New York & Company that make a budget fashionista happy, but pants are near the top of the list—not only does NY&C understand that not all girls fall into the category of “average”, but they also understand that tall and petite girls aren’t satisfied with just two or three styles to choose from—instead, all of their pant offerings are available in three length options, in sizes 0-18. And right now petite and tall sizes are half off. Are we gushing? Sorry.
For spring, you can pick just about any pant style that suits you—we have our eye on black trousers, to set off those bold spring colors or be part of a chic black-and-white work ensemble, like these 7th Avenue Pant with Two-Button Waist Band (tall) for $27.96 on sale, or these 7th Avenue Wide Leg Pants (in petite), also on sale for $27.96. Pair with a short sleeve patterned blouse with some color and sheen, and a pair of fab gladiator platform sandals, and you are spring ready.
Shop: New York & Company
What: Clean out your closet and head to Stein Mart, where you’ll get 20% off a single-item purchase, just for donating gently-used clothing to the Salvation Army. Stein Mart’s annual Give & Receive event is happening March 5—7.
What They Say:“The economic downturn has meant that people are keeping their gently used items longer so we are seeing fewer donations to our thrift and family stores,” said Major George Hood, The Salvation Army’s national community relations and development secretary. “This means that we have fewer goods to sell and therefore less funding for our life-changing programs. Stein Mart’s support, and that of their shoppers, is vital to our service.”
What We Say: . We know you can’t bare to part with those itty bitty jeans from college that you swore you’d squeeze into again, but chances are there’s someone else out there who can fit into those jeans. So, help out the Salvation Army, and receive a coupon for 20% off a single purchase at Stein Mart.
The Deal: All Sale Items 50% Off at CharlotteRusse.com
The Lowdown: It’s been a while since we’ve seen much in the way of sales at Charlotte Russe, but since the prices are really reasonable, we don’t usually complain too much. Still, we’re always happy to save more (particularly when we know the quality isn’t exactly job one), so half off sale items sounds good to us.
Fit can be an issue at Charlotte Russe (and of course their range of sizes is woefully limited), we’d avoid the pants—but for the top half, we found some items that will actually work both now and into the next season like this bold color patch dress, $14.49. And looking ahead on the footwear front, we’re thinking a pair of, oh, purple python stilettos might just be the perfect way to bridge the seasons—seriously, why not?—for just $11.49 (assuming you can navigate safely through all those pesky thaw puddles).
Shop: Charlotte Russe
The Deal: Spend more, save more at Banana Republic with code SAVEMORE. Offer ends today.
The Lowdown: Of course, retailers always want you to spend more, but in this case there’s an actual benefit of sorts—the more you spend at Banana Republic through today, the higher percentage discount you’ll get. Take 15% off when you spend $125; 20% off when you spend $200; and a full 25% off when you spend $250. Our advice? Don’t spend more than you normally would just to get the 25% (or if you’re going to, take a moment and do the math to see where you’ll get you’re best deal).
The winter sales, of course, have been on for awhile, so size and selection is limited but we always start there anyway—particularly for those hard-to-find sizes (petite and tall). Tall girls might consider some sale dresses (since you know the hems will actually reach your knees instead of making you look like a preschooler)—we like this gorgeous silk georgette dress, on sale for $89.99, and this versatile button tab knit dress, $39.99. Petite’s might consider a pair of properly-proportioned pants, like these jackson flannel wide leg pant (yes, petite girls can wear wide-leg as long as they’re cut right!) for $44.99.
The Deal: Shop Gap women’s coats on sale now.
The Lowdown: It always pays to get the most out of last year’s coat, then replace it midseason with something great from all the January winter clearance sales.
Case in point: this sale at Gap features up to 70% off on a selection that is, while somewhat limited, still classic enough to carry through to the next year. If you’ve already picked up your coat for this year, make a mental note to hold out for the deals next season (file it right there next to “skinny jeans are NOT the way to make your thighs look thinner, no matter what the salesgirl says”). If you’re in the market, however, we’d suggest these as smart picks:
Double Breasted Peacoat, $69.99
Shop: Gap
The Deal: Check out new markdowns 30-70% off at Shopbop.com
The Lowdown: Clearly, as budget shoppers, we can’t always go the designer route; however, sometimes we want to treat ourselves to something nice and pretty and on sale—which is why we’re big fans of Shopbop.com, which has an additional 30-70% off marked down items.
The thing about Shopbop, of course, is that you’ll not have the widest selection of each designer—let’s face it, that fab Rosa Cha dress you saw in Elle just might not have made it to the Shopbop virtual racks. However, if you approach it in a more general sense—say, just looking for an Rosa Cha dress in general (like this Matrix One Shoulder dress on sale for $145), or looking for a pair of gray designer pumps (like these Modern Vintage Side Buckle Pumps, on sale for $125), you’ll have a better shot at finding a deal that will satisfy your designer jonesing (and the actual needs of your closet).
Shop: Shopbop.com
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