Shopping spree

Long time no blog...but it doesn't mean that I haven't shopped! A lot of the stores have had their mid-year annual sales, and it was...just amazing. Not sure if it's because gas prices are ridiculously above $3.00 a gallon, slowing down the economy so stores need to knock prices like mad or if it's just a banner year, but either way, I win!

So the Express and Limited sales weren't all that, as usual. But Bath and Body Works manage to surprise me endlessly. They had their usual stuff on sale, but then I got the Aquatanica Gel Souffle for $4.75. Its original price was $22.00 for 5 oz. And it's some really good stuff! Aquatanica is this new line and is heavy on the whole ocean and seaweed natural ingredients, and I love the souffle. It's light and smells good. I've been meaning to buy a jar, but couldn't reason out paying more than $4 an ounce! So I'm really glad that it went on sale even though the cashier told me that they might be discontinuing the line! I also have had my eye on the Bath and Body Works bathrobe that was originally $60. It is one of the softest robes I have ever felt, and I have been eyeing them since last season's sale. I got it for 75% off, for only $15. So I'm really happy about that.

My new favorite store has been Ann Taylor Loft for the last year since they opened near me. It is very similar to Ann Taylor without the exorbitant prices. They have been having their summer sales; actually it's still going on, but it's been picked over a lot. And I've bought numerous pieces from them such as button shirts and dresses. My great buys include a suit jacket originally for $125, which I got for $29.99. It's simple and black and will work with any skirt or pair of pants. I also bought a pair of tailored black and red striped pants for only $6.88. Seriously, some of these sales are just fabulous. I think currently they may be selling their flipflops for a mere $6.88!

The other store that has had a ridiculous sale has been the Gap. I used to love the Gap when I was in high school; actually I think it's safe to say that I was obsessed with it. But then, they changed CEOs or purchasing managers or something, and they took a path away from the classic pieces that they always have had. They started coming out with ridiculous colors like fushia or lime green or electric blue. Then they started going trendy instead of sticking with the classic styles that everyone needs to have in their wardrobe. They went with all the balloon skirts, thin hanging peasant blouses, and rubber flops that no one could wear to work. I think they're currently trying to find a good balance so there is a lot of chaos in their store branding right now. So they have run a lot of sales, including one over the fourth of July weekend where everything that was on sale was an additional 50% off. It was just absolutely crazy. I bought a jean jacket that was a mere $11, low rise flare jeans for $7.50, and tshirts for $2.50. I bought some other things to round out outfits in my wardrobe...so there were extremely good bargains for me.

Finally, last weekend when I was at home, I stopped by the mall and went to Victoria's Secret. I had expected that their semi-annual sale would be over by now, and it was just wrapping up. In fact, all leftover bras were $12.99 and all leftover panties were a mere $2.99. Score! Those bras were excellent, from Betsey Johnsons to Chantal to IPEX...really, there were like bras for $159 that were selling for a mere $12.99. I have to say too that they were selling their packets of clear bra straps for $2.99 for 3. Those are usually $12! It was a good find, and now I'm practically swimming in new bras!

What I really want now is a Kate Spade PDA case exactly like this one:

Kate Spade Brody PDA Case

Maybe I'll stop by the store this weekend.

Connected

T-Mobile Hotspots are free during the weekend if your cell phone is a T-Mobile plan. It's this promotion that they are hosting for an indeterminate amount of time. Awesome. Simply go to the Hotspot, open your browser, and it should take you to the T-Mobile website where you can click on the Free Weekends button, enter your phone number, and shortly thereafter receive a 6-number code by text message to enter on the website to sign on!

So of course, that is the primary reason why I hit up Borders. But they also have a $1 clearance rack. Last week, I got a nice faux crocodile planner for 2006. A bit late in the year, but I always have high hopes of organizing my life.

Also, Ann Taylor Loft just marked down more things for clearance. Have to stop by in the store and check out the online site.

New Outfits

There is this mad rush to hit the stores before year's end. Post-holiday sales, year-end markdowns, coupons encouraging the power of owning.

It becomes a real life game of Monopoly as one goes from store to store...trying to figure out when each store's sales become the true deal. For some stores, it's the post-holiday week. For others, the excellent deals won't be found until mid-January when prices are ruthlessly slashed to meet quarterly predictions and to welcome in the spring fashions.

Yet, for some stores, their sales seem to start earlier and earlier. Like my all-time favorite Bath and Body Works. Their semi-annual sale has semi-started already. In the stores, it's a rather pitiful shopping spree as most holiday gifts sets are either at 40% or 50% off. However, it's been reported that several high-ticket items online have been marked down to 75%, thus spurring an incredible, yet frustrating, buying frenzy on the recently unveiled online store site. What makes it more confusing is that apparently the 75% off is only available through a link found in the emails sent; otherwise, one is doomed only to find gift baskets marked for 40% off. However, the thrill of finding a good deal is somewhat pessimistically altered by the fact that many of the orders are backordered and ultimately end up being cancelled. Apparently Scrooge hasn't completely left the building.

My new favorite store, however, is Ann Taylor Loft. Less expensive than Ann Taylor and a lot more contemporary and classic than its older sibling which caters to the career woman. Their dressing rooms are spacious, and the lighting does not attempt to cut you in a favorable light. All they need is to serve brownies and wine in them like they do in the Bliss Spa. But I digress. Ann Taylor Loft is in the middle of their post-holiday sale, and bargains are truly to be found. Dress shirts for $24.99. Pants for $29.99 and up. Fleece jackets for $19.99. Suit jackets for $54.99. And many more. My score for the day was a cream tank and shell for a mere $30, reduced from $80. With my extra $20 off coupon should I use my Ann Taylor credit card, it became a $10 purchase.

Sometimes, braving the crowds is absolutely worth it.

Time's A-Ticking

Express's up to 50% off Sweater and Other Stuff Sale - Enh. Pass on it.
Limited's 50% off Sweater Sale - NICE.
Nine West 50% off Boot Sale - Nice.
Gap's Last-Minute Sale - Leaves something to be desired.
Ann Taylor Loft Sale - Excellent.

Shopping this weekend was just plain frustrating. Too many people with no direction, not enough good stuff, no bargains, and the parking lot was a mess. I think I'm done for awhile because I can't stand stupid shoppers. Let the Holiday Season be over so I can have my malls back!!

Oh. Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale starts December 27th!