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.

One for you...one for me!

I dropped a ton of money at the UIC Bookstore today...and it wasn't even on books. I spent the money all on UIC baby apparel for a dear friend who is pregnant! Boy, who would have thought that those licensed baby clothes were EXPENSIVE? Those kids will outgrow the apparel in no time! Steve and Barry's really need to start thinking of a newborn department because I would be first in line! You know it's all about the licensing and the logo which causes the prices to skyrocket.

So then I needed some good retail therapy. Nothing like buying stuff for others that shout for more spending. First stop was Express. Jeans were $29.99, and jackets were $49.99. There were party tops for $9.99 and up. Sweaters were $19.99 and velour activewear was $14.99. There were boxes of tops for $9.99 and up also. Not much of a selection, I thought. The best was this rack of newly marked 50% off merchandise! I got two lambswool button-down sweaters for $14.99 each, and surprisingly a fancy camisole that I have coveted forever for $5.99. The actual coveted camisole was a lacy black number from Limited last season; however, this one was silver with black lace and is just as nice.

Then I stopped by Bath and Body Works, whose semi-annual sale is still happening. Most of the Pleasures line is 3 for $15 while the anti-bacterial gels are 4 for $10. Tutti Dolci souffles are $10 as are other creams. They had trial sizes of things they plan to introduce this season on sale for 2 for $5. However, my favorite is the 75% off table. I grabbed a couple of baskets for $2.50 each. I also succumbed to temptation and bought a Tutti Dolci Apple Torta Moisturizing Souffle and a Tutti Dolci Lemon Meringue Lotion at those sale prices. I don't even like the Tutti Dolci line that much because it is sickenly sweet, but oh, the power of retail therapy. Maybe if I ever become sane again, I'll return it.

Then I headed to Victoria's Secret where all clearance panties are now $2.99. They had GREAT choices...I got a couple of Body thongs in neutral colors! Sweet! A lot of their sleepwear was on sale too. Their bronzing lotion was also $4.99, which is a total steal. There are also some makeup kits on sale.

Finally, I stopped by the Limited because I have this coupon that says that if I purchase 5 things, my sixth would be free. They had a lot of tops for $6.99 and up. Pants were $9.99 and up. Sweaters were $14.99 and up. Alas, I couldn't really find anything that I wanted. A lot of the tops were flimsy and looked really old to me for some reason.

Now, I just have to find a place where I can get tissue paper on sale!

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.

Shopping Spree

Marshall Field's
Reaction Kenneth Cole Black Wedges $34.97
Clinique Clarifying Lotion II $19.00

So Good Jewelry
Sparkly necklace $9.99

Express
Camisole $5.99
Gauzy shrug $9.99

Gap
Black Bikini $0.97
Floaty brown Tank Top $1.97
Stretch Black Sleeveless Tank Top $1.97
Pink Classic Button-Down $12.97
Cream Jacket $19.97

Urban Outfitters
Gauzy sweater $29.99
Belt $4.99

Charlotte Russe
White peasant skirt $10.00
Black flirty dress $19.99
Stressed camisole 2 for $20

JCrew
Pink button cardigan $29.99
Distressed Chinos $19.99
Cargo Corduroys $19.99

Bath and Body Works
Aptiva Eucalyptus Sea Salt Scrub $20.00
breathe Serenity wash Free with coupon

Energy Boost: PRICELESS

A trip to Woodfield does wonders. C.O. Bigelow is opening a store in Woodfield. The Grand Opening is October 27. First 100 people who purchase something will get small travel samples of their Lemon Cream and Quince lotion. I wonder how they are going to balance Bath and Body Works and C.O. Bigelow in the same mall since they carry many of the same products!

Check out Forth and Towne, Gap's newest branding concept for career women over age 35. The store touts an Indulge membership which includes free alterations and specials once you spend over $500. They also offer free tea on Tuesdays, and their dressing rooms are like little boudoirs. The store is based on four tiers of merchandise: 1) Gap Edition, 2) Vocabulary, 3)Allegory, and 4) Prize, and the clothes range from relaxation clothes to business suits to party outfits. It manages to stay classic yet somewhat trendy and molds in what middle-aged women would want in an outfit.

Shopping Spree Summer

It's summer! It's July! It means lots of sales!

First off, Lord and Taylor is having its Clinique Bonus Time with a $21.50 purchase. It's a really good deal since the colors are pretty and the bag is decent, not gaudy as some of the extras have been in the past! The Bonus Time will last until mid-July. Excellent as I've been needing desperately my dramatically moisturizing lotion!

Bonus Time!

In other makeup news, you can get free lip gloss from the Brass Plum Department at Nordstrom. I haven't tried it yet but it looks slick! All you have to do is visit the website, and click on the coupon to print it out.

If makeup doesn't strike your fancy, why not clothes? Stores are having sales everywhere. Case in point:

• Banana Republic: Up to 60% online and in stores (I picked up several tops from the spring collection. Tops and skirts are mainly on sale. There are pants also. Prices are $14.99 and up.)
• American Eagle Outfitters: Up to 65% off on clearance items (I picked up a halter top for $4 and several workout shirts. A lot of shirts are on sale.)
• Express: Up to 70% off (This sale disappoints me for several reasons, mainly because of overpriced stock and poor selections. The lace top I bought from February 3 is now $7.99 along with other tank tops. Other tops are $9.99, $19.99 or even $29.99. Skirts and pants are $19.99 but they are patterned or striped; there are no solid colors. Camisoles are $14.99. The best bet is the dress rack, where dresses that were originally $180 have been marked down to either $29.99 or $49.99 depending on the style of the dress. While it is an incredible markdown, the dresses are very casual with a lot of gold beading. Too gaudy for my taste. The red leather tote bag that I have had my eye on forever is $19.99 but I can't find it in me to spend almost $20 on something that I covet but will probably never use because a) I'll be afraid of spilling something on it and b) it's really red. But if the price goes down on that, I'll be first in line to buy one!)
• Limited: Up to 60% off (This sale has camisoles for $9.99. I am currently on a hunt for the black camisole with black lace; I bought one for a friend recently and now I am looking for one for myself because it has totally grown on me! I can't find ANY in the stores though. They have other tops for $6.97, which are really leftovers from the winter sale or thin shirts. Some other tops are $14.99. Their spring button shirts (short-sleeves) are also $14.99. Pants are $19.99. There are also winter clothes and suit jackets for different prices. I recommend checking out the accessories at this sale; belts and scarves can be found for $6.97, which I definitely bought, and jewelry is under $10 also.)
• delia's: Clearance sale has shirts and casualwear for $4.99 and up. I picked up a pair of pajamas here!
• Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale: Your usual, although I'm not too sure if I got in on this when it's about to end or whatnot, but the pickings sure are slim.
• bebe: An extra 50% off clearance items (Tops are now starting at $30.)

And if clothes don't do it for you, here are some more sales:

• Franklin Covey: Up to 50% off so get your new calendar book today.
• Kate Spade: 30-50% off selected items online and in stores.
• Bath and Body Works: They are having their last days of their semi-annual sale so if you haven't stopped by, do so. If you make a purchase, they'll give you coupons for a free lotion that's coming out in July and the American Girl lip balm coming out in August. Both coupons are free products with a $10 purchase.
• The Body Shop: They are having a great sale with things from $1 to $10. Bath soaps, aromatherapy, and body butter are just some of the things on sale. I managed to pick up lip gloss in passionberry and sugar 'n spice flavors for just $1 each!! They are the best lip glosses on the market, in my opinion. They also had free samples of body butter to take home; I took home soy body butter, and it smells delicious.
• Urban Outfitters: All home furnishings (read: books, rugs, pillows) that are on clearance have been marked down an extra 50% off. Also, I got some bangles and bracelets for $1.99.

In other things: Benetton closed at Woodfield. It's really upsetting considering that it was one of my favorite stores. At least there are still Benettons in Northbrook Court and Old Orchard. Last week at Old Orchard, I snapped up this gorgeous thin white shawl at Benetton for a mere $11. I was going to get this black cowl dress too (it was a ridiculous $50 compared to its orginal $198), but I couldn't think of anywhere to wear it to. I wonder if it's still there. I guess if I get desperate enough, I can always make a stop in Europe.

So Good Jewelry...Just Sparkles

My latest shopping adventure happened at Woodfield Mall where a new store, So Good Jewelry, just opened up. It is located right outside of Field's, right next to Mac.

It is this amazing store filled to the brim of any kind of jewelry a woman's heart desires. Brooches, rings, earrings, belts, tiaras, necklaces...anything that is glittery and sparkly and just plain fun can be found here. If the store included Indian bangles, they would be all set. It is also very tastefully decorated and not kitschy at all. The stones may be fake, but it's not one of those places with tacky pieces that just scream "FAKE PASTE AND GLASS!" (or cubic zirconia, but in my shopping experience, cubic zirconia can run up to the hundreds of dollars...oh those wannabe diamonds.). They don't have hairpieces either like SoHo does (I hear a collective sigh of relief.)

Prices start at around $10 and go up. A lot of the rings are $10. A lot of the brooches are $25. Necklaces start from $15. They do take credit cards, but be sure to fall in love with the pieces you are buying because all sales are final. However, this is the one stop shop for all your jewelry needs for anything from a wedding to prom to just casual going out affairs.

So Good Jewelry, according to my research, started from Manhattan street fairs. There are nine stores in total, the majority actually in Boston. This is the only branch in the Chicagoland area.

I would definitely suggest checking it out if you're in the area. It makes me very happy.

In other news, the Bath and Body Works Semi-Annual Sale is in its second week. Lots of deals; each store has different things on sale so I would recommend checking out more than one! Some of the things that I picked up:

• $5 True Blue Spa foot cream, normally priced at $14
• Little bottles of Pleasures Sweet Pea body lotion, at 4 for $10
• $5 16 oz. True Blue Spa Body Mask, normally priced at $20
• $3 velour shoulder bag in black
• 40% off gift sets
• $1.50 True Blue Spa Shea Butter Hand Cream, normally priced at $6
• $1.50 16 oz. Apple Lotion, normally priced $10
• $1.00 Bath and Body Works little shovels (for scrubs and such), normally $1.50 (I think these are long gone now because I wanted to get more, but I can't find them anymore)

There are lots of stuff on sale, including the Tutti Dolci collection at 50% off and its lip glosses at $5. Some stores have all its True Blue Spa line at 40% off. Some stores are selling Molton Brown at a discount. I adore Molton Brown lotion; it hails from the U.K. and is about the creamiest lotion I have ever used and does wonders for dry skin. The candles are also all on sale. I think they are trying to get rid of the Pure Simplicity line because those are all on sale. Finally, I hear rumors that they are renaming the Bath and Body Works Pure Silk Line so they are trying to get rid of all the bottles with that name on it. At $5-$10 for something that usually goes $17.50, it's a steal. The sale will probably last for another week and a half.

On a different note, the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale will start June 21st. One of the things I have my eyes on is the new bronzer lotion which is only in three flavors: pear glace, strawberries and champagne, and endless in love. It serves the dual purpose very well. I'm not a fan of those three smells, so I'm waiting for it to be an endless hit so they parade it out in the other scents!

Millennium Park Mania

You too can hold your event at Millennium Park for a mere $800,000.

Toyota is having a promotional event in September over at Chicago's Millennium Park, effectively shutting down the park to tourists and visitors during that day. For that price tag, Toyota receives exclusive use of most of the park space in addition to promotional ad space in surrounding park areas.

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, who negotiated this deal, reports that if all goes well, the city of Chicago would probably be looking for other interested corporations to rent the park for a day. Most of the fee would go towards philanthropy goals of Millennium Park and to sponsor other public events that the park currently holds such as concerts and art galas. Even now, the new structures at the Park are named after corporations, such as Exelon, Tribune, and Wrigley to name a few.

Millennium Park cost approximately $150 billion to build and opened the summer of 2004.

In other news, Bath and Body Works have coupons for free rose water cream (from the C.O. Bigelow Collection) with a $10 purchase and also a free manicure kit with a $30 purchase. I must stop by.

I stopped by Marshalls the other day and picked up some brand name clothes for like $5 each. Fabulous. I am definitely excited although they are all winter clothes and it pretty much seems that spring is here to stay!

Rewards 'R Us

The folks at Express wised up to their $15 gift certificate giveaway with their new 2005 pants line...and cancelled the offer. Now they are offering a knit camisole for $15 if you BUY one of their pants. A huge bit of a letdown. It's also a shame because this weekend, some of the dress shirts went on sale for $29.50, and with the $15 free, it would have cost $15 to get a shirt. But with everything going on, I didn't get to Express until they had changed the deal. Grrr.

In other news, Express is also offering their huge leather tote bag for $30 with a $75 purchase. Not that there's anything worth buying in Express right now!

Bath and Body Works has an email offer for a free True Blue Spa Island GetAway Lotion with a $15 purchase from the True Blue collection. With the purchase, they'll also give you a coupon for a free lip balm from the new C.O. Bigelow collection with purchase for next week. The C.O. Bigelow collection rocks. I recommend that everyone try it. When I went to take advantage of this offer, the metrosexual of the decade made me sample the entire new Island GetAway line from the margarita scrub to the bodymilk rinse. In my opinion, it's not a good line. It's really oily, the scents are overwhelming, and it was at best ordinary. I would stick with the original True Blue line; at least they have some excellent products. But the C.O. Bigelow collection? Amazing. Everyone should try their lemon body lotion. I cannot wait for the lip balm next week.

Other business tidbits: Krispy Kreme may be filing for bankruptcy soon...that's what you get for expanding too fast without a cohesive vision. Marshall Field's is set to unveil their shopping site online this spring...financial advisors estimate that Field's has lost millions of dollars by not utilizing their online potential sooner. Ann Taylor is still having their clearance sales. So is Banana Republic.

Finally, per a conversation with Kunjali, as I work on this blog, I realize more and more how emotionally tied I am to shopping, as I am with other things in life. It is interesting to realize that no matter how hard I try, I cannot take a distant, unbiased, or unfettered look at the stuff that centers my life.

The World of Semi-Annual Sales

January means, to me, the time where The Limited Brand Company decides to have all of its stores put on a semi-annual sale. It's a buying frenzy where you try to figure out what you've seen all fall/winter season and what you would like...and buy it at like 60% off purchase price. Sweet. Thus, the 22 pairs of pants story was born. But alas, this year...not sure if it's because of the sharply declining returning sales at the company or just an unforeseen lack of focus, most of the stores have been lacking in panache and verve. Suffice to say, my pocketbook is a lot fatter this season as a result. I like deals. But I don't like bad deals.

1) Victoria's Secret: Same old, same old. A lot of lotion for 3 for $11. A lot of bras for $9.99 or $19.99. And a lot of underwear for $2.99. It's only good if you ever need to stock up...which I do, but it's never anything new. Just your regular stash of underwear. Gives new meaning to why buy anytime else. It ends today. The best thing is that on my receipt, I got a survey invitation, which gave me a $5 off $25 on my next purchase. June sales, here I come.

2) Express: You know, the Express sale is sorely disappointing this year. First, they need to get rid of the box thing. Hang everything up where we can see them. I'm finding it rather pointless to go digging thru various boxes. I would dig in boxes for stuff that is $4.99, but $9.99? Please. Not for a thin faded shirt that looks all wrinkled in a box. The Express label isn't exactly haute couture. My theory is that the first semi-annual sale ever was such a success because of the bargain prices, that they decided to keep the format, but push prices higher in an effort to recoup all their sale losses. In the business world, it's a sound idea, but in the scientific world, it was obvious that the low prices were significantly tied to the willingness to dig through boxes. If one was adversely affected, it was bound to negatively affect the other one. An obvious example of a Type II error in which they failed to reject the null hypothesis when they changed a variable. What's worse is that after dismal sales for a year, they should have seen the light.

So the sale wasn't all that. A lot of boxes of $9.99 stuff. Coats for $49.99. Pants starting at $14.99 and $29.99. Faded button-downs at $14.99. Sweaters and such at $29.99. When I went, they were in the middle of marking down the boxes to $5.99. Given the fact that the sale will go on for another week or so, they'll mark everything down even further eventually just to move all the merchandise. Which is fine with me.

The last thing about Express is its shoddy customer service. I know someone who works there and is going to take offense, but seriously, it's getting out of hand. I don't know if it's because I go in there in warmups and a sweatshirt (which is the easiest to get out of) or whatnot, but a little "Hello, can I help you?" wouldn't kill you. What pissed me off was that I was looking at blazers, which all of them had been priced to $49.99 and then had a red slash thru the $49.99. So I asked the salesgirl if the prices had been reduced...and she affirmed it brusquely. Then I asked her what the new price was, and then she just walked away! So I had to ask another salesgirl what the new price was, and she looked at me, and was like, "I don't know". And walked away also! For crissakes...offer to look it up for me!! Needless to say, I was so appalled, I really didn't care to look at any of their other merchandise. Their loss.

3) The Limited: Surprisingly, the sale is ok. I had wonderful customer service first of all. I have to say, maybe the best customer service at Limited ever. The girl was so helpful and so apologetic about not having certain clothes...was great with the returns...it was different. But anyway. Shirts are $6.99, but the colors are definitely weird. Party clothes for $9.99. Sweaters are $9.99 or $14.99. Pants start at $14.99. Skirts start at $19.99. I got two sweaters that I've been eyeing for awhile, returned some sweaters that I had overbought in December, and basically flew out of there with no trouble. There is a black shawl there for $9.99 that I really want, but will obviously never wear...so I actually resisted buying it, but if it gets marked down, I will be back. I guess I could have used price adjustments if I had thought about it at the time. It's a good sale...it'll be going on for another couple of weeks.

4) Bath and Body Works: It's a great sale. I like. I've stocked up on pearberry and country apple lotions, splashs, antibacterial hand gel, body butters, True Blue Spa tanners and facial masks and scrubs, and a bunch of other things. Stuff ranges from $3 to $10, and it's pretty good. Each store has a different selection of stuff on sale, so I've been to like 8 different Bath and Body Works in like the last two weeks. There is a 75% off shelf, which is amazing, and is different at every store. For example, at some of the stores, they had toasted hazelnut and other random splashes for 75% off. Others had the passionberry, etc. lotions for 75% off. Yesterday's store had self-tanners and candles for 75% off. Nice deals. Also, the gift sets are at 40% at some stores and 50% at others...so it pays to look around...my predictions are that once the sale is over, it'll go up to 75% off and that's when I'll swoop in and buy some more stuff.

This is an innovative idea at Bath and Body Works, and I think it is excellent. For the three weeks of the sale, they have highlighted a special, just for that week...for $5. The first week was those huge candles, the second week was all about the lotions and body washes, and this final week is about True Blue Spa foot cream. For $5. From $14. Can I say GREAT DEAL?? Not only is it a great bargain...it gets you back into the store to buy more stuff!! A great idea. You can access the complete list at the website.

The sale ends today also. What's new with the store, however, is a new line...C.O. Bigelow. It debuts next week with the full line coming in February. I tried the lemon cream body lotion...and it is absolute ecstasy. At one of the stores, they even gave me a coupon for a free sample when it comes out. Now that's what I call great customer service.

Tsunami Volunteering

A site I stumbled upon today. United Volunteers - http://www.unitedvolunteers.com. Looks like something promising.

I cannot say anything specific, but my faith in the world is being slowly restored. A bit has to be attributed to the new environment I find myself in. I feel like I'm slowly waking up and "I see the world is just as it should be."

Hilarious conversations with a fashionista about Banana Republic, Coldstone Creamery creations, Express's new fraud-detection system, Victoria Secret's smocks, and Saks Fifth Avenue. An extensive list of my purchases made at the Bath and Body Works semi-annual clearance sale. Lamentations of the suspectible bargains out there. January is the month to stock up on linens and Christmas concoctions. The new era of regifting. Many shopping ruminations in the forecast.

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!

Three Things

Three Things:
1) The new study on Celebrex plunged Pfizer's stock value down approximately 11.25% down today. Apparently it wiped out $25 billion of Pfizer's market value. Wow.

2) Bath and Body Works has a new offer. Buy $20 worth of merchandise, get a 9 0z. Pleasures lotion bottle free. Let me know if you need the coupon. Expires December 24th.

3) I like Harry and David and Dean & DeLuca. My kind of gift stores. Oh yeah, speaking of stores, I heard more raves about the Powder Room today! I am ahead of the pack! hehe.

Headed to Equinox to sweat.

My Favorite Things

I am the new proud owner of:

1. some cardstock, some stickers, some new holiday cards and gift tags, from Archivers
2. Tutti Dolci cinnamon frosting lip gloss, Burt's Bees raisin lip gloss, the Bath and Body Works Christmas CD, a Henri Bendel candle, wheat germ almond hair reconstructor from Bath and Body Works.
3. A tank top for $2 (!!) and a professional skirt from Banana Republic
4. Two sleeveless sweater tops and a flirty skirt from Gap
5. Two cardigans from Old Navy
6. Two scoopneck long-sleeved ribbon bow on neckline sweaters in cream and brown from Limited...it is a weekend sale and they are $10 each down from the $39.50 retail price. Also a pair of pants from the $29.50 sale thing they are having that I will probably return because I have enough pairs courtesy of last January. (that was a take of 22 pants for $10 each from Express and Limited and was so bemusing that even the doctors knew about it and asked me about it).

**From Bath and Body Works: Trying the testers at the store, there are 6 flavors in the Tutti Dolci line, all promoting some "airy" substance such as creme brulee, angel food cake, and lemon meringue. Go figure. Some of them smell good...actually all of them really do, except the chocolate one, but when you put it on, it is tacky and sticky, and doesn't taste like anything at all. Actually, it's kinda gross. I got my free lip gloss so we'll see how much I like it. I also am going to try this wheat germ thing because I am growing out my hair for Locks of Love and apparently I don't eat right or something because my hair kinda looks limp nowadays so we'll see if this wheat germ revitalizes it.

In case anyone is wondering, I guess what is so amusing is that I don't wear half the stuff I buy. Yet I covet clothes endlessly. You can bet I will only wear half of what I bought today. There are clothes in my closet that still have tags on them. I took up two closets in Rockford and I still had my closet full at home, plus clothes scattered in the most random places. But you know, I have to say in my defense, I'll get around to wearing everything someday. Like that ugly sequined purple top from Forever 21 that I bought because I was upset that day and it seemed like a good deal: a good five years later...I wore it for the first time to the Halloween party! And Chris spilled beer on it! It's clean now tho. Some people collect videos, some people collect mp3s, I collect a wardrobe.

High point of the day: At Limited, I was trying to branch out of my usual color scheme especially since my color tone isn't all that nowadays. So I called Victor to ask for his opinion of the color pumpkin. He actually was more helpful than the salespeople at Limited. So go figure. It actually looked good on me (weird, I know!), but I stuck with the neutral colors because pumpkin might not look good on me one day depending on my color tone.

I didn't get to Express because it was closing time, so I will probably go back tomorrow.

Almost but not quite

On my way out to the scrapbooking store and the mall to see what kind of goodies I could buy, I checked my email and realized that Victoria's Secret had just sent me a coupon code for a free body lotion, body wash, or lip gloss online. So I went to Victoria's Secret, but after some hassle realized that the offer was expired because so many people had gotten to it and had spread the word. Oh well. Their Secret Crush is yummy.

It's okay though because there are always deals like this. Also, I don't know what the deal is with Bath and Body Works and Victoria's Secret, but they always change their lotion smells around so by the time you find the perfect one and fall in love with it...it disappears from the shelves. Like I loved the apricot lotion from Victoria's Secret, but it's gone now. And Sweet Pea and Night-Blooming Jasmine from Bath and Body Works are rumored to disappear soon. Well, that's been a rumor for like 9 months, and it hasn't happened yet, so who knows.

New Deal: 30% off Guess. Also I think the $5 Bath and Body Works bubble bath and shower gels are still going on. I think I'm going to try the Burt Bee's lip gloss...need to find a good color though.

Sale Bonanza

This weekend:

1. Old Navy Friends and Family 20% off
2. Banana Republic Friends and Family 30% off
3. Kenneth Cole Friends and Family 30% off
4. Bath and Body Works Tutti Dolci Lip Gloss Free with Purchase and Coupon
5. Archiver's Scrapbooking extravaganza - Make It and Take Its
6. In NYC: Jimmy Choo's sample sale...up to 60% off. NICE!

On Thursday, Starbucks had its Cheer Party at its stores. They gave out free tall holiday coffees, your choice of eggnog latte, gingerbread latte, or peppermint mocha. I got the gingerbread latte. Yum. I love Starbucks. I love their red holiday cups. And I love their stenciling on the cardboard thing they put around the cup. What is that anyway? Is it a gripper? Or is it supposed to prevent you from burning yourself? I have never figured it out. They also had cranberry cream bars. Although I don't like cranberries, this was delish. As Kunj and I talked about it later, if we had been in the same town, we would have traipsed all over hitting every Starbucks.

I wonder how Bath and Body Works is doing in revenue...because they seem to have a lot of these free offers with purchase lately. It's very interesting, considering Limited Brands, Inc. is under their predicted forecasts this year. I know some of their stores aren't doing as well as from the market and stock reports, but I wonder how Bath and Body Works is holding up. Victor and I will have to have a conversation about this. Speaking of stores that are owned by Limited Brands, Inc., Express is having their semi-annual pant sale, $29.50 and up. It started yesterday.

Wal-Mart is under their predicted forecasts also. As a result, they have unveiled a new holiday advertisement, having chosen 25 "gadgets" to promote as newly-reduced merchandise. We'll see how this works for the company who only puts out circulars 12 times a year.