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.

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.

Kate Spade Sample Sale

The One Yearly Sample Sale that We have all been waiting for (except for the J Crew Warehouse Sale of course):

Kate Spade Sample Sale
April 26 (9 am to 6 pm); April 27 (9 am to 6 pm); April 28 (9 am to 3 pm)
Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues
New York City

Here I come.

Someone You Should Know

Today's Hero of the Day: Julio A. Nolasco...who emailed me today with _14_, yes _14_ Friends and Family Coupons. He's a winner.

Amongst them:
*Dana Buchman, 30% off thru next Sunday (the 12th)(New York, Florida, Arizona only)
*Elisabeth, 30% off thru next Sunday (the 12th). You can also use this online by typing in code FAF30
*Ellen Tracy, 30% off thru next Sunday (the 12th). Good only at the Manhasset, NY store.
*Laundry (by Shelly Segal), 30% off thru next Sunday (the 12th) (New York, Florida, California only)
*Mexx, 30% off thru next Sunday (the 12th)(New York, New Jersey, Georgetown in DC only)
*Steve Madden, 30% off thru today. Use it online by typing in the code FAFAMDO4.

I didn't know about the Sephora one...it expired yesterday with 20% off. Oh well. It would have come in handy online maybe.

For those of you in New York, Ralph Lauren is having its yearly handbag sample sale, up to 80% off, this week. Tuesday thru Thursday 8 am until 7 pm, except for Thursday when it ends at 4 pm. Park Central Hotel at 870 7th Avenue on the first floor. I got that from Julio and another email so I figure the details must be right. Not a big fan of Ralph Lauren bags tho...I prefer Kate Spade and Donna. But heck, other people must like it because they're sure still in business!

Other things: Lord And Taylor is having its Clinique Bonus Time until Christmas. It's actually a pretty good package. I think Prescriptives is having a makeover session of some sort...I have to look into that. Neiman Marcus is having a cosmetic makeover thing tomorrow and Wednesday; it's the one on Michigan Avenue.

Did anyone go to that fashion sample sale in Chicago on Sunday? I forget where it was, but if you did, you have to let me know if it was good!

I am working on learning how to post pictures. haha. I am such a nerd!