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!

Pretty Lights

So pretty. Only from Pottery Barn for a mere $69!

In other news, both Limited and Express are having Fall Sales. They look like the Semi-Annual Sales.

Bebe is also have a super sale...there are things for 65% off. A black peasant skirt for $25 and a black top for $16 were some of the things that I snapped up.

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.

The Express Pant Getting To Know You with a $15 Reward...SIGN ME UP!

Been really busy lately with things...but this was too good of a deal not to write about.

So the Express Semi-Annual Sale is over and done with, speaking of which, I wonder how the Limited sale is because I really wanted that capelet thing...I guess I have to go by there one day and see if the sale is still going on. Anyway. So they have rolled out all their new 2005 pant editions. And in order to raise revenue, draw interest, whatever, there is one of the best promotional deals out now until February 21st.

For women: try on a pair of Editor pants or the new Correspondent pant. For guys: try on the Producer pant. Once you do, you can get a $15 gift certificate to buy something right then or to keep until the 21st when it expires. Simple. Try on a pair of pants, get $15 for a purchase. Sweet. And if you do go, I've noticed that the guys are a lot nicer about the deal than the salesgirls. I'm not sure what the reason is, but the salesgirls basically ignore you, but the guy will tell you right off the bat about the promotion. Props to them.

I don't know the deal with the Express marketing department, but they used to have those $15 off a $19.50 purchase coupons or something like $25 off a $50 purchase coupons that they would send you in the mail. A one time use. Excellent marketing ploy: get people in, make them look around, and chances are, they would buy something...and buy more than they expected.
For some reason, they cut that and turned to Semi-Annual Sales. Now they're turning to these one-time promotions. Some of them are great in that they send you a card, tell you to come in, make a purchase, and they'll give you something for free or at a discount. But there are the others that tell you to come in, try something on, and they'll give you something. Not exactly the most reasonable rationale to encourage revenues, but I supposedly don't know anything since I am not in marketing.

What I do know is this is an excellent promotion for the customer. Who would pass up $15?? Who cares about the pants; they'll go on sale later this season, and I'll buy them then. In the meantime, I'll stock up on the basic classics. Here are just two that I bought today.

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.

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!

A Good Day

You gotta wonder why I've never really taken advantage of price adjustments before. I'm not sure why I haven't either. Maybe it's because when I make a purchase, I am just so firmly convinced of its "good deal" status, that I don't care? No clue.

So today I waltzed into Gap and found out that the dress that I bought during Thanksgiving had been marked down. It's a NICE black dress...you know, simple, black, slightly flared skirt, reaches the knees, A-line...your classic black dress. I whipped out my receipt and got $15 back. NICE. I think I could make some serious money in price adjustments...and I don't get the guilty "I've spent too much" feeling...AND I still have the item in question in my hot little hands!

Not only does Limited still have their ribbon sweaters for $10, they have also put out cute cardigans for the same price...and your basic sweater turtlenecks...all for $10. I think they've usurped Abercrombie's $10 sweater sale, which I look forward to every year.

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.

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.