Ok everyone — you’ve been dying to know when Old Navy will have its annual $1 flip flop sale, and the retailer finally announced the dates this morning on its Facebook page.

Old Navy card holders can get up to five pairs of solid color flip flops for $1 on June 15.

Don’t have an Old Navy credit card? You can still get your flip flops for $1, but you’ll have to wait until June 29.

This promotion is only valid in stores and excludes all shoes except for the plain, solid colors of rubber flip flops.

(Looking for information about the 2013 flip flop sale? Click here)

In my experience, one can never have enough flip flops.

If you’re in need of some new footwear, check out the $1 flip flop sale at Old Navy on Saturday (June 30).

Stock up for you and your family!

For more info, check out Old Navy’s Facebook page.

We’re in the midst of homecoming season, and even though it’s often overshadowed by prom, the costs of any formal event can add up quickly. I asked blog readers to share their tips for how to save on formal events, and here’s what they had to say:

* Multiple readers suggested checking out discount retailers such as TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and Ross. “Nicole” said that she likes those stores because they carry cocktail dresses that fit the “semi-formal needs of homecoming.” Many others noted that these retailers also carry tons of discounted shoes and accessories.

* “Corrie P” recommends scouring Goodwill and thrift stores. She once helped her son find a Jos. A. Bank suit that fit perfectly. The suit retailed for $1,600, but she paid only $11. If you have the patience to do some digging, this is the way to go. At Goodwill, Corrie also picked up a formal for the Black and White Ball for $12.

* Vintage shops can offer quality used pieces. “A.” suggests Freckles in Roanoke for vintage items.

* Borrowing dresses or holding a dress swap with friends was another popular response. A new-to-you dress is just as fun as a brand-new dress, and it can save hundreds of dollars.

* Purchasing dresses and accessories off of eBay is a convenient option. While “Maria” noted that it can be tricky when it comes to picking your size, it’s worth it. She has found two dresses for less than $20. Meanwhile, if the size isn’t exactly right, “Elizabeth” points out that even with alterations a used dress is usually cheaper than those in department or specialty stores.

* Consignment shops are an option for those looking to buy and sell dresses. “Rachel” thinks it’s a “great way to save money and get money for things you no longer want or need.” “Melody” suggested Hidden Treasures in Roanoke, where she’s found dresses, shoes, purses and jewelry. “Rebecca” pointed out that the YMCA in Lynchburg holds a wedding and formal consignment sale once a year.

* If there’s a talented seamstress around to help, making your own dress can also save you money. “Asher” altered and wore her mother’s prom dress. “Jordan” wrote that she got to pick out the style, fabric and color of two of the dresses her mother made in high school and it was “significantly less expensive.” Not to mention unique.

* If you’re shopping off the rack, be sure to start looking in the off-season. Start browsing for homecoming in the spring after prom season has ended. This is how “Susan” has outfitted her four daughters throughout high school; one found two dresses for just $9.95 each last year. “Becca” suggests asking local boutiques to price match, which is how she got her wedding dress for $150 cheaper than the price tag.

* Hosting a cookout or dinner party is a fun, money-saving option for feeding a big group. Picking out quality foods and dressing up the table still make the meal special, and everyone can get ready together this way, too, suggested “Jamie.”

* Accessories seem to be the easiest and most popular way to jazz up your formalwear. The website Etsy.com was suggested by multiple commenters as a place to find original jewelry pieces, while “Cassidy” suggested borrowing pieces from Mom. “M” has had luck finding shoes and affordable jewelry at Papagallo’s and P.S. Pumpkinseeds in Lexington, and “A.” likes Homebody in Blacksburg for vintage jewelry.

Do you have any other suggestions for saving money on formal events? Share them!

Rescue Mission staff members & participants in Models on the Market, Kyle Edgell (black dress) & Gail Strickler (red dress), pose in the Thrift Store formal wear they will be wearing at noon downtown on August 17 to promote National Thrift Shop Day. Photo by the Roanoke Rescue Mission (Facebook).

If you’re around the Roanoke City Market tomorrow from noon to 1 p.m., you might notice a little something different.

In honor of National Thrift Store day, the Roanoke Rescue Mission Thrift Store will have “Mission Models” positioned throughout the market area wearing thrift store formal wear. The models will be showcasing the pieces from the selection of formal apparel that the Roanoke thrift store offers.

The models will be dressed in formal wear and accessories from the thrift store, and wear over sized price tags to show what the entire outfit would cost if purchased.

Homecoming and college formals are right around the corner, so this is something to keep in mind! Thrift stores are a great way to get lightly used formal items.

Check out more information on their Facebook page here.

These goodies could be yours if you answer the question below!

A few weeks ago, we received some product samples from MAC Cosmetics for the summer season. Three of us decided to test  a few of the products and share our findings to help readers as they shop for makeup this season.
I was one of the testers, along with food writer Lindsey Nair and features editor Kathy Lu. In doing this review, we learned that our makeup comes from a variety of places, and we all have different preferences.

Now, we’d like to give a reader a chance to try some products, too.
Tell us whether you use makeup from department stores or the drug store and whether you think higher prices are worth it.

The winner, chosen at random on Friday after 4 p.m., will receive a makeup bag by EcoTools, as well as a variety of MAC cosmetics.

Rebecca Holland
I tested:
* Lucky Green powder eye shadow, $14.50
* Rich Thrills Big Bounce cream eye shadow, $16.50
* Alpha Girl beauty powder, $25
*   Mlle lipstick, $14.50

I liked/disliked: I have been using the beauty powder as blush daily. It’s got enough color to brighten your face without looking unnatural and doesn’t rub off. The powder also comes in a nice, sturdy compact, not a flimsy, plastic one that would normally fall apart in my purse.
Both of the eye shadows were nice, but I liked the cream shadow best. The cream shadow goes on very smooth and stays on all day. When applied the color is pretty sheer, but I added a couple of layers for a darker, evening look. The green shadow is a lot of fun with the right outfit, but I used it very sparingly and blended with a neutral color. It was a little too bright on its own.
I don’t normally wear lipstick, but I decided to test this one  because it seemed sheer and smooth like a gloss. Unfortunately it was a disaster! The shade was Barbie pink when applied (can anyone pull that off?) and seemed to dry out my lips pretty quickly.

I usually use: Neutrogena oil-free liquid foundation, Maybelline mascara, Estee Lauder and Covergirl eye shadow, Carmex  lip balm and Neutrogena blush.

Would I buy? These products are a little more expensive than what I use, but I have very sensitive skin so I don’t mind spending a little more for quality makeup. I’d definitely consider buying the beauty powder and cream eye shadow. The green shadow is fun, but probably not something I would normally choose to buy through MAC. I’m not sure the cost is worth it for a color that won’t get worn much.
As far as the lipstick goes, I think I’ll stay loyal to my basic Carmex .

Kathy Lu
I tested:
* Summer Shower lipstick, $14.50
* Big Bounce eye shadow in Cool Elite (white pearl) and Black Diamond (black with gold pearl), $16.50 each
* Honey Rose Magically Cool Liquid Powder, $29.50
* Bows & Courtseys powder eye shadow, $14.50

I liked/disliked: The Summer Shower lipstick looks pale green but glides on as a sheer shimmer. I like to use it as a topcoat to darker lipstick.
I also have been using the Bows & Courtseys  shadow every day as a liner applied close to my top eyelashes. The shadow is dark hunter green, and glides on smoothly, but is easily blended with pencil liner.
I’m still undecided about the Big Bounce eye shadows, which look and feel like mousse. I use the white pearly one sparingly, as a shimmer on my eyelids. But I tried to use the black one as a liner and found it hard to apply with a brush as an even line. Also, I found it hard to blend. So I don’t know how you would use the darker colors to good effect.
As for the liquid powder, it does indeed feel cool the touch, almost wet. The color was good for my complexion, but because of the odd texture, it’s hard to apply evenly with a blush brush. It does have a lot of shimmer in it, and MAC recommends using it to enhance foundation, which I don’t typically wear.

I usually use: MAC eye shadow, MAC or Clinique lipstick, Clinique pencil eyeliner.

Would I buy? I would definitely buy the eye shadows because I’ve had good experiences with them. They don’t run and are easy to apply.
I would pass on the powder, but mostly because it’s not something I use every day.
While I would buy MAC lipstick, I probably would go with a color instead of the sheer one.
Finally, while I like to put a little sheer on my eyes most days, I would likely find a cheaper product to use than the Big Bounce shadow.

Lindsey Nair

I tested: 
* Fresh Daisy eye shadow, $14.50
* Bronze Yourself Big Bounce cream eye shadow, $16.50
* Truth & Light Magically Cool Liquid Powder, $29.50

I liked/disliked: I liked the cream eye shadow, which does not budge all day after it has been applied. It takes some getting used to if you’ve never worn wet eye shadow before, and it needs a minute to dry completely, but the coverage and appearance are great. Best applied with a small brush.
The Fresh Daisy eye shadow has changed my life! Instead of wearing it on my eyelids, I like to dab a small amount at the inside corners of my eyes, then brush a little bit underneath my lower line of eyeliner. This makes my eyes look brighter and my entire face look more alert.
I wasn’t crazy about the liquid powder. It feels cool (literally) when it is applied, but did not provide the kind of cover and blemish camouflage one gets with liquid makeup. Also, it leaves a powdery residue on the face, which could get on clothing. I’d recommend this as a supplement to other foundations, but on its own it was not effective for me.

I usually use: Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse as a foundation, any powdered eye shadow at a reasonable price, MAC lipstick and eyeliner, and Merle Norman eyebrow brush.

Would I buy? I would definitely purchase the MAC liquid eye shadow, and I think I’m addicted to the white powdered shadow for the rest of my life. As for foundation, I will stick with liquid.

This outfit in its entirety (shoes, accessories and all) is only $38. Penny Chic breaks it all down for you. Photo courtesy of Pennychic.com.

For everyone who refuses to buy clothing and accessories at Walmart, let me introduce you to Penny Chic.

This site, run by Shauna Miller, has been featured on some pretty big media outlets (like CNN for example), and really sheds a new light on how you can be stylish without spending an arm and a leg. Sometimes Walmart is a bit overwhelming, but Shauna (who once worked at a fashion house in Paris) has some great ideas and breaks down every outfit for you.

Even if you don’t do any shopping for clothes at Walmart, this is still a great place to look for ideas. I strongly suggest this sight for any ladies who have a busy wedding season ahead of them. Attending weddings can be an expensive venture, but there are some outfits available that would totally be wedding-acceptable (like this one).

One of my favorite purchases: $188 blazer for $25

Not only did I survive the madness that is a J.Crew warehouse sale, I came out a winner. I walked away with 13 items valued at $1,033 — but don’t worry! I got it all for less than $150.

Here’s what I was able to find.
Accessories:
*Jeweled elastic flower belt: Retail price, $50
* Refined silk-cashmere wrap : Retail price, $75
*Polka-dot Infinity scarf: Now unavailable, but all scarves online are priced at or above $48.
*Printed wool wrap (similar to this style): $59
Retail Total: $232
Warehouse Price: $5 each

Tops:
*Three-quarter sleeve stretch perfect shirt (in pink, white and purple): $58 each
*Three-quarter sleeve, striped top (no photo available): $42.50
*Long sleeve, ruffle neck knit top (no photo available): $32.50
Retail Total: $249
Warehouse Price: $8 each

Sweaters:
* Forever cardigan in melon: $69.50
Retail Total: $69.50
Warehouse Price: $15

Bottoms:
*Seersucker mini skirt (similar to the one pictured): $54.50
Retail Total: $54.50
Warehouse Price: $15

Jackets:
*Schoolboy blazer in navy: $188
*Two-button suit jacket in black (similar to one pictured): $240
Retail Total: $428
Warehouse Price: $25 each

Now, to save you the math, that means I only spent $147! Yes, that’s more than I’d spend on the average shopping trip, but I was able to stock up on basic items I can wear to work and on the weekend.

What did I learn after my experience?
*If at all possible, leave the kids at home! Space is tight inside so navigating a stroller is hard on you and the people around you. Plus, you’ll likely be waiting outside for quite a while.
*Grab anything you like and check for fit/quality later. It clogs things up and takes more time to inspect each piece as you go along.
*Dig to the bottom of a box. Most jewelry, hair accessories and belts were hiding below heavy clothing items.
*Stock up on gifts! Scarves, belts, headbands and jewelry are all great gifts that can be bought in advance. At $5 a piece for most of these products, it’s a good time to stock up for birthdays, Christmas, etc.
*You can’t see it all. After a couple hours, cut yourself off. There’s absolutely no way you can look through every box and find every possible purchase. Boxes are constantly being replenished and most are over stuffed to begin with. Though it may feel like you’re missing out, you’ll never get through it all. Be happy with what you’ve found and walk away happy!

And I’ve got to brag on J.Crew’s customer service a little bit. One of the blazers I bought was missing a button, so I emailed customer service to see if there was any way I could get a replacement. Within a couple hours someone had gotten back to me and offered to send me the replacement for free. Plus, everyone working the sale was great; they were all very patient with the very impatient shoppers stuck waiting in line.

Did you check out the sale? Tell me about your finds!

Unorganized madness...a preview of what you'll see at the J. Crew warehouse sale. I'll be there! Photo courtesy of rashansworld.com.

It’s time to mark your calendars for some regional name-brand warehouse sales.
J.Crew, Grand Home Furnishings and Elizabeth Arden all have local warehouses with annual sales. At these events, sample, discontinued, overstock and previously returned products are all offered “as is” for a deep discount.
J.Crew’s local warehouse (25 Millrace Drive, Lynchburg) has sales multiple times each year. Upon arriving, you’ll receive a shopping bag and a price list — nothing will have price tags. Clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children are possible finds at each sale. The next sale is this weekend, Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call (434) 385-6700.
Be prepared to do some digging and make quick decisions at J.Crew. Often the merchandise is simply in boxes or laid out on the warehouse floor. In most cases there are no dressing rooms, so bring a size list.
For women, wearing leggings and snug T-shirts allows for slipping clothes on and off over your outfit; likewise, men should consider shorts and T-shirts. Remember that all sales are final.
The Elizabeth Arden Warehouse (3030 Nicholas Ave., Roanoke) opens its doors a few times each year offering fragrances, cosmetics, cosmetic tools, bags and more. I’ve had great luck here, purchasing seasonal eye shadow sets and quality brushes for a fraction of the department store price. Because this location is an operating warehouse, no one under 16 can be admitted. The next sale is May 4-7. For more information, call 983-6594.
Finally, the Grand Home Furnishings Warehouse Outlet (1221 Rhodes Ave. N.E., Roanoke) has a sale each year. Mattresses as well as bedroom, indoor and outdoor furniture are all available, as well as the occasional fireplace, lamp, rug and cabinet set. To avoid delivery charges, come prepared to haul away your finds. This year’s sale was in February, so if you’re interested in attending in 2012, be on the lookout after the new year.

Do you have any more tips for scoring at warehouse sales? I’ll be at the J.Crew event this Saturday, see you there!

Big dresses don't have to cost big bucks. Check out the Dream Dress Dance for free prom items this Saturday.

Prom season is upon us.  If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress that may only be worn once,  there are ways around  it.

Thrift stores  such as Goodwill end up with formals and other prom goods from time to time, and they often feature these items at the front of the store or in a special section. Because most formal gowns are very lightly used, this is an easy way to pick up a like-new dress for a fraction of the cost. Even if it doesn’t fit perfectly, some of the money saved could go toward  alterations.

Shopping for formal items in the off season is also smart. By the end of May, department stores (like Macys, J.C. Penney and Belk) have formal dresses deeply discounted. Consider buying one that’s not a perfect fit (slightly long and wide) to account for any body changes and shoe options.  Alterations can also  be taken care of with the money saved.

Trading in or donating your used dress can also have its benefits. Now through  Saturday, J.C. Penney stores are accepting gently worn prom dresses to be donated to underprivileged teenage girls. After donating, you’ll receive a 20 percent discount coupon toward a new prom dress at the store.

Another option for those wishing to donate their used dresses is the Dream Dress Dance presented by Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley.
The event is currently collecting formal dresses and other prom-related items to  give away. Donations are  accepted at the Pulaski Jackson Hewitt location, 313 N. Washington Ave.

If you’re shopping for these items, the Dream Dress Dance will be giving everything away on Saturday, no strings attached, and everyone is welcome. Attendees will also have the opportunity to register to win prom packages.

Dream Dress Dance
What: Formals and other prom-related items will be available for free.
When:  Saturday,
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley, 44 W. Fourth St., Pulaski
Contact: 980-4282

Do you know of any other ways to get a bargain on prom goods? Share it below!

It's awfully fun to buy a new prom dress, but it's even better to give one away. Who knows, you might even find the perfect fit for free!

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley are teaming up to present the Dream Dress Dance, a prom dress give-a-way. Through the program, attendees can pick out dresses and other prom related items for free.

To make this awesome program possible, though, they need donations. If you have a clean, used formal dress or other items that you would be willing to donate, drop them off at the Pulaski Jackson Hewitt, 313 N. Washington Ave., Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

I know how tough it is to give up these dresses, but it’s for a great cause. I’ve given up all but one of my formal dresses – maybe this is the time to finally let go!

For more information or to learn other ways you can contribute to the event, contact Peggy Hubble (phubble110@aol.com) or Megan Brillheart (megsbheart@gmail.com) at 980-4282.

More information to come about the Dream Dress Dance!

Happy President’s Day indeed. From now until Sunday at midnight you can get free shipping on all online orders at J. Crew’s Factory store. The Factory Store is full of J. Crew items that have been marked down, many to under $50 (as J. Crew generally runs pretty pricey, this is a good deal). In my experience, all of their clothing holds up very nicely making it worth the price in many cases. I suggest you stock up on basic items like cardigans, dress shirts, jeans and khakis — items that won’t be out of style in a couple weeks.

This wristlet (which comes in multiple colors and patterns) is only $19.90, making it under $10 with the use of Fashion Cash.

Today through Sunday The Limited is offering $10 of “Fashion Cash.” This is one of the best deals I’ve come across lately. Even though you can’t spend it on discounted clearance items, the minimum amount you have to spend to use this $10 coupon is only $10. The store has tons of great jewelry and other accessories in the $10 to $20 range, so you could end up with a purchase that’s nearly free — and all you have to do is walk in the store!

An email I received said, “For online purchases enter FASHCASH at checkout to receive discount, or walk in any Limited store and we’ll hand you $10 in Fashion Cash.”

I accidentally stumbled into this sale a while back and ended up getting some hair clips for around $2. I even went back the next day, got another coupon, and purchased a bag similar to the one pictured for $7. In all, I spent under $10 between both trips on items that would usually total around $30. 

If they happen to be out of the coupons when you get there, mention you heard about the deal at checkout. Hopefully they’ll still honor the offer.

Consignment shopping takes a little extra leg work, but the savings in the end can make it worth while. Photo by turtlemom4bacon, Flickr.

Consignment shops are a great way to find nice clothing for a lower price. Unfortunately, I don’t get the opportunity to shop at them as often as I would like, but one of my favorites is the small area in the back of Millie & Co. in Salem. Because of their location, which practically backs up to Roanoke College, they usually have sizes and styles appropriate for 20-somethings like myself.

I know many people buy children’s clothing on consignment, which I think is smart. Finding Halloween costumes this way is also a good idea for kids, or even adults. More than likely the costume was only worn once, and brand new costumes are not cheap.

I’m interested in finding more great consignment shops in the Roanoke/Blacksburg area, I know there are a bunch. At what consignment shops have you had the best, or worst, luck? Any tips for people new to the consignment world?

Dresses range from long formals to shorter dresses perfect for a special date night.

A friend recently introduced me to Rent the Runway, a website full of designer dresses and accessories for rent. While I haven’t had a reason to try it out yet (unfortunately), I think the site would be a great option for high school girls planning to attend homecoming or prom on a budget. Here’s how it works:

For each dress, the site will also give suggestions on what jewelry might go best, and you can rent that as well. This saves you from investing in costume jewelry pieces that may never get worn again. Many pieces are in the $10-$15 range. 

Some dresses can be rented for as low as $50, which is much cheaper than most cocktail dresses and formals these days. Other perks of Rent the Runway include the opportunity to chat with a fit specialist, free returns, and $5 insurance against spills and stains. All the dresses are dry-cleaned before they’re sent out and are retired once they start showing wear, so there’s little risk of getting a dress that looks used.

Styles range from prom, to date night, to black tie, so next time you have a fancy event, but don’t want to splurge on a fancy dress, remember this option.

Deleting all of those unwanted store emails is wasting time and precious space in your inbox. This is a pretty accurate description of how I feel during the deleting process every day. Hikingartist.com.

There’s no doubt that everyone gets bombarded with emails on a daily basis advertising for products they would never be interested in, or with those newsletters they signed up for years ago when first registering for a site. I have fallen into a mindless habit of deleting all of these emails first thing in the morning, but I have learned to be on the lookout for stores I might actually be interested in.

In the past couple years stores have made great improvements to their emails sent out to loyal customers. What used to be emails filled with the same information that could be found on the website or an ad has been change to emails filled with coupon codes, flash sales and updates on clearance and sale items.

Two of my favorite store emails are from Express and The Limited. Sometimes they send out offers and coupons exclusively via email, like a two hour sale that happened online at The Limited last week. By following a special link in the message, I was given a special code that took an extra 20% off of everything online, even clearance. Amazon has also gotten better about tailoring their emails based on your purchase history. I often get my magazine subscriptions through the site, so when it comes time to renew or they’re having an especially good sale (sometimes just $5 for a year long subscription) they let me know.

So, now’s the time to reevaluate your inbox! Finally unsubscribe from those emails that will get deleted every day. Do yourself a favor and only sign up for notices from your very favorite stores, where you’re most likely to buy something. If you’re on too many lists they all blur together and become a part of the daily deleting routine. Sometimes the emails also contain printable coupons, so if you’re not an online shopper yet you can still be in the loop.

Have you signed up for any store emails that have been especially useful? Which stores are your favorite?

The large Thirty-One Thermal Tote, courtesy of thebagreview.com.

Thirty-One Gifts has a special on thermal totes through the end of the month. This means you can get the large size thermal for $10 (savings of $4) and the small size for $8 (savings of $4.50). These items can also be embroidered in a variety of fonts and colors for just $1.50.

I have one of the large totes that I use for a lunch box and it’s great. It’s large enough to hold small tupperwear containers and a drink, and with an ice pack I don’t have to worry about stuffing everything in the fridge at work.

I’m planning on ordering a second in “Wild Zebra” as a back-up tote or gift.

These prints are all new for spring, so if you’re getting tired of winter pick one up and day-dream of spring-time picnics.

For more information, click here.

Courtesy of Mod Market on Etsy.com.

Hello everyone! Rebecca here, and I’m happy to inform you that we’re halfway through the week.  One of the dilemmas people face when it comes to shopping these days is online vs. local. You can find some awesome deals online, but then you’re not supporting your favorite local shops and boutiques.

Recently I discovered the “Shop Local” option on Etsy.com. If you’re shopping for a special, unique gift I’d be shocked if you couldn’t find it here.

For example, my sister loves accessories and decorations featuring yellow birds. That’s a pretty specific niche! When I went to buy her a necklace featuring a yellow bird for Christmas, my only problem was that I had too many choices. After scrolling through dozens of pages of original items, I finally settled on a small piece similar to the one in the photo. Not only was it great to find a unique item, but the price was right, too.

Click here to see a list of Roanoke shop owners  and creators on Etsy.

Do you know of any other websites that give an option for buying local?

I purchased these boots, made by Crocs, on Shoebuy.com for around $25.

Hello everyone, Rebecca here. It’s Monday and there’s a threat for wintery weather later this week. Are you prepared? Up until a few weeks ago I hadn’t invested in any snow boots, even after all the snow last year. I’ve been pleased with my purchase so far, despite the fact that no significant snow has fallen since they arrived (of course).

For those of you that haven’t gotten around to buying your boots and other winter goods yet, now is an ideal time. Stores are preparing for spring merchandise and you can get some great deals on quality boots to keep your toesies warm — remember, there’s still a lot of winter left!

Rack Room, Macy’s, JC Penny and Belk all have numerous options for a decent price. They also have certain styles of rain boots on sale, so you could pick a pair of those up and have a jump start on April and May’s spring showers.

Know of any other stores that are having a sale on seasonal items? Parents, do you stock up on boots, gloves, etc. for your kids while it’s on sale?

ShopStyle.com is a website I found (and since I’m slowly turning into my mother, I can’t remember how I found it).  Users can add their looks Polyvore style, great trend tips, shopping  and my favorite, sale alerts on your favorite brands.   Women, men, kids and home are all covered with brands like Tom Ford, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Converse, Lush, L.A.M.B., Jeffrey Campbell, Coach, Conair, TopShop, J. Crew, True Religion and SO MANY MORE.  Let me know what you think!

The “never pay full price” mantra I use when shopping is more possible than it has been in a while today.  If you’re brave (VERY brave), almost every store in the Valley View area, so many online retailers and many local shops are touting 20-50% off, free shipping and the like.  Let me know if you score any great deals today!

Already low priced, Payless is offering 20% off online and in-stores through tomorrow, December 19.  Some styles online can’t be found in stores (like the super cute designer collections), but you can have them delivered to your nearest store with no shipping charges! Coupon code at the bottom of the ad.

As free shipping with Christmas delivery offers start expiring online this weekend, Valley View Mall is still offering printable coupons in their online book of savings. Stores like Eddie Bauer, New York and Co., Aeropostale, Bolton, Gap/Gap Kids, Henebry’s, Loft and many more are participating.  Most of them are $10 off a $50 purchase, 15% off entire purchase and the like.

Every year as the weather gets colder I find myself wondering when the Claire V sale is happening.  I know I’m not the only one, and I know I won’t be the only one squeezing a little local shopping into my schedule this week.  These bags are great for their intended purposes, but also make great (and stylish) laptop cases too!

The details: Thursday- Saturday this week, 3 days only, December 16 11am to 7pm, December 17 11am to 9pm and December 18 10am to 6pm.  121 Campbell Avenue SE beside Mill Mountain Coffee, 1.877.CLAIRE.7.

Time to shop fellas!  First item has to be regular price, equal or lesser value after that, excludes gift cards and shoes, online only.

Gap is having a buy one item get the second 60% off sale through December 14 in stores only. This includes kids and baby, but no online or outlet shopping. The terms: Second item must be of equal or lesser value. Discount taken at register, and is allocated across items. No adjustments on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

I love scouring holiday gift guides to see what I may be missing for the people on my list each year and I have stumbled onto a gift guide that suites me, and my price range perfectly!  The StyleLush Gift Guide has 125 gifts for under $25, seriously.  And almost all the gifts are things I would (and could!) actually purchase and it covers men, women and children.

Any gift guides you’ve found useful in your gift giving this year?

Domestications Outlet Store located in the Upper Level at Towers is having a private Friends of Domestications sale this weekend on December 5.  Their bedding is functional and beautiful, check it out!

Minted.com is having a 20% off sale through the end (11/18) of the day on  recycled paper holiday cards.  So cute!  Just enter GOGREEN20 at checkout.

If you missed the Old Navy outerwear coupon last week, Old Navy is offering 50% off outerwear through November 11 while supplies last.  Just go here to start shopping.

If you’re a Facebook user and like Old Navy you can get a 50% off coupon for outerwear October 26-28 and if you haven’t seen this year’s outerwear, it’s pretty cute.  Click here to print!

Instead of a coupon recap today, you get an online coupon!  Use this code C4XLD4LP for 10% off online orders at Target.  I can’t find an expiration date, so leave a comment if/when you discover it’s expired.