Saturday Steals & Deals!

Not only was the weather perfect today, but the bargain gods smiled upon me.

Anyone who knows me knows I love a good deal. I was never big on renting apartments in the West Village because I think everything over there is overpriced. (Not hating, just sayin'...) I belong to a $20 a month gym. (A treadmill's a treadmill, kid.) One of these days I will find the nail joint that is both inexpensive and has an ample selection of OPI colors.

Clothes are a big area where I'm always looking for a steal. Filene's in Union Square is my go to place for anything. Cocktail dresses, new bras, even sunglasses. I go there first and they almost never let me down.

DSW, the Designer Shoe Warehouse, is in the same building and I almost always make a pit stop in there as well. It's easy to blow a lot of money at DSW, so I have a policy: I buy one fun pair of shoes and one sensible pair and that's it. I also only buy from their sale rack because there's always a great selection and it's all at least 30% off, if not more.

Today I scored two fall dresses for work. Each of these were $30 and they fit fantastic.


If you are not already familiar with the Cosmetic Market on 37th Street and Madison Avenue, then you need to get there, pronto. It's a giant store of discounted, brand name cosmetics and bath products that aren't a hundred years old. They also have accessories and home goods. The place is a girl's dream.

Today, among other things, I got this jewelry box for $13. It's about seven inches tall and just as wide. Great find. (And now I can find all my little earrings and necklaces that I leave all over the house.)


On the way home I stopped into Walgreen's and found these little guys: Nice Brand sodas, full size, four for 99 cents! Great for mixers.


Finally, the best deal of the day. While walking down Third Avenue this evening en route to getting a latte, I stopped in the thrift store on East 29th Street. This number was literally on the last spot on the last rack in the back of the store: a mink trimmed, lined jacket. It's very 1962 Mad Men era and I love it. $20!!

There was a woman at the register who asked where I found it. When I told her in the back she sucked her teeth and said, "I always miss the good stuff."

"That's real mink!" I said, and pointed to the fur trim. She gave me the skunk eye.



When I got home, my Birchbox was waiting for me. Best. Day. Ever.

Saks Fifth Avenue Makes Video Catalogue

This came through Handbaggery's e-mail, but I think everyone should know about this.

Saks Fifth Avenue -- always thinking fashion forward -- has created a video catalog to show off the assorted looks on offer. It's basically short videos of models turning this way and that as a sophisticated voice recites fashion copy about each ensemble. Of course, if you see something you like there are links to purchase it. It's also oddly soothing to listen to this woman talk about the clothes.

I have a feeling that other retailers are going to start doing this as well. I'm not in a mood to shop today, but considering how easy online shopping is (click...click...), this idea is rife for impulse purchases. Kudos, Saks!

Huffington Post Blog: Never Underestimate Women's Vanity

I'm at it again over at the Huff Po. This week: Why discount retailers should focus on women's need to look good, even in a recession.

Never Underestimate Women's Vanity
"In uncertain economic times women may not go to Saks to buy a pretty blouse or some perfume, but they will go to outlets and discount stores to get the same brands at lower prices. I predict that in the next few months stores such as Filene's basement, T.J. Maxx and Loehman's will see a rise in sales as people, especially women, want to maintain the mental illusion of luxury that they created for themselves when the economy was more robust."