if it makes you happy its a bargain

Ralph Lauren Sale 40% and additional 15% off off

2009-11-03T06:01:00.000-08:00

Who: Ralph Lauren
When: November 5th to 9th, 2009

Receive an additional 15% off by using the code NOV0509.

Calvin Klein Friends and Family 30% off

2009-10-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

We're just at the tip of the Friends and Family bubble! Soon there will be Thanksgiving sale so I'm sure retailers are trying to sell their stock at near full price before they have to discount heavily.

I think I have to prioritize my spending... Stay away from seasonal stuff unless you love it!

Who: Calvin Klein
When: 22nd to 25th of October, 2009

Use code FF1009 - make most of the 50% off Fall Sale online!

LeSportsac Friends and Family 25% off

2009-10-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Jen, I think you're the only one reading this so I'm dedicating all sales and coupons to you!

Who: LeSportsac
When: 22nd to 25th of October, 2009

Use FRIENDSFAMILY and get 25% off.

Outnet.com Free Shipping Worldwide

2009-10-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

This is very rare and so make the most of it while it lasts! Outnet.com (little sister of Net-a-porter) is offering free shipping worldwide until October 25th, 2009.

Saks Friends and Family 25% off

2009-10-14T13:26:00.001-07:00

Who: Saks
When: 14th to 18th of October, 2009

We're approaching Fall/Winter season here in NY so what could we ask more than Saks Friends and Family weekend! 25% off clothes, shoes and bags. 20% off jewellery - check out Alexis Bittar collection - and 10% off cosmetics and fragrances.

Use the code FRIENDS3 at checkout.

Sephora Friends and Family 20% off

2009-10-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Save the date! Sephora Friends and Family is early this year!!!
Save 20% on all your purchases using the code FF2009. Free shipping for purchases over US50 and don't forget Ebates for 4% cashback.

Who: Sephora
When: October 19th to 22nd, 2009

Ralph Lauren's Friends and Family 25% off

2009-10-01T20:58:00.001-07:00

Who: Ralph Lauren
When: October 1st to 12th, 2009

It was fate to wait to shop at Ralph Lauren, Jen! Enter code PINK or RLCCP to get 25% off.

Shopbop extra 30% off items marked 70% off

2009-08-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

Use the code 30OFF70 and get almost 80% off clothes and shoes. Sizes have been picked over but there is still some bargains left.

I don't know why I bought Zimmermann given that its Australian and probably cheaper at home but I just couldn't resist. We still have few weeks in the summer left!

Free shipping for all purchases in the US and for purchases over US100 for international locations.
Use Ebates and get 6% back too!

Bloomingdales Charity Event 20% off

2009-08-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Take 15% off a great selection online* or take 20% off when you spend $300 or more on your Bloomingdale's card.

Shop online at Bloomingdales with the code FASHION.

*Certain designer and brand exclusions apply. 15% and 20% offers not valid on women's European designer collections, cosmetics, men's electronics"

Urban Decay 30% off

2009-08-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is for you Peggy, my Urban Decay junkie, Urban Decay is having their Friends and Family for 30% off merchandise from Aug 10-20th.

Use code FNFF1 and free shipping for purchases over US50.

Shu Uemura 10% off

2009-07-13T14:35:00.001-07:00

Shu Umemura is offering 10% off until July 20th, 2009.

Use the code BACK to get 10% off and shipping is free over purchases over US50 and you get 5% from Ebates!

Astonishing Skin Care 25% off storewide

2009-07-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

Who: Astonishing Skin Care
When: July 10th to 13th, 2009

Enter the code summer 25 and get 25% off storewide! My favourites are MD Formulations Moisture Defense Antioxidant Spray and Murad Night Reform Treatment. Free shipping for purchases over US39.

Tumi Friends and Family

2009-06-10T15:55:00.001-07:00

Who: Tumi
When: June 13th to 21st, 2009

Click on this link and you'll get 25% off full priced and sale merchandise. Free shipping for all orders!

Member Exclusive - 25% Off Friends & Family Event* - Shop Now
Can't see images? Click Here | Remember to add tumi@response.tumi.com to your approved sender list

TUMI

FRIENDS

&

FAMILY

25% OFF

all full price & sale items
June 13 through 21, 2009

› Click here to receive this offer

› Find a store

Offer valid on www.tumi.com and in U.S. Tumi full price and Tumi outlet stores for 25% off all full price and sale purchases. Bring print out of this email to store to receive discount. Dates of promotion are June 13 to June 21, 2009.

Cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Discount cannot be used toward purchase of gift cards. Customer is responsible for all applicable shipping charges and taxes. Offer cannot be applied to past purchase. One certificate per customer.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics 25% off

2009-06-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Who: Bobbi Brown
When: June 8th to 11th, 2009

Discounts on cosmetics continues! Click on this link and you'll get 25% off. Free shipping for purchases over US60.

MAC Cosmetics 25% off

2009-06-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

Who: MAC
When: June 16th to 18th, 2009

Use promotional code SUMO and get 25% off online purchases. Free shipping with purchases more than US60.

L'Occitane Friends and Family

2009-06-05T04:43:00.000-07:00

Who: L'Occitane
When: June 11th to 14th, 2009

Use code fnf25 online to get 25% off (only available in the US). Shipping is free for purchases over US80.

CC California private sale

2009-05-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

Deep discounts on C&C California!!! All regular priced items are 50% off with code LUXECC50 and all sale items are an extra 30% off with code LUXECC30. Stock up on those great basics! Free shipping for purchases over US150.

Stila Cosmetics 40% off code

2009-05-19T07:16:00.001-07:00

Times must be tough if cosmetics are discounted... but I'm not complaining! Stila Cosmetics is having 40% off PLUS free shipping until June 17th, just enter the promotional code STILAPRO!

PS. You can only use the code ONCE per account.

Amazon Designer shoes up to 80% off

2009-05-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

Amazon is having a shoe designer sale and its up to 80% off. Brands include Giuseppe Zanotti, Casadei and Givenchy. Sure its last season but designer shoes around US100 is a winner in my books! Especially if they look like these.

eLUXURY 30% off sale items

2009-05-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

Additional 30% off all sale items! I think its supposed to start tomorrow but the discount is working now. Free shipping with $100+ order. Hurry sizes are limited!!!

Shopbop - extra 20% off sale items (50-70% off items)

2009-05-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

This is Shopbop's best sale! Enter code EXTRA20 to get extra 20% off sale items that have been marked down 50 and 70% off. Shopbop does not discount more than 70% + 20% off so if you've been eyeing something, this is the time to buy! Free shipping for all purchases and use Ebates and get 6% back.

A girl can do with another jewelled dress, right? I mean it was US108 from US450. 76% off!!!

Saks 40% off

2009-05-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

Saks is having a 30-40% off sale right now. Enter SHIPSPR9 for free shipping. If you can wait, I hear 60-70% off sale is going to be around mid-June.

I can't afford the Chanel sequin jacket that Lindsay Lohan wore on the cover of Bazaar so I think this Rag & Bone jacket is the perfect alternative!

Ralph Lauren private sale 40% + 15% off sale

2009-05-07T04:01:00.000-07:00

Who: Ralph Lauren
When: May 14th to 18th, 2009

Click on this link for Ralph Lauren private sale and access the 40% off sale. If you want a bigger bargain use the code MAY1418 from May 14th and get additional 15% off. Free shipping for purchases over US150. Ebates and get 3% back too.

Revolve Clothing is matching Shopbop's 25% off

2009-05-06T15:48:00.000-07:00

I love it when companies compete for my money. Revolve Clothing is matching Shopbop's 25% off!! It is on non-sale and non-restricted brands. All you have to do is place your order online and then email or call them with your order number and they will apply the discount.

There are some exclusions though. Like True Religions... boo hoo.

Shopbop 25% off code

2009-05-06T04:37:00.002-07:00

Use INTHEFAMILY25 and get 25% off full priced items. Expires on 5/7 so go shop!!! Free shipping for all purchases. And don't forget 6% rebate from Ebates.

I nearly cried when I missed these Current/Elliott jeans during eLUXURY sale but no more tears for me!

Michael Stars 40% off code

2009-05-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

Use code GIVE40 at Michael Stars to get 40% off. Free shipping for purchases over US150.

If you were looking for cotton tees or dresses for the scorching summer we're about to have, I can't think of a better deal!

eLUXURY 40% off sale items

2009-04-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

Additional 40% off all sale items! You can also get free shipping with $100+ order. The sale excludes final clearance items but 40% off sale items still means you can get your purchases at 75% off from the original price. Hurry sizes are limited!

I just scored my first Narciso Rodriguez dress!!!

theOutnet.com

2009-04-16T04:49:00.000-07:00

Net-a-Porter's web outlet site ‘theOutnet.com’ is up and running! If you didn’t want to pay Net-a-Porter prices, you’ll find a lot of great bargains here – like this Burberry Ivybridge cotton trench for US696. This is US995 from Burberry and AU1550 from DFS Galleria.

Also, each month theOutnet is going to host various time-limited sales and one of them is called ‘The Going, Going, Gone sale’ where you watch the price drop as the clock ticks but you have to hurry or you may lose it. The first item for sale is the Chloé Saskia tote bag on May 01, 2009. Definitely going to keep my eyes on the price for this one!

Do you eBay?

2009-04-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

Microsoft is giving away money! They want you to use live.com's search service so they partnered with eBay so that for certain products/keywords you search on live.com, you'll find links to eBay that offer some cashback. Here’s what you have to do.

First, make a Live cashback account (click here to create a new account). In order to make everything a lot simpler, make sure you create the account using the same email address that you use for your eBay/PayPal account.

Next, go shopping! Go to www.live.com (type it directly into the browser yourself) and search the item you're looking for – I'm going to search for PS3.

One of the sponsored links at the top will be a link for www.ebay.com. You'll see “... You may get 25% off with PayPal if eligible.”Click on that link and you will be taken to eBay. Once you are there, make sure you see this logo at the top:

Find the item you want to buy – it has to be a BUY IT NOW item that accepts PayPal. Buy the item as usual, making sure that you can see the “Microsoft Cashback” logo the all the way through your buying process.

Keep in the mind the following: make sure that the seller doesn't use an alternative checkout process and make sure that from the time you click on the live.com ebay link to clicking the BUY IT NOW button, no more than 1 hour passes. There are a few other rules, but nothing out of the ordinary (all of the rules are here). You can do this a total of 12 times and the cashback limit is $200 for each purchase!

After you complete your purchase and pay through PayPal, you will get an email from Microsoft Live letting you know that you earned your cashback. It will either be pending and then sent to your PayPal account after 60 days or sometimes, you will receive an instant cashback!

Bloomingdale's Friends and Family

2009-04-15T04:58:00.000-07:00

Bloomingdale's Friends and Family is next week!

Who: Bloomingdale's
When: April 22nd to 26th, 2009

Its not as good as Saks Friends and Family – discount is only 20% and does not include cosmetics/fragrances – but Bloomingdales is great for homewares. Especially if you have to pick something up from a wedding registry. Alessi is usually too expensive for me but these bottle stopper's by Alessi is only US29 after the discount!

Online promotional code is FANDF. Free shipping for orders over US300 or US150 with Bloomingdale's card. Use Ebates and get 2% back.

Shopbop promotional code

2009-04-14T01:36:00.000-07:00

Shopbop is another awesome site to shop for clothes and shoes – similar to Revolve, they stock over 300 brands including high end American designers like Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler and Thakoon.

I usually prefer percentage off discounts but I’ve been waiting for a Shopbop promotion that I'll take anything I can get! Don't forget to use Ebates and get 6% back.

The Cosmetic Market 20% off code

2009-04-12T23:03:00.000-07:00

The Cosmetic Market is offering 20% off your entire purchase during April. Use the code TEMPTALIA when you check out. 20% is an amazing discount, especially on beauty products and fragrances so stock up ladies!

Last year when I was trying to switch my skincare regime and wanted to try some products that were recommended in the book “Don’t go to the cosmetic counter without me”, I bought some products from The Cosmetic Market and I fell in love with this store. It was shipped promptly with bundle of samples and a coupon to use in the future, all packed in tissue paper and small chiffon satchel!

Some of the products I bought:
• MD Skincare Continuous Eye Hydration (US45) is lightweight and feels like it moisturizes all night long!
• MD Skincare Hydra Pure Oil Free Moisture (US78) is the best lightweight moisturizer I’ve ever used. If you have oily T-Zone, this product is a must.
• Murad Night Reform Treatment (US67) is a great firming night cream. Its never too early to start using anti-ageing products.

Free shipping over US75 too!

Revolve Clothing promotional codes

2009-04-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

I love everything about Revolve Clothing. Selection is huge – there are over 400 brands including some of my faves, rag & bone, Hanii Y, True Religion, Giuseppe Zanotti, great sales ranging from 30 to 70% off, free priority shipping in the US(free shipping is also offered to Australia if you spend over US100), free returns and 30 day price match guarantee. But there is more. Right now they have a code for 20% off!!!

Enter PEOPLE20 for 20% off. I don’t know when this expires so for those of you that have been waiting for a code with your cart full of goodies (yes that’s you Jen) this is the perfect time!

I saw this pair of True Religion jeans for AUS599 at David Jones yesterday but on Revolve, its only AUS445 (promotional codes don't apply to True Religion jeans). But just imagine the possibilities!!!

For those of us that are already Revolve fans, they have just updated JT with TULIP* (still 15% off) – this is Revolve’s long running code that doesn’t have an expiration date. Sadly, it comes with more restricted brands.

*7 for All Mankind, A Lawless, Apolis Activism, Band of Brands and Botkier, Cheap Monday, Citizens of Humanity, Clu, Common Projects, Dolce and Gabbana, Goldenblue, Gustto, Hudson Jeans, JBrand, Joe's Jeans, Jovovich Hawk, Juicy, Kooba, Lutz and Patmos, Nudie Jeans, Paige Denim, Rebecca Minkoff, Rock and Republic, Rogues Gallery, Rose, Sea, Treesje, True Religion and Vena Cava.

Intermix 20% off code

2009-04-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

Use code LUST to get 20% off.

Designers on Intermix are mid to high end so make the most of this promotional code. I've been looking for a sexier version of gladiator shoes and I think this Giuseppe Zanotti is just that!

Folica promotional code

2009-04-10T02:54:00.000-07:00

Up to 25% off on cosmetics and hair care. Folica stocks over 150 brands and if you’re looking for a flat iron, I highly recommend Folica. Not only do they stock a huge variety, but they offer 1 to 2 year, no questions asked warranty on all their irons. All you have to do is send it back with US10 for the shipping, and they'll send you a brand new one!

Enter the following codes:

SAVE20 to take $20 off $100
SAVE35 for $35 off $150
SAVE50 for $50 off $200
HAIRDRYER10 for 10% off hair dryers

Expires today!!!

Free shipping over US50 and oh, don't forget Ebates offers 6% back too.

You have to spend money to make money

2009-04-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

Some of us consider shopping as a sport – physical activity that is fiercely competitive. However, these days it has become more of a leisurely activity thanks to the wonderful world wide web. So if you’re like me and prefer to shop in the comfort of your own home (even if its dial up), let me share with you another reason to shop online. Cash Back Shopping.

Cash Back Shopping is as simple as creating an account with rebate websites and then shopping as you do. For example, I just used Ebates to buy some Ralph Lauren – I love Ralph Lauren Friends and Family – and for shopping through Ebates, I earn 3% cash back on my purchase.

I spent US320 on three men's polo tshirts, one sports shirt and one cashmere sweater (tip: Friends and Family discount also applies to sale items so total discount can be up to 70% off) but I really paid US310 since I get 3% back through Ebates. How does it work? Supposedly the stores pay Ebates a sales commission when you shop and Ebates is kind enough to share it with us. I think it might have something to do with tracking online habits of their member but I have had no problems.

Now you might think 3% isn’t much. And it isn’t. But you’ll be surprised how much it accumulates over time. I joined Ebates in 2006 and so far I’ve been paid US574. This also means I spent approximately US14,000 in three years (assuming an average rebate rate of 4%) but you have to spend money to make money. Right?

Ralph Lauren Friends and Family

2009-04-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is a little late but there is still one week left!

Who: Ralph Lauren
When: March 31st to April 14th, 2009

If you spend over US150, shipping is free. If you don’t want to spend that much, create an account and you’ll receive an email with a free shipping code.

Saks Friends and Family

2009-04-04T05:19:00.000-07:00

Saks Friends and Family is here! Well almost here!!!

Who: Saks
When: ONLINE April 14th to 19th, 2009
IN-STORE April 16th to 19th, 2009

Enjoy 25% off your purchases (20% off jewelry and 15% of cosmetics and fragrances).

For online purchases, please use code SFAFAM8 at checkout.

To receive your discount in-store, please click here, and print this invitation.

The inclusions/exclusions list is long and it reads more like my wishlist than anything else, but Saks Friends and Family is the only event where you can get cosmetics and fragrances at a discount. So instead of spending US130 for the 1oz jar of Crème de La Mer, it will be a steal at US110.

For those of you in Australia that wants to take advantage of this event, use Saks Live Chat service and shipping charge to Australia should be about US50.

Exclusions Include: David Yurman, men's John Hardy, Chanel, Gucci, men's Prada, Bvlgari and Cartier women's and men's jewelry and watches, Jay Strongwater, Prada men's and women's shoes, handbags, apparel and accessories, Gucci men's and women's shoes, handbags, apparel and accessories, Mui Mui shoes, handbags, apparel and accessories, Chanel shoes, handbags, apparel and accessories, Balenciaga shoes, handbags, apparel and accessories, Marni shoes, handbags, apparel and accessories, Azzedine Alaia shoes, handbags, apparel and accessories, Loro Piana men's and women's shoes, handbags, apparel and accessories, Dries Van Noten apparel, Akris and Akris Punto apparel, Oscar De La Renta apparel, Jil Sander apparel, Givenchy apparel, Christian Louboutin shoes and handbags, Manolo Blahnik shoes, Fendi shoes and handbags, Jimmy Choo shoes and handbags, Lanvin apparel, Cartier sunglasses, Charvet, Zegna, men's Ralph Lauren Black and Purple Label, Comme Des Gracon apparel, Comme shirts, Junya Watanabe apparel, Vilebrequin apparel, Breuer apparel, Maison Martin Margiela and MM6 apparel, shoes and handbags, Dior handbags, Bugaboo merchandise, Quinny merchandise, and Stokke merchandise. Additional in store exclusions may apply."

Hermes sample sale

2009-03-23T03:44:00.000-07:00

Don’t expect kellys and birkins but you will find a great selection of silk scarves, ties, ready-to-wear, shoes, fragrances and homewares during the this sale.

Who: Hermès
When: March 25th to March 28th, 2009; 10AM-6PM. March 26th, 2009; 10AM-8PM
(Opens on March 24th, 2009 but strictly invite only)
Where: 4th Floor at The Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W 18 St (btw 6/7 Ave)
212-759-7585

Last year, I picked up couple of ties which ranged from $100 to $125 and a cashmere scarf for $450, 40% off the retail price. I saw garden totes ranging from $300 to $900; scarves were $250 or $300; accessories and shoes were $100+; fragrances were the best bargain, going for around $40.

Be prepared to wait in line for an hour or more. And try to avoid lunch time and after work hours. Enjoy!!!

Cure for impulse purchases?

2009-03-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever bought clothes or shoes, only to find out few days later that its on sale? Perhaps kick yourself for making such an impulse purchase? Even contemplate returning the perfect clutch that complements everything in your wardrobe in the hope that you’ll be able to re-buy it at the sale price? If you’ve felt my pain, then read on.

US department stores can be pretty generous and have policies to make sure that you are a satisfied customer. One of these is the price adjustment policy, which allows you to receive a refund should the item go on sale within one or two weeks of your purchase.

So when I found out that my ‘I have to have it’ Marc Jacobs dress went on sale from US1,500 to US900, I became a woman on a mission. That 600 bucks was going to get me a pair of Manolos to complete the outfit. The only thing was I didn’t know about the policy at the time so I had to put some effort to make my money – I returned the dress with one sales assistant and then bought the same dress at the sale price with another. I thought I was running a stealth operation but the first sales assistant saw me and kindly explained that I didn’t need to go through that ever again. That it is as simple as bringing the receipt!

Price adjustments also apply to internet purchases so if you are surfing the web, check the prices of your recent purchases. It is a great way to make some money back as struggling retailers are offering more sales and other discounts to lure in shoppers.

Only if I could convince Australian department stores to adopt the same policy…

L'Occitane Friends and Family

2009-03-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

Just as I wrote about Friends and Family, here's one that is coming up!

Who: L'Occitane
When: March 12th to 15th, 2009

Use code FNF20 online or print out the attachment and bring it to your store to get 20% off (only available in the US). Shipping is free for purchases over US80.

I highly recommend the Shea Butter Hand Cream as it is the best hand cream I’ve ever used. This product has been highly reviewed by beauty magazine editors and has a long list of awards. Also if you’re looking for a great shower gel, I love the Verbena scented products. Refreshing citrus scent is the perfect pick me up in the morning!

Thats what friends are for

2009-03-08T16:37:00.001-07:00

I used to work at Mooks during uni and looking back now, that might have been the root of my shopping addiction. 8 hours a day, 5 days a week I was constantly looking and handling clothes and sneakers. I was basically shopping all those hours! For three years!!!

Apart from making minimum wage, I worked with lots of fun people, we listened to hip hop all day long and even got to mingle with celebrities – I was practically trampled by Macy Gray’s entourage. But most of all, I bought my clothes and sneakers at a discount. Under the employees’ discount I got 30% off full priced items and 50% off sale stuff. Of course I spent all my money on the day I got paid. And then some.

So when I shop in the US, I often wonder about the perks offered to the employees of retail companies. Actually, that’s a lie. I’ve gone as far as seeing a recruiter to switch my profession, but for some reason they weren’t convinced when I said my retail experience from 11 years ago is still relevant today. Just imagine! I would have shared the perks with all of you! But until then, I’ll share with you something almost as good. Its called ‘Friends and Family’.

Major department stores and companies run this promotion twice a year where ‘Friends and Family’ of the employees are blessed with 15-30% discount on almost everything at the store. Even skincare, cosmetics and fragrances. Stores usually send the coupons to bring in-store or an email with a promotional code. Its usually a 4 day event and the stores are packed with shoppers. Not to mention that the sites can be really slow, like that annoying dial up speed.

Here is the list of stores I frequent during this event:

• Saks
• Bloomingdales
• Lots of make up brands such as MAC, Shu Uemura and Nars
• Sephora
• Ralph Lauren
• American apparel

I usually make the most of this event by stocking up on things that never go on sale like skincare, cosmetics and fragrances. Last year, I bought staple wardrobe items like Burberry trench coats and Jimmy Choo pumps. Jewellery is also included in this event but I’m pretty sure I don’t have enough money to buy the flawless 2 carat diamond earrings from Graff. Sigh.

I want Victoria Beckham’s wardrobe

2009-03-05T17:36:00.000-08:00

Exotic Hermes bags, custom made Christian Louboutin shoes and everything from Marc Jacobs, who can resist! If only I had her spending money. Well that and her frame to fit into tiny Roland Mouret dresses.

Unfortunately I’m not a hotel heiress, I don’t have a seven figure salary and I’m not married to a hot blonde soccer player that has a killer smile and an awesome body… you get the drift. I did however build my wardrobe by buying some of the most coveted items at a sale. I love shopping and whether I’m rummaging through racks at department stores or browsing the net on my comfy bed, I get a thrill when I find a bargain. Of course these are things I need. Right now I’m in dire need of the perfect little black dress to complement my new Christian Louboutin heels I just snatched at a sale. The price tag said US625 but I managed to grab them at 70% off. That’s a steal at US188 for the perfect peep toe pumps.

Its no coincidence that I found the Christian Louboutin heels at my budget. It actually took me a little bit of time to figure out how to find really good bargains. When I first moved to NY, I was over the moon about US prices in general that I considered it a bargain in itself. Designer jeans, cosmetics, shoes, they were all cheaper in comparison to Sydney. But as I got used to shopping habits here in the US and their public holidays I learned to plan my purchases and get smarter about finding bargains.

When I used to live in Sydney, big sales were twice a year. But in the US, sales at department stores like Saks and Barneys are generally centered around the public holidays:

January 19, 2009: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
• Last round of sales for Fall/Winter merchandise. Discounts usually range from 70-75% but due to poor sales recently, seasonal merchandise was marked down to 80-85% off. At the NYC Saks store for example, there were Bottega Veneta and Prada handbags at 70% off and American and European designer labels including Marc by Marc Jacobs and Chanel at 80% off.

May 25, 2009: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
• First cut of sales for Spring/Summer merchandise. Discounts are around 30-40%.
• Towards third week of June the second cut of sales begin. Discounts range from 50-60%.

July 4, 2009: Independence Day
• Last round of sales for Spring/Summer merchandise. Discounts range from 70-75%.

November 26, 2009: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
• Start of the traditional Holiday shopping season, also known as Black Friday. Discounts are around 30-40%.

December 25, 2009: Christmas Day
• Second cut of sales. Discounts range from 50-60%.

Keep these dates in mind and I will post actual dates of sales as soon as I get the details. Sale prices are usually online too so even if you’re not here to take advantage of the sale, you will only be few clicks away.

Now about that tiny frame of hers…