Gift With Purchase

Ladies,

I am a make-up fanatic. I completely fall into the trap of "it will make me beautiful....." and it all comes in a bottle for $39.99.



I love new products that claim to length, bronze, stretch, firm, tone, lighten, -- I can play for hours. This might of come from one too many games of dress up.



Here is my tip: DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM DIOR TO CLINQUE WITHOUT A FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE.



So you want new foundation from Estee Lauder but you are at Macy's and no free gift? Just ask! Either just down the mall at Nordstorm's they have an entire free gift set or if you scrape the bottle you can wait two weeks until Macy's receives their free gift! All Department Store take turns having the free gifts....equal opportunity.



Sometimes if the counter girl really wants to make a sale, she'll offer you a gift anyway! Trust me. Just ask. "I'd really like to get this now, but I think I'll wait for the next free gift." If she works on commission suddenly the free samples come out of nowhere. This can sometimes be a better deal because all free gifts have a minimum purchase (i.e. $32.50) and trust me no one item will equal that so you'll have to spend more to get the free gift.....



Oh! And if you are buying makeup at a Department Store anyway....you can always get your make up done for free. Beware though, don't let a counter sales girl paint your face. They should all have one make up artist, and that is worth sitting down for a few minutes to have someone show you a few new tricks.



You need the rest anyway ..... it's going to be a long day of shopping!

Christmas in July!

That's right folks, my Christmas Shopping is done! Tah- DAH. Say it out loud. TAH DAH.

I recently visited my family, and one suitcase was all Christmas Gifts. Crazy you say? Do you realize how much shipping all that would of been? Hellloooo.....Southwest flys bags for free! There was also a few fall birthday gifts in there as well.

I make a list of people to buy for every year after Christmas for the next Christmas and it begins.....

Why you might ask? Well I love Christmas and love season. I love walking around the mall watching kids with Santa, people with too many bags, drinking cocoa and driving around looking at light displays! Sooo if I have too much Christmas shopping to do....these fun activities get interrupted. Anyway, searching for the perfect gift causes too much stress. I like to enjoy the holidays not stress them away. It's a lot more fun to attend all the parties, gatherings, and events knowing I've bought all my loved ones a great gift!

You have 365 days a year to shop for the perfect gift for someone. And trust, that 30% off during Christmas is not a sale (they marked it up 40%). You really have to realize if you "need" it the stores know it and mark it up! Now the after holiday shopping is an entire another blog.....

I love collecting things for people I know they will love as I find them on sale. Don't wait, if you do you'll be searching for the perfect gift and it will probably be overpriced!!!

Now when to wrap? (Please, of course I already have the paper got it after Christmas last year!!!)

Retail Therapy

Well... not a lot of posts lately. But funny enough, there has been A LOT of shopping. Tonight, I decided to talk about Retail Therapy.

Myth, Truth or Excuse to Shop?

I really think it's a truth. I mean, if you hate to shop you are not going to suddenly love shopping when you become sad, depressed, or stressed. But if shopping is something you love, obviously much like a good friend it can bring you comfort when the rest of the world seems to not.

According to Wikipedia: Retail therapy is shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer's mood or disposition. Often seen in people during periods of depression or transition, it is normally a short lived habit. Items are "comfort buys."

Look as long as it doesn't turn into oniomania (yes, compulsive shopping is a disease) you aren't really doing the worse thing for yourself!

Other things people turn to in transitions periods: Danger Sports, Drugs, Drinking, Promiscuous Actions, Quitting Jobs......so now how bad does Shopping look? seriously. (again...don't go get into debt and then go ... I was depressed! but a few nice items that make your eyes sparkle aren't going to hurt you either!)

It takes your mind off things, a hunt for a great deal is a focus, a hard job....a distraction.
A Few Rules:
1. Set a limit for your Retail Therapy trip.
2. Don't make MAJOR purchases, but little things that make you smile.
3. Bring a friend to help you sort through "what is really needed."
4. Keep the receipts, because.....THIS TOO SHALL PASS!! In the bright sunlight, the purchase might not seem as wonderful.
5. Buy something for a friend or an item to donate to a local shelter.
6. If you really are having a rough time, opt for real therapy to accompany your retail habits.


So in closing...yes, Retail Therapy is real!!! It was actually coined by Chicago Tribune in Christmas 1986" "We've become a nation measuring out our lives in shopping bags and nursing our psyhcic ills through retail therapy." Pish Posh, Come on!!!

First, that was the 80's and everything was done in excess. Now we are helping the economy! :)
Second, your psyhcic ills will come out if you shop or not.
Third, please we as a nation measure ourselves by how cute we look in what've brought! :)

Wear a Smile - one size fits all! :)

Outlets? Deal or Not?

Thanks to an article from Kelly....here is my review of the Outlet situation.



I do live in Orlando one of the Outlet Capitals of the world so it gives me a unique look at what they really are. Bottom Line: They are great if you know what to look for, when to go, and what you are really getting.



First, is it last season or made for outlet? Let's use the GAP. The GAP never will have things from the store in their outlets. Don't believe me look at the tag? It will have "factory store" on the label meaning it was made just for the outlet. This isn't a bad thing, I think the store quality is better but if you love it...go for it. It also helps to know how much you could get something at the sale rack at the store vs. full price at the outlet. Other ones that make factory store clothes, Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein, Tommy, and Banana (but again look at the tag some Banana items are last season!) Basically, quality check....



Second, when are you going? Don't go during back to school shopping - you'll come up empty handed. I have found after a major holiday is a great time for outlets or when the seasons change. Who says you don't need a bathing suit bought in December?



Third, get the coupons. Either online or at the food court....yes, the food court and pick up that sample of orange chicken, you'll need a protein boost for this trip :)



Fourth, Return Policy! (and if you're a reader you know I love to return..) some outlets have NO RETURNS! (Victoria Secret.....my first run in...ohhh I was mad.) But it's always the shopper's responsibility to know the policy!



Ready to go? Call me....especially Coach Outlet after Christmas....one present for me a year :)

Gas Station Fashion

Interested yet?

Here's the deal...the other day I was in Walgreens having a horrible day and said huh, that sundress isn't bad...almost cute! Then my friend in effort to cheer me up bought it. I guess the surprise was when I wore it the next day with coach purse, nine west sandals, and Cole Haan glasses.

Quote: Merchandise it up!

It doesn't matter where you buy that "cute" thing if you put it with other high fashion expensive items....no one will ever know....Who's cares if you are wearing that Forever 21 top...with that Burberry Trench and Banana Pants....looks like you are a million bucks! Don't be afraid of the Gas Station, Walgreens, Goodwill....as long as you can add on to the outfit and make it your own and amazing it doesn't matter where it comes from.

Here's another note, the next day we saw the SAME sundress in Target with a different tag for like $25 more?

Score.

To Survery or To Not?

So at the end of many a transaction you often hear..... "if you fill out this survey by calling this number next time you'll get....blah blah"



You've stopped reading, listening...just tuned out. No? Most people do and you simply throw that extra receipt away.



I get it, I've done it before many a time. But then the light turned on...."Ahhhhh"



So here's my story, I got one of those pesky surveys but actually did it. It took five seconds on the computer and a wrote in a five digital code on the original receipt. It was only 10%; so is 10% worth it??? For five seconds of my time? Sure!

But then last week I was one of the first shoppers at my Old Navy during Stuff n Save and got a 50% THE ENTIRE STORE COUPON. What What. Awesome. Song. Dance.

So after the glee, shopping, and more shopping I head to the counter with my hands full. I mention I had one of those surveys but I probably couldn't combine offers....right....????

NO! The ohsonice sales clerk informed me that is the best things about those 10% off surveys - THEY CAN BE ADDED ON TOP OFF ANY OTHER OFFER.



And that's when 10% became 60% and it all became worth it.....



So next time you are throwing away that extra bit of paper, you might be throwing away an extra bit o cash ;)

Take the Free and Run!

Today I got those "ohsoexciting" Free Pantie Coupon in the mail for Victoria Secret......



But beware...there are reasons that companies send out free panties, free small drink, free 1 night, free travel size lotion....you get the idea. These companies have decided that giving away this one thing is worth it because once they have you in the door....you'll probably buy more. They think they can trick the average consumer!



Don't let them!!! Proudly walk and claim your free _______! Don't feel guilty! I also get my free pantie and when they remind me there is $10.00 off a bra as well, I politely decline. (Well, unless you need the other item but frankly how far away is Season Semi-Annual Sale???)



Don't feel obligated to buy something else...they sent this to you because probably you are a good customer anyway. So take the free and run!

Price Adjustments?

This is not for the beginner shopper so beware.



Most stores offer "one-time price adjustment when you present your original sales receipt within "x" amount of days."



BUT NO ONE DOES IT!



It's so easy. You are back in the store within the "x" amount of days. Bring your receipt to the counter and say can I do a price adjustment. Done. Easy. Money back to you.



The other day at the GAP; Trent (the husband) was buying something and I realized a few things I had gotten had been even more discounted. I keep all receipts in my purse for this reason so I pulled it out and "POOF" $20 dollars appeared back on my credit card. Trent was dumbfounded - I think he still is.



This especially works well during holiday season, because sales change so fast and quickly. Again you have to know what the policy is, and if you have to have the item with you (I never have had to have the item in hand - just receipt.)



This is just an easy simple way to not be sale that "x" has gone on sale and already have it...

I feel like this should be longer as no one seems to get it but alas, with the knowledge, it's that easy of an adjustment.

How to Return!

OH this could be my favorite post topic to date!



I love to return! Love it!



Look, the worst feeling is seeing something, not getting it, and then going back and being heartbroken it's not there. And now you want it even more! Tear. ( Heads up ladies, this also applies to men that's another blog though.)



So I tend to follow the rule "Just Buy It! If you don't want it later, you can always return it"

Sound: Tires Screech to a Halt. Warning: You have to know the stores' return policy and guidelines. This is on you. I personally don't shop at stores that don't allow returns with receipt and tag attached within a reasonable timeline. The stores can't make me love it....



Anyway so buy it! Go home, try it on, does it work with your shoes, accessories, bags? Can you pair it with that blazer? Or those leggings? If you realize it doesn't fit or just doesn't work for your style then return it. At least you know you gave it your best shot!



Remember don't remove any tags until you are sure! Heck, don't remove the tags until you wear it!!!! Why? What if you lose 20 pounds before you wear that dress or suddenly decide No way! If the tag is still attached and you have the receipt, you aren't out anything!



Here is another tip: Let's say you bought xyz and then you go back and IT'S ON SALE!!! Well, if you haven't worn xyz yet....buy it on sale and then return the one at home you bought for full price! This can be easier than returning to your favorite store daily to see if "it" has gone on sale. (Let's be honest I have done this and know what day my favorite stores do their clearance inventory. And the manager on that works these evenings....sad but oh so true) With this line of shopping, it's safe to say you need a good storing place for all those receipts.



Basically you have to commit to the return and safely storing receipts. But having a good return in your back pocket can save you a lot of money and near missed deals....

The Morning After

The Morning After.......

A Major Holiday! Get your minds out of the gutter!!

So a morning after a major holiday is prime dealoholic shopping time. I almost get more excited for the day after.... why??

Because everything is 50-75% off!!!!!!

This weekend I went shopping with a friend and saw a great new Easter wreath...it was 25% off. She urged me to get it. I refused with "Hello, on Monday it will be 75% off?!@!?". This morning I returned to the same spot and POOF! A Large Red 75% Sign appeared. I was giddy with my deal.

Basically figure out what you need, new Christmas lights, new Skeleton paint, new Easter basket, new Turkey napkin rings, new Yuletide cards but only get it AFTER the holiday. Stock up. And yes, it will always go on sale ..... stores need to unload their seasonal items ASAP.

Okay short and sweet just a friendly reminder, shop after the holiday for your holiday decor needs. EXCEPT the candy....let's be honest candy is best fresh.

Off to hang my wreath! :)

What have your friends done for you lately?

And of course....quickly followed by what have you done for your friends lately?



A good deal is your best friend or is your best friend holding your next great deal?



Look we've all had those moments when you open your closets, drawers, whatever and go "I have nothing to wear!" It's the worse when followed by "I am broke." What to do? I learned young, whenever you are low....turn to your girlfriends! So let's try that now...



#1 - Clothes Swap! If you are broke and need new outfits, 10 to 1 so does a girlfriend....Ask and closest raid! Important rule, set expectations of guidelines: condition returned, dry clean or washed, and due date prior to borrowing. You don't want to ruin a friendship over this so be up front with your expectations. But let's be honest if you are the same size as your girlfriend and she has a habit of giving designer clothes to goodwill barely worn....let her know you'll happily be her favorite charity!



#2 - Trade and Trade well! If life is all about the hookup then start with your friends. We learned in school all about East Indian Trade Routes...did we learn nothing? What do you have someone might want and what do they have in return? Are you working at the GAP and holding a 50% Friends and Family Discount....why not trade with your friend that is a hairstylist for those blond highlight you can't afford? Have a friend that works for Delta with buddy passes to fly, why not offer your hotel discount and together make vacation magic! Usually you look at your own hookup as unimpressive, but undoubtedly there is someone out there who will what to partake! Maybe you have a gift card to Southwest you don't need and a friend has cash and willing to pay for it....you can pay down that credit card!

Warning: Don't get your friends fired, and know your company policy on sharing the perks. Enough Said.



#3 - Editing! The best deal is sometimes not getting that _____ (fill in your guilty pleasure) at all. When you have 16 dresses in that dressing room, and you feel you need them all, you can not live without them....a girlfriend is in desperate need. A honest friend will let you know which truly look amazing and which you can't see fully in that 2 way mirror and need to go. Bring your girlfriends shopping so you don't overspend.....Coco Chanel once said "You usually need to take off the last thing you put on." She didn't mean this but I usually add "your credit card" to that statement.



#4 - Advertising! Girlfriends are walking talking ads, they can try out those trendy pumps or new length skirt...does it work? do you really like it? When they have gotten that blazer you've been eyeing, ask where it come from!!! Don't be shy! When you get there....it'll will probably be there still and on clearance....



In closing, your honor, Girlfriends are key is finding the next best deals! But remember, their friendship is more important than that amazing designer dress in their closet you want.....

On Line Shopping - THE RULES

Oh the hard work. On Line Shopping is not for the faint of heart. I promise you.



1. Free Shipping. Every major online store will have free shipping at some point. I am on most of the mailings of the stores that I frequent so I get alerts. Do not shop with out free shipping, as in case it doesn't fit you can return to the store and then you are out of pocket nothing!



2. Return to Store. I do not buy anything online that I cant refund/return to the store. Think about it? If I buy five things and none of them fit? Hello? I am not going to post office (that's annoying in itself) and then paying to return it. No. No. No.



3. Search for coupons. Google "Coupons for Ann Taylor" (fill in blank)....so many great websites have so many codes up and you know NO ONE USES THEM! It takes five seconds to google for coupons and yet we live in a NOW world we don't take five seconds that could save five dollars and probably more. http://www.couponcabin.com/ and http://www.retailmenot.com/ are two of my favorites.



4. The dilemma - no free shipping, you found that perfect clearance item and you don't dare to wait on it? Is there free shipping if you buy xxxx (fill in blank - shoes, perfume, men's boxers?) just buy that item and then get the free shipping. Simply return that item to store and you've gotten free shipping and lost no money on an item not needed.

*****WARNING: You have to commit to the return process, if you are one of people that just won't return anything and just plies it up and never gets around to it. This will NOT work for you.



5. The dilemma - no free shipping but 30% off coupon. Well then do the math...if the 30% coupon is greater than the discount of the free shipping. It's begging for you to buy it. But really the true sign of buying gods speaking to you.....the ultimate free shipping and 30% coupon good that day only and its a clearance item you can't find it stores....



Now I am excited and going to find my next great deal online!

Nordstorm Score!

So tis the season of wedding dress and I had to find many a perfect dress....

I found it on Macys.com for $103.99 - with free shipping of course (YOU DON'T SHOP ONLINE WITHOUT FREE SHIPPING....that's an entirely different post) I was hooked I had to have this dress.

But this perfect dress was not in my size. Was all lost? I thought....so I googled the actual name of the dress. "BCBGMAXAZRIA Pleated Cotton Dress". None on amazon, eBay, Dillard's....all the usual haunts....this was making me want it even more.

But wait...it was on Nordstrom.com. AND IN MY SIZE! Oh the excitement. But it was $218.00. Err...not a deal. Then at the bottom in fine print...My twinkly eyes did see:

"You'll never pay more. At Nordstrom, we are committed to providing you with the best prices. If you find one of our items somewhere else priced lower, please call."

So I called, I was doubtful as the Macy's dress was clearance and Nordstrom was not. But low and behold they honored the other price (be prepared with SKU numbers and websites of each...make their lives easier, they will make your life easier.)

And they honored my free shipping, and gave me and extra 10% for my extra hassle and because it was first time ordering online with Nordstrom. WOW.

You can find the perfect little black dress. At a discount. With free shipping. And 10% off because you worked a little bit harder.

In the end, I loved the dress...because it fit so well, yes but maybe even more cause of the amazing deal. ;)

Frosty in the Rough

Quickly...

You only get what you ask for.

It's amazing what people will give you if you ask and ask NICELY.



I went to Wendy's with my dear friends (Anne inspired me to do this blog from this moment) and the Frosty machine was down. So we had to pull over from the drive through and wait....I went inside and waited. They apologized and I asked to have free fries for the wait. She said "Absolutely, no problem."



Everyone in the car was betting on if I could pull this off. Look....they were more than willing to go above and beyond because they inconvenienced a customer, I was nice, and asked politely.

Ask, Ask, you'll never know unless you ask.



Now that money can be spent on something so much more fab-oo.....

Spend Money to Make Money?

Spend Money to Make Money? Well maybe....

Look we all spend money right? But are you getting rewarded from it? If not...you should! People will reward you for spending money. Really.

Now let me make this clear. No one should spend more than you have. No one should go in debt. BUT if you already spending it....in debit or credit cards; both will reward you. Another warning: If you carry a balance on any credit card: REWARD CARDS ARE NOT FOR YOU!

So stop pull out your checking, & savings account and all those credit cards. Now which ones are working for you? Which ones say thank you for spending your hard earned money with me?

I guess the first question is: What do you want them to do for? What is important to you?

Best way to show this - is my story. I have a credit card (that I pay off monthly!) and I love to travel.....so I could have some card that gives me no rewards..... But I have a Starwood American Express, so 1 point for every dollar spent. And lots of other rewards....like 50% room coupons, exclusive deals, transfer privileges to airfare, gift cards, or rental cards. I feel like I am going to spend that dollar anyway.....so why not be slowly working toward something? I have been afforded a lot of vacations through paying off large bills I had the cash for on my credit card, earning points and then cashing in.....(again note: I used the cash to pay off the credit card that same month...never carry a balance.)

Not a traveler? You should still be rewarded!! My mother would rather use priceline but she wants the cash back so she has a Discover with Cash Back Rewards. Discover, for example, gives just .5% cash back on your first $1,500 of charges and 1% on the next $1,500, and 3% level only on purchases above $3,000 a year. You can do the math...and see if this would benefit you....

Shopper? What is your favorite store? Where do you spend the most time? If you spend $50 a month at the GAP....if you used a GAP Credit Card...you could get a $10 reward card at the end of the month. Doesnt that make sense? Now if the easiest thing for you is to use cash or your debit and you cant be hassled to have different cards for different stores....that is reward enough!

Will you get a free trip or rich over night? No. It takes time and effort ! Any girl who wants to get the best deal must be willing to invest a little time -- not only in choosing a card but knowing what it can and can't do. Stay on top of those emails telling you this is the month you could be earning extra rewards! Also, making sure you understand all the expiration dates and the terms and conditions. Also....what is the card offering you to sign up? My AMEX gave me 25,000 points and that was enough for my last Vegas hotel stay!

And heck, always ask for more. Trust me, people want you to spend with them...but girls....spend wisely! ;) No monthly fee or interest charge is worth any amount of rewards.....

Want to look for your perfect card:

http://www.cardratings.com/rewardpoints.html