30% is not enough

So, since everything is on sale nowindays I have some advice instead of sales.

The Advice:

Don't settle for 30% off. 30% is NOT enough.

I know everyone gets excited for sales, I do as well. However, the thrill of on sale sometimes overshadows that you just aren't getting that great of a deal.

You should be checking the sections in stores that you know have clearance. The very very back of the store or in jewelry, the special box. These items usually are anywhere from 50-75% off, they are the best deal in store.

To be truthful, in these economic times, 30% is just not enough.

We're learning to hold out for more. Wait for the retailers to get desperate, because they WANT to sell to you. You just have to wait until they're offering the item at something you actually want to pay.

Tools for Great Deals

One of the best tools you have for getting a great deal is your voice.

It sounds strange, but talking to someone about the price you think you should have, and sticking to it or even telling them you'd love to buy the item, just not at that price is how many people get great deals.

Several years ago at Best Buy I bought a lemon computer. For years it plagued me, and when I could finally scrap it out, the people who were working there refused to give me the computer I wanted that ran about 500 dollars less than I had originally paid for the lemon.

I originally had been told by management that I could exchange it for any computer up to the purchase price of the lemon, but when at the store I had to stick to my guns and deal with an hour long conversation of, "I want this, I won't take anything less, I was promised this, " because they decided they could only give me an outdated, exact copy of my computer... that's worth was about 700 dollars.

Well, being me, I didn't want anything like the original. So I stuck to my guns and patiently let them run around while I examined my new computer. In the end I was offered the computer I wanted just to get me out of their hair, AND I was given a copy of windows vista home in case I wanted to switch from the vista that came with the computer.

Now there's a difference between irrational screaming and demanding and patiently stating your case, sticking to your guns and waiting. Practicing the second will get you great prices, practicing the first may land you in jail.

Good luck with the great deals!

The Christmas time is upon us and the sales are free flowing. I would recommend opening a new email address and going to all your favorite stores and getting e-mail updates. Many times they send discounts and coupons.

So for a party I was throwing I decided to drop into Macys on the advice of a friend to look for a new dress.

And I am really really glad I did.

I ended up getting a gorgeous Maggy London silk dress for 30 dollars. It fits like a dream, the color is complimenting, and it was originally priced at 158 dollars. That's 5 times what I paid!

I also needed to go shopping for a friend's birthday. My local Macy's always has a basket filled with small plastic bags full of ultra-clearance jewelry in the jewelry section. There I found a Sterling Silver Onyx cross necklace that was perfect for her.

Originally priced at 80 bucks it was clearance priced at 20 bucks. But after a 50% off discount not labeled on the bag and a 20% discount in store, I got the perfect gift for 8 dollars.


I don't search for sales much and even if the item is a great price I don't usually buy it unless I need it. But knowing where the best area in a store to find sale items is a must.

I also must say that as many people who rave about Online sales, I am one who much prefers to do my shopping in store. I have found that the Ultra-clearance items will not be listed online. These are the jewelry/ designer clothing pieces that though they have nothing wrong with them, they have been removed from their sale counter. Either by discontinuing or simply less space.

So those are my awesome purchases for this week.

I'd encourage you to go scour your local Macy's and see if you can't find a couple greats deals for yourself.

I know you're all wondering how Black Friday went.

I was actually sick. But I did manage to do a little consignment shopping in between Vitamin C shots. I picked up some gorgeous sling-back Ann Klein shoes for 6 dollars and two pairs of Italian pumps for the same.

(Pics will be posted later)

Sale:

So today I have a sale for ya'll.

BagBorroworSteal.com is having an outlet sale of 50-60% off. BBOS is a site which rent's or sells gently used/new designer bags and sunglasses.

You may know them from the Sex and the City Movie, in which their named was dropped 3 or so times. Check it out and see if anything tickles your fancy.

Events:

Today I have another sale at Belinda M Designs.

Here are the dates:

Thursday, Nov 20, 10-7, 25% off
Friday, Nov 21, 10-8, 35% off
Saturday, Nov 22, 10-7, 45% off
Sunday, Nov 23, 10-7, 60% off

Halloween sales are very abundant right now. I don't know about you, but I usually try to buy my decorations and presents the year before.

Yesterday I found a plaster of paris pumpkin for Halloween deco on sale at a lovely little antique boutique. Everything Halloween in the store was 50% off, so for 14 dollars, the large piece was well worth it.










Events:

In the events catagory, I won't be going to this one, but it seemed so neat I had to drop it in.

On November 17th, Descend Salon in the Marina/Cow Hollow area will be having a Free Blow Dry Night. Complimentary wine, champagne and hors d'oeuvres will be offered as well as styling lessons.

Oh and

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

from us at Cute For Less

In shopping news I ended up getting a couple pashmina's at my local thrift stores last week. They ran me 4-15 dollars and are so versatile and much more comfortable than scarves.

Blogs:

I actually have a great Blog for you. If you are like me you ADORE Project Runway. Maybe you're not so thrilled with the last episode, but the fact that Top Design comes on after it is a balm to the design lovers soul.

So without further ado, Eddie Ross' Blog.

The blog actually has quite a few ways to thriftily decorate. I was quite surprised that he was so money minded.


Events:

I can't help but get excited about Black Friday this year. Last year I ended up going to Bed Bath and Beyond and got the most awesome deal ever. We were given papers for a percentage off. I can't remember how much, but that coupled with the fact the comforter had been accidentally left marked 35 % off final price, I ended up getting a 200 dollar designer comforter for 20 bucks.

Suffice it to say, this year I will also be heading there again.

I'd also like to add that making a list of stores you know are going to have Black Friday sales is a good way to start off.

I use Yelp.com to find stores in the area (mostly to remind myself what stores there are) then systematically check their websites for BF sales. I usually tack on a couple thrift stores I love, because many times they also have sales.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Sorry folks that I've been gone for a bit.

But I am back with a bang. Or would it be bag?

My local Hospice shop sold me this GORGEOUS Guess bag. It's actually my third almost-brand new Guess item I've purchased there. The first was my I-wear-it-all-the-time leather jacket. It's fitted and goes with everything. The second is another Guess purse, but it's black and more evening bag style. Both were $45, and $12 respectively.

Here is the lovely purse:

The picture is from it's ebay listing which can be seen here. The seller is charging $95 and free shipping. Checking the Guess website, I can see that this is about the base price for a guess purse new.

So yes, I got a almost brand new, purse-that-belongs-in-a-purse-store-on-a-clear-shelf
purse that I see so often in my town.

For 13 dollars.

It made me smile all day.


Events:

I don't currently have any events that have piqued my interest. But check up on the Diva Eve website, since they have quite a few events going on.

So I wasn't able to head to the bag sale as I ended up working.

However. A friend of mine did go in my stead and grabbed me a gorgeous black lace top, a cute pink and white bag, a red jean jacket, a red suede jacket (a bit too small) and a couple other misc clothing items. She also got a few things for herself and the total bill was yes, 10 dollars.

Boy I love good clothing for a good price.


Events:

* There is a 50% off sale for the weekend of the 16th at Cancer Society.

Events:

* So this next Saturday is the Bag Sale at Leftovers. It's ten dollars for a bag which you can fill with whatever items in the store you want. It's about thrice yearly and while last year the bag was only 5 dollars, I still think it's a decent deal.

Cute for less

So this weekend was the last Sunday of the month. This means it was 75 % day at Hospice Thrift Boutique. Saturday is 50 % off day if you were wanting to know. Mark this on your calendars ladies, most of the things they have are barely worn and some even have tags attached.

I ended up getting these gorgeous Franco Sarto sandals.

They run about $89 dollars on the Franco Sarto website.

The only small drawback I found is that the loop the buckle goes into is missing on one shoe. But for the fact that I purchased them for 3 dollars and they've never been worn, I think it's a fair trade in.

Events:

* On August 20 there will be another Diva Eve Clothing Swap extravaganza going on. I haven't yet had a chance to attend, but if you have not heard of a clothing swap, they entail bringing your new or gently used clothing in to "swap" with other ladies. It runs from 20 - 30 dollars and there is liquor involved.

* Belinda M Designs is having a huge sale starting Thursday 31st until Sunday the 3rd. We're talking 20-65 % off by Sunday. Good stuff people.

* Etiquette Lounge or Club Ett as I refer to it. is having a "girls" night of spa services and alcohol. It'll be about 20 dollars and the first 25 people will get swag...ie...free gifties. Here's where to get your tickets. The only warning I would have to people is that Club Ett is not really a lounge, or a club...it's more of a bar in a hotel. I won't be attending but I thought it was neat so I added it to the list.