Coupons Part Deux

I haven't been shopping much.

Why?

Set aside that I am a poor college student and add in the fact that SF is one of the most expensive areas to live in and you'll see why.

To continue on with the coupon post, I have started shopping only at Walgreen's, not just because they're close, but because they offer cutable coupons in their weekly ad. In addition, I check online through their website because I recently found out that they post coupons that can only be found online and are not available in store or through the newspaper.

Thus, by checking online I can copy, paste and minimize the size of the coupon, fitting several on a word document and printing them out myself.

For the cost of a single sheet of paper and a drop of ink I saved ten dollars today simply by printing out two coupons. Ten dollars people.

Theoretically all coupons should be accepted, and if Walgreens posts or prints one coupon, it can be accepted together with a manufacturer's coupon found in a Sunday paper.

Thus many times in addition to being on sale in store, a store coupon online and a manufacturer coupon you can save up to and sometimes more than half the items original cost.

So next time you decide to go to a store, check their website and make sure they don't offer coupons right there on the page.

Coupons.

That's right, they're not just for your grandma any more.

As a student I'm usually on a budget. But only recently have I started the Sunday morning habit of clipping coupons.

At my current weekend job we occasionally get a Sunday paper (which I don't have to pay for). I say occasionally because four times out of ten a hobo steals it before I get there.

But on the days I do get it I spend a few minutes clipping coupons and sipping hot tea. Because of this I save cash. 55 cents here, a free item worth 2.99 there. The coupons add up.

Now I intentionally do not clip coupons of things I don't regularly buy or won't use. Just because you can get a few cents to dollars off of something, it's useless to you if you won't use the item you bought.

So I only cut coupons of the brands I use and like.

Which is why I adore weeks like this when I cut out page after page of savings for the stuff I usually buy.

Yay coupons.

Wow it has been an age hasn't it?

A lot of changes have come and gone through my life, so I took a bit of a break from shopping for clothing... not so much for other kinda of shopping though;)

I am a huge fan of DVD's series sets. They're great for when you're sick, keeping you occupied and they're fun to have because then you can watch them in order.

I usually use Target/Amazon.com to keep an eye on all the series' I want to buy. Many times I've gotten DVD's for under 10 dollars, or even 75 % off of the original price, simply by checking it every couple weeks, and making an effort to pass buy the DVD sets in Target whenever I'm there.

I've saved hundreds of dollars completing my DVD collection, simply by waiting, checking the price and buying together and saving on shipping.

So when you feel like taking a day off and watching a bit of tv, make sure to check amazon and see if you can't get a great deal on a DVD set, of the very same show you're watching on tv.

So dolls, it's been awhile. I'm sorry.

Now that I'm busy on the weekends, It's tough to catch the sales.

However I must remind everyone that Consignment is your friend. Consignment is good.

I no longer buy new unless it's something that I must, because of the ick factor and because I can't find it used.

Recently my finds have been a Cole Haan purse (authentic) for 19 dollars because of a couple makeup stains inside the pocket and an Ella Moss dress for 25, brand new.

On another note I recently bought two citronella candles from Restoration Hardware. They were miss-priced and thus I got them for 75% off. I was originally only going to buy one, but after asking her if I'd get the same price for the second, I splurged.

Never be afraid to ask, for some more if they made a mistake. Sometimes legally they have to give it to you, sometimes they just don't care.

An example of this was about ten years ago when I purchased a bear at Macy's or some such alike store. It rang up as one cent due to some glitch in the computer (90's computers). A small bear with removable camo hat and jacket. For one cent.

So I bought five and gave them to people.

Never be afraid you'll make a tiny fool of yourself or be looked at strangely for getting a great deal. If nothing else you'll have a great story.

Free Makeup

I hope several of you took advantage of the free makeup at Bloomies, Saks, Nordstrom and Macy's.

If you havent recieved yours, here's the gist. Because of a settlement they have been giving one item of your choice (or whats left) to each customer who simply puts her name and signature on a list and stands in line.

I ended up getting a couple Clinique Fresh Surges, a Mascara and a Coco Chanel lotion which is a whole lotta smell in a whole little dab.

Giveaways and free, are what I live for.

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.