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ULTA for the Ultimate Selection

Fri, Jul 30 | Add A Comment
By: MireilleLarkins

I mentioned in a recent article that I have a weakness for hair accessories, but I’m tired of seeing the same things, year after year, in my local drugstore or department store. There’s a place for the basics — every woman should have a set of simple Scrunchie-style ponytail holders and perhaps some basic black or metallic barrettes — but this is one part of my fashion sense that demands a voice of it’s own. So I’m always searching for new sources of just-the-right-shade of blue to match an outfit, and for new looks I can create with a clip, tie or pin in my hair. I can’t resist! So discovering ULTA, already a terrific source for general beauty supplies, was a happy experience.

Here’s my first pick, a set of Rose Claw Clips, originally $8, now just $6.40 for the pair, which includes a gold-tone and a tortoiseshell clip with spring clamps for resiliency. What an elegant design!

Rose Claw Clips (19% off for $6.40)

Rose Claw Clips (19% off for $6.40)

Apparently, I like ULTA’s Riviera hair accessories, because my next choice is the Beaded Satin Headband, also 19% off for just $6.40 with silver beads against black satin. I haven’t decided if I want to keep the bow, but without it, the headband adds a playful heavy metal touch to any outfit. Can “playful” and “heavy metal” be used in the same sentence? You decide:

Beaded Satin Headband ($6.40)

Beaded Satin Headband ($6.40)

Sometimes I like to take the look a step forward with what I think of as jewelry for the hair, and this gorgeous Elle Metal Jaw Clip with hematite rhinestones is a perfect example of what I have in mind. This lovely clip is 20% off, well worth the reduced price of $14.40. Pair it up with a pantsuit or your favorite little black dress for a stunning accent.

Elle Metal Jaw Clip (20% off for $14.40)

Elle Metal Jaw Clip (20% off for $14.40)

If you’re looking for something subtle and professional, the Karina collection is just the thing with several lovely choices, including a Pearl & Gold Bobbies three-piece set at 20% off for just $5.60. A pair of simple gold-tone bobby pins are accented with single faux pearls, while the third pin features a smaller pearl in the center of a rhinestone and gold flower. Wear one to three pins at a time to adjust your look for the rest of your outfit. Or, check out the Renaissance Swirl Comb Clip Combo, also 20% off, which slides in and looks like a comb but holds like a clip with a hidden spring; very stylish!

Pearl & Gold Bobbies ($5.60)

Pearl & Gold Bobbies ($5.60)

Renaissance Swirl Comb Clip Combo ($7.20)

Renaissance Swirl Comb Clip Combo ($7.20)

ULTA even has an exclusive line of hair accessories, and this is where you find some very creative items, like these Bow & Chain Barrettes in a textured black ribbon embellished with silver chain. I need to buy these; they’re a perfect match for so many of the things I wear!

Bow & Chain Barrettes ($6.00)

Bow & Chain Barrettes ($6.00)

Possibly the most tempting thing about hair accessories is that you pay so little for an accent that does so much — it enhances your hair style, pulls an outfit together, and has the versatility to work with many different outfits from casual to formal wear. Also, think about it: I found all of these just by browsing through their hair accessories; imagine how much more ULTA offers in makeup, skin care, fragrances, and all of their other main departments!

At ULTA, you get three free samples with every order. You get free shipping on orders of $50 or more. And you get one of two different rewards programs for free, based upon where you live — just enter your ZIP code. In my case, that means Reward Certificates issued four times a year that are good for free beauty products and salon services — did I mention the in-store salons? I’ll be getting special offers just for club members and coupons regular shoppers won’t see, as well. I really like ULTA’s selection of hair accessories, but the deals and rewards are even better!

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Posted in: Accessories · Beauty · Fragrance

Shopping the World at Horchow

Thu, Jul 29 | Add A Comment
By: MireilleLarkins

Home decor is what brings a room together, tying all of the disparate pieces into a coordinated style and making your home feel more comfortable and inviting. For Horchow, this is business as usual, as the store focuses on home accents, furniture and accessories from around the world, ensuring that they have several choices to match your personal needs in home decor.

As an example, if you’re getting tired of that plain wall-to-wall carpet, consider an area rug… and then consider that you don’t have to spend upwards of $1000 to enjoy such a centerpiece in your living room. Horchow does have that option too, but that’s not what I’m looking for, today. This Bold Medallion Rug in black, gold, and ivory tufted from New Zealand wool is the sort of choice I’m talking about, reduced by 25% to just $208.90.

Bold Medallion Rug (Was $279, Now $208.90)

Bold Medallion Rug (Was $279, Now $208.90)

As for me, I’m a fan of antique furniture, and my grandmother’s cricket chair holds a prized spot in my home to prove it. I found a Floral Antique Hall Cabinet created over 130 years ago from elm, ash, pine, and mulberry woods. The cabinet has been freshened up with floral detailing in a distressed mustard hue, and the hardware complements this decorative cabinet with a rustic touch. At 35% off an already nice price of $335, which brings the cabinet down to $216.90, I’m tempted to find a home for this little beauty.

Floral Antique Hall Cabinet (Was $335, Now $216.90)

Floral Antique Hall Cabinet (Was $335, Now $216.90)

If you have a fireplace, this Paola Fire Screen is likely to pull a “Wow!” out of you with its decadent Spanish design. The mesh backing makes this a safe choice for gas or wood-burning fireplaces.

Paola Fire Screen (Was $395, Now $196.90)

Paola Fire Screen (Was $395, Now $196.90)

It’s also refreshing to see something different in bathroom linens; I’m tired of the plain colors, yet I’m not interested in getting a set of bath towels that really belong to the kids. That’s why I was pleased to discover the Palo Verde Towels from Dransfield & Ross, which are embellished with multicolored grosgrain ribbons for a terrific effect, sort of a cross between Italian styling and Southwestern colors for a clean, warm appeal. You could also just pick up the bath mat, and pull a color or two which matches solid towels already in your linen closet.

Palo Verde Towels (37% off)

Palo Verde Towels (37% off)

Right now, you can win a $5000 shopping spree at Horchow just by registering your email address, and you’ll also get updates and special offers. Be sure to check out the Home Economics section if you haven’t found what you need in their current sales — these items are priced reasonably all the time. If you’ve shopped here before, don’t forget to leave a review and rating at ShopCompanion and let us know what you think!

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Posted in: Gifts · household goods

Eat Pray Love… and Save at Cost Plus World Market

Wed, Jul 28 | Add A Comment
By: MireilleLarkins

I’ve been wanting to share Cost Plus World Market with you for quite some time, and now I’ve got two great reasons to do so. Right now, they’re offering free shipping on orders of $50 or more. More importantly, you can enter the Eat Pray Love Sweepstakes every day until August 28, 2010 for a chance to win a dream trip for two to Italy, India or Bali! Here’s the book that started it all, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. And this leads me right into the store, itself.

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Meditation accessories from $4.99 to $19.99 include a clever musical instrument I’ve never seen before – a Painted Coconut Thumb Guitar. A coconut has been cut in half, hollowed out, polished and fitted with a set of metal keys you play with your thumbs to produce a deep, rich sound.

Painted Coconut Thumb Guitar

Painted Coconut Thumb Guitar ($12.99)

Another featured section is the candles and candle holders from $5.99. My favorites from this collection are the Burnt Brass Tealight Holder for $12.99 with sixteen little bells, inspired by the ritual accessories found in temples throughout India, and the Terracotta Taj Floral Lantern with classic, artistic Indian designs hand-painted around the outside and a handle that lets you walk with the candle lit, perfect for late-night wanderings about the house.

Burnt Brass Tealight Holder & Terracotta Taj Floral Lantern

Burnt Brass Tealight Holder($12.99) & Terracotta Taj Floral Lantern ($14.99)

The last featured item is a Hand Carved Box with World Teas, which includes a traditional wooden spoon, a cleverly designed tea strainer, and three popular Indian loose-leaf teas. Quite a nice deal, this beautiful box and tea set is just $14.99.

Hand Carved Box with World Teas ($12.99)

Hand Carved Box with World Teas ($14.99)

From Italy, I love the simplicity of the five-foot Round Maize Rugs, available in red, green, aqua and chocolate. Originally $29.99 each, these are 33% off for $19.99.

Round Maize Rug

Round Maize Rug ($19.99)

Find your balance — or just a really cool piece of furniture — from Indonesia, with this romantic and elegant Indonesian Oversized Bench. The soft tufted cushion is included, and it’s on sale for 16% off. Another wonderful find — shopping at Cost Plus World Market is a matter of exploration, something I love to do when I’m there — is their Indonesian Batik Sarong in a gently draping nylon, perfect for fall in brown with ivory, or better suited to spring and summer in hues of blue.

Indonesian Oversized Bench with Cushion

Indonesian Oversized Bench with Cushion

Indonesian Batik Sarong

Indonesian Batik Sarong ($14.99)

The Cost Plus World Market Explorer program is another smart way to save. This free program offers $10 for every $100 of food and snacks you buy in-store or online, exclusive prices on wine, special promotions just for members for extra savings on items throughout the store, and right now, they’re giving away free music downloads to celebrate the Eat Pray Love promotion!

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Posted in: Gifts · clothing · household goods

Down the Aisle with Jessica’s Wedding

Tue, Jul 27 | Add A Comment
By: MireilleLarkins

It’s always a good idea to have several options when you need a wedding gift, and a toaster or waffle iron isn’t exactly a personal choice. I came across Jessica’s Wedding on SHOP.COM a few years ago, but only recently have I taken some time to look through the products they offer — wedding gifts and favors, loads of lovely accessories, and some of the prettiest jewelry you’ll find anywhere — and many of these items aren’t just for the big day. With free shipping on orders of $150 or more, plus a great sale running now on many gifts for weddings and anniversaries with a significant service of wedding favors on the side, this is the time to shop!

A perfect choice for wedding or anniversaries, the Interlocking Hearts Flutes can be personalized for free, and they’re currently 60% off for only $19.98. Each goblet is half a heart until placed together, when they join to become one vessel, embossed with beautiful roses with a silver-plate finish.

Interlocking Hearts Flutes (Was $49.95, Now $19.98)

Interlocking Hearts Flutes ($19.98)

Another fine choice is this Personalized Wedding Photo Frame with Mother-of-Pearl petals and delicate silver stems curling around the border. A miniature inset plaque holds free personalization with first names and a date, and again, it’s 60% off for just $11.98.

Wedding Photo Frame ($11.98)

Wedding Photo Frame ($11.98)

As you can see, it’s easy to find special gifts at Jessica’s Wedding, which rates 5 out of 5 Stars in the customer reviews on ShopCompanion. If you’d like to see why this store is so highly rated, go take a look at the reviews; this is a great way to learn more about all of the stores on ShopCompanion.

And remember, this store isn’t just a source for wedding presents and accessories; you can find great gifts for any occasion, like this Three-Piece Wine Set with a chrome-plated wine pourer, foil cutter and corkscrew which can be personalized with three initials in a simple but elegant lettering style.

Three-Piece Wine Set (55% off for $12.95)

Three-Piece Wine Set (55% off for $12.95)

While I’m here, I’ve got to showcase some of the gorgeous jewelry, like this Round Crystal Dangle Necklace at 16 inches long for a perfect way to frame your neckline. Although it was already inexpensive at $19.95, right now you can save 55% for a steal of a deal.

Round Crystal Dangle Necklace ($8.95)

Round Crystal Dangle Necklace ($8.95)

Finally, I had to share one of my little obsessions with you. I have a thing for hair accessories. I have baskets of them, all brimming over with clips, barrettes, headbands, pins, ties, and… well, if I’ve forgotten one or two, add them in, I’m sure I have those, also. I dove into the hair accessories at Jessica’s Wedding with great enthusiasm, and found four luxurious hair pins, originally $7, on sale for just $1.87 each. The last pin on the end, below, is available in seven different colors, too. Take a look:

Pearl and Crystal Oval & Daisy, Petite Pearl, and Crystal Daisy

Pearl and Crystal Daisy & Oval, Petite Pearl, and Crystal Daisy (Each just $1.87)

If you love a good sale on products like these, sign up for special offers at Jessica’s Wedding by email, and you can request a free catalog at the same time. Remember, wedding stores aren’t just for weddings, and as their terrific rating on ShopCompanion proves, not all stores are going to give you the same level of quality and service, so check out Jessica’s Wedding; you won’t be disappointed!

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Posted in: Gifts · Jewelry

Summertime Sales at Kohl’s

Mon, Jul 26 | Add A Comment
By: MireilleLarkins

One of our favorite places to do some serious shopping for clothes is Kohl’s, especially for my husband, who really appreciates one of the store’s best features: choice. Not only does he find dozens of styles that he really likes, the ranges of sizes available are very impressive, and for a man with “shoulders out to there“, this makes Kohl’s a great place to shop. The prices are always excellent too, but catching what you want on sale is even better!

So, starting off with free shipping for any order of $75 or more (use code”GR8SHIP”), I wanted to see what sort of deals I could find online. I do enjoy shopping in a Kohl’s store, but retailers localize their products, so if you want an even bigger selection, you should always check out their online store. I’ll give you a sample from each of the several sales going on now.

You’ve only got until the end of today to enjoy between 40% and 55 % off (or more) for casual sandals to hit a shoe-in for everyone in your family, so I wanted to show you something that can be worn year-round, these Carter’s Flakes Sandals for toddlers with heart embroidery and a sweet bow accent, plus a Velcro ankle strap and a softly padded footbed. Originally $29.99, they’re just $11.97 today.

Carter's Flakes Sandals (60% off)

Carter's Flakes Sandals (60% off)

Next, you can get 30% to 50% off Mudd clothing for Juniors and young Misses until July 31st. It was much more difficult to choose just one item here; I found several styles I really loved, including this Mudd Butterfly Tunic Tee with a great graphic print featuring a faux chain around the neckline, studded accents, and cleverly cinched sleeves in 100% cotton, and it’s 40% off.

Mudd Butterfly Tunic Tee (Was $22.00, Now $12.99)

Mudd Butterfly Tunic Tee (Was $22.00, Now $12.99)

Kohl’s doesn’t stop there; they’re giving you 40% to 50% off selected bedding sets, offering a terrific deal on already great prices. I can vouch for the quality of their bedding, particularly their Lush Decor line, because we have a set, ourselves! To me, this Brody Reversible Dot Bed Set says “classy guy”, although anyone whose bedroom furniture tends toward modern or contemporary styling will find this a perfect fit. The Brody eight-piece set includes a comforter, standard pillow shams, two Euro shams, a bedskirt and two decorative pillows. Save 43% for this set, and get it for just $129.99. I just checked with my 15 year old son; he agrees that this is an awesome set!

Brody Reversible Dot Bed Set (Was $229.99, Now $129.99)

Brody Reversible Dot Bed Set (Was $229.99, Now $129.99)

If you’re looking for gorgeous styles for women, you’ll love LC Lauren Conrad apparel for 25% to 40% off, and I agree that their featured item, the LC Lauren Conrad Embellished Babydoll Dress, is well worth your attention. The beaded neckline and shirred bodice add wonderful details, and at only $36.99, you’re saving 26% off the regular price.

LC Lauren Conrad Embellished Babydoll Dress

LC Lauren Conrad Embellished Babydoll Dress

Did you know that you can browse Kohl’s latest ads online? Just click to pull up the brochure and flip through the pages to see all of their sales in one place! That’s how I found out that Kohl’s also has men’s short-sleeve dress shirts from Arrow on sale for just $12.99, and all seasonal suit separates for $20.99 to $59 — you can save up to 67% on these handsome pieces:

Apt. 9 Black Modern-Fit Linen Suit Separates

Apt. 9 Black Modern-Fit Linen Suit Separates

This is one store where you can do very well by watching the sales, so sign up for Kohl’s Sale Alerts by clicking through their customer service link at the top of every page, and don’t forget that free shipping code if you’re shopping now!

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Posted in: Children · Men's Clothing · Women's Clothing · clothing · shoes

Spread Your Fashion Wings – American Eagle Outfitters

Fri, Jul 23 | Add A Comment
By: MireilleLarkins

I’ve been curious about this store for a long time — casual, comfortable, well-made clothes — American Eagle Outfitters has a great reputation, and it’s well worth a closer look. My son is 15, so I knew that at the very least I’d find some styles for him, and I might be able to replace everything he’s outgrowing this summer so he’ll be ready for school. (When do they stop growing?) What I found really surprised me: free shipping through July 25th (just use code “74936062″ and don’t worry about your order total), a two-for-$20 special on boxers, t-shirts and socks, and probably my favorite find, an extra 30% off items already reduced for clearance!

American Eagle Outfitters specializes in jeans for all ages and sizes, so start there for several fine styles. However, I dug a little deeper and found a lot more. Since I’m supposed to be shopping for my teenage son, I’ll just put my own favorites on hold for a moment, and show you where this online shopping trip took me, today.

This AE Summer Cadet Shirt, also available in a dark gray and a simple white, is very much my son’s style. He prefers darker colors most of the time, but he balks if the material’s not comfortable, and the 100% soft, woven cotton here makes this an easy choice.

AE Summer Cadet Shirt (Was $34.50,  Now $24.95)

AE Summer Cadet Shirt (Was $34.50, Now $24.95)

Also, my son has always preferred trousers over jeans, explaining that the slightly thinner material and smaller seams make slacks or trousers far more comfortable. Well, since I’m not crazy about buying new pants for him every month, we usually need something very hardy and durable, and American Eagle Outfitters has the solution at a terrific price in soft pre-washed cotton twill. These AE Chinos were originally $39.50, but with four great color choices at just $19.95, I’m tempted to buy more than one pair.

AE Chinos (49% off)

AE Chinos (49% off)

The one and only way that my son brings a bit of brightness into his wardrobe is with accessories. No, not the shoes; even those have to be black cross-trainers. However, I have no doubt that he would love this AE Reversible Camo Belt with its rugged design and the antiqued metal buckle. A simple white cotton twill on the reverse side makes a perfect contrast when he’s wearing a layered black-and-white style. This belt is a very good buy at 25% off, and it’s certainly durable enough to last him for several years.

AE Reversible Camo Belt ($14.95)

AE Reversible Camo Belt ($14.95)

Okay, my turn. Yes, I know that I have way too much fun shopping for great deals on new styles and gadgets I “need” and sharing my stories about these finds with you. But you know what? If you can’t have fun shopping, you’re doing it wrong!

So, I had some fun at American Eagle Outfitters — quite a bit actually, since I found several items at prices I didn’t need to justify, like $11.95 for these perfect-for-anywhere AE Cutout Flats. My only problem is deciding between the soft suede Tobacco or the buffed suede Pewter — help! Even the simple stitching adds a sweet detail to these shoes; I just can’t choose…

AE Cutout Flats: Tobacco & Pewter (Just $11.95)

AE Cutout Flats: Tobacco & Pewter (Just $11.95)

These AE Harem Cropped Pants are also a steal at just $29.95 with two patch pockets in the front, rolled hems all over, a ribbon tie at the waist, and it’s all-together gently cute in a very soft “arugula” green cotton. For me, these are a must-have:

AE Harem Cropped Pants (24% off)

AE Harem Cropped Pants (24% off)

So, what I’ve learned is that with the sales going on now, I can dress my son from head to toe — don’t forget, the socks are on sale, too – as well as my husband and myself in a lot of comfortable casual styles for great prices at American Eagle Outfitters. Go check them out, and tell me what you think — if you find a great deal, share!

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Posted in: Accessories · Children · Fashion · Men's Clothing · Teens · Women's Clothing · clothing · shoes

The Fountain of Youth? Forever 21

Thu, Jul 22 | Add A Comment
By: MireilleLarkins

Just in the last couple of years, a retail phenomenon has taken us all by storm, and if you’ve been ignoring it, you should ask yourself, Why? A recent Hot Summer Sale advertising items for 99¢ and up had me curious, with at least one other sale running at the same time, plus they offer free shipping for orders over $40. So I wondered how many sales Forever 21 can hold at once, and whether someone who isn’t under 30 can find something worthwhile.

The answer is a resounding YES… but. This is actually one of the best places to shop for your teenage daughter, especially with Back-to-School Must-Haves for under $20, and some of these looks are perfect for ageless women like you and me. Take a look at some of these lovely deals from Forever 21.

This Netted Charms Necklace has leatherette rosettes and antiquated charms embedded onto a netted chain, and it’s just $12.80:

Netted Charms Necklace ($12.80)

Netted Charms Necklace ($12.80)

These skirts are brand new styles, both less than $20, and downright adorable. The Embroidered Woven Skirt with petite seed beads accenting the hem and waist is made from 100% cotton, while the Floral Peplum Woven Skirt is made from two layers, cotton on the inside and softly flowing rayon with a gorgeously romantic flower print on the outside for the world to enjoy your style.

Embroidered Woven Skirt ($18.90) & Floral Peplum Woven Skirt ($15.80)

Embroidered Woven Skirt ($18.90) & Floral Peplum Woven Skirt ($15.80)

And then there’s this sultry Lace Yoke Slub Top with three-quarter length sleeves and a stay-put banded hem for only $14.90. Psst! Guys, if you’re reading this, buy this top for your sweetie. You know you want to, and she’ll feel SO sexy!

Lace Yoke Slub Top ($14.90)

Lace Yoke Slub Top ($14.90)

So, you see what I mean? These are some of the great styles I’d want to wear, but now for the but. As you might imagine, there are also many more styles that are a better fit for your teenagers or for those of you who are in your mid-twenties or thirties. In other words, Forever 21 is the fountain of youth for ageless women, with styles that you’ll love no matter how old you are!

And if you can’t find what you need there, Forever 21 is hooked up to four other great stores, serving awesome styles for men (see 21Men), children, and women who would prefer something a bit less casual, as well as a department in each of the women’s stores for special sizes. I’m not going to tell you any more in this article; you’ll have to head over to Forever 21 to find out about the other stores for yourself! Don’t forget to join their email list for great promotions and updates, and just send a friend a Gift Card or e-Certificate if you’re not sure what that lucky lady might enjoy. We can’t live forever, but we can feel young without even trying at Forever 21!

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Posted in: Accessories · clothing · shoes

Dig Your Claws Into This!

Wed, Jul 21 | Add A Comment
By: MireilleLarkins

Proper pet care is more than just a matter of fresh water, healthy food and a warm, safe place to sleep. Both cats and dogs need play to stay healthy and mental exercise to be alert and happy. Even the most independent house cat is a part of the family pack, and it depends on us for attention and care. I happen to own –if that’s the right word, here — a Siamese cat, which is an experience that stands apart from any other cat with whom I’ve shared my home. As my son is fond of saying, a Siamese is “a whole ‘nother animal”, happy to carry on a lengthy conversation with you, even if you’re not interested in the subject. This is a cat who needs something to do with her time.

Luckily, I cam across Cat Claws, Inc. while browsing through the pet stores on ShopCompanion — which lists dozens more stores just for cats, by the way — but this one stood out from the rest as a family-run business which began with homemade corrugated cardboard scratching supplies filled with premium organic catnip, a real play-promoter which comes stuffed into most of the products they make. Here’s an example your cats will love, the Scratch ‘N Play Perch, and the price is somewhat lower than you’ll find elsewhere for similar styles:

Scratch 'N Play Perch ($112)

Scratch 'N Play Perch ($112)

The scratching insert is easily refillable, and the Refill Insert Packs include a 2 oz. bag of their Certified Organic Catnip to apply to the play structure however you wish.

I was also entranced with the Kitty Flicks, available as a pack of ten springy, bouncy toys for just $5.95, and I think the best way to share this great little toy is with a video, so go check out the Cat Claws site for a demo!

Kitty Flicks (Set of 10 for $5.95)

Kitty Flicks (Set of 10 for $5.95)

Here’s an item that does double duty as a cat toy and an oral care product — the Fish Teether, which runs $3.95 for one, or $3.75 for two or more. While your cat chews on the flavored rope, his teeth are getting “brushed” and “flossed” and his gums are being stimulated, easily removing and preventing plaque buildup with this irresistible toy.

Fish Teether for Cats ($3.75 to $3.95)

Fish Teether for Cats ($3.75 to $3.95)

Expects lots of specially-made cats products and hard-to-find items, and save 10% off your order until August 31st with the Cat Claws Summer Sale! If you sign up for their bi-weekly newsletter, you’ll get cat care tips, new product updates and reviews, and exclusive coupons and bonus offers, and, they promise, not so much as a whiff of spam.

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Posted in: Pets

Crafty Shopping for Hobby Supplies

Tue, Jul 20 | 2 Comments
By: MireilleLarkins

If there’s one big thing I learned about shopping last week, it’s that I’m not alone in my love for crafts. I’ve got a great big tote full of needlework kits and supplies, as well as a more-than-halfway serious interest in making jewelry with semi-precious stones. I’ve got a sister-in-law who loves paper crafts and scrapbooking, and another who does magical things with yarn through knitting and crochet. My mom uses stencils and sponges to beautify her home with delicately textured walls and decorative borders, while my son has a fine eye for detail with painting miniatures and creating landscapes for display. Even if you’d just like to learn how to create something new, craft supplies are something everyone can appreciate.

However, my husband’s patience starts to run a bit thin when we go to a craft store, because by the time he has obligingly walked through, he realizes that he has left me fiddling with little bits of this and that by Aisle Three. Two hours later, he’s still trying to be patient, and I start to feel guilty because frankly, I could spend all day there if I haven’t shopped for supplies for a month or so. If for no other reason, this is why shopping online for these products is a very good idea. This is also the chance to discover somewhere new!

What I found may be new to you, too: Factory Direct Craft, which is a family business that began by making craft supplies like ruffled lace as well as wedding accessories. Today, they price their products at up to 90% below regular prices, which means you might be paying just 49¢ for things like:

Mini Peach Satin Ribbon Rose Buds, 10-Pack (50% off)

Mini Peach Satin Ribbon Rose Buds, 10-Pack (50% off)

White Silk Floral & Pearl Spray (75% off)

White Silk Floral & Pearl Spray (75% off)

Proud To Be An American Craft Book (Was $7.99, Now 49¢)

Proud To Be An American Craft Book (Was $7.99, Now 49¢)

And here’s a smattering of your choices for only 99¢, from sewing notions to paper craft supplies and more:

Rubber Stamps (50% off)

Rubber Stamps (50% off)

Scrapbooking with Children (Was 12.95, Now 99¢)

Scrapbooking with Children (Was 12.95, Now 99¢)

Iron-on Appliques (66% off)

Iron-on Appliques (66% off)

Sign up for Factory Direct Craft’s sales and discount offers to hear all about them first. Just go to their Home page and enter your email address (top right). Their everyday pricing lets you save all the time, but email notifications will let you know when you can save more!

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Posted in: Gifts

Ann Taylor’s LOFT Doubles Your Savings

Mon, Jul 19 | Add A Comment
By: MireilleLarkins

I always love showing off the sales, but when I get to feature a favorite store, it’s even more exciting. Right now, Ann Taylor’s LOFT is holding a double sale: Get 50% off on a variety of lovely styles that have already been reduced, and save big.

Take a look at some of the great styles I’ve found to round out your summer wardrobe and get ready for fall. I’ve chosen only those items which already begin with a great price, exactly the sort of thing your Savvy Shopper should do, yes? I’ll start with this Battenberg Lace Trim Tank, in soft cotton with a tonal lace applique at the scoop neckline, originally $29, reduced to $24.99, and now just $12.50 with the special code “SALE50″. Available in seven different colors, this is a great choice for layering, or wear it solo for a day in the sun. At this price, you can get more than one!

Battenberg Lace Trim Tank

Battenberg Lace Trim Tank (Today: $12.50)

How about this proverbial “little black dress”, perfect as-is for this season, and sultry if you layer it with a shrug or jacket once the weather turns cool. The lovely Ruched Knit Dress comes with a removable belt, was originally $69, has been reduced to $59, but it’s half off for a limited time for just $29.50.

Ruched Knit Dress (Today: $29.50)

Ruched Knit Dress (Today: $29.50)

I also found a playful, flirty skirt I really liked in five different shades, this Tiered Knit Skirt with asymmetrical layers and pleating, plus a rollover waistband to soften the finish even further. Even the original price of $39 was a good buy; LOFT reduced the skirt to $34.99 and then dropped it another 50% for as long as supplies last, or the sale ends, so catch one of these now:

Tiered Knit Skirt (Today: $17.50)

Tiered Knit Skirt (Today: $17.50)

If you’re not finding what you seek in the LOFT double sale, try their “regular” sale going on now, with original prices reduced by 50% (in other words, it’s still a terrific sale)! Try these on for size for a tone-on-tone coordinating concept: a Blooms Empire Dress in cotton voile with contrasting, semi-sheer chiffon shoulder straps and a ribbon-style skirt hem, currently just $44.75, layered just a little bit with a Moody Blooms Scarf, also reduced to $17.25;  what do you think? On cool autumn days, just add a short jacket between the two, and let the scarf tie the entire look together:

Blooms Empire Dress & Moody Blooms Scarf (Each 50% off)

Blooms Empire Dress & Moody Blooms Scarf (Each 50% off)

Subscribe to their catalog for free, and add yourself to your choice of email lists for sales and updates as they happen. By the way, if you’re a teacher or an educational professional, you should scroll to the bottom of any page at LOFT and join “LOFT Loves Teachers”, a special club that offers 15% off every time you shop in-store as well as opportunities to earn special benefits for your classroom. Talk about some lofty goals, and great savings, too!

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Posted in: Accessories · Women's Clothing · clothing · shoes