Ideeli.com: Michael Kors and Valentino on Sale today!

I don't know about you, but I LOVE Michael Kors and I LOVE Valentino but I can't always afford to buy these brands; however, today (4/30/09) just might be the day, my friends. The sale on ideeli.com is amazing. If you're a member, check it out. If you're not a member, click here to join, then check out the sale. There are Michael Kors shirts as low as $24, and dresses as low as $42! Sweet!

Silver Jewelry Club: Free Stirling Silver Jewelry

Silver Jewelry Club is one of my favorite websites of all time because they offer genuine Stirling silver jewelry at no cost. The only thing you pay for is shipping, which is $6.99.

As always, when the cost is nill there is a catch, but with Silver Jewelry Club its worth the little bit of effort and the few rules to buying. I've ordered pendants from this website in the past and the quality is amazing and the pieces are beautiful. Most of the jewelry also has semi-precious gems. The pendants I ordered were mostly amethyst. Delivery usually takes between 7 and 10 days. I guarantee you'll be pleased with what you order from Silver Jewelry Club.



Silver Jewelry club gives jewelry for free as a way to introduce new products by their designers. Jewelry is offered for a certain amount of time, and quantities are limited to one piece per style. You can order as many different pieces as you want, though. Items are only available for 15 minutes at a time, so if you want something you need to jump on it otherwise you have to wait for it to be available again, which could take days. Another catch is that any rings offered are only available in one size at a time, meaning you can only order the size they're offering. If that's not your size, you probably shouldn't order it. Also, if you order a pendant it does not come with a chain; however, the website offers chains at an additional cost.

After you place your order, they do not send soliciting e-mails to you EVER unless you sign up for their mailing list!

A screen shot from silverjewelryclub.com

Please visit Silver Jewelry Club. The quality of the jewelry is top notch, the designs are stunning, and the price is fantastic!

Ideeli.com

Every once in awhile I learn something new about shopping, and my world gets a little more frugal. Today I share with you my brand new knowledge that has apparently been around for a very long time. My latest discovery, given to me as a tip by a colleague, is ideeli.com. Ideeli is an internet only shoping site that sells designer brands of clothing, home goods, and beauty products (and by designer, I mean COUTURE) at incredibly discounted prices-- up to 80% off; however, to get the great prices there is a catch.

First of all, you have to be invited to join Ideeli. It is a totally free members only shopping site. Luckily for you, I have invitations available- just click here to join. Once you join, these exclusive sales will be available to you but for a limited time and at limited quantities. Free memberships are called "second row" memberships. If you pay $6.99 a month, you are a "first row" member and get dibs at the merchandise one hour before second row members.

Secondly, 80% off doesn't always translate into cheap. 80% off an item that originally cost $1000 is still pricey because it becomes a $200 item. The bargains here depend on how much you value the brand being sold.

Today's deals include cardigans on sale for up to 71% off as well as purses and some amazing shoes. Here's an example from the website:

This brown Cavalli wallet is 70% off its original price. It is gorgeous, it is couture, and it is inexpensive if compared to the regular price. You'll notice that the graphic says Join Wait List. This sale doesn't start for another 2 hours, and the wallet is available for a limited time.

As for the return policy, there are different policies for different items. Some items can't be returned at all, while others can be returned for a store credit: so buyer beware. Only buy something off of ideeli.com if you really really want it. The return policy is listed on each item so that you are aware of what you're getting into with your purchase.

There are other websites that work the same way as Ideeli.com that I will share with you after I've explored them a little more. If you like the idea of ideeli.com, or want to just try it out- its free so give it a look by using the link above to join or just click here to join.

Gap and Land's End: Super Sales with Super Savings

Two more great sales, folks, courtesy of Laura & Deb. Land's End and Gap are offering some seriously wonderful deals in order to boost sales. Perhaps with the sudden burst of warm weather (in the North East, at least) you're noticing that you are in dire need for some new spring and summer clothes. Maybe you just want to give yourself a treat. These two stores are great for basics that last for years because of the quality of the merchandise. Enjoy these coupons and your new clothes & accessories.

Also, watch out for a new article on Femme-Frugal: Getting great deals in Outlet Stores.

Papyrus and Barnes & Noble for all your paper needs!

Thanks to the fabulousness of my colleague and friend Deb I am able to come up for air in my entirely too hectic academic schedule and share these amazing offers with you. The first two are from Barnes and Noble, and the third is from Papyrus.

Again, what's great about these offers is that you don't have to spend a minimum amount of money in order to cash in. The only downside to these is that you have to order online, and therefore in most cases must pay shipping fees. At bn.com, though, if you spend $25 shipping is FREE.

www.bn.com

Speaking of Mother's Day, have you started shopping yet?

www.bn.com

I'm not sure I've ever really told anyone, but I absolutely adore Papyrus. From the writing paper, to the wrapping paper, to the ribbons and bows I have always wanted to receive a gift from this store (or give one, even). Perhaps with this 30% coupon I'll be feeling generous.

www.papyrusonline.com

Great Ann Taylor Coupon- No Minimum Purchase

This is the coupon I've been waiting for from Ann Taylor. Typically when they send a coupon, I have to spend a particular amount of money (usually $100) to take advantage of the "savings". With this Friends and Family coupon, there is NO minimum purchase. That's right: Save 30% off your entire order in store or online without having to meet any requirements except for having the coupon if you're shopping in-store or the coupon code if you're shopping online. Additionally, you can save 15% off at the Ann Taylor Factory and LOFT outlet. Talk about savings on top of savings.

Be sure to print this coupon before you leave for the store!

Macy's Earth Day Coupon Sale- Today Only

When I got this e-mail this morning I wasn't sure whether or not I wanted to post this sale, because honestly it is going to be a difficult one to actually save with. However, if you buy the coupon, 100% of the coupon profit goes to the National Park Service. Being someone who tries to be green, why not use my shopping habit to also save the earth? Its like killing 2 birds with one stone.

If you decide to purchase this 20% off one single entire shopping order coupon for $5, you can be sure that your $5 will go to the National Park Service and that 20% of your shopping order at Macy's or macys.com will go in your pocket; however, if you're interested in both saving the earth and saving some cash, make sure that you will be spending more than $35.00 on your shopping order today so that your savings break even with what you spend on your coupon. This coupon is one time use so all $35 needs to be spent in a single order. If you don't care and simply want to donate $5 to the NPS, that's also great, but the point of my blog is to give you tips and tricks to actually save money.

Click the pictures below to get your online ticket or to find your nearest Macy's store. This sale is good today only, Saturday April 25!

Old Navy Weekly Deals

Old Navy publishes a weekly deals ad on their website.  Some of the finds at this place for everyday basics are SPECTACULAR.  Until April 30, 2009 they are offering men's basic flip flops 2/$5.  $2.50 for flip flops makes me want to jump up and down.  Old Navy also has women's basic flip flops for $5 per pair, and an incredibly cute babydoll tank for, you guessed it, $5!

Each week at oldnavyweekly.com you can also click around for one of several printable coupons that they offer.  Old Navy makes it like an online scavenger hunt so you have to click through all the sales to find the coupon.  This activity is fun if you have the time, but if you don't it is more of a hindrence.  If I ever find the coupon, I'll be sure to post it for you.

http://www.oldnavyweekly.com/

Baby Gap & Nike sale This Weekend,

I'm not sure if you have a little one at home (I don't) but if you do, or know someone that does, it might be worth checking out this sale at Baby Gap this weekend. You get 25% more off of any sale item. The sale is both in-store and online. If you choose to shop online you need the coupon code BABY. If you go to the store, there is absolutely no coupon necessary for redemption of the sale.

Because the weather is getting nice, perhaps you're looking to score some great clothes for exercising. It is almost swim suit season, you know, so its time to get up and start moving! Nike.comwww.gap.com is having an online sale on all of its clearance merchandise. You can get brand new Nike gear for an extra 20% off by using the coupon code TRAINHARD.

The weather in the north east is supposed to be absolutely beautiful (and at times a little warm) this weekend. Enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy the sales.

Bed Bath & Beyond Clearance Sale

I just returned from a quick Bed Bath & Beyond excursion and much to my delight I scored a Ritz neoprene oven mitt that goes to the elbow for a mere $3.99! Seeing as I was in need of a new oven mitt and that typically the ones I buy aren't long enough (and I end up burning my arms) this was quite the find for me. If you want, you can see a video testing the oven mitt I bought on expotv.com by clicking here.

There were several items on clearance at BB&B today about which anyone could get excited. For instance, 3 piece kitchen sets were 50% off, so it was $5 for 2 towels and a pot holder, or $7 for a towel, a pot holder, and an oven mitt. They were especially cute patterns, too: artichokes, chianti, coffee, and other plaids. No solid colors, though. Several window treatments were on sale starting at $9.99, and seasonal tableware was on sale starting at $3.59. If you think ahead to fall, you can get a linen fall table cloth for $4.99 + 20% off (because of your coupon!)

When you go to BB&B never never forget to bring a 20% coupon or a $5 off a $15 purchase coupon if you plan on making a purchase of $15 or more. You can use as many coupons as you have items, and they take expired coupons, so save all the ones you get in the mail! If you'd like to start receiving coupons in the mail, you can sign up at bedbathandbeyond.com. You can sign up for their e-mail list, too, if you like. Note: Any coupons that you print at home for BB&B can only be used until the expiration date. They do not take expired printed coupons.

My only gripe about this in-store clearance sale is that I couldn't find any discounted products in the kitchen gadgets section (its my obsession). However, there were so many other great things deeply discounted that you're bound to find something you want for a more than fair price, so go ahead and check out Bed Bath & Beyond if you have some time this weekend.

Sale Alert: Juicy Couture Necklace @ Nordstrom

I'm never one to pass up a great Juicy Couture find. This necklace, originally $48.00 is now listed at nordstrom.com for $23.90. If you can pick it up at the store you can avoid a shipping fee. Luckily "store pick up" is an option on the website! Click on the screen shot below to view the necklace on Nordstrom website.

And as a quick shopper tip, if you wait long enough you can usually get many Juicy items at a reduced price. By reduced I mean more than 30% off. For instance, I bought a Juicy Couture wallet at Bloomingdales for $26 this January, and it was originally $70. I got it for 30% off its clearance price. Always be patient, the sale will come.

Free: Reyonlds Wrap 100% Recycled foil- DEAL EXPIRED

In celebration of Earth Day, Reynolds brand is offering a mail-in rebate so that you can get a free roll of their 100% recycled tin foil. The rebate is personalized for you for security purposes (and I suppose so that no one gets more than one.). Click the link to get your rebate!
You need to purchase your foil by May 4, 2009 and send in your rebate form, the UPC from the product and original store receipt by May 30, 2009.
http://www.reynoldsrecycled.com/print-rebate.html

Sephora Deal: Excellent find

I just received this e-mail from Sephora and had to share it with you. They are offering a Sephora brand "Glamour Grid" for a mere $22. Now, I'm sure that you're thinking that $22 for makeup is a little high considering drug store make-up runs in the $7-$10 area; however, this Glamour Grid has 36 eye shadows, 12 lip glosses, 3 blushes and 1 bronzer, plus the mini brushes you need as applicators. Even if you only use a couple of the colors of each type of make-up, you're still spending less than $7 per color.

All this makeup & applicators for $22!

Also, if you're a Facebooker, by sending a Sephora Bag Facebook "gift" to a friend, you can get a real Sephora bag for free with your next purchase (which could possibly be the Glamour Grid!) Click on the graphic for more info.

Free Sephora Tote!

Lord & Taylor Coupon: No Credit Card Required

If you have some extra cash this weekend, feel free to take yourself down to Lord & Taylor for 25% off practically everything in the store if you use this coupon. Combine this coupon with their clearance merchandise (which is typically some really well priced designer clothing or bags) and you've got yourself a deal.

Combine this with clearance merchandise and you can get yourself a good deal. Print more than one and bring a friend!

Enjoy!

Website Recommendation: Coupon Mom

Have you ever heard of Coupon Mom? I am a part of their mailing list and I often score great coupons and freebees by reading their site. It is completely free to join and they e-mail you a useful list of deals each week.

http://www.couponmom.com/

The front page of the Coupon Mom website

Couponmom.com isn't the friendliest looking website; however some of the deals are worth searching. I received a free sample of L'Oreal color safe shampoo and of Dunkin' Donuts coffee because I clicked through one of couponmom's e-mails. What's also great are the several sources of free printable grocery coupons as well as coupons to stores such as Target and Walmart.

My last praise of couponmom.com is to say that in their weekly e-mails they find deals for you. The e-mail lists stores and tells you how to get free or close to free items. For example, you can get Bayer Aspirin for free at CVS.

Happy online deal digging!

A Coupon Gift from Laura: Bloomingdales

This Bloomingdales coupon is courtesy of my friend Laura at work who thought it would be perfect for my blog. The coupon certainly goes with the coupon theme of today.

Suggestions:

• Use this coupon in-store if you can to avoid shipping fees, as Bloomies charges shipping on any purchase under $150.
• Deals are often better in-store. The clearance rack tends to have more "unique" items. If there's only one of something left, generally its not online; however it is deeply discounted in the store. I bought a Juicy Couture wristlet just last month from Bloomingdales for under $30. Too bad I didn't have this coupon.
• Since Bloomingdales tends to be pricey, avoid regularly priced items. Just because its 20% off DOESN'T mean its a good deal.
• Happy bargain hunting!

Bloomingdales Friends & Family, 20% off

Be Cautious with Coupons

Oh, coupons, how I love them. If used correctly, they can be your best friend; however, if you're not careful they can cause you to spend more than if you bought a generic alternative. I break my coupons down into two categories: grocery coupons and department store coupons. Let's start with department store coupons.

Department Store Coupons:

These are the coupons that I love to hate. Here are some tips for using department store coupons:

1. Use credit card "special rewards" coupons with extreme caution. Try not to use the ones that only give you a discount if you use your store credit card. For example, say you get a Macy's coupon for 10% off when you use your Red Card. This is great if you pay the bill off diligently at the end of the month; however, if you decide to let this purchase linger for even one month your discount has dissipated because of finance charges on your card. If your coupon is for 10% off your purchase, but then you pay 25% interest on it, you've lost your discount and have even paid more than the item would have originally cost in many cases.
2. Combine coupons with clearance sales. Scope the clearance racks. They're located in the back corners of store departments and often, if you have time to look, have some great merchandise. Use your in-store coupon that doesn't require a credit card purchase to combine discounts. If a purse was originally $100 and is 60% off on clearance, you wil pay $40 for the purse. Combine this with a 15% coupon and you'll pay a mere $34 for the purse.

Grocery Coupons

1. Use your grocery coupons at stores that double or triple them. I have a 40 cent coupon for Palm Olive soap that costs $1.99 a bottle. I pay only $1.19 if the store doubles my coupon, and only 79 cents if the store triples my coupon.
2. Combine grocery coupons with sale prices. The Palm Olive in the prior example is on sale for 99 cents. Subtract my 40 cent coupon and I pay only 59 cents for it. If my coupon is doubled I pay a whopping 19 cents. If my coupon is tripled I just got my soap for free!
3. Before using your coupon, figure out if a generic brand of equal quality is less expensive. If I'm buying tin foil and Reynolds brand is $2.49 with my coupon, but ShopRite brand is still $1.99 for the same size and quality, I'm going to go with the brand that saves me 50 cents! The same is true when you are buying fashions and accessories. When I go to Macy's and I have the choice between a plain black Guess t-shirt for $39.99 + 10% off or a Everyday Value t-shirt of comprable style and quality for 19.99 without a coupon, I'm going to opt for the less expensive option and then buy myself a bracelet at Forever 21 as a reward for my thriftiness.

The lesson here, fellow shoppers? Be cautious with your coupons. Comparison shop and look at the fine print in order to avoid spending more than you should.

My History & Today's Bargain

I'm the femme frugal and I have deemed myself a shopping professional. As a child my mom would take me shopping each Saturday and show me how to never pay full price for anything I wanted. No, she didn't teach me to steal or be dishonest. She taught me to be patient and wait or to use coupons to get a fair price. She taught me frugality. Don't settle for a poor quality product; wait for the high quality one you want to be reduced.

Now, some would say that I'm cheap. This isn't so. Let's compare my methods to a lion on the prowl, shall we? I wait until the time is right and then I pounce on my bargain. Nothing wrong with a little hunting, is there?

Now onto my bargains for today:

Brown pumps at Sears: $7.99

Mudd Shoe @ Sears: $7.99

Sears is having a seriously great clearance sale. You can get some great non-brand-name basics at this place. Along with the shoes, I also got socks for my husband at a great price. I'd been eyeing brown pumps all winter long, but couldn't find a pair that I liked at a price I thought was fair. I got a great pair of pumps today for a more than fair price.

Capri-length Khakis at Aeropostale: $12.99

Aeropostale Capris: $12.99

These capris are CUTE and the fit really well. I'm not sure about you, but it is practically impossible for me to find the perfect pair of pants. I just have to be patient and wait for a well-fitting, well-priced pair to come along. Today was my day. Aeropostale is having a 70% off warehouse sale that is also good online. Their clothes are high quality (I've bought lots of great stuff from them and its lasted for YEARS.) and well priced to begin with. When a sale at Aeropostale comes along, expect great values. They also had jeans on sale for $12.99.