Just after I mentioned the ease of internet shopping in my previous post, Judy's Book came out with a guide that should be helpful to everyone this month.
Here is a chart of online shipping deals from popular stores. (Free Shipping, codes, Spend $x for Free Shipping, etc.)
Here is a chart of return policies for holiday gifts purchased online. (Return by x date, 30-day returns, Free Returns, etc.)
I think this was a great idea and very helpful! Thanks, Judy's Book.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
The Real Deal
How to Find the Real Deal During the Holidays
During the holidays, shoppers are bombarded with discounts, reductions, free gifts with purchase, limited time only, steals, deals, and sales. In the craze of specials, it’s easy to lose sight of what qualifies as a good price on a necessary item. What is a bargain? How does a smart shopper remain objective under pressure; how do you conserve money when you need to buy the perfect gift?
Here are some guidelines I’ve gleaned from my favorite vice, shoe shopping:
1) Know what you want when you go in.
Having a solid, specific idea of what you’re looking for allows you to focus in on your gift. Every detail helps: what brands are preferred? How much are you willing to spend? Looking for shoes for a friend, I limited myself to under $100, black, no peep-toes, and work-appropriate- these were her prominent needs. Though I allowed myself wiggle room to fit her personality, having parameters really freed me to narrow the vast options of shoes available, and I wound up with three excellent choices for her, rather than hundreds.
2) Would I have paid full price for this item?
Often a deal seems to be, or is blatantly advertised as, “too good to miss.” These words are enticing, yet deceptive. An easy way to judge for yourself is to ask if you would have paid retail value for the item. If you didn’t want it twenty dollars ago, what’s the new appeal? The person you’re shopping for deserves a present bought for the thought, rather than the cost. If they didn’t need Tommy Hilfiger wedges at $68.99, they won’t love them just because they’re $28.99. If you wouldn’t even consider the item at full price, miss it.
3) Could I admit that this was on sale?
This guideline is also known as “the shame factor,” and it goes hand-in-hand with the previous rule. It’s very simple: when you hand the present over, if you can proudly boast to the recipient, “And they were only $19.99!” then it’s a good deal. Sometimes we don’t want to admit that we spent very little on a gift. If you would be mortified for your gal pal to find a hidden price sticker on the back of the box, then it’s possible you bought the item for the price sticker in the first place, rather than for the pal.
4) Apply the Love/Want/Need test.
The Love/Want/Need test is my personal measurement of how desirable a product is. Loving an item is the first step- for me, a shoe has to be eye-catching and unique, creating an urge to buy on top of an aesthetic appreciation. Next I decide if I want the shoe. Often I adore the concept of a shoe, but I know it isn’t my style or wouldn’t fit in my wardrobe. And third, it’s most rewarding to shop when you can convince yourself that you need the item. Is it practical? Do you have a specific outfit or event already in mind to put the shoe to use? If the item you’re considering passes all three of these tests for you or your friend, it’s guaranteed to be a great gift.
5) Avoid the best of the worst.
Sometimes we shoppers, considering ourselves thrifty, get bogged down in racks and racks of clearance or 75% off. After sorting through handfuls of clothes and shoes we would never buy, an amazing item turns up and you rush to the register! The problem is, after looking at so many unappealing things, the item we found wasn’t amazing, but merely the best in a batch of poor options. The way to avoid buying the best of the worst is to take the item, take a stroll to where the full-priced items are, and place your merchandise among the rest. Now, in comparison, are you still excited by it? If it’s still your favorite piece in a price-blind array, you’ve lucked out on a fantastic deal.
6) Know the product.
You can find out a lot about a sale by asking the right salesperson a few simple questions. How long will the discount apply? If it goes until March rather than ending at Christmas, it might be disguising itself as a holiday sale. Find out the item’s original cost- be wary of fake “actual value” numbers on tags- a salesperson can tell you if the shoe ever sold for $200, or if it’s been “marked down to $99” since it walked in the door. Also, find out if those shoes will be on sale again. In October I passed on a pair of boots because the salesperson admitted they’d be on sale again in January- for further discount.
7) Walk away.
This is wisdom imparted by my father, and I always shop by it. If the sale isn’t ending in 24 hours, look at the item carefully, and then walk away from it. Do other shopping and then come back, or better yet, go home and come back another day. If it’s something you really love, its allure will survive distance. Stores are usually happy to put items on hold for you. If the sale is ending shortly, you can buy the item but leave it in the bag, with the tags on, with the receipt. Wait a few days, and then take it out again and think about what you paid. You can always make a return. But when you can, it’s invaluably constructive to test yourself and leave it behind.
8) Use the internet.
I’m sure this is preaching to the choir, but the internet is the ultimate mall, with the best deals. I can search for the brand and model of the shoes I’m coveting or compare them to similar items by price, size, or color. During the holidays, stores can sell out of popular items, but it’s easy to find whatever you need online. It’s the most diverse source for every style and need; there’s something for everyone. And don’t worry: during the holidays, there’s more free shipping than you can shake a credit card at, so it’s no extra cost. Online stores are on top of getting your purchases shipped on time, and will even help you calculate a send-by date. No hassle, no leg work, no long lines. Just remember: all of the above guidelines still apply!
I hope you have Happy Holidays and a Smart Shopping New Year!
During the holidays, shoppers are bombarded with discounts, reductions, free gifts with purchase, limited time only, steals, deals, and sales. In the craze of specials, it’s easy to lose sight of what qualifies as a good price on a necessary item. What is a bargain? How does a smart shopper remain objective under pressure; how do you conserve money when you need to buy the perfect gift?
Here are some guidelines I’ve gleaned from my favorite vice, shoe shopping:
1) Know what you want when you go in.
Having a solid, specific idea of what you’re looking for allows you to focus in on your gift. Every detail helps: what brands are preferred? How much are you willing to spend? Looking for shoes for a friend, I limited myself to under $100, black, no peep-toes, and work-appropriate- these were her prominent needs. Though I allowed myself wiggle room to fit her personality, having parameters really freed me to narrow the vast options of shoes available, and I wound up with three excellent choices for her, rather than hundreds.
2) Would I have paid full price for this item?
Often a deal seems to be, or is blatantly advertised as, “too good to miss.” These words are enticing, yet deceptive. An easy way to judge for yourself is to ask if you would have paid retail value for the item. If you didn’t want it twenty dollars ago, what’s the new appeal? The person you’re shopping for deserves a present bought for the thought, rather than the cost. If they didn’t need Tommy Hilfiger wedges at $68.99, they won’t love them just because they’re $28.99. If you wouldn’t even consider the item at full price, miss it.
3) Could I admit that this was on sale?
This guideline is also known as “the shame factor,” and it goes hand-in-hand with the previous rule. It’s very simple: when you hand the present over, if you can proudly boast to the recipient, “And they were only $19.99!” then it’s a good deal. Sometimes we don’t want to admit that we spent very little on a gift. If you would be mortified for your gal pal to find a hidden price sticker on the back of the box, then it’s possible you bought the item for the price sticker in the first place, rather than for the pal.
4) Apply the Love/Want/Need test.
The Love/Want/Need test is my personal measurement of how desirable a product is. Loving an item is the first step- for me, a shoe has to be eye-catching and unique, creating an urge to buy on top of an aesthetic appreciation. Next I decide if I want the shoe. Often I adore the concept of a shoe, but I know it isn’t my style or wouldn’t fit in my wardrobe. And third, it’s most rewarding to shop when you can convince yourself that you need the item. Is it practical? Do you have a specific outfit or event already in mind to put the shoe to use? If the item you’re considering passes all three of these tests for you or your friend, it’s guaranteed to be a great gift.
5) Avoid the best of the worst.
Sometimes we shoppers, considering ourselves thrifty, get bogged down in racks and racks of clearance or 75% off. After sorting through handfuls of clothes and shoes we would never buy, an amazing item turns up and you rush to the register! The problem is, after looking at so many unappealing things, the item we found wasn’t amazing, but merely the best in a batch of poor options. The way to avoid buying the best of the worst is to take the item, take a stroll to where the full-priced items are, and place your merchandise among the rest. Now, in comparison, are you still excited by it? If it’s still your favorite piece in a price-blind array, you’ve lucked out on a fantastic deal.
6) Know the product.
You can find out a lot about a sale by asking the right salesperson a few simple questions. How long will the discount apply? If it goes until March rather than ending at Christmas, it might be disguising itself as a holiday sale. Find out the item’s original cost- be wary of fake “actual value” numbers on tags- a salesperson can tell you if the shoe ever sold for $200, or if it’s been “marked down to $99” since it walked in the door. Also, find out if those shoes will be on sale again. In October I passed on a pair of boots because the salesperson admitted they’d be on sale again in January- for further discount.
7) Walk away.
This is wisdom imparted by my father, and I always shop by it. If the sale isn’t ending in 24 hours, look at the item carefully, and then walk away from it. Do other shopping and then come back, or better yet, go home and come back another day. If it’s something you really love, its allure will survive distance. Stores are usually happy to put items on hold for you. If the sale is ending shortly, you can buy the item but leave it in the bag, with the tags on, with the receipt. Wait a few days, and then take it out again and think about what you paid. You can always make a return. But when you can, it’s invaluably constructive to test yourself and leave it behind.
8) Use the internet.
I’m sure this is preaching to the choir, but the internet is the ultimate mall, with the best deals. I can search for the brand and model of the shoes I’m coveting or compare them to similar items by price, size, or color. During the holidays, stores can sell out of popular items, but it’s easy to find whatever you need online. It’s the most diverse source for every style and need; there’s something for everyone. And don’t worry: during the holidays, there’s more free shipping than you can shake a credit card at, so it’s no extra cost. Online stores are on top of getting your purchases shipped on time, and will even help you calculate a send-by date. No hassle, no leg work, no long lines. Just remember: all of the above guidelines still apply!
I hope you have Happy Holidays and a Smart Shopping New Year!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Eye of the Beholder
Remember back when I was jolted out of temporary blogger hibernation by the ugliest vest known to shopping? I cautioned you all to be wary of descriptive tags - if the item is marketed by its assets, and its assets are 'faux fur reversible vest', then you don't even really have to look at the piece itself, or see the price tag, to know better - move along, nothing to wear here.
Well, my friends, I have stumbled upon yet another fright in four words:
Sparkle. Pleated. Bubble. Skirt.
We know one of those four is okay on its own: skirt.
Otherwise, what a mess this is! It looks itchy- like that material you wore for your dance recital costume, or your grandmother's lamé shawl. And I know, I know, some of you like bubble skirts - every store has them, it means someone is buying them. And yes, gold has been very popular lately, and I like gold, but the expanse of sparkles, folds, and then those buttons? Too much. Even for a year of metallics; even for the holiday season. I know what this skirt reminds me of - it's like a potato sack trying really, really hard.
And yet? Some people, somewhere, are going to buy the rest of these out. And that's why I'm such a believer that beauty is in the eye of the beholder... because seriously, there is no other explanation. (There are various exceptions to eye-of-the-beholder justification, like Uggs and mini-skirts - I just don't want to see it this year, okay ladies? And we can put the leggings away for good. And the jumpers. I want to still believe in your good taste. Let's not make this into an intervention.)
It does, however, explain why this skirt is on sale at Bluefly - but it's still $99.99, which is waaaaay too much for a skirt that closely resembles one I used to have for my Barbie, and even that was back in the 80's. I don't care if it used to be $210.00, whoever dreamed of not only making this disaster, but then selling it at such a price is out of their mind (I'm looking at you, "Walter"). And if any of you even think twice about buying it, you are going to hand over your credit card and your keyboard, and you, me, and your closest friends and relatives are all going to sit down and have a little talk, mmk? Because we love you.
Well, my friends, I have stumbled upon yet another fright in four words:
Sparkle. Pleated. Bubble. Skirt.
We know one of those four is okay on its own: skirt.
Otherwise, what a mess this is! It looks itchy- like that material you wore for your dance recital costume, or your grandmother's lamé shawl. And I know, I know, some of you like bubble skirts - every store has them, it means someone is buying them. And yes, gold has been very popular lately, and I like gold, but the expanse of sparkles, folds, and then those buttons? Too much. Even for a year of metallics; even for the holiday season. I know what this skirt reminds me of - it's like a potato sack trying really, really hard.
And yet? Some people, somewhere, are going to buy the rest of these out. And that's why I'm such a believer that beauty is in the eye of the beholder... because seriously, there is no other explanation. (There are various exceptions to eye-of-the-beholder justification, like Uggs and mini-skirts - I just don't want to see it this year, okay ladies? And we can put the leggings away for good. And the jumpers. I want to still believe in your good taste. Let's not make this into an intervention.)
It does, however, explain why this skirt is on sale at Bluefly - but it's still $99.99, which is waaaaay too much for a skirt that closely resembles one I used to have for my Barbie, and even that was back in the 80's. I don't care if it used to be $210.00, whoever dreamed of not only making this disaster, but then selling it at such a price is out of their mind (I'm looking at you, "Walter"). And if any of you even think twice about buying it, you are going to hand over your credit card and your keyboard, and you, me, and your closest friends and relatives are all going to sit down and have a little talk, mmk? Because we love you.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Sale Agony
Sale Agony: the tragic side to holiday sales that no one talks about. That is, when your favorite stores start featuring huge discounts on all of your favorite merchandise- namely, that which you've already purchased, at full retail value.
I am suffering Sale Agony tonight over the Nordstrom's discount of my beloved, gifted "Seanna" shoes by Linea Paolo.
Originally, my lovely laced-up ballet-style slingbacks were $89.95. I purchased them for approximately $58. Online at nordstrom.com, you can now be a fellow proud owner of my shoes for only $44.90 -- with free shipping* to boot! *(On orders over $100, for a limited time- not that this is a huge bonus - regular shipping is always a reasonable $5 despite weight.) Only a few months after my purchase!
This reminds me of the skirt I splurged all of my savings on one year in High School - a beautiful, long red and pink and black wrap skirt from Charlotte Russe- and the same week, when I went into the store, it was on a sales rack for $20! Of course I had already worn it and taken off the tags.
I suppose the moral of the Sale Agony is that if in my (or your) infinite shopping wisdom, it was deemed worthwhile to spend a higher amount on the item we were coveting, then it remains that the item was worth purchasing at the time at that amount- no matter how cheap it gets.
Now I'll just cross my fingers- as I did so long ago about the skirt- that everyone won't be seen around wearing it, now that it is such an impossible deal to turn down! (Not you, of course. You can buy my shoes. I do suggest however, if you want to buy this shoe, the Walnut and Ivory shades are just as lovely as my patent Black!)
I am suffering Sale Agony tonight over the Nordstrom's discount of my beloved, gifted "Seanna" shoes by Linea Paolo.
Originally, my lovely laced-up ballet-style slingbacks were $89.95. I purchased them for approximately $58. Online at nordstrom.com, you can now be a fellow proud owner of my shoes for only $44.90 -- with free shipping* to boot! *(On orders over $100, for a limited time- not that this is a huge bonus - regular shipping is always a reasonable $5 despite weight.) Only a few months after my purchase!
This reminds me of the skirt I splurged all of my savings on one year in High School - a beautiful, long red and pink and black wrap skirt from Charlotte Russe- and the same week, when I went into the store, it was on a sales rack for $20! Of course I had already worn it and taken off the tags.
I suppose the moral of the Sale Agony is that if in my (or your) infinite shopping wisdom, it was deemed worthwhile to spend a higher amount on the item we were coveting, then it remains that the item was worth purchasing at the time at that amount- no matter how cheap it gets.
Now I'll just cross my fingers- as I did so long ago about the skirt- that everyone won't be seen around wearing it, now that it is such an impossible deal to turn down! (Not you, of course. You can buy my shoes. I do suggest however, if you want to buy this shoe, the Walnut and Ivory shades are just as lovely as my patent Black!)
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Judy's Book
A shout out to a new site I've stumbled upon: Judy's Book.Judysbook.com is one of those online sites where contributors post deals from around the world wide web to share with others. I've been spending a lot of time there in the past week. It's a useful source to look for deals and to seek discount codes for checkout while you're shopping for holiday presents online.
It's heavily based on a share-system, where it really takes everyone's input and posts to comprise a thorough shopping site for all deals, sales, freebies, and specials. That's basically why I thought I'd put up a quick post here - if everyone participates, it can develop into a truly incredible resource for those of us who are big online shoppers.
Also available but in development are popular devices such as blogs and articles and reviews, to which all users can contribute (much like makeupalley.com, which everyone already loves).
But Judy's Book expands from cosmetics to apparel, shoes, travel, outdoor gear, kitchenware and more. It's always worth popping on to this site to run a quick search, to see if that popcorn maker you're eyeing is on sale somewhere you'd never think to look, or to find out what code you can use for free shipping on it.
The best part of Judy's Book, which I've reserved until last, is that you can actually make money by becoming a member. To inspire contributors so that the site can function as an indispensable tool, commissions are offered on certain deals that you help to promote through the site. It's easy and self-explanatory, calling on skills we're already cultivating as bloggers and connoisseurs of shopping.
Check it out and help enhance a beneficial, shopper-friendly website. Plus, you're spending enough time and money on everyone else this month- earn some cash on the side and pick up a little something for yourself. You deserve it.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Four Me, For You
There are several purchases I've made since last we spoke (four to be exact), and I've neglected to mention them here. But as they now grace my arms and feet on a regular basis, and serve to round out my closet, and since I do try to include you all (because shopping is a team sport!) I should show them. So I will.
First, the "Stella" shoes in Lipstick Red mentioned in this post from oh-so-long-ago.
Can anyone believe that I've wanted these shoes since July 26th and just got them during the Veteran's Day sale? I can't. I must really be learning to control (or at least detain) those impulse buys.
Second, a boot (I cannot find a picture of) by Apostrophe, called "Grace." I would never shop at Sears (in fact I try to avoid it altogether), but for the fact that a) they were 40% off, and b)I bought the same pair years ago and they held together through two rough years, which is more than I can say for many of the so-called upscale shoes I buy.
Third, a new purse! You'll never believe this (it's been a whole post full of eye-openers, hasn't it?) but I have had the same purse on my arm almost every day since I got it for Christmas last year. So I needed a new one! As much as I love shopping, and favor accessories to boot (pun intended), I am not a purse girl. Purse shopping is excrutiating to me. It just needs to be the perfect look, and weight, and width, and shape and color... I don't fall in love with purses very often, one detail is always just wrong. So when I find a purse to love, I snatch it up! Such was the way with this beauty, from Nine West:
I was actually very close to purchasing a Kathy Van Zeeland bag, and I was eyeing a few others, and then I fell in love with this one, and it was even on sale. I always feel fortunate to covet things I can actually, guiltlessly afford.
Fourth, these "Grannie" boots from Dillards were actually a present from my stepfather. Unaware of the black lace-up "Grace" boots I'd just purchased and hadn't even worn yet, he saw these and said they were just "me," so he had to buy them. He was so spot on! A much more chic version of the "Grace" boots, I considered returning the Sears version, but decided that they were cheap enough to keep both (especially considering one had been a gift).
Gianne Bini, Italian leather, yum.
Now you're all caught up with my closet. Anyone else buy something (or four things) fun that you want to share with me?
First, the "Stella" shoes in Lipstick Red mentioned in this post from oh-so-long-ago.
Can anyone believe that I've wanted these shoes since July 26th and just got them during the Veteran's Day sale? I can't. I must really be learning to control (or at least detain) those impulse buys. Second, a boot (I cannot find a picture of) by Apostrophe, called "Grace." I would never shop at Sears (in fact I try to avoid it altogether), but for the fact that a) they were 40% off, and b)I bought the same pair years ago and they held together through two rough years, which is more than I can say for many of the so-called upscale shoes I buy.
Third, a new purse! You'll never believe this (it's been a whole post full of eye-openers, hasn't it?) but I have had the same purse on my arm almost every day since I got it for Christmas last year. So I needed a new one! As much as I love shopping, and favor accessories to boot (pun intended), I am not a purse girl. Purse shopping is excrutiating to me. It just needs to be the perfect look, and weight, and width, and shape and color... I don't fall in love with purses very often, one detail is always just wrong. So when I find a purse to love, I snatch it up! Such was the way with this beauty, from Nine West:
I was actually very close to purchasing a Kathy Van Zeeland bag, and I was eyeing a few others, and then I fell in love with this one, and it was even on sale. I always feel fortunate to covet things I can actually, guiltlessly afford.Fourth, these "Grannie" boots from Dillards were actually a present from my stepfather. Unaware of the black lace-up "Grace" boots I'd just purchased and hadn't even worn yet, he saw these and said they were just "me," so he had to buy them. He was so spot on! A much more chic version of the "Grace" boots, I considered returning the Sears version, but decided that they were cheap enough to keep both (especially considering one had been a gift).
Gianne Bini, Italian leather, yum.Now you're all caught up with my closet. Anyone else buy something (or four things) fun that you want to share with me?
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A Faux Letter Word
Hello!
Well I've been in quite the posting funk, now haven't I? Personal concerns aside, I have really missed this space. I must stop reserving all of my scathing fashion-related comments for my cat, because quite frankly, she's sick of me. "Save it for species who actually wear clothes," she seems to say with those yellowy eyes. Don't be jealous, Josh, it doesn't befit young kittens of your stature.
While I am not yet sure of the frequency of updates I can promise (yet), I am just had to re-emerge from my torpor to bring you this riddle: What single item is, by its own definition, the most heinous fashion grievance? What mere concept of style can make a girl's blood curdle, the notion of which offends those of us who take trends (even animal print) seriously?
Four words:
Faux. Fur. Reversible. Vest.
Faux! Fur! Reversible! Vest!
There's maybe one word in that little choo-choo train of denotative wreckage that's allowable, and we all know it's fur. And still! But everything else is really pushing it, if we're talking taste (and when aren't we?).
Without further delay, I bring you:
Is it a vest? Is it a potato sack? Has a rabid animal escaped from the nearby forested area and is now attacking this poor, presumably tiny model with its bulky beast body while the photographer clicks away, blithely unaware of her impending doom?
Even at 33% off... please, my dear friends, if you're not too affronted by me forcing this grotesque sight upon you, take my advice. Stay away.
I did it for your own good.
Well I've been in quite the posting funk, now haven't I? Personal concerns aside, I have really missed this space. I must stop reserving all of my scathing fashion-related comments for my cat, because quite frankly, she's sick of me. "Save it for species who actually wear clothes," she seems to say with those yellowy eyes. Don't be jealous, Josh, it doesn't befit young kittens of your stature.
While I am not yet sure of the frequency of updates I can promise (yet), I am just had to re-emerge from my torpor to bring you this riddle: What single item is, by its own definition, the most heinous fashion grievance? What mere concept of style can make a girl's blood curdle, the notion of which offends those of us who take trends (even animal print) seriously?
Four words:
Faux. Fur. Reversible. Vest.
Faux! Fur! Reversible! Vest!
There's maybe one word in that little choo-choo train of denotative wreckage that's allowable, and we all know it's fur. And still! But everything else is really pushing it, if we're talking taste (and when aren't we?).
Without further delay, I bring you:
Is it a vest? Is it a potato sack? Has a rabid animal escaped from the nearby forested area and is now attacking this poor, presumably tiny model with its bulky beast body while the photographer clicks away, blithely unaware of her impending doom?Even at 33% off... please, my dear friends, if you're not too affronted by me forcing this grotesque sight upon you, take my advice. Stay away.
I did it for your own good.
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