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Hit Unsubscribe Button On Store Emails

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As recently as a month ago, I was subscribed to the following store emails:

  • Gilt
  • Hautelook
  • RueLaLa
  • Gap
  • Banana Republic
  • J. Crew
  • Ideeli
  • Jetsetter
  • Voyage Prive
  • Talbots
  • Urban Outfitters
  • Vacationist
  • LivingSocial
  • LivingSocial Escapes
  • Groupon
  • Zozi
  • CozyCot
  • Sephora
  • Ann Taylor
  • Ann Taylor Loft

[Takes a BIG breath]. One night, in a frenzy of inspiration after I stumbled back to the Early Retirement Extreme blog, I decided to hit the unsubscribe button on all these store emails. Clear my inbox and clear out the temptations!

I have what I need, and if I wanted to, I can always go to the store or visit their websites and get something I like. It is a relief, though, to no longer have 10 emails offering temptations every single day. My urge to shop has decreased significantly – and if there is a must-have deal, I trust the petite style blogging community to keep me informed!

If you need help unsubscribing from store emails, read this list of how to talk yourself out of shopping, then go visit the ERE blog. I don’t agree with everything that Jacob says (he really is too extreme for me), but I always find that blog as a good dose of inspiration and motivation when I am feeling a little complacent with personal finance.

Talbots Shoes Sale: Small Sizes Still Available

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Talbots is having a great sale right now with many shoes dramatically discounted. If you wear a size 5 or 5.5 or 10-11, you are in luck. [Confession: I just picked up a pair of braided leather Gracie heels yesterday. Even with the $6 shipping and taxes, the total just came out to be $22]. There are some beautiful sandals and flats listed in the Outlet section for under $15. For these prices, they are even cheaper than Payless.

I have never bought anything from Talbots before, but I understand that they have a good reputation for quality construction, so I am excited to see how my pair of Gracie heels fit. The shipping is a little high starting at $6 for items under $50, but given the discounts on the shoes, I was willing to take a risk.

Here are a few of my favorite Talbots shoes on sale:

Gracie: braided leather T-strap slides, $119 $14.74, the Platino color, a warm champagne color, is available in size 5, 8.5, 10, and 11 (the black and white versions of the same shoe is available in sizes 5-11!)

GRACIE 7994 225x300 Talbots Shoes Sale: Small Sizes Still Available

Izia: wedge heels, $109 $13.49, the black and white versions of the same shoe is available in sizes 5-11. The Pool Blue color with cork wedge is available in size 5, 10, and 11.

IZIA4 7221 225x300 Talbots Shoes Sale: Small Sizes Still Available

Ivana: metallic wedge slides, $99 $12.24, colors Aluminum and Pewter available in size 5, 7 – 11 with some half sizes missing.

IVANA7 0159 225x300 Talbots Shoes Sale: Small Sizes Still Available

Photo credit: via Talbots

Bitten By the Shopping Bug

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shopping 225x300 Bitten By the Shopping BugI need your help. I have been bitten by the shopping bug, and now, well, I am finding it very difficult to resist silky blouses, statuesque pumps, or well-constructed blazers.

First of all, you guys were right. I love my J. Crew Lady Day coat. It’s almost perfect, and would be perfect if the sleeves were just 1/2 inch longer, and the cut was 1/2 inch narrower. But those are minor quibbles, overall, the coat is lovely and a great edition to my wardrobe. It was certainly $150 well spent.

Getting that great piece, however, has unleashed the shopper instead! I have been bitten by the shopping bug, and it’s one mean bug. Unfortunately for my budget, I live within 20 minutes of two great malls, a Loehmann’s, a Marshalls, a T.J. Maxx, and numerous other boutiques. Plus, there’s always the world of online shopping. So, like I said, I need your help and advice on how to kick this bug and go into remission!

Do you ever get into these “I want to shop” phases? What tips do you have for beating the shopping bug?

photo by uberculture via Flickr

Small Frivolous Purchase Is the Ultimate Pick-Me-Up?

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ecote sparrow belt Small Frivolous Purchase Is the Ultimate Pick Me Up?Last weekend while strolling through an Urban Outfitters, I spied a rack full of belts on sale. One of them, the Ecote Sparrow Stretch Belt, caught my eye – it fits very well, and has an interesting hardware detail that I haven’t seen anywhere else. And, it was only $10 on sale (marked down from $24, the price still in effect online).  So I got it. It’s a great belt, and I have already worn with the dresses and cardigans (cinching the waist – see, I AM learning from style bloggers!). Yes, it has only been a month and I have already broken my No Accessories Rule I’ve set out in my stab at minimalism.

Later that day I was chatting with a girl friend, and she asked me how my day was. I told her I bought a new belt, then I added, “$10 isn’t too much to pay for happiness.” I meant that tongue-in-cheek, but a little part of me realized that it’s true – buying the belt really did bring a jolt of happiness. ecote sparrow belt 2 Small Frivolous Purchase Is the Ultimate Pick Me Up?

Why do these little purchases make us happy? Before anyone say it’s a phenomenon limited to women, I know that when CB is feeling down, a $10 DVD is a little pick-me-up for him. I think most people use these small, arguably frivolous purchases as pick-me-ups. I may prefer a used book, a tube of lipstick, or a package of cookies; someone else might want a cheap bottle of wine or 5 songs from iTunes.

Dave Bach would cringe at this “Latte Factor”, but I don’t really feel compelled to stop these purchases. I am not sure what it says about my personal finance discipline or lack thereof. I arrange my finances by making the high-impact decision once (maxing out my 401K, for example), so I can have room to enjoy these small indulgences and still meet my goals. Still, there is something vaguely disconcerting about shopping to feel happy.

Do you make these small purchases? And do they make you happier?

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters

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J Crew Lady Day Coat On Sale

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jcrewladyday 300x300 J Crew Lady Day Coat On Sale

via J. Crew

Remember this post around the holidays? I was considering buying the J. Crew Double Cloth Lady Day Coat in Dark Plum. At that time, the coat was on sale for $238, $166 after discounts. After tax, it was $185. It’s a lovely coat, but I couldn’t get over the price tag. Then my size was sold out and that was that.

On a whim last night, however, I decided to check out J. Crew’s website. To my surprise, almost all the sizes and colors are back, and as of Sunday all the petite sizes are available.

The Double Cloth Lady Day is now priced at $199.99, $139.99 with the same 30% off and free shipping over $100 (use the code MUSTSHOP). Add in taxes, and I clicked “submit order” for $153.64. The original price was $298.

I passed up the Cole Haan booties I was eying in exchange for this coat. If the sizing doesn’t work out (I think I am between sizes, and sized up because I heard that the Lady Day runs small), then I will have a 2P for sale on this blog.

FYI: If you wear petite sizes, check out this excellent review of the Lady Day coat in 0P by Jean @ Extra Petite.

Seriously, though, it’s time to restrain the shopping. Since the beginning of January I have already spent $250 on clothes, but I am hoping that everything I buy will be 1. of a good value, and 2. will last me for several years. I know that Debt Ninja had some pretty strong words for no-spend challenges, but a no-shopping challenge might just be what I need.

Most of you had quite positive comments on the first post I wrote about the Lady Day Coat, so that pushed my decision along as well.

Enablers! icon wink J Crew Lady Day Coat On Sale

Cole Haan Air Talia Booties: Yay or Nay?

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I’ve mentioned before that I don’t think I can afford to read style blogs. They tempt me into shopping for things that are great for my closet, but not so great for my wallet.

Well, guess what I saw on Wardrobe Oxygen’s website? This beautiful pair of Cole Haan ankle boots staring in my face. At 40% off, they are $150 at Nordstrom. Still a splurge, but not priced so high that they are out of the realm of possibility.

The Cole Haan Air Talia booties: Yay or Nay?

cole haan air talia booties 300x225 Cole Haan Air Talia Booties: Yay or Nay?

via zappos.com

Banana Republic Shopping Spree: My 3 Items for $100

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Just two days after I wrote about how I want to want less, I end up with a big Banana Republic haul. (I did just drop off a big bag of old clothes and shoes at the local Goodwill, so I have followed the 1-in, 1-out rule… technically).

Most BR sales run out of the small and petite sizes first. Fortunately, this sale seemed to have bucked that trend. Most of the XXSP, XSP, 0′s and 00′s are still available. So if you are a petite lady like I am, you might see something you like.

To get the most bang for your buck:

  • Use Ebates to get 6% cash back from Banana Republic. If you are new to Ebates, please consider signing up using my referral code, I’d appreciate it.
  • Use the code BRWINTER30 for an additional 30% off until January 23.
  • Remember, there’s free ground shipping for orders over $50.

Here are the 3 items I picked up for a total of just about $100 including tax. Add in the 6% cash back, I’ve “only” spent $94 for three solid quality, workplace appropriate pieces. How’s that for rationalizing? icon wink Banana Republic Shopping Spree: My 3 Items for $100

Petite ruffle pencil skirt

($29.99 sale, $20.99 with 30% off)

I have two Banana Republic pencil skirts (one in black and one in gray), and they are both workhorses in my professional wardrobe. I think this piece will be too – I like the zipper and ruffle detailing, it’s a stylish twist on the usual pencil skirt silhouette, but not too edgy for a day at the office. Last I checked, sizes 00P, 0P, and 2P are still available. I think there was a 10P as well.

BR ruffle zip skirt 225x300 Banana Republic Shopping Spree: My 3 Items for $100

via bananarepublic.com

Petite Priscilla sweater jacket

(sale $49.99, $34.99 with 30% off)

One reviewer said this sweater reminded her of Chanel. I don’t know if I’d go that far, but I think this is a good piece for the price. Sweaters with structure = comfortable wear + polished appearance. This sweater is 100% merino wool with ribbon trim. Sizes XXSP, XSP, and SP are available.

BR Priscilla sweater jacket 225x300 Banana Republic Shopping Spree: My 3 Items for $100

via bananarepublic.com

Petite Martin fit winter wool trouser

(sale $49.99, $34.99 after 30% off)

My favorite pair of work pants is a pair of Martin fit pants that I purchased back in 2006. It has held up remarkably well through almost 5 years of wear, two run-ins with guacamole, and a few loose hems. I bought my first Martin fit for the full $98 price, but I think I’ve certainly gotten my money’s worth. I hope this pair will serve me just as well. Plus, it’s fully lined (as wool pants always should be).

BR Martin winter wool trouser 225x300 Banana Republic Shopping Spree: My 3 Items for $100

via bananarepublic.com

So… tell me, did I make you want to shop? Hmm? icon biggrin Banana Republic Shopping Spree: My 3 Items for $100

J. Crew Double Cloth Lady Day Coat is calling me

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jcrewladyday 300x300 J. Crew Double Cloth Lady Day Coat is calling meI haven’t seen much that has caught my eye during this round of post-Christmas sales, but I do like J.Crew’s Double Cloth Lady Day Coat very much. And, it’s still available in my favorite shade, Dark Plum. (It appears that every December, I am tempted by J. Crew’s offerings).

Here is what J. Crew says about this coat:

A feminine, flattering silhouette with a beautiful drape. Distinctly textured wool/nylon from Italy’s Manifattura di Carmignano mill, known the world over for its exceptional woolen fabrics. The mill’s double-cloth is one of our all-time favorites, and you won’t find it anywhere else—Manifattura di Carmignano makes it exclusively for J.Crew. Rounded collar. Long sleeves. Inset waistband at high waist. On-seam pockets. Functional buttons at cuffs. Repp-stripe tie-silk piping. Fully lined. Hits above knee. Import. Dry clean. Catalog/jcrew.com only.

It is listed at the sales price of $238. Then, there is the 30% off Final Sale, bringing the total down to $166.60, which will quality for free shipping. Add in taxes, the total would come out just a shade under $185.

But, do I really need a coat now? And should I get on for Final Sale, without possibility of exchange / return if the sizing doesn’t work out? My head says no. But my shop-happy heart says yes…

With any luck, it will be sold out soon and the decision shall be made for me. icon smile J. Crew Double Cloth Lady Day Coat is calling me

Merry Christmas!

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Christmas Puppy Merry Christmas!Merry Christmas to all my wonderful readers!!!

Hope you all got what you wanted under the tree! My gifts included a gorgeous pearl-and-sugar-crystal necklace… handmade… by CB’s mom. I had actually coveted it for a long time and she finally decided to give it to me. icon smile Merry Christmas!

I will be resting at home because I sprained my ankle! That’s a really big bummer. At least it’s an excuse to sit on the couch, drink lots of hot cocoa, and watch holiday-themed movies.

I would be sad that I can’t partake in after-Christmas sales, but with the power of internet, even a lame-footed blogger such as I can join in the post-holiday shopping. It’s dangerous, though, because I’ve been spending all day surfing J.Crew, Banana Republic, Gap, and Ann Taylor.

During this down time I will also be taking some time to think about my financial goals for 2011 (see here for how I did on 2010 goals). Watch for the 2011 Goals Post next week. icon smile Merry Christmas!

Are you planning on doing any after-Christmas shopping? Online or in-person?

image source: kaboodle.com

Can I Afford to Read Fashion & Style Blogs?

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Chatting with Revanche of A Gai Shan Life one evening, I blurted out:

I don’t think I can afford reading style blogs anymore.

Style blogger Susie Lau 001 300x180 Can I Afford to Read Fashion & Style Blogs?Because, you see, I love style blogs – I appreciate the helpful information on how to put together a professional wardrobe, where to find a good tailor, what type of shoes goes best with what type of skirt, and how to mix and match different patterns. The sheer entertainment value of style blogs is also nothing to sneeze at: looking through a blogger’s photo spreads reminds me of a veritable ever-updated fashion magazine (and instead of paying $4 for a magazine at the newsstand, blogs are free!)

But I’ve realized reading style blogs has left my financial immunity hopelessly compromised against the shopping bug. It’s hard not to want to buy more clothes when I see those beautiful, impeccably put together outfits and the wonderfully evocative way many of these bloggers write about fashion and lifestyle.

I’ve purchased so many things in the last couple of months… if I don’t stop soon, I’m going to burn a hole through my wallet.  Now that I’ve warned you, click on the links (of some of my favorite style blogs) above at your own risk!

Does reading style blogs make you want to buy more clothes?

image source: guardian.co.uk

The Dress

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A few of you have asked me about the $300 Lela Rose dress that I had wondered if I should buy. Given that you all humored me with your thoughts, it’s only appropriate to confess that yes, I paid $300 for a dress that I have never seen in person and could not return. And I received the package today.

Why I am glad I bought the dress

This little black dress is very well-constructed (as I hope that something that retails over four figures should be). The fabric has a slight sheen and felt very substantial, and the cut is quite flattering. The portrait collar is certainly dramatic, and is easily “stood up” or “flattened” depending on the style you’d like.

Luckily, I ordered the right size – one size up would have definitely been too big. In any case, the fit is just right – this dress has a fairly small waist so it would not be very forgiving after a big Thanksgiving meal. It’s as close to a perfect fit as possible, except the skirt is about an inch too long. Unless I wanted to take the hems up slightly, I wouldn’t need to have it tailored.

And lastly, it’s a gorgeous, luxurious dress. So… let’s just say this is my early Christmas present.

And why I would not do it again…

Even though I love this dress, I don’t think I would do it again, at least not for a long while. For one, it is expensive!  Second, so many things could have gone wrong. If the dress had just been cut even 1/2 inch smaller in the waist it would not work. The neckline scoops a little lower than I had expected, and while I am fine with this, there were other features that could have been slightly off that I wouldn’t have liked.

So the moral of the story? It’s a gamble buying an expensive dress on final sale. That, and an online shopper and her money is soon parted.

$300 Dress: Save or Splurge?

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1411611417 RLLD 11 $300 Dress: Save or Splurge?This black silk portrait collar dess by Lela Rose is $299 on Rue La La.

Pros: It’s gorgeous. I love the drama of the collar, the silk faille fabric, and the seaming and darting. My sizes are actually still available. I just got a bonus from work that will cover the cost of this dress and then some. It’s by Lela Rose, one of my favorite new designer. I would never be able to afford her clothes full-price, and now here is an opportunity for me to get her dresses at 80% off list price (the original price is $1,295).

Cons: Final sale (no returns). What if it doesn’t fit? It’s expensive… $300 plus $10 in shipping plus at least $50 in any tailoring I might have to do. It’s dry-clean only, and I would have to be extra careful not to stain or otherwise damage this dress. I can put my bonus to much better use, say… my travel fund. Besides, most clothes are marked up anyway, I shouldn’t use the excuse to buy something.

So, what says you? Should I throw budget to the wind and splurge, or would it behoove me to save?

(If you want to help me out by getting on RueLaLa.com and buying this dress so that it is sold out, that would be appreciated too).

Your Favorite Discontinued Brands & Products

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Discontinued 300x152 Your Favorite Discontinued Brands & ProductsYou find the perfect lip gloss, brownie mix, or Moscato, then the cruel hands of market forces or corporate decisions snatch them away from you. A recent Smart Money article “Chasing Lost Brands” talked about the poor predicament of those who long for discontinued brands such as Flex shampoo and Carnation Breakfast Bars. Shakespeare said that it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all, but some of these lost brand devotees may not agree!

The discontinued brands I still think about:

  • Trader Joe’s Flore de Moscato: I first had this wine back in the summer of 2009, and I loved it. When I went back a week later, there was no bottle in sight. In fact, the entire shipment has sold out and there were no plans for more. A reader, Will, posted in a comment that he had 2 extra cases of Flore, and THREE people replied to that comment asking him if he had some left to sell. It sounds silly but it makes me sad that I will never taste that particular blend of Orange Muscat and Muscat Canneli again.
  • Jack & Jill: So, this isn’t technically a product, but it is a brand! I don’t know if anyone remembers it, but Jack & Jill was WB series running from 1999 to 2000. It starred Amanda Peet as Jack (short for Jacqueline) and David Sergei as Jill (for David Jillefsky). The first season ended on a cliffhanger, then it got canceled! I hated the lack of resolution and if it came back on, I’d be a loyal viewer.
  • Almay Skin Stays Clean foundation: Probably one of the best drug-store foundations that I have tried. It was discontinued a few years ago and while I haven’t gone through any extreme steps of trying to relocate them, I do wish they were still in production.

So share some of your brand nostalgia in the comments – what are your favorite discontinued brands and products? And to what length (monetary and otherwise) would you go to get them back?

source: 43rumors.com

Shopping Online for Shoes (and Everything Else) with Coupons and Cash Back

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coupon cactus Shopping Online for Shoes (and Everything Else) with Coupons and Cash BackOnce you’ve whittled your budget down to the bare essentials and figured out every way you can think of to save, consider this: can you shave even a few percent off of almost everything you buy by employing online shopping, coupons, and cash back? That’s exactly what you can do at CouponCactus.com, a site that makes it very easy for you to find the best place to shop, based on the best coupons and cash back combination available.

Just to give you an example: let’s say you were looking to buy your child some shoes for back to school. A couple clicks will take you to Coupon Cactus’ shoes coupons page, where you will find that, among others, there is a Shoes.com coupon for 15% off any order + Free shipping, and Coupon Cactus throws in another 5% cash back. So by taking just 30 seconds to check, you not only saved yourself 20% off on those shoes you would have bought in the store, but you saved yourself a trip to the shoe store altogether.

Here are some other great Stores and coupons to watch out for:

Steve Madden Coupons: 20% Off Orders Over $75 + 5% Cash Back. (Also check out the coupon for 10% off your next order by signing up for Steve Madden’s email newsletter.)

ShoeBuy.com Coupons: 10% Off Any Order, Free Shipping, and 7% Cash Back! (This ShoeBuy.com coupon is a Coupon Cactus exclusive).

It’s completely free to sign up for and use Coupon Cactus. So bookmark the site, sign up for weekly newsletter, and start saving from local stores.

Fall Fashion Picks from Boden USA

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Haven’t heard of BodenUSA? Up until a few weeks ago, I haven’t either. Then they sent me a catalog and I was enticed into their web of color and style. Don’t click on the link unless you have exceptionally good self-control (don’t say I didn’t warn you).  Boden is a UK retailer who has been in business since the early 1990s. They recently made a big push to get into the US market, hence the updated website (with US sizes) and all the catalogs.

I’ve selected a few of my favorite pieces.  Instead of actually purchasing these clothes, I shall just share them with you instead. And if you do decide to get something, I can live vicariously through you! icon biggrin Fall Fashion Picks from Boden USA   By the way, I have never seen any Boden clothes in person, but they purportedly have good quality clothes.  I’d say the pricing is between Banana Republic and J.Crew, but cheaper than Anthropologie.

The styling is lovely – a great balance between classic and ladylike without veering too deeply into girly territory. I also appreciated the variety of purples and plums featured here. Deeper shades of purple can be a great “base” color like black or gray (let me stop before I talk myself into buying that sweater dress).  If you would like to purchase all of the items below, they can become a permanent part of your wardrobe for a mere $842.

Boden peeptoe 231x300 Fall Fashion Picks from Boden USA

Boden Chic Peep Toes in Black/Grape, $148

Boden wellheeled boots 231x300 Fall Fashion Picks from Boden USA

Boden Well Heeled Boots in Brown, $270 (I had to include this one just because of the name!)

Boden relaxed skirt 231x300 Fall Fashion Picks from Boden USA

Boden Relaxed Casual Skirt in Coral, $68

boden merino dress 231x300 Fall Fashion Picks from Boden USA

Boden Merino Roll Neck Dress in Aubergine, $108

boden jacket navy 231x300 Fall Fashion Picks from Boden USA

Boden Soho Jacket in Light Navy, $160

boden rosette cardigan 231x300 Fall Fashion Picks from Boden USA

Boden Rosette Ribbon Cardigan in Magenta, $88

Buy Back My Clothes Experiment & Giveaway

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Lately, I have gotten into reading minimalist blogs and fashion blogs.  The former instills in me an urge to get rid of all my stuff and lead a simpler, less cluttered life and the latter makes me want to buy a whole new wardrobe for a more stylish me. Oops.

Instead, I decided to do something different. I’ve read that if you are having trouble deciding what to keep and what to donate / throw away, try this little experiment:

  • Pretend that all the clothes you own are on sale.
  • If you want to keep particular piece of clothing (say, a sweater, a skirt, or a pair of jeans), you must spend $1 to “buy back” the clothes.
  • If you are not willing to spend even a dollar on something, it’s a fairly good sign that that item isn’t doing much for you.

That is what I will do. Every piece of clothing and every pair of shoes will go through the same treatment: Am I willing to pay $2 to “buy it back?” All the money that I am willing to spend to buy back my clothing will go into my Galapagos Fund.

If you would like to join in on the Great Buy Back My Clothes Experiment:

Leave a comment with the following information: (1) the dollar amount of each piece you are buying back – I chose $2, but it’s all up to you, (2) where the money you spend buying back your clothes will go, (3) what is the one piece of clothing / accessories you’d like to add to your wardrobe.

Submit a picture of your outfit (state how much you “bought it back for”) to me by Wednesday, September 22. I will put up the pictures and let the readers vote on the best outfit.  On Wednesday October 6, I will announce the winner, who will receive a $25 gift card to TJ Maxx or Marshalls, thanks to the generous PR folks over there.

Soap.com Review: Fast Shipping + Lots of Products

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Recently, I had the opportunity to try out Soap.com, a new website for health and beauty products. I received a $50 gift card and ordered some mineral makeup to test out the site.

The biggest plus I noticed was the fast shipping: if you place an order over $49, you are eligible for free 2-day shipping. My order was just a few cents over $49, and sure enough, I placed my order on Monday night and my product arrived on Wednesday morning. I love that so many household and makeup products are available – you get what you need, when you need it, and then it’s shipped to your home or office for free.

I love Target and Costco, but I don’t like going shopping for these essentials (which might be why I buy giant Costco-sized packages of, well, almost everything). But if you don’t want to lug 5 tons of tissue paper and toothpaste back to your home, or you don’t have enough room in your apartment for stockpiling, Soap.com would be a good website to try.

Have Retail Sales Lost Their Appeal?

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retail sale 300x298 Have Retail Sales Lost Their Appeal?Is a sale still a sale when it happens all the time? I’ve never done a random sample to prove this, but I have a sneaking suspicion that on any day of the year, retailers (particularly apparel / clothing / accessories retailers) are promoting discounted prices for whatever reason. Everywhere I go, there seems to be a up to 30% off (or 40% or 50%) sign hung outside storefronts or prominently displayed on websites. That’s not even counting websites and stores devoted specifically to discounted pricing.

Going down the chronological list, you have the sales named after holidays, and then other ambiguously named promotions tucked in between.  See for example: After Christmas, New Year, Spring, President’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Get-Ready-For-Summer, July 4th, Twice-A-Year, Annual Blowout, Labor Day, Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Winter, and Christmas. Then there are the special pricing on top of sales – for example, 20% to 40% off everything already discounted, the clearance sale, the last-chance sale.

As a consumer, I can’t complain about great sales. I wonder though, have retailers conditioned customers to expect all sales, all the time? The proliferation of discounted prices has imbued in us a sense that there’s always another sale (or sale on sales) just around the corner, so who buys full-priced items anymore?

A 2000 article says that too many store sales can backfire, because consumers just aren’t sure if a sale is really a sale, and if full-priced items are worth paying for anymore if they will end up on the discounted rack in a month or two. One of my girlfriends only buy clothes, shoes, or bags if they are on sale, and not just on any kind of sale – she is the shopping maestro who somehow gets a 20% off an item that has already been marked down 3 times so that in the end, she only paid $20 for a $120 dress.

Sales are an easy way to get consumers in the door, but that comes at a price to retailers. When sales have become so ubiquitous that they are no longer a special opportunity, but an everyday occurrence, what’s the incentive for customers to pay full price?

Have you grown immune to sales? What would you pay full-price for?

image source: revolveclothing.com