Shopaholics

Get great shopping tips and insider money saving deals from shopping expert Wendy O.

Friday, December 29, 2006

Overstock.com

Looking for ridiculously low prices on everything from cd's and books to bed sheets and designer clothes? Then look no further than Overstock.com. At Overstock.com, you can get great deals, as much as 50% off or more, on all new items. For example, the book "Running with Scissors" by Augusten Burroughs is listed at $14.00 at Barnes and Noble, while Overstock has it for $7.00.

Running With Scissors
Running with Scissors, $7.00

You can also get popular video games for half price, such as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which retails at $29.99 in most places, but is only $15.00 at Overstock.

PSP - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire for PSP, $15.00

Not looking for anything in particular? Just go and check out their "Steal O' The Day" for a great item at a great price, or look at their top selling items of the day to see what great items others are picking up for a bargain. Shop now and take advantage of their $2.95 flat-rate shipping while it still lasts!

Lucky Magazine, Shopping Guide, or Catalog?

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005NIRG.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
Lucky, the magazine about shopping

Most savvy high-end female shoppers know about Lucky Magazine...it's one part magazine and one part shopping guide. This is the ultimate publication for shoppers on the newsstands today, and tells you where to find the hottest looks and the latest trends.

Though you can't order directly from Lucky, in a way, its sort of a catalog as well. While most fashion magazines simply show the latest dresses from Miu Miu, Lucky tells you how (and where) you can score the exact one for yourself.

The biggest complaint that some may have from Lucky is that most of their styles are too costly for the average shopper (think $300 jeans and $100 tops), so if your budget veers more in the direction of Old Navy prices, Lucky won't be very helpful for you.

Check out their website at www.luckymag.com for their "Catch of the Day" which DOES feature cute clothes at a great deal. Today's catch of the day:

Tube Dress With Straps - BLACK/WHITE
Tube Dress with Straps, Wet Seal $24.50

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

After Holiday Shopping Deals
















Smith and Hawken Golden Wreath, was $69.99, now $17.49




















Whimsical Snowman Cookie Jar, was $40.00, now $16.00



















Nose so Bright! Rudolph Ornament, was $15.00, now $9.00


Still thinking about some awesome ornaments you wish you bought? Wish that you had stockpiled on greeting cards, wrapping paper, ribbons and bows last year? Well, now is your chance to save big on everything from tree skirts to wreaths and holiday household goods. Stores like Target currently have sales up to 50% off of their holiday merchandise, and Hallmark has savings up to 75% on ornaments, decor and more.

Now is also the time to get yourself the gifts that you REALLY wanted, and to return the ones that you didn't want. Avoid the long lines at the return counters and bring your items back at off peak times (like during a weekday before or after lunch time in the morning or early afternoon). Remember to ask for the receipts for the items that you wish to return, or you may be stuck with an awful holiday gift.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Luxury Deals at www.eluxury.com

If you have not discovered www.eluxury.com, then you don't know where to shop on the internet for the best deals in luxury goods. Whether you are looking ofr a cashmere sweater, gold watch, designer purse or shoes or just a fabulous piece to add to your wardrove, eluxury has something for everyone. Designers like Juicy Couture, Missoni, Dior, Fendi, Marc Jacobs and more can all be found at eluxury, and some for fantastically reduced prices.

Right now, eluxury is having a pre-holiday sale, with some styles as much as 50% off. Some of our favorite deals?

Gerard Yoca Bird Necklace, was $110.00, now $65.00
http://www.eluxury.com/sales/product_detail.jhtml?styleid=11241002&SectionID=9000

Marc by Marc Jacobs Velvet and Patent Flat, was $295.00, now $179.00
http://www.eluxury.com/sales/product_detail.jhtml?styleid=11102459&SectionID=9000

Nanette Lepore Car Chase Faille Hot Pursuit Jacket, was $495.00, now $279.00
http://www.eluxury.com/sales/product_detail.jhtml?styleid=11203778&SectionID=5000

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Last Minute Holiday Shopping Ideas

With the Christmas holiday only one week away, some people are still scrambling to finish their holiday shopping. Whether they have run out of ideas, time or money, last minute holiday shoppers may think that it is too late to get great gifts for their loved ones.

However, many people have gone the route of online shopping for many of their holiday gift needs. Not only does it save the time and aggravation of shopping at the mall, but by shopping online, you can find a variety of interesting gifts you many not be able to find elsewhere.

If you are still stumped on what to get a friend or relative for the holidays, consider these last minute shopping tips to help you figure it out:

1) Magazine Subscription
Are you shopping for a sports fanatic? A movie lover? How about a glamour queen? A magazine subscription is the perfect idea for just about anyone. Most cost less than $20 and give the gift of a great monthly magazine. Tip: Just make sure that your recipient isn't already subscribing to that magazine, and make sure that you get their address right! Check to see if there is a website for the magazine you wish to send a subscription to (such as www.people.com) for easy sign up access.

2) Fan Stuff
Got a relative or friend that is crazy about a certain television show, movie or sports team? Then consider getting them t-shirts, mugs, toys or DVD's from their faves.

3) Calendars and Organizers
It may sound a little silly, but everyone can use a calendar or organizer for the upcoming new year. Since they are available in a number of different styles and sizes, you are sure to find something for that hard to shop for person on your list.

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Friday, December 15, 2006

Shopping with Children, Holiday Gift Ideas

Baby Shopping Cart Seat Cover
Shopping Cart Cover, $108.00

Shopping with children can be a major chore, especially when you have to worry about their
safety as well as keeping them out of trouble.

This shopping cart cover from Snazzy Baby is the perfect solution for a totally hip and totally health conscious mom. Available in a variety of beautiful fabrics, this shopping cart cover completely covers the sitting area of most shopping carts and also converts into a high chair liner for dining out. Also comes with pockets to hold bottles, toys and more. Many of their styles are also eligible for a FREE diaper bag in the same style with purchase. Check out Snazzy Baby's complete line of uber cute baby gear for more last minute holiday gift ideas for the hip new mom on your shopping list.

Other tips for getting through shopping mishaps with children?

1) Allow them to blow off some steam: Many shopping malls have excellent indoor play areas for small children. Let yours run around for a few minutes and they may be more cooperative during your shopping trip.

2) Rent a fun buggy: Many shopping malls also offer fun strollers for rental...keep your child engaged by letting them "ride" in a fun rental stroller.

3) Bring toys and snacks: Don't forget to bring toys and snacks to keep your tykes occupied.

4) Bring a friend: Shopping with another parent or friend will allow you to leave your child for a moment to try something on, ask a sales clerk a question, or pay for an item.

5) Leave them at home!: Sometimes, this is the only answer, so call a babysitter or let your significant other stay home with the kids when its time to go shopping.

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Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Personal Shoppers for the Holidays

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/dyn_img/checkout/shoppingBags.jpg
Shopped Out? Let Bloomies do it for you.

Holiday shopping got you baffled? No time for hand selecting gifts for your friends, your relatives, your boss, the babysitter, the dog walker, the personal trainer....

Then consider a personal shopper for all of your holiday shopping needs. Many stores offer this service at no charge with no minimal purchase. Whether you have to fullfill a personal or corporate gift list, personal shoppers are the way to go for very busy individuals.

Independent personal shoppers can be very expensive, charging as much as $150 an hour to find the perfect gift. However, department stores such as Macy's, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Sak's Fifth Avenue will do your personal shopping for free, and most even offer premium gift wrapping services as well. If you find yourself tapped out this season with little time left for shopping, consider one of these options for all of your gifting needs.

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Monday, December 11, 2006

Holiday Shopping Deadlines

Tuba Christmas, Town Pavilion Mall, MO Photographic Print by Aneal Vohra
Christmas, Mall Style (source)

Today marks two more shopping weeks until Christmas (December 25) and only five more days until Hanukkah (December 16-23), as well as only 15 more days until Kwanzaa (December 26-Jan 1st). If you are celebrating any of these holidays, then the countdown is officially on for getting all of your festive preparations together.

If gift giving and shopping for holiday gifts are on your mind, then now is the time to start tieing up loose ends. If you are shopping online for holiday gifts, most places will suggest that you plan at least a week ahead so that you can be sure to recieve your items on time (same goes with shipping gifts through the post office).

Last minute shoppers should also beware of getting caught empty handed as many stores will be closed early on Christmas Eve and all day on Christmas Day. So start your engines today, and good luck with all of your holiday shopping!

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Friday, December 08, 2006

Holiday Shopping Deals






While shopping for holiday gifts, you may not be just looking for the best presents, but for the best deals. Or you may just be looking for a great gift that you can't find anywhere else.

That's why I love ebay and Froogle, two great online venues that make my holiday shopping easy. They both offer easy shopping solutions in their own way to help me make sure that everyone is covered on my holiday shopping list.

Ebay is a favorite site for me for almost any occasion, but for the holiday season, its usually the only place where I can find unique gifts for everyone. When I am totally clueless on what to buy for a friend or family, ebay saves the day. From antique books and vintage tablecloths to sold out items (this years most popular? TMX Tickle Me Elmo and Playstation 3), ebay has made my shopping day many times over.

Froogle on the other hand is a great way to find fabulous deals on presents that you already know you want to buy. Like ebay, you can search for what you are looking for and adjust the search to meet your needs (priced highest, priced lowest, and sort by product rating). However, unlike ebay, you don't have to bid on your item. One of the best things I found on Froogle? A handheld Sudoku game for my sister...everywhere I looked it was $19.99...Froogle found it for me for $9.97 at Radio Shack.

Whether you are a clueless holiday shopper or are just looking for a great deal, check out these sites for great holiday gifts.

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Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Holiday Gift Card Hazards










A gift card that works at multiple
locations is a great holiday gift!


Gift cards are becoming an increasingly popular gift for the holidays. Whether you just don't have the time to shop or are clueless about what to get friends and family, a gift card is there to save the day.

However, what some consumers don't realize is that gift cards aren't always a safe bet. The biggest downfall to gift cards is that they often have expiration dates or fees if they are not used in a timely manner. In general, gift cards are also not protected from theft or loss, and because they are so small, a $100.00 gift card could easily be lost in your holiday shuffle.

Gift cards for specific locations can also be tricky when given to certain people. Be sure that the store or restaurant of the gift certificate has a location near the gift recipient, or else it may just go to waste.

The best option may be to issue a prepaid debit card. These are also generally not refundable if lost or stolen, and are also susceptible to hidden fees, but offer the best flexibility. Many grocery or warehouse stores also offer restaurant gift cards that can be used at more than one location, giving your gift recipient further options.

Editors Pick: For the holiday's, Chili's is offering a $5 gift card FREE for every $25 gift card purchased at Chili's.

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Monday, December 04, 2006

Personality Shopping at Gifts.com
















Juicy Couture Boy Shorts, $58.00 For "The Trendanista"



















Bean Vac Coffee Canister, $40.00 For "The Achiever"



















Billabong Jacket, $66.00 For "The Freestyler"(photo sources)

The holiday season is upon us...do you know what to get everyone on your list? Chances are, no matter how well you know your friends and family, you may find yourself stumped now and then when it comes to gift shopping.

This holiday shopping season, make it easy on yourself and visit gifts.com and take their shop by personality test. After a quick three to five question quiz about the person you are shopping for, gifts.com can tell you whether your mom, friend or boss is a Brainiac, Geek or Jock. Sure these labels don't really mean anything, but this Myers-Briggsesque test is one part personal shopper, and one part fun.

The best thing about the personality test is that they give you a variety of options to choose from at many price levels from affordable books and toys ($10-$20) to mid priced designer togs and high priced gadgets and luxury items. They even link to the sites where you can find similar items at comparitive prices. This is the perfect site for last minute or just clueless shoppers, so check them out this holiday season for great ideas and shopping deals.

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