It’s Friends & Family Time!

With the economical downturn, sales are starting earlier and earlier each year. Retailers are doing everything they can to lure the shoppers in by winning the discount race…and the real winners are…shoppers!

My rule of thumb on discounts is same as fashion industry: always look 6 months ahead. I have a running list in my head on events (birthdays, weddings, holidays, etc.) that are coming up, though putting on a calendar would probably be easier to track... When sales arise, I check against my list and fulfill the gifts/items on my list. For makeup and skin care, I also keep a 6 months supply in my cabinet, when sales like Sephora comes up, I replenish my supplies to make sure I have enough for the next 6 months.

One could argue that this method may not work as sale items are often past or close to passing the season trend. Sure, it could be hard to be in the mood to purchase a heavy winter coat when it's 90 degrees out and not knowing if it would still be in trend when the fall/winter season begins, but a good basic cotton shirt, a light cashmere cardigan, or good pair of flats are timeless and never goes out of style.

Ok, enough prep talk...

First up, Sephora twice a year F&F Event! (usually happens in November, but this year has been moved up to October)

http://sephora.com/

Duration: 10/19-11/2

Promo code: FF2009

Deal type: Online only

Discount: 20% entire purchase

Plus: free shipping orders $50+, free samples with each order

Shopper’s trick: 1) split up the orders for each totaling $50 to get as many samples as you can, 2) use MSN Bing to get additional 10% cash back

My favorites: Talika eyelash lipocils, Bliss clog dissolving cleansing milk, Cosmedicine primary care multi-tasking moisturizer SPF20, Kinerase intensive eye cream, Kinerase lip treatment

Calvin Klein F&F Event

http://www.calvinklein.com/home/index.jsp

Promo code: FF1009 or printable coupon: http://f.chtah.com/i/27/2070758575/20091022_FnF_PVHR_COUPON.jpg

Duration: 10/22-10/25

Deal type: Online & In-Store

Discount: 30% anything

Plus: free shipping on orders $150+

Shopper’s trick: discount also good for sale items

Kenneth Cole F&F Event

http://www.kennethcole.com/home/index.jsp

Promo code: FF2009

Duration: 10/19-10/22

Deal type: Online, In-Store, & Phone Order

Discount: 30% anything

Plus: free shipping on orders $100+

Shopper’s trick: discount also good for sale items

My favorites: good leather goods - good time to stock up on shoes, luggage, and accessories

Shopbop.com F&F Event

http://www.shopbop.com/

Promo code: INTHEFAMILY15

Duration: Now-10/21

Deal type: Onlline only

Discount: 15% entire purchase

Plus: free shipping

Shopper's trick: discount also good for sale items

My favorites: good jeans selection - good time to stock up on jeans

What are you waiting for? Shop shop!!