Good Deals Right Now at Saks

Saks is doing their final cut sale. Some of the items are non-returnable (the little "final sale" warning will pop up in red when you select a size before adding to your cart) but many are 70% off and still eligible for returns. Saks now uses Shoprunner (which you can get for free with Amex) so you can get two day shipping or use "freeship" for free shipping on any order.

If you are shopping for new underpinnings, there are some good deals on Wacoal (one of my favorite brands for bras). I personally needed a few bras in a bigger cup size to get me through pregnancy (at least until I can bring out my nursing bras and tanks for postpartum times) so I was glad to find some on sale. I bought this one and this one. I also noticed a lot of Marc by Marc Jacobs and Vince items on discount. This draped Vince cardigan would work with a big pregnant belly or for nursing when the time comes. I also loved the two Burberry coats (out of my price range even on sale but very lovely, just the same).  I don't think I've ever seen a Burberry puffer for less than $400, but that's still a big chunk of money.

If you are shopping for little ones, there are great deals there too. Plenty of Bloch shoes and Ralph Lauren clothes are available for good prices. Even though the sale prices are tempting, be warned of "sale goggles" and shop judiciously, especially if items are final sale and non-returnable.

And although this isn't Saks, Net-a-Porter has put a bunch of Nike sneakers on clearance. Nike rarely goes on sale for 50-70% off so although sizes are picked over, it's worth browsing if you need sneakers. Happy shopping!

Saks Friends and Family is on!

Outfits L-R: 

Dress, Bracelet, Bag, Jacket, Booties

Camo Sweater, Cords, Bag, Boots

Dress, Necklace, Bracelet, Owl Bag, Bow Shoes

Saks Fifth Avenue is offering 25% off (with the usual premier designer exclusions) with coupon code FRNFAM, now through October 20th, 2013. Above are some of my favorites. The sale section will offer the opportunity for a sale-on-sale situation! But as always, beware of the dreaded sale goggles. Happy shopping!

Kate Spade Friends and Family 30% off!

Black Dresses
Pumps

Wow! The Kate Spade Friends and Family sale gives 30% off this time around and that is pretty great. It is valid in stores or online with code F12FFUS (now through Sunday, October 21st, 2012). Above are my favorites! With pregnancy and postpartum times making my body a relatively unknown variable, I find myself gravitating to accessories more and more. Idiom bangles make great holiday gifts and I love this one (already on sale, so hooray for stackable discounts!)!



This weekend also marks Saks Friends and Family (code FRNFAM2) which, despite the long list of exclusions will yield 20% off a decent portion of their merchandise.



There's no longer a Saks in Pittsburgh so local shoppers will be glad to know that Nordstrom will price match promotions like this one as well as any from other competitors. Happy Shopping!

Pittsburgh Saks Closing Haul

It's officially over. Unless you're planning to stock up on fur coats, Saks Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh no longer exists as an option for eager consumers. The loss of this store is a brutal blow to the retail landscape of Downtown, removing yet another destination from the neighborhood. I worry about how this will effect the downtown Larrimor's outpost. And Brooks Brothers or even Macys, for example. When there is one less destination available within a cluster of proximate stores, the suburban malls with their free parking and climate control increase their appeal. Of course plenty of downtown workers provide a customer base for what remains.

The silver lining of all of this was the consolidation sale which saw Saks stocked with brands never previously carried and prices difficult to beat in their final days. Even outlet discounts like those found at the nearby Off Fifth were stingy in comparison to the additional 70-90% off.

Since my last update, a few people have emailed and commented asking what I bought. So I figured I would share my closing haul as a part of this epilogue. A proper eulogy would likely include a retrospective of my buys over the years of visits. And while that would fit neatly with the initial intention of this blog (to archive, unpack, and think through my consumer habits), I will spare you. Instead here are my most recent finds.

Three silk blouses from Parker, Nanette Lepore, and Akris. A few T by Alexander Wang shirts from the men's section that were $9 marked down from $74. Also in men's a Rag and Bone pullover for Chris that was $17 marked down from $250. Two holiday ornaments marked $2.50, down from $75/each (who would spend the full retail amount on a single bulb, I do not know). Three Wacoal brassieres that were 70% off plus an additional 10% for buying multiples.

And these two dresses by M Missoni and DKNY, respectively. It seems like a lot of stuff when I put it all together but Chris paid for his own things as well as the above M Missoni wave sweater dress which will be a birthday gift to me (at Missoni for Target prices, no less!). I bought far less than I would have if I was still in the same (admittedly ridiculous) consumer pattern exhibited during the recession clearances of 2008 and 2009.

But I still feel indulgent and even a little gluttonous. I have long needed to beef up my sleeved blouse arsenal for both casual and professional ensembles. Although the DKNY dress is not necessarily my usual style, it was such a soft wool, it looks quite flattering on, it was marked down to $24, and seems perfect for more conservative professional occasions. I think its career functionality will prove itself swiftly as I will treat it as a suit alternative. My shopping in the coming months will slow as I tend to buy less from spring and summer collections. And thanks to Anthropologie's new directions, none of my pennies have gone there in 2012. All of this is to say that I am certain my shopping habits will recalibrate accordingly after the above (albeit discount) splurges. Thanks for reading! If you are local, I'd love to head about your purchases!

The Final Countdown (of Pittsburgh Saks Closing)

(photo from the aftermath of the Saks 2008 recession clearance)

You have one week left to pay Pittsburgh's Saks Fifth Avenue a visit before the doors are shuttered for good. I was able to stop by this week and can report that prices are now pretty incredible. But what remains is very picked through. You take an additional 70-90% off the lowest marked tags. Other than the fixtures that are for sale, everything is contained on the first floor.

In women's: There is an entire La Vie section (beautiful pieces for professionals who want to still look unique and feminine) with racks priced between $25 and $35 per piece. It is located in the space formerly occupied by women's handbags and scarves. In the women's contemporary space, you will find furs to the left and dresses to the right with other clothing pieces (suiting, tops, sweaters, outerwear, and pants) in between. Take 80% off dresses (and if you buy three, you get an additional 10% off). 80% off outerwear 70% off sweaters, pants, tops, and skirts. 70% off bras (and if you buy three, you get another 10% off). You get the idea... Men's stuff can be found where women's shoes once sat. Bras and intimates are where the Prada handbags and wallets were once located. There are still plenty of pretty items left but you have to dig. Lots of Escada if that's your thing. Some very pretty dress options in plus sizes (which are across from La Vie). A few evening gowns remain. But stuff is moving quickly as you can imagine.

The See by Chloé sweater dress is gone sadly (and I wasn't the person who scored it), but the other See by Chloé dress I tried is still there for about $50.

Some tips if you go: dressing rooms are mostly communal (all communal in men's and half communal in women's) so dress accordingly. I wore a slip so that I could still change swiftly with some amount of modesty, knowing that the communal room had a shorter wait. You can bring a maximum of 8 things into the dressing rooms. It's funny how swiftly the Pittsburgh Saks has come to feel like Gabriel Brothers in both of the above regards...

If you are shopping for a specific type of item (a blazer or a dress for example), check the entire section and the dressing room return racks. Things are not as organized as they once were during the regular rotation of Saks' end-of-season sales so even though you might not be a size 6, some 8s, 10s, and 4s could be in the size 6 section. Don't fixate on the numbers during the hunt. Be thorough and patient.

And be kind to your fellow deal hunter. These scenarios have a dehumanizing and decivilizing effect on many of us (as indicated by the annual Black Friday trampling stories we read across the US). At the end of the day, it's just stuff. There will always be another deal, another dress, another opportunity to consume. But being a jerk can have a lasting impact on your fellow shopper's outlook. Being kind can too, but in a positive way.

Everything is "Final Sale" so beware of the disorienting effect that sale goggles can exert upon otherwise sensible brains. And check price tags if multiple items of your desired garment exist in the additional % off sections! I paid different prices for two of the same T by Alexander Wang t-shirts in men's (bought as undershirts for Chris) because I wasn't careful during the transaction and I didn't check both tags. It was a difference of only a few dollars so it isn't a big deal. But let my mistake make other dealhunters more thorough. :)

I am not sure if another cut will be taken next Thursday, when only two days will remain. I regret not going earlier on this Thursday just to see what was still available when those deeper cuts were made. I also can't help but regret not scoring the stripey sweater dress before someone else nabbed it. Sure it was itchy but for 80% off, I'd deal. Anyway, I hope this update is useful. If you score anything great, I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

Saks Liquidation Dress Reviews

Because some of these will surely wind up in outlets and on ebay, I think it makes sense to do a few fit reviews. As of last weekend these were all in stock at the Pittsburgh location, in multiple sizes. I imagine by now things have been marked down further.

Striped See by Chloe sweater dress

My favorite dress I tried on and the only one that tempted me remotely to buy was this striped sweater dress from See by Chloé. I didn't buy it. The price was still a little steep and the wool knit was more itchy than I prefer for a sweater dress. This is size large and I love how the sleeve stripes aligned with the rest of the dress. If it is still there next time I visit, I might reconsider.

They had a few DVF dresses in the above shirtdress style but the prices were still high in my opinion. This was my favorite print of the options. I am wearing an 8 petite and I definitely needed a 10 or a regular 8. The silk jersey was pulling at the bust and hips.

This other SbC dress was made of a stretchy wool cotton blend. I liked the mod block shapes but didn't like the fit. They had a bunch of these in all sizes. Here I am wearing an 8 and needed a 10 for my hips and bust.

Pittsburgh Saks Liquidation Update

So by now you know that we're losing our Saks Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh. An external liquidation firm is handling the process of turning over stock. And additional materials were consolidated from other stores, prior to being shipped to outlet locations. Currently, contemporary stock is 40% off. And there is an additional 10% off the 60-65% off merchandise. There are brands not typically carried in Pittsburgh, including some See by Chloe dresses, some premier designer items from Pucci, Proenza Schouler, and more.

The handbags were pretty picked over as well as shoes (I saw one pair of these leopard Revas, some sky high Nicholas Kirkwood pumps, and other random odds and ends). Some small Tory Burch bags, a random MBMJ Hillier, and plenty of iPad cases remained. But plenty of boots, rainboots, and booties were left. There were a few Michael Kors watches and some neat jewelry pieces. For me, the most exciting stuff was in women's contemporary. I'll be back later this week with some clothing reviews from the sale.

They brought in additional sales associates through the liquidation firm, so the level of service ranges depending on how seasoned an employee you encounter. But because plenty of people are shopping the sales who may have rarely patronized regular Saks, it might not be noticeable. I did hear some of the more recent saks employees lamenting that they were tired of hearing "how sad" the closing sales felt for shoppers. I am sure this is the default guilt-induced interaction that many frequent and less-than-frequent patrons exhibit. There is something about the process that feels very much like pillaging or scavenging that yields (for me at least) that guilty shopper feeling. I personally only made such small talk earlier in the sale and limited to conversations with the sales associates who I've seen there for years. They were the ones who were eager to share their future plans and to whom I wanted to express my gratitude for services in the past.

What I bought from the Saks Clearance

Burberry coat

As I've already mentioned, it's pretty bittersweet to be losing the local Saks Fifth Avenue. With the consolidation stock they received, it makes the browsing experience even more fun than usual because there are have brands not typically carried in Pittsburgh. But the knowledge that the store will soon be gone for good is a bummer.

When I visited last weekend I wasn't sure that I would purchase anything. I went to handbags first and found a smooshy gray Rocco bag that tempted me. I even carried it around for a while to figure out if I could manage its infamous heft. Those iconic studs are some serious hardware! Ultimately I put it back. I have plenty of bags so I've become very sensible about impulse purchases (even when things are 65% off!). This is especially important because everything at the Pittsburgh Saks is now final sale.

They are honoring the original return policy for merchandise purchased before the clearance began. And because Anthropologie keeps releasing new colorways for the Pieced Column dress (some of which I like even better than my after Chrismas Saks Bailey 44 buy) I returned it. I read about some quality issues with the fabric and decided I could better put that gift card money to something that will be able to be worn often (lowering the cost per wear) and for years to come.

I've written about my enduring love for outerwear and every year I tend to find one coat to add to my collection. Well, last year was an exception. Although there were coats that I liked, none were the right price at the right time. When I saw the racks of Burberry for 65% off (with a gift card that would make it more than 80% off), I decided to make a purchase. 

Burberry coat

I have already worn it every day this week! 

Note: They still had a lot of the Bailey 44 dresses and they are going to keep marking things down along the way so it might be back in my possession eventually. I will also be sale stalking the Pieced Column at Anthro because I do think it is a gorgeous, fun dress and I liked how it fit me. Eventually I believe I will be able to find one for a better price than retail. Check out Carol's new reviews of the dresses on In Pursuit of Pretty Things. 

Live from the Pittsburgh Saks Liquidation

Last night Chris and I heard a credible rumor that the merchandise at the Pittsburgh Saks clearance sale included consolidated items from the website and elsewhere. So this afternoon we resolved to check it out. Discounts range from 10% (current season clothes and shoes, women's intimates, jewelry, and some of the handbags) to 60% (plenty of clothes, some shoes, handbags, and more). Allegedly (from the source of the consolidation information, and not a store employee), this Thursday everything will be an additional 10% off (so the base discount might be 20% rather than 10%). I forgot to ask an employee if they could confirm the information so it might not be accurate.

The handbag selection included brands I've never seen at the Pittsburgh store, like a bunch of popular Alexander Wang bags (the Rocco, for example) for 60% off retail.

The women's contemporary section was packed with a lion's share of Nanette Lepore, DVF, and Theory for 60% off. In the womens section, there was a good bit of St. John, Max Mara, and a lot of Burberry Brit.

Shoes for women had plenty of Tory Burch (revas and more), Hunter, and Ugg. There was at least one pair of Rachel Comey Barbaros (size 7.5) for $175 (before the extra 10% off).

And the men's section had Rag and Bone and other more contemporary lines not typically stocked in Pittsburgh. Suffice it to say, even if you aren't usually a fan of the stock at the local store, it is still worth checking out.

Chris heard from someone in mens that right now they have a lot more stock than what they can put on the floor and the same is probably be true for other departments. He was encouraged to come back because this isn't all that is available and discounts are going to continue until late March.

The store was busy but there were plenty of upbeat and helpful sales associates to tend to the crowds.  I imagine this morning's email from Saks corporate, informing customers about the clearance had something to do with it. As we were coming and going there was a steady stream of new visitors.

All of it feels bittersweet because while we're losing our store, we also have a unique set of deals available in the short term. I still feel for the workers, especially those who have been with the company for years and years.

Saks Pittsburgh Liquidation

For Saks Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh, this week marked an official beginning of the end. The Post-Gazette reported yesterday that the Saks Pittsburgh liquidation sale commenced with the company set to shutter their doors on March 17th, 2012.

Although I am really bummed to see Downtown Pittsburgh lose yet another retailer, I reserve a tiny amount of (irrational and completely unfounded) hope that perhaps Saks corporate will opt to open something in the burbs. The empty Boscovs space at South Hills Village would be suitable. The Tanger Outlet in Washington hosts a nice Off Fifth location but who doesn't like the ability to scope new arrivals and shop Saks' legendary Black Friday or After Christmas sales in person?

I also want to say that even though I was a relatively infrequent and predominantly sales-shopping customer of the store, the customer service in Pittsburgh was fantastic. The sales associates made you feel appreciated and welcomed, even when it was obvious that someone (like me) was going to make a b-line for the clearance racks. Perhaps this should be taken for granted and expected from retailers? Still, I know from shopping other similar stores around the country that this was remarkable. So thank you Pittsburgh Saks associates for being so kind and warm over the years! I wish all of you luck and hope that the severance packages were as generous as the kindness you extended to your patrons.

Pieced Column Review: Tiered Stripes for the Shorties!

(size large in another colorway)

(size medium in another colorway)

I always try to make the after Christmas sale at Saks because the early morning promotion is tough to beat. This year I went a little too late for the best deals and best selection but I did find something I loved in the new arrivals. A shorter version of the Tiered Stripes dress by Bailey 44 (reviewed here). Anthropologie is calling it the Pieced Column Dress. The sales associate at Saks told me they also had it in purple and black stripes which would have been totally up my alley. Sadly, it was long sold out. She said this new version in navy and white was unlikely to last until sale time so I used a merchandise credit to buy it. I like it but I am not sure if I will keep.

I went with the large for this one even though I liked the medium better in the longer version. I'm sure the lack of shapewear and the three Christmas dinners I ate the day prior didn't help me fit into a smaller size of this already body-conscious dress. The fabric is the same as the other iterations of this Bailey 44 number. I wonder and worry about long term wear of what seems to be a somewhat delicate fabric. It is unlined but I find the construction and striping to flatter many figures. I think the placement offers a smoke and mirrors effect at least from the front. I haven't braved wearing this in public yet. Like I said above, I am still deciding.

What do you think? Do you like the long or short option? Does the longer version make it more modest, balancing out its curve-hugging?

Sad day for shoppers in Pittsburgh

Saks Fifth Avenue is closing their downtown store. Read more here. I know the building was in need of extensive renovations but I was hoping an agreement could be reached to keep them in town. It is a real loss to the luxury retail landscape and I hope perhaps they consider setting up shop in the burbs. Burbs would be better than nothing!

Off Fifth Saks Outlet testing the waters for an online retail sale website?

Today I received an email request to take a survey from Off Fifth. As a communication scholar with interests in advertising strategies, consumer history, and quantitative research methods, I often accept these requests because they offer insight into marketing decisions and brand developments. From this specific survey it became clear that Saks was conducting research to determine the viability of an online component to their Off Fifth outlet stores. Because Nordstrom Rack and Neiman Marcus Last Call already have outlet retail websites, I'm surprised it took Saks this long!

Return Chronicles: part 10000

This plaid Alice + Olivia dress was a great bargain at Saks in New York last month. But I've had it for almost a month, the return deadline is looming, and the tags remain attached. I think it should go back but took some photos and tried styling it to make sure I didn't want it. What do you think?

Pros:
Oversized collar makes it visually interesting
Plaid (especially in gray and black) is something I find to be timeless
Shirtdresses are definitely timeless

Cons:
The hem is shorter in the front and my gams are not the greatest
That big collar I like isn't the most flattering on my figure

Weekend Shopping Outfit

Alma Mater jacket from Anthro

J. Crew silk top (in cotton here)

Juicy Couture bow skirt (similar here and here)

Hue tights

Aquatalia suede boots (current season version here)

Balenciaga bag (similar here and here)

Recently, I got a postcard alerting me of a clearance sale at the Washington, PA Off Fifth. I realize that outlets essentially are perpetual clearance sales, but I was still interested in visiting. I knew that my friend Sarah purchased very cool Comme des Garcons clogs at her local store not long ago. I wanted to see if we got anything interesting. Thankfully Chris and few friends wanted to check out the Men's suit sale so we packed into the car and headed south. Although they found no suits, Chris scored a nice pair of James Perse pants and I found a silk DVF top for $17!

There were a lot of other clearance tops from MBMJ, Milly, and Theory, and a few clearance dresses by Tibi. They did have CdG clogs (not on clearance) in white and green but I couldn't figure out my size and none seemed to be the right fit. There were a few pairs of Miu Miu Jewel flats (also not on clearance) in larger sizes. I stopped short of buying anything that wasn't a perfect fit (sale goggles and what not). But it is definitely worth the trip if you are looking for an occasion dress. There were a number of gorgeous options (particularly if you are a smaller dress size) from Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler, YSL, and Moschino. Prices were still kind of high but all were an additional 50% off.

Streets Ahead Bow Belt

I don't usually linger for long in the accessories section at Saks. It is populated by fancy bags, small leather goods, sunglasses, scarves, and other things I tend to buy either significantly reduced or secondhand. But as I was waiting for my friend so we could head to happy hour, I spotted the cutest bow belt from Streets Ahead. It was made of very supple black leather with trim that looked like zipper teeth. And it was on major sale. I tried on a size medium over my outfit that day and was smitten. And I so happened to need a black leather fashion belt since my Forever 21 standbys were too larger and my Linea Pelle studded double buckle belt is a bit masculine to match with everything.

In other news I tried on the above purple plaid See by Chloé dress last year in DC at Cusp. You can read my initial post on that here. And I don't recall it being quite this sheer (notice my tag in the sideview!) and I don't remember thinking it would require a slip but this obviously does. Yoox had it for a very low price so I decided to order a couple of things to try on at home. I will update with those purchases (one of which might be a special occasion dress if I decide to keep it) in my next update.

After I searched a bit, I couldn't find the Streets Ahead bow belt but I found many others in a range of prices here:

Saks 70% Off Rack Fitting Room Reviews

Nanette Lepore's oddly named Parrotfish dress (buy it here, here, or here) was mistakenly on the 70% off rack, and of course it ended up being the hit of the fitting room. I am wearing a size 8 and I would say this dress runs on the smaller side of true to size. A series of hook and eyes and a bonus keyhole  make the heavily decorated bodice structured and formidable. The shape/silhouette was very similar to the Paris Cafe Sheath (blogged here) and I've noticed Nanette Lepore often does the same basic dress with detail changes across collections so sizing would translate easily from that to this, in my opinion. I passed because it was still too pricey but the quality and intricate details were outstanding.

Nanette Lepore's Summer Love dress in lavender (buy it in pink here or black here) was much trickier in terms of fit. The body-conscious shape meant for me that the hips would be too snug if the bust fit. I tried on a too-small 8 (pictured above) that could have possibly been saved with shapewear but I refuse to buy pieces that need shapewear because that requirement is enough to leave something languishing on a hanger rather than being worn many times over. It had thick shoulderpads that gave the poof sleeves structure. It was fully lined and included pockets.

This simple silk jersey dress from Tibi had a print that wow'd me and was on super sale. I am wearing a medium so I would say this runs a little large, especially in the waist. I needed a belt to correct for the lack of structure, causing the dress to hang off my widest parts without fitting or emphasizing my narrowest.

This leaf-print bubble hem skirt by Marc by Marc Jacobs was very inexpensive (buy it for cheap here). The size 10 was true to MBMJ sizing and a little big on me. But to compensate for the short length, I sized up. I passed even though the price was low because of the short length.

Lastly, this drapey cardigan from Alice + Olivia was soft and comfortable in a size medium. But it felt like a robe and looked pretty messy on me. I passed even at 70% off.

I'll be back tomorrow with a roundup of the few foundation pieces I did buy on megasale and my first wedding dress fitting OOTD. Thanks for reading!