I have always enjoyed reading mystery books because you never know what will happen in the beginning, middle and end of the book. Well who would have ever thought of coming up with a wonderful idea in having a girly girl mystery? I really enjoyed reading this book and enjoyed trying to find out the mystery during the story line. I got the book from FSB Media to read. Here is an article that I’m sure every woman and girl would love to read! I highly recommend reading the book. You never know…you might enjoy the book as much as I did.
Great Places to Score a Discount Designer Handbag
By Dorothy Howell,
Author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery
You don’t have to dress less-than-glam during these hard economic times — not when shopping centers and Internet sites are flush with places to snag a genuine designer handbag at a deeply discounted price.
Stores selling discounted handbags range from small, intimate vintage and consignment shops to large department stores, and even larger outlet malls. Internet sites offer a wide range of styles, colors, and designer names.
The Premium Outlets and the Tanger Outlets far and away have the largest concentration of discounted designer merchandise. Along with handbag stores such as Coach, Judith Leiber, Kate Spade and Dooney & Bourke, you’ll find a fantastic array of designer stores. Michael Kors, Liz Clairborne, Prada, DKNY, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Burberry, along with many others, carry everything from clothing to shoes, and a sampling of their handbag lines.
The Premium Outlets have over 40 locations nationwide, along with malls in Puerto Rico, Japan, Korea, and Mexico. Tanger Outl
et has over 30 locations in the U.S. Both offer AAA and AARP member discounts. Join th
eir VIP Club and visit their Web sites for coupons and special offers. Check out their seasonal sales weekends and national promotions for extra savings in addition to everyday discounts.
First, and in some cases, second quality mercha
ndise is available. You’ll have to bring along a magnifying glass to find flaws, though. Most are detectable only to the factory-trained eye.
These outlet stores are great places to shop. There’s no digging through clearance bins or blowing the dust off of merchandise that’s
been sitting around for months. The stores are immaculate, the shelves are orderly and well stocked. The staffs are knowledgeable and helpful, the same as you’ll find in their retail stores. Many times, after making your selection, the clerk can bring you a “fresh” bag from the stock room. Care is taken to wrap your treasure in the store’s s
ignature tissue paper, and deposit it into their trademark shopping bag.
Discounts typically run 20% to 40% off the MSRP, with deeper cuts of up to 65% off of sale and clearance items. Many of these stores
offer a full guarantee on their products, plus a money back return policy. But, as with any store, ask before you buy. Keep in mind that these outlet malls are huge, so wear comfortable shoes and plan for a full day of shopping.
Great bargains can be found in retail giants such as Macy’s and Dillard’s Department Stores. These discounts are usually offered seasonally so you’ll have to watch for them. The selection of these bags will b
e limited, but you can expect to pay from 20% to 30% off their retail prices.
Leading discount department stores such as Ross Dress For Less, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls offer designer handbags. The se
lection varies. You might find a Diane von Furstenberg, Betsy Johnson or a Fossil bag mixed in with their non-designer bags. Merchandise varies from location to location. These are no-frills stores. If you don’t mind digging for a good deal, you can expect to save 20% to 60% off of department store prices.
Some of the most sought-after designer brands are offered at Websites such as Rue LaLa and Gilt Group. These sites offer members-only pricing on luxury brands, usually for a limited time. Shop early. Expect to pay sales prices of up to 70% off retail.
The website e-bay, along with many other online sites, offers designer handbags at considerable savings. The selection is wide and varied. New as well as used purses are available. You’ll have to pay shipping costs, in most cases, so take that into consideration when looking at their prices.
Consignment stores and vintage shops are also good places to find a handbag at a low price. Keep in mind these purses are gently used. Designer names and selection will vary widely. Inventory fluctuates so it’s good to check back often. Savings can be considerable.
No matter where you choose to shop for your designer handbag, it’s important that you can distinguish a genuine bag from a knock-off. Read product descriptions carefully. Do your homework. Know the tell-tale signs
of a counterfeit bag. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
There’s no need to deny yourself the joy of sporting a designer handbag when so many places offer great merchandise and outstanding discounts to the everyday fashionista. Get out and see what’s available. Shop
ping for your new bag is half the fun!
© 2010 Dorothy Howell, author of Shoulder Bags and S
hootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery
Author BioDorothy Howell, author of Shoulder Bags and Shootings: A Haley Randolph Mystery, was inspired to write Handbags and Ho
micide by her crazed obsession with designer purses. She lives in Southern California, where there is, thankfully, no rehab program for handbag addiction, and is hard at work on her next Haley Randolph mystery. Visit her Website at www.DorothyHowellNovels.com.
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