"Selected" women's and men's jeans are on sale for $19.99, regularly $49.50-$69.50, at The Gap, stores only.

Who knows if these jeans are wide bellbottoms or so skinny tight you have to squeeze into them? But it's worth a look at that price! Besides, jeans are The Gap's specialty so they have a big variety.

Of course, It's hard to think of wearing jeans in this 90-plus degree heat. Jean shorts, maybe? -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Still looking for a Father's Day gift? Head to Sawgrass Mills on Saturday and check out the specials at Neiman Marcus Last Call.

The store is offering an additional 20% off its regular prices on selected ties, sportswear, golf apparel, men's suits and shoes. And markdowns from 20% to 30% are available though Monday, June 22.

So while you're shopping for your children's father or your father, you can afford to treat yourself! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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It's spring and time for outdoor activities including softball, soccer and rugby.

If looking fashionable is important to you, check out the rugby line at Ralph Lauren. Better yet, get it 30% off with this coupon online and in stores: Ralph Lauren coupon.

The 30% discount is available at Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Stores, Ralph Lauren, RRL and Rugby stores in the U.S. and online at RalphLauren.com and Rugby.com from March 31 through April 14, 2009. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I love Tommy Bahamas clothes, but they're a bit pricey. The solution? Go to a sample sale.

A Tommy Bahama Sample Sale is being held this Saturday and Sunday (March 21 and 22), from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Miami Seaquarium on Key Biscayne. I spied this deal on SocialMiami.com.

The site says the sale features men's t-shirts and woven shirts in size large only and shorts and pants in waist size 34. There is no charge to attend the event, and shoppers will receive $7.50 off the price of admission to Miami Seaquarium. So take the kids!

A portion of the sale proceeds go to benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet. For more information, call 305-749-1842. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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It pays to be dressed well whether working or looking for work.

Jos. A. Bank, a men's clothing retailer with eight stores in South Florida, is taking a cue from Hyundai, according to sister Tribune Co. paper The Baltimore Sun:

Buy a suit during its $199 sale March 16 to April 9; if you happen to get laid off from your job, Jos. A. Banks says it will refund up to $199, if you can show proof you've lost your job between April 16 and July 1.

And you can keep the suit!

In January, Hyundai announced a similar promotion, saying would take back cars from people who lose their jobs, suffer a physical disability or are self-employed and forced into bankruptcy. The carmaker said it will let customers return cars within a year of the purchase, and the company will cover $7,500 worth of depreciation.

It's nice to see businesses being responsive to their customers' plights in this job market. It's bound to be a policy that rewards a retailer wih future business.-- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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J.C. Penney's is offering a buy one, get one free deal on clearance items. Preview is today and Thursday with advertised sale Friday through Sunday, Jan. 25. So the time to go is today or Thursday before items are picked over.

The buy one, get one is a great time to pick up staples: exercise clothes, underwear, tops that go with everything.

Bring a relative or friend to a clearance sale. It's great fun. I remember one J.C. Penney sale with my Aunt J. from New York, one of the ultimate bargain hunters of the family, and when an item on a sale rack wasn't marked down, she talked them into dropping the price.

I'm betting Aunt J. will be at J.C. Penney's this week. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Heading to the snowy north? I hope not, but if you are, swing by Saks Off 5th before you go.

From 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 26, Saks Off 5th is offering 70 percent off cashmere sweaters, outerwear, boots, hats, gloves and other seasonal items.

Saks Off 5th stores are located at Sawgrass Mills and Dolphin Mall in South Florida. Most Saks apparel is too pricey for me, but you do find the occasional jewel on sale. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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J.C. Penney has put up its after-Christmas doorbusters online. The department store's doors open at 5:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26th. Doorbusters include this guy's fleece hoodie for $17.99.

Two coupons, $10 off a $50 purchase and $15 off a $75 purchase, are available:

J.C. Penney coupons

The store is advertising online 75 percent off its holiday trim and decor as well as 60 percent off many other items. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Salvation Army, which usually is in the business of collecting money for its good causes, is marking down its acquired furniture and other items at all its Broward County stores on Dec. 24.

Everything will be 50 percent off for this one day only at the six Salvation Army Family Super Stores, open from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The stores have clothing, furniture, household goods, sporting equipment, books, electronics and more.

The best reason to buy: All proceeds from sales at the Salvation Army Family Super Store go directly to the operation of The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers.

Here are the Broward County locations:

1791 W Broward Blvd. 888 N University Dr.
Ft Lauderdale Pembroke Pines
954 463-3725 954-433-2160

310 N State Rd. 7 7707 W. Commercial Blvd
Margate Tamarac, FL
954 979-6999 954-721-0705

2300 SW 56th Ave.
Hollywood
954 961-7523

451 E Copans Rd.
Pompano Beach
954 782-3925

Shopping and doing good -- now that's a great concept. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Are you heading to Burlington Coat Factory for Black Friday specials?

Here are some of the cool things in their ads:

Hannah Montana or Spiderman jacket for $19.99

Gloria Vanderbilt twill jeans for $7.99

Diamond Accent Pendants for $29.99

You can find all of these ad scans on http://bfads.net/Adscans

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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No time to shop when we have lines to stand in to vote!

But after you cast your ballot today, check out Kohls.com for 15 percent off everything with only 99 cents shipping per item (unless there's special handling involved.)

Enter the code Election15 to get the special discount.

If you're a Phillies fan -- or know one, you could buy this World Series T-shirt through Kohls.com.

You also can enter to win a $10,000 grand prize in a Kohl's sweepstakes. First prize is a family vacation for four at a Disney World resort and tickets to Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba show in Orlando.

Let's see I've voted, so what shall I buy? Maybe I'll just enter the sweepstakes. It's my birthday week; maybe that's lucky. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Looking for some good bargains? Check out the great sale at Salvation Army's Broward stores.

On Oct. 25, everything in all six stores throughout Broward County will be 50 percent off except for furniture, which will be 25 to 75 percent off. Among items included in the sale are clothing, furniture, household goods, sporting equipment, books and electronics.

All six Broward County stores will have free drawings for prizes and giveaways.

Here are the locations:

888 North University Drive, Pembroke Pines, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., 954-433 2160.
1791 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 10 a.m. -8 p.m, 954 463-3725.
310 N State Rd.7, Margate, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m, 954 979-6999.
2300 SW 56th Ave., Hollywood, 10 a.m.--4:30 p.m, 954 961-7523.
451 E Copans Road., Pompano Beach, 10 a.m. -6 p.m., 954 782-3925.
7707 Commercial Blvd., Tamarac, 10 a.m. -7 p.m., 954 721-0705.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Last week I promised to let you know about the Miami mall a cute hip young fashion writer recommended. We thought we'd check it out first. It's an easy drive if you follow the Homestead signs driving south on the Turnpike. We didn't...don't ask.

Hardly an undiscovered gem, the huge parking lot was full, full, full. But, wow, well worth the drive. It's huge....and doesn't seem as picked over as local Sawgrass Mills.

It has some of the same big flagship stores as Sawgrass: Neiman Marcus Last Call, Off Fifth Saks Outlet, Burlington Coat Factory, T J Maxx, Marshalls, Bed Bath and Beyond. In total there are over 240 stores and restaurants.

Fellow blogger Marcia and I only had a few hours...we could have spent the whole day! Heck, you could spend a week there! We happened to walk in the entrance that took us to For Love 21, the Forever 21 accessory store. Huge selection, amazing prices. I bought a beaded necklace with a cheap charm on it, intending to replace their charm with an old locket I've had. Marked $4.95...scanned in at $1. Like a treasure hunt!

We ran out of time after Neiman Marcus Last Call...walking out for a previous engagement was sheer torture. The store signs were like the mythical sirens summoning us: Michael Kors, Coach, Calvin Klein, DKNY, DSW, Ann Taylor.....

But we'll certainly go back. And soon!

Dolphin Mall

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Since I've been watching Michael Phelps record-breaking achievements in the Olympics this week, I've been curious about Speedo's new LZR Racer suit that he and others are wearing.

According to Speedo, "the Fastskin LZR Racer is the result of some of the most extensive research in swimwear history. Made from an ultra lightweight, low drag, water repellent, fast drying fabric, unique to Speedo, called LZR Pulse, the LZR Racer is the world’s first fully bonded swimsuit."

The benefits, they list as:
5% better oxygen efficiency, enabling swimmers to swim faster for longer**

4% faster in starts, sprints and turns**

Internal core stabiliser supports and holds the swimmer in a corset-like grip and helps them to maintain the best body position in the water for longer. The result...faster performances.

Reduces muscle oscilation and skin vibration through the world's lightest, most powerful and water repellant swim fabric. The athlete has complete freedom of movement.

I doubt whether the suit is responsible for Phelps' magnificent performance and I don't think we'll see the LZR on South Florida's beaches anytime soon, but interesting stuff. Parents, may be worth noting for your budding Olympian. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Remember the Arab oil embargo of 1973? Apparently, all the politicians forgot. So, as we struggle with gas prices over $4 a gallon, many of us are planning our shopping trips more than ever before.

We on the shopping blog promise to make your lives easier and to save you gas by letting you know about all the new store openings.

Here goes: A new 4,200-square-foot Lilly Pulitzer store will open on June 27th at The Terrace in Town Center at Boca Raton. The new store will have women's, men's and children's collections as well as gifts and accessories, including bags, shoes, jewelry and eyewear.

Palm Beach's Lilly Pulitzer no longer owns her namesake label, but the designers have taken her bright colors and fun patterns and updated them. I just love the look. Perfect for Florida -- then and now.

XOXO --- Shopper Girl

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Sometimes great shopping tips come from the most unexpected places. My friend, Paul, who doesn't consider himself a "shopper" gave me a blog worthy tip. He found a pair of sneakers and a pair of work shoes for a total of $62!

But the ultimate tipster was his dad, who is also not a "shopper." Dad was in the Palm Beach Mall and discovered a great sale at DSW Shoe Warehouse because this branch was going out of business.

Paul, who had bought a pair of basketball shoes at another store for $32, found a comparable brand for about $22 that were originally $35. He also found a pair of work shoes that were originally marked $69.95 for about $39. The receipt said he saved $115 over what he might have paid in another store. Women's shoes are also on sale.

DSW Shoe Warehouse is located at the Palm Beach Mall, 1801 Palm Beach Lake Blvd #272A, West Palm Beach, 561-478-1332. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. See www.dsw.com

There's no closing date, but a customer service reprsentative said the store might be closed by the end of the month. Better hurry!

Bravo, Paul. Thanks for the tip. By the way, he returned the first pair of regular price sneakers.

-- XOXO Shopper Girl

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Check out this fashion info-graphic I found on usatoday.com.

They asked GQ creative director Jim Moore to name five timeless fashion pieces for men that transcend time and trends. As you click on each basic piece -- Levi's 501 jeans, a Brooks Brothers button-down, Rayban Aviators, Converse hightops and a Ralph Lauren gray flannel suit (something we can obviously do without here in SoFla..) -- you get suggestions of items to pair with that piece. And it tells you the price and where to get it.

They are pretty basic style tips, but then again, for the guy who doesn't have a fashion clue, it' s a good place to start.

K.V.W.

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Checking in from the O.C. because, like it or not, the West Coast eats Florida's lunch on trends.
So what's big here? Ridiculously tight jeans on guys. Some people call 'em "emo jeans" because Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz wears 'em (reportedly girl's jeans).
The trend was started by, of all people, skateboarders, and many skate companies are selling teeny little jeans for teeny little guys, like these Volcom Sheckler jeans, named for teenage skateboarding whiz Ryan Sheckler.
Maybe it'll only catch on over here because the weather's so awesome. Seriously, can you imagine wearing these things in our hot, sweaty weather?
-- G.G.S.

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Gents know the fashion challenge of looking like a sharp-dressed man while listening to your iPod. There’s nothing more unwieldy as wearing a blazer with wires hanging out and bulky electronics ruining the line of a good suit.

To the rescue comes Bagir men’s wear and Express stores with the Play List Jacket. The tailored blazer comes with a strategically placed pocket designed for an iPod. Earphone wires are set in place with hidden loops in the inner lapel. There are even soft-touch controls inside the lapel for easy adjustments.

The Play List Jacket retails for $248 (not including the matching trousers) at the Express store in Pembroke Lakes Mall.

R.S.H.

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