The Shop Tart used to love outlet shopping. With a little effort, she could find that dress from two seasons ago she wished she had bought, at a fraction of the price. Occasionally, she scored big discounts on out of reach items, like a pair of Yves St. Laurent evening shoes. Nowadays, all the big chain stores have outlets, but they don’t carry the same things you find in those stores; they stock lower-end lines with tags that read “Such-and-Such Outlet.” Hmph. Where’s the fun in that?

Several stores in Five Points are bringing the fun back. Mary recently opened a branch in Sophie Shoes. In the back of the shop, now affectionately known as “The Boutique Basement,” you’ll find clothes from past seasons at 60% off. On a recent visit, the Shop Tart found loads of bright colors for spring and plenty of basics, like knits by Michael Stars and Velvet.

Although denim designers put out new styles every season, most of us wear our high-end jeans from past seasons with pride. The Shop Tart still rocks a pair of Paper Denim and Cloth that were a gift she bought for herself to celebrate the return of her normal a**, when her almost-eight-year-old was not yet one. Even denim was 60% off, all styles and colors, including some fab white ones not pictured below.

The Shop Tart, apparently, has strange taste. Or an open mind. Sometimes she loves things like no one else does. Last year, she purchased this dress at an early 20% off sale, so afraid it would be snapped up before reaching the clearance rack.

She admits the Plenty by Tracy Reese dress looks somewhat goofy on the rack, but believe her when she says it looks lovely on a human. And believe her again when she promises it is more versatile than you think - you could wear it to a cocktail party, church, a garden party, even a wedding. You, dear reader, can snap it up at a fraction of the cost. Just call the Shop Tart before you wear it, because you would look silly in matching dresses. Ready, set, go…comb the racks, just like outlets in the old days!

Check out the sale at Mary going on right now, too. All items from fall and winter that were originally over $200 are 60% off and there’s a $20 rack, just for you! New items are coming in daily for spring, in all price ranges.

Revente is another place to score squeal-worthy deals. This year, they’re sharing the love by pricing things to sell in this tough economy. On a recent trip, the Shop Tart had to read the price tags on some Milly items several times before she believed her eyes. She went in to consign some spring items, including an adorable pair of Sigerson Morrison slides she bought at an irresistible discount and has never been able to slide her big foot into. She should have worn blinders to get out of the store without making a purchase, but there it was. A fab skirt by Etro, begging for a spot in her closet. She hoped it might be too small. It was exactly her size. She knew it would be too expensive, even in a consignment shop. Etro is Etro, after all. Au contraire. It was less than $50, less than $40 after her birthday month discount (a great reason to put your little self on the mailing list at Revente!) Hooray! And here’s a little secret: Some big-name boutiques consign at Revente when the season is over. Look for still tagged, never worn items from your fave shops.

2G’s, next door to Adriana’s, is another spot for deals and it can get interesting. Right now, they’re offering 50% off the lowest marked price on most things. If fur is your thing, you won’t believe the deal on this rabbit capelet, perfect to throw over your cocktail dress, evening gown or jumpsuit in our mild climate. After the discount, it’s less than $70.

She also spotted this Coach messenger bag, for $149.90. Wouldn’t it be perfect to take to job interviews?

Another great way to save is by paying attention to your favorite shop’s party schedule - or let the Shop Tart do it for you. Champagne and hors d’oeuvres? Is there a better way to shop? Today is a busy, busy day, but with a little careful planning, you won’t miss a thing. You might have to leave work a few minutes early, but it’s for a good cause.

• The Super Bowl Sale at Kicks of Lexington, Lola and Lola G is happening on Friday and Saturday, but there is a preview sale (snacks and sippers included, bien sûr!) today from 4 to 7 pm with a $10 cover charge to benefit Hands of Hospice. The sale will feature 10-, 20- and 30-dollar bins, as well as 50 to 75% off all Fall and Winter shoes. See you there!
• Stay at Lola for a while and head to LaRoque, any time between 5 and 8 pm. Pretty clothes, hors d’œuvre, champers and chocolate…what’s not to love? And the Shop Tart was so excited to hear about a fabulous prize one lucky customer will win: Wear your LaRoque original to the party to be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift card. That would go a long way towards paying for your Carolina Cup dress. If you can’t make it to the party, you can still get 20% off any purchase you make that day. AnnaBelle can’t wait to entertain in her newly renovated space!
• After LaRoque, head to Kicks on Devine Street, any time between 5:30 to 8 pm for a Lia Sophia jewelry show. They are still having a huge sale on fall shoes, 50% off. Enjoy 15% off tonight only on spring shoes! As for the jewelry, buy one item at full price and get up to two items at half price. Sounds like a plan! (Hint on Kicks’ Facebook page: The Sidewalk Sale is February 7th, but stop by the week before for the same great prices…)
• Pout is celebrating her fifth birthday with a big party today. The shop will be open late, until 7 pm. Come and enjoy door prizes, goodie bags, big discounts, hors d’œuvre and more champers, dah-ling!

Perhaps you should take a nap at lunch to get ready? Mwah!

In other news…

• Today and tomorrow, take an extra 10% off already drastically reduced sale items at M Boutique. Buy some things you can wear right now!
• Belladea is having a sale today and tomorrow - 25% off everything. Time to plan your spring look…
• Britton’s Yansi Fugel trunk show begins today and lasts until Saturday. Enjoy 10% off special orders and 20% off in-store purchases during the show.
• The Shop Tart was heartbroken to hear the March issue will be Domino Magazine’s last. She adores that magazine for its mix of budget-friendly and mad lovely decorating tips. *Sigh* Wonder if we could clap and bring it back to life, like Tinkerbell…

Happy Shopping and don’t forget to tell them you read it on the Shop Tart!

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