Shopping Bag Hags by CouponWinner.com

This Holiday Season

Every holiday season means a little something different for everyone. There are people that view the holiday season to be a much needed break from endless business seminars and term papers while others view it as a time of festive winter celebrations with the people they love. There are even some people that take the holiday season so seriously that they consistently take part in Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies and parades each year. But despite the different meanings of the holiday season, here are a few essential holiday traditions everyone should take part in.

Family Fun: Nothing is more rewarding than a family gathering at the end of the year. It is a time of rest and relaxation with the people you hold dear. This holiday season, try inviting your family and even close friends into your home for a night of celebrations. You can share laughs and precious moments that will last generations.

Secret Santa: Regardless of any factor that makes us an individual, everybody loves presents. So why not give the gift of anticipation this holiday season? Be a secret Santa. You can take part in a random act of kindness and deliver an unexpected gift to a neighbor, coworker, and even a stranger. A small gift can go a long way and spark some holiday cheer.

Home Made Goodness: From the stuffed turkey to the delightful holiday pie, there will be a whole lot of cooking and baking this holiday season. With all the work to be done in the kitchen, you need all the help you can get. Check out QVC – an online retailer with the best daily essentials. They have everything you need to cook up something special this holiday season. They are even offering to take 30% - 70% off on Best Selling Kitchen Items until Dec 31. Get something you and your family can both enjoy.

Sue Pak

Sue Pak is a frequent contributor to CouponWinner.com.

It’s All About You!

Each and every week, the CouponWinner/Shopping Bag Hags staff does our best to bring you the absolute best deals and discounts in the world of fashion. Whether it’s $5 off or 75% off, we all know that a deal’s a deal, no matter what shape or form it comes in.  

But today I wanted to open the couponing floor up just a little bit. I want to know how all of you fashionistas out there are managing to look fabulous and save money in this less-than-fabulous economy. Are you frequenting the discount stores instead of posh boutiques? Getting a little more mileage out of your favorite pair of pumps? Let us in on some of your favorite money-saving tips and tricks so we can broadcast them to the entire Shopping Bag Hags family. Remember, knowledge is power!    

Dana Robinson

Dana Robinson is the Editorial Manager of CouponWinner.com

Making Your Home Your Own

Change is good. Whether its a change in your routine, a change in your look, or a change in your career, doing things differently from time to time typically only brings about positive results. And when you decide to bring change into the decor of your home, know that crafting that new, fresh look doesn’t need to come with a big price tag. Zero in on a few minor aspects of the home that are in need of an update, and voila!—an original ambiance. 

Semi-Homemade Crafts: Zero in on small details in your home that look a bit plain, like drab lamps. You can give lamps a new lease on life by simply switching out the lampshade. Choose a shade with rich colors and patterns to give your home a updated, funky look.

Smell the Difference: Every home has a fragrance, perhaps of dinner roasting in the oven or flowers growing in the window. Give your home its own fragrance by using wall plug-ins. These litle devices are an easy, effective way of rejuvenating your home’s scent without saturating each room with a heavy, flowery spray. Go for something seasonal like pumpkin or cranberry woods for a cozy log-cabin vibe, or try dessert scents like mint chocolate, or oatmeal raisin cookie to achieve a comfortable, playful aura reminiscent of your favorite childhood treats. Luckily, all of the aforementioned fragrances are available at Bath & Body Works, and until September 15 you can get four home fragrances for only $20. It's a great price and a great way to freshen up your home.  

Naomi Kahlon

Naomi Kahlon is a frequent contributor to CouponWinner.com.

Beauty Bargains

 
 

We all know that looking good is almost as important as feeling good. But it’s also true that it’s a lot easier to feel good when you know you’ve saved a bundle on the latest beauty products.

Clarins offers some of the most amazing cosmetics and skincare formulas available on the market, including Relaxing Body Balm to soften and moisturize the skin, and Sun Eye Contour Care Ultra Protection SPF 30 to help keep the crow’s feet away. And if you go online and become a Clarins member you’ll be entitled to some great benefits and discounts, including  exclusive invitations to discover new Clarins products, as well as access to online contests, sweepstakes, beauty advice, and more. You can even choose three free samples with every order and enjoy free shipping on any order until August 3 (code: SUMMER.)

Great deals, great products, and fabulous, beautiful skin. Not a bad way to close out the summer!

Dana Robinson

Dana Robinson is a couponing and beauty expert.

Weekend Specials

 

Here we are again. Another long weekend that will be filled with barbeques, fireworks, patriotism…and shopping! Here are some of the hottest deals that will be going on this Fourth of July weekend for your shopping pleasure:

Perry Ellis: Until July 4 you can get 40% off all purchases, plus free shipping (code: PEJULY40).

JC Penny: Get $10 off orders of $25 or more (code: FLYAFLAG) until July 4.

New York & Company: You only have until tomorrow (July 2) to get 40% off orders of $125 or more (code: 6517).

Saks Fifth Avenue: Get free shipping on orders of $150 or more until July 4 (code:SHIPFREE2).

LeapFrog: Pick up some educational toys for the kids and get 15% off any two books or games when you purchase by July 4 (code: SPARKLE).    

Ashford.com: Get $30 off orders of $299 or more until July 5 (Code: FOURTH).

Happy July 4^th!

Dana Robinson

Dana Robinson is a couponing and beauty expert.

Exciting, On-Sale Basics

New sale pieces are always popping up, and these spring essentials should help you maintain a high-quality wardrobe for much less. If you stock up on the simple stuff, you can put together winning outfits in no time.

 

Neutral-Colored Skirt

If you think putty or tan when you see neutral-colored skirt on the list, you're mistaken! A neutral skirt can be in black, white, or cream, and it should be in the most figure-flattering style you can get your hands on. My top choice is a black pencil skirt, but I know plenty of people who love a good a-line piece.

 

A Patterned, Lightweight Top

This simple top can add color under a blazer, can be worn unbuttoned over a silk tank, or can be tucked into a dressy skirt of choice. Don't let the pattern trip you up, either—you have more options out there than just florals. Try a patterned top with swirls or other abstract designs, or a willy-nilly geometric in black and white.

Available at Kensie.com

A Bright T-Shirt with Scoop or V-Neck

These tops won't just work for every day—they are excellent for working out as well. Try a scoop neck and then wear a scarf around your neck, or go for a tucked-in plain t-shirt with a billowing blouse worn up top. Grab a v-neck shirt with elbow-length sleeves if your office is chilly, and you don't want to have to layer all summer.

 

A Simple Cardigan

I always reach for black when it comes to cardigans, but you definitely don't have to. A simple cardigan that needs a boost can easily have its buttons replaced, too, and you'll have a brand-new look for the following season. Because cardigans can be carried over from year to year, buy the best one you can afford.

 

A New Dress

A cockatail-length dress with a slightly more conservative shape will flatter women in the office or out on the town. A brand-new dress is always a good investment, because you can try wearing a button-down underneath or a jacket on top to change the look entirely. It's worth it.

 

A Pair of Jeans

Invest in a summer-weight pair of jeans if you are a die-hard denim wearer like me. While dark jeans are amazing for matching and looking elegant, nobody would fault you for going a shade or two lighter to complement summer pastels and whites.

 

If you are looking for a good way to cobble together your spring wardrobe, I highly recommend you swing by a sale or two and get going! These basics will lighten up your wardrobe enough to keep you going until summer.

Current Great Deals on Coupon Winner

Need some new deals? These hot coupon codes are very popular on our site, and we want to help you get the best deals of the moment: Overstock, Old Navy, Kensie, Go Jane, and Ann Taylor await!

Overstock.com

Overstock is one of those destinations that you have to try as hard as you can to visit regularly when you're doing your usual shopping. Want a specific style of shoes, a great necklace set, or a special-occasion dress? Overstock.com is the place to go.

• Receive $17 off all orders $400+ from Overstock.com. New Customers.
• Receive $10 off all purchases $250+ from Overstock.com (expires April 5th)

Get Overstock.com coupon codes here.

 

Old Navy

Old Navy is one of my favorite places to shop, because the discounts are always quite good. Stacking coupons, getting free shipping, browsing extended sizes... you can do it all at Old Navy. This spring, I recommend getting something with a fresh floral print—Old Navy regularly has some great ones.

• Receive Free Shipping on purchases $50+ at OldNavy.com (ongoing)
• Receive 30% off select maternity jeans at oldnavy.com.
• Receive $10 off any purchase of $50 or more when you sign-up for the e-mail newsletter from OldNavy.com.
• Receive savings w/ the Semi-Annual Stock-Up Sale with basics starting at $4 & free shipping on orders $50+ at Old Navy (expires March 16th).

Get Old Navy codes here.

 

Kensie

Kensie's the kind of site that seems quite expensive, but it's not. It combines exciting finds with tantalizingly low prices, and their best coupon is the one that's for 20% off any purchase. That could mean a fairly inexpensive piece for less if you play your cards right.

• Receive 20% off any purchase at Kensie.com (expires Dec. 31st)
• Receive Free Shipping on any purchase of $100 or more at kensie.com.
• Receive 40% - 85% off Winter Clearance Items at Kensie.com.

Get Kensie coupon codes here.

 

Go Jane

Go Jane's shoes might be a one-season only deal, but why is that so bad? Go Jane's booties are just magnifique, as are the flats, and since the shoes are already fairly cheap, you'll be in for a treat when you buy a couple pairs of their shoes with a coupon code. Their faux leather is particularly soft.

• Receive free shipping on purchases $50+ from GoJane.com.
• Receive 25% off full price purchases from GoJane.com (expires March 10th)
• Receive Skirts from $6 from GoJane.com.

Get Go Jane coupon codes here.

 

Ann Taylor

Shopping for work? Ann Taylor is one of my favorite places to load up on the deals, and why not? With these coupon codes in hand, copied and ready to paste, Ann Taylor's sweet sophistication could be mine, mine, mine!

• Receive 40% off 3 or more full-price items at anntaylor.com
• Receive 25% off 2 full-price items at anntaylor.com
• Receive 20% off your purchase of $150 or more from AnnTaylor.com (expires March 18th).

 Get Ann Taylor coupon codes here.

6 Ways to Wear Sparkle

This is, without a doubt, the time of year to be wearing sparkles of any kind, but perhaps you're not a glitz-and glamour gal. Since some of us—coughcough ME!--are more into sequins and embroidery on a regular basis, we can guide you on your path to getting more festive and fun=-lookipng.

 

(Arden B, Juicy Couture)

Sequined Hats and Berets

A hat with sparkles and pizazz is the perfect topper to a black dress, but few people choose this route regularly. A sequined beret doesn't have to be in black, either—it can be fashioned in an all-over spangle or dotted with just a few glints. Berets in a softer knit should be picked in silk and mohair, and summer-weight hats for southerners are great in metallic crocheted cotton.

 

Sparkly-Bow Shoes

Take me home! Where's Toto? You get the drift. Shoes with a sparkly bow aren't juvenile or silly if you shop for the right pair. In fact, shoes with a sparkly bow can look very stylish in an all-over color on the upper and trim, like gold or silver (or black or red). Shoes with a sparkly bow can features gems, knitted, metallic mesh, or sequins.

(Forever 21, Bogden)

Brooches with Bling

A brooch with rhinestones is an intelligent purchase, but this piece truly goes beyond expectations for shiny-shiny items. Brooches with bling can be shaped like fans, goblets, holiday bows, or kittens, for example, so you'll definitely find a piece that suits your personality. Brooches with bling can always be abstract or arty, too.

 

Rhinestone-Edged Glasses

Are you a fan of ironic eyewear? Rhinestone-edged glasses can have cat's eyes or square-shaped frames, but there's always that touch of flair along the edge of the glasses themselves. A thick black frame looks nice when the lines are broken up by a few sparkles, and rhinestone-edged glasses can be found in numbers online.

(ASOS, Kohl's)

Silver Panties and Leggings

Why not wear a pair of silver panties that heat up your underskirts? While basic black does the trick, American Apparel exists for a reason. Silver bike shorts are a funny way to retain your modesty and still look alluring with your layers over. If you cycle to work, then silver shorts or bloomers could become an indispensable part of your wardrobe!

 

Are you a sparkle-lover all year long, or only around the holidays?

Why Coupon Codes Should Be Stackable and Other Sales Musings

If you are like me, then you want to maximize your savings whenever you shop only. I went on a shopping spree this weekend, trying to find coupon codes and shipping codes that code work together. What torture! Here's how I wish coupon codes worked:

 

• Companies woudn't put random things on sale and then offer coupon codes that don't apply to sale items.

• All codes should be stackable. Why do I shop at Old Navy? Because I can apply multiple sales codes to reduce my costs. Why do I avoid ASOS.com? Because their coupon code deals are few and far betweem, and not combinable with any other deal.

• Companies should avoid giving out one-time only coupon codes. The best part about coupon codes is the sharing, and they get more orders when everyone's buzzing about a hot deal. If it's too exclusive, then it's not worth it.

• Websites should reward those who spend more with an impressive coupon code. I have seen this promised on multiple e-commerce websites, but the follow-through is less than impressive. The same example cited above comes to mind again: ASOS. They say that they release “reward” coupon codes to big spenders, but that's not necessarily true.

• Sites should include clearance items in more coupon code deals. I routinely see free shipping codes blocked when buying clearance items, but why? I am a shopper who will go elsewhere if I can't get free shipping with my order. If I can get a substantial discount, then I might be happy with flat-rate shipping, but that's an “if.” I'm currently trying to deal with Lauren Silva's great %-off discounts that don't jive with most of her marked-down items, and the fact that I have to pay shipping.

• Companies would toss out automatically-applied “free shipping after spending X-amount” coupons on the website, because they make free shipping coupon codes harder to find.

• Blog-specific coupon codes are very hard to find. For example, I remembered that one of my favorite websites to shop at was doing a lot of promotional campaigns with blogs, but I couldn't find a single coupon code anywhere! The codes were buried in Google, and I was sad.

• Sites should stop trying to prevent their inclusion on deal websites. I have noticed that many of my favorite websites try to prevent the spread of the coupon codes on sharing sites, and I find that silly.

 

What coupon code issues do you have?

Why Coupon Codes Should Be Stackable and Other Sales Musings

If you are like me, then you want to maximize your savings whenever you shop. I went on a shopping spree this weekend, trying to find coupon codes and shipping codes that code work together. What torture! Here's what I wish sites wouldn't do:

• Companies wouldn't put random things on sale and then offer coupon codes that don't apply to sale items.

• All codes should be stackable. Why do I shop at Old Navy? Because I can apply multiple sales codes to reduce my costs. Why do I avoid ASOS.com? Because their coupon code deals are few and far between, and not combinable with any other deal.

• Companies should avoid giving out one-time-only coupon codes. The best part about coupon codes is the sharing, and they get more orders when everyone's buzzing about a hot deal. If it's too exclusive, then it's not worth it.

• Websites should reward those who spend more with an impressive coupon code. I have seen this promised on multiple e-commerce websites, but the follow-through is less than impressive. The same example cited above comes to mind again: ASOS. They say that they release “reward” coupon codes to big spenders, but that's not necessarily true.

• Sites should include clearance items in more coupon code deals. I routinely see free shipping codes blocked when buying clearance items, but why? I am a shopper who will go elsewhere if I can't get free shipping with my order. If I can get a substantial discount, then I might be happy with flat-rate shipping, but that's an “if.” I'm currently trying to deal with Lauren Silva's great %-off discounts that don't jive with most of her marked-down items, and the fact that I have to pay shipping.

• Companies would toss out automatically-applied “free shipping after spending X-amount” coupons on the website, because they make free shipping coupon codes harder to find.

• Blog-specific coupon codes are very hard to locate when you need to. For example, I remembered that one of my favorite websites to shop at was doing a lot of promotional campaigns with blogs, but I couldn't find a single coupon code anywhere! The codes were buried in Google, and I was sad.

• Sites should stop trying to prevent their inclusion on deal websites. I have noticed that many of my favorite e-commerce destinations try to prevent the spread of the coupon codes on sharing sites, and I find that silly.

 

What coupon code issues do you have?