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Have You Ever Been Refused a "Price Match Guarantee"?

GeekSugar — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:02:57 -0700

Best Buy has been in some hot water with customers lately after news that their employees have been refusing to follow through with the company's price matching policy. Obviously, everyone wants to get the best price possible for an item (especially if it's a pricey LCD TV you've splurged on to prepare for the DTV transition), and most companies have a price matching policy in place to keep customers coming back.

The report - published by HDGuru.com - showed that in three separate Best Buy stores, employees refused to honor their price matching guarantee by quoting a bogus rule sent down from management. I know that these are hard times for everyone, but come on, your policy is online for everyone to see! Honestly, this news is making me a little wary of buying pricey items at the big box store from now on. Have you ever been refused a price match guarantee?

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FabSugar Black Friday Roundup

FabSugar — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:46:22 -0800

Black Friday is tomorrow, but you best prepare your strategy today. Remember: wear comfy shoes, a hands-free bag, and take deep breaths. Black Friday can be a doozy, but worth the craziness. Here are some of my picks to help you brave the year's most exciting shopping day:

Shopbop: Shopbop is holding a special sale - it starts Friday and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30. Spend $300 or more and save $50; spend $500 or more, save $100; spend $700 or more, save $150; and spend $1,000 or more, save $225. The outerwear selection is pretty pricey so perhaps I can save some moolah there. Promo code: GIFT4U.
H&M: Most H&M stores will open at 6 a.m.; some will open as early as 5 a.m. Twenty-five percent off any item of your choice from opening until 10 a.m. Fashion finds starting at $5. Select outerwear styles at 50 percent off. Boo-ya.
Saks Fifth Avenue: In Saks stores, Friday, Nov. 27 from 8 a.m. to noon, take an additional 40 percent off already reduced prices on selections for her and him. From Friday, Nov. 27 at noon to Sunday, Nov. 29, take an additional 25 percent off already reduced prices. Thirty percent off selections of women’s and men’s cashmere sweaters, handbags, and women’s shoes, up to 40 percent off women’s contemporary selections. And check online for more sweet Saks deals.
Piperlime: Shop Piperlime’s one-day-only sale this Black Friday, where for the very first time you can enjoy 20 percent off on Rachel Zoe’s picks. As always, free shipping.

For more, more, more, read more.

Neiman Marcus: Spend $100 or more between 9 a.m. and noon on Friday, Nov. 27 and receive a $50 gift card.
DSW: Need a new handbag? Fifty percent off bag sale kicks off on Black Friday at DSW. Plus, all other items in the store are 70 percent off.
Rebecca Minkoff: Starting Friday at midnight and ending Monday at midnight, Minkoff's online shop will offer deep deals and free shipping. I've got my eye on the Lovenote gray suede clutch, yum.
Hanky Panky: Undies fans, enjoy free shipping on all orders until the end of '09, as well as promotion coupons on Facebook and Twitter.
Martin + Osa: Thanksgiving weekend, Martin + Osa will be offering all denim (regularly priced at $89.50-120) and cashmere (regularly priced at $130-170) at a special promotional price of $59 each. The in-store sale starts on Nov. 27 and online at 12 a.m. on Nov. 26.
Old Navy: Old Navy stores will be open from noon-7p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and from 3 a.m.-midnight on Black Friday for a three-day event called Gobblepalooza. Gobblepalooza deals include 50 percent off all outerwear; $15 sweaters for the entire family; and a buy two t-shirts, get one free deal.
DKNY: In stores and online, 30 percent of all sale items through Sunday. Free shipping on orders over $150.

Happy shopping!

How Long Are You Willing to Wait in a Black Friday Line?

SavvySugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:00:21 -0800

Sure, Black Friday's deals can't be beaten, but obviously even the best discounts come at a price on your patience. Waiting in a long line at the register is never fun, and last year most of you said the crazy lines on Black Friday are reason enough to keep you out of stores all together. But tell me, does the same hold true for you this time around - how long are you willing to wait till you're up at the register?

Patrick Dempsey Talks to Us About His Latest Scent

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:00:36 -0800

When Patrick Dempsey launched his first scent, Unscripted, late last year, I have to admit I was skeptical of another celebrity fragrance hitting the market. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the subtle, clean scent, and even Mr. Bella - whose idea of a fun night out involves climbing mountains and camping in the woods sans showers - is a fan.

Patrick has been bitten by the fragrance bug once again. The launch of his latest scent, Patrick Dempsey 2 ($30), pays tribute to the intimacy between two people. (That's his wife in the ad campaign.) Expect to see at least two more fragrance launches from Patrick in the future, but in the meantime, check out my one-on-one interview (sigh) with the sexy actor when you read more.

Katie Price Has Broken Up With Alex Reid

PopSugarUK — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:28:00 -0800

Following her shock departure from the jungle, Katie Price had another surprise up her sleeve last night, as she announced during her interview with Ant and Dec on I'm a Celebrity she has broken up with Alex Reid. She's not showing any signs of regret yet, as she tweeted late last night: "I feeeel sooo goood today".

Kate didn't explain exactly why she had broken up with Alex, other than saying she's done a lot of reflecting and said: "I think that it's best I'm on my own. I just don't want to be in a relationship." In the show's sister programme, we saw the moment Kate met up with her pal Michelle Heaton for the first time after leaving the jungle, and Michelle told her about Alex's plans to propose and recommended that Kate dump him.

To find out what Peter Andre's been saying about Kate on the show, just read more.

Peter Andre claims he hasn't been watching the show, but news will surely have reached him about Kate's big decision. Kate also admitted that she'd been a "twit" over the last seven months, and apologised to anyone she'd hurt. It certainly sounds like she's done a lot of reflecting, so let's hope she's happier now that she's made these choices.

5 Savvy Ways to Spend Smart and Save This Weekend

SavvySugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:00:53 -0800

If you spent Monday through Friday monitoring your spending and trying to be productive and efficient, don't erase all your hard work with a wild weekend of spending. Consider these smart saving tips before you whip out your wallet this weekend.

The Deal Behind Spending Money to Save Money Gimmicks - Banks offering plans that deposit money into a savings account every time you spend money are encouraging their customers to build up their savings accounts, which is a good thing. But when the Consumer Reports Money Lab researched competing plans, it found that most of them aren't the best solution.
Cost-Saving and Social Weekend Ideas - When you work so hard all week long, it's tempting to just throw caution to the wind on the weekend and spend your hard-earned money without a plan. I'm all for enjoying your time away from the office, and have come up with nine weekend activities that won't break the bank. Spend less money while enjoying quality time with a friend or two by using one (or more!) of my ideas.
Put It to the Test: Would It Be Cheaper to Make It Yourself? - Perfecting your Orange Julius skills may not be as productive as it once was, but there is a prudent way to play in the kitchen.

For the rest of my weekend saving tips, read more.

Remember, It's About the Moments, Not the It-Bags - Lindsay Price reminds us what it's all about.
Learn How to Do Something New This Weekend - Self-sufficiency is the biggest asset you can have during this down economy. That means not borrowing money from your credit card carrier, but it also includes daily tasks that you often rely on others to complete.

Do you have a great tip for saving on the weekend? Create a PopSugar account or log in to your account, then join the How Do You Save? group and share it! And you never know, it could be featured on SavvySugar! Here's a detailed guide to posting questions or posts to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community.

Alicia Keys - From Songstress to Jewelry Maven

FabSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:02:29 -0800

Alicia Keys can belt out a mean tune, and now she's about to show her talent in jewelry design. The singer, along with Gisèle Theriault, has launched a sterling silver and gemstone line called The Barber's Daughters. What makes it special is each piece is inscribed with author Masaru Emoto's poetry and prayers. The goal is "to give people beautiful, unique pieces with messages that ignite them to find the best within," Alicia said. Retail prices start at $85 and go up to $2,500 - peruse the extensive collection.

To see a few pieces from The Barber's Daughters, read more

View 6 Photos ›

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Zac Posen's Lower-Priced Line Back in Action!

FabSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:22 -0800

Last we spoke about Zac Posen's lower-priced diffusion line, it was on hold due to the weak economy. No fear - it's back. Z Spoke is set to hit Saks Fifth Avenue exclusively in the Spring. The 60-piece range focuses on sportswear via knits, blazers, pleated khaki shorts, and shirts. The best part? The starting price point is $78.

"Zac has always wanted to do a line that would be Zac Posen, but maybe talk to a different girl,” said Ron Frasch, Saks's president and chief merchandising officer. No doubt it will speak to a different customer than his RTW line - one who is just as fabulous but budget-conscious.

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13 Under $20 Wines Perfect For Hostess Gifts

partysugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:15:34 -0800

Do you have an iPhone? Then stop what you're doing right now and download the Nirvino (my preferred online drinking community) wine ratings guide. With over one million wines listed by name, price, grape varietal, flavor profile, region, and producer, the wine application is an amazing resource to always have at your fingertips.

Not only does it provide food pairing suggestions, but there's also lots of fun lists to browse. Food Network's Aida Mollenkamp shares her favorite wines to drink while cooking, Sommelier Mark Bright rounded up his top bottles from Whole Foods, and yours truly has even created a list!

I headed to Safeway to pick out the best wines - all of which are under $20 - for hostess gifts. I've tasted and enjoyed these wines and would bring them to a party. Be it a birthday bash at Hog Island oyster farm, an intimate Thanksgiving dinner, or an upcoming holiday soirée, there's a bottle for every occasion. To check out my list, keep reading.

Food Section Sampler - Nov. 18, 2009

YumSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:30:27 -0800

Time to stock up: Looks like pure canned pumpkin is in short supply this year. - Los Angeles Times
Don't miss out on the Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations. - Wall Street Journal
Catching up with rapper Coolio, who's come out with a new cookbook, Ghetto Gourmet. - Boston Globe
Starbucks has raised its coffee prices in the Windy City. - Chicago Tribune
Complementary wine pairings for every Thanksgiving dish. - San Francisco Chronicle
If you have to reach for frozen pie shells, which brands are the best bets? - Washington Post
French legend Pierre Gagnaire is gearing up for Twist, his first restaurant in the US. - New York Times