Awesome clothes for awesome prices

[dieselgirl615]

I've shopped at Banana Republic for years and started working there to make some extra cash a few months ago. Since then, I cringe thinking about how many times I paid full price in the past.

My friends always comment that their clothes are expensive. My reply: "You should never pay full price." They are always having sales and offer coupons.

Recently, I have gotten some incredible deals and all without using my employee discount because the sale/coupon was better. For instance, I bought a $250 long winter coat for $80. That was a combination of all women's outerwear being 25% off and having a 50% off entire purchase mystery coupon. This coat is high quality, fits great, and will last me for years. Today, I just picked up a $60 fashion scarf for $11. And because I used my Banana Card, I got a free tote that is currently selling for $60.

That's another thing - the Banana Republic credit card. I agree that most store credit cards are bad ideas but the Banana Card (or Old Navy or Gap) actually has great rewards and benefits that continue way beyond the usual "10% of today's purchase" that other stores offer. At least once a quarter there is a promotion for card holders only, anywhere from 25% to 40% off the entire store. There are special shopping weekends where you earn double or triple points that turn into reward coupons. Or this summer, there was $10 Tuesdays - buy anything (say a $4 pair of sale socks) and get a $10 reward coupon. You usually have to spend $200 to get that.

And if you're asked for your email address at the register, sign up because it's not the mass mailing list you sign up for on the BR website. Your email goes on a list for that specific store. Each store has special events independent of each other so it's worth it to get the one or two emails/month.

Hope I didn't sound too much like a sales pitch but I'm watching Macy's ads where wool coats are on sale for $80 and I know they're no where near the quality of the one I just bought. Or you might think you just got a great deal on those pants from Boscov's...but then they only last one season and you're buying more next year. I hate that. Check out a BR some time and I'm sure you'll be surprised.

[434Teresa]

I dont have just regluar credit cards but I do have a few store cards becasue of store deals with them. I never charge anything on them unless I have that money in had to pay, I take that money put it up then when the bill comes I mail that money out right away so I dnt have to pay any fee's at all...