Amazing Bloomingdales Sale!

Between April 26th and April 30th, Bloomingdale's is offering an additional 40% off all sale merchandise online and in stores. Enter the code APR40 at checkout to redeem the code online. Some reports suggest this code may also work on non-sale items.

Bluefly Offers Discounts on Dwell Bedding

I had been hunting for a new queen sized duvet cover for several months. The modern, clean look of the Dwell bedding collection was at the top of my list, but $250 for a duvet cover and pillow shams is more than I can swallow. I was at the end of my rope and considering settling for a solid white one. Luckily, that all changed yesterday.

While browsing the Bluefly website in search of winter coats on sale, I did a quick check of the "house" category and found a large selection of Dwell bedding at a major discount!

There was not only one, but three or four patterns I liked and had to chose from. I selected this one, and with a discount from Google Checkout, spent just $120 on the order, including shipping.

Online Outlets: Overstock vs. SmartBargains

Don't have the time to make the trip to the Leesburg Outlets, or Potomac Mills? You are in luck. The internet has introduced two fantastic websites that offer similar prices and the same giant selection you will find at typical outlet malls -- Overstock and SmartBargains. Both sites are worth bookmarking, but have different strengths and product offerings.

SmartBargains is the clear winner in women's clothing and shoe category. Thanks to a partnership with legendary discount giant Loehmann's, the overall selection and quality of brands and designer labels is unmatched. A quick search today revealed the following designer deals on SmartBargains:

• Vera Wang China
• Prada and Jimmy Choo Shoes
• 50% off these Michele and Movado Watches
• 65% off this Diane Von Furstenburg strapless top and this cropped denim jacket

Overstock also sells apparel, but focuses less on labels and brands and more on offering a comprehensive selection of consumer goods. Some of the things you'll find on Overstock include big-ticket furniture items, a larger selection of rugs and bedding, electronics, DVD's and sports equipment -- like golf clubs and treadmills.

My most recent Overstock purchase was this bedroom set:


The Overstock price was about 50% less than what I would have paid for similar furniture at West Elm or Crate & Barrel, and these pieces are unique. Additionally, I found a 10% off coupon code and placed the order on a weekend where the site was offering $1 shipping on the entire order. The total for the four items pictured was just $1,051. Prices don't get much lower, even at Ikea!

Promo Codes for Last-Minute Discounts

I love to shop online. And, I love how easy it is to dig up instant savings on the web.

Last week I quickly responded to a Banana Republic e-mail blast alerting me to the start of their spring sale. I chose a white 3/4 length sleeve blouse, two spring sweaters and proceeded to the checkout page. A quick Google search of "banana republic coupon code" turned up a 15% off discount code that was valid until May 5th! Just like that, I saved about $15. (other keywords to search for are "promo code," "discount code," "free shipping")

Most online retailers provide similar special offers. You may have to spend a certain amount to qualify, and sometimes you need to use that stores credit card, but it never hurts to do a quick search and sift through the results. Some of the best sites for up-to-date codes are: CouponCabin.com, CouponMountain.com and DealCatcher.com.

• Gap.com typically offers free shipping on orders over $50 if you are paying with your Gap card.
• Overstock.com offers 10% off for new customers.
• Target.com offers 10% off anytime, for no particular reason.
• Buy.com rotates discount codes through various departments. You can save on audio/visual equipment one week, and home networking equipment the next.
  

I never search for these codes unless I'm absolutely ready to buy something anyway. A 10% off coupon for won't save you money if you are buying something just because you found a coupon.