Did you know that over 85% of all American women are wearing the wrong bra size?  Well, Oprah and the girls (Trinny and Susannah) from What Not To Wear do!  Last summer they staged a Bra Intervention and had Susan Nethero, an expert bra fitter, help all the women in Oprah’s audience find the right bra size.  Wearing the correct bra size can be very uplifting, no pun intended.  Your clothes will fit better, you will instantly look slimmer and feel great, no surgery needed!  However, if you weren’t in Oprah’s audience and missed the show, how do you know what bra to look for?   No worries!  Fashion Bug is having a free in-store bra fitting event.  All bras are buy one, get one 50% off.   But you need to hurry with this one as it is only this Saturday (Feb 9th) 10AM-6PM!  While you are at Fashion Bug, check out their wide selection of 40% off jeans and 80% off clearance items!   If you are unable to attend the Fashion Bug bra event, be sure to visit the Fashion Bug website to learn how to measure yourself for the right bra fit. 

Save the Date:

Fashion Bug Bra Fitting Event

Saturday, February 9, 2008

10am-6pm

Having the look of a consignment shop, but the selection of a designer outlet is a genre of bargain stores that are in a class by themselves.  MDM has come across a number of these entreprenueral  enterprises, and when that occurs her initial reaction is to savor the moment and buy, buy, buy!   These shops are the back wall clearance racks where all those great bargains are found. 

Markdown Mom found one of these gems in South Minneapolis.  Located at  4320 Excelsior Boulevard (952-922-2435), Opitz Outlet carries upscale overstocks that even the celebs would salivate over. Originally one of the first Twin Cities consignment stores, Opitz carries upscale consignments, but also designer overstocks.  With discounts of 70% to 80% off msrp, bargain hunting fashionistas have a large inventory to choose from.  Apparel, shoes, and accessories from top designers and now a fledgling housewares department make this a “must.” 

If designers Charles David Anne Klein, Lauren, DKNY, Steve Madden, Prada, Kathy Vreeland, Minx at 70% off doesn’t get your bargain heart pumping, then you will have to step next door at the Opitz Annex where you will find blowout flat prices like dresses and name brand handbags for $5, and next week $15 women’s boots. 

MDM recommends to take the time and  look over these items for any small flaws, however, at 90%off+you can afford to take a chance at less than perfect.

Clean lines, contemporary looks, a bit of wimsy, and great bargains greeted MDM at the huge IKEA store across from the Mall of America.   Divided into two levels, the size of the store has proven somewhat daunting for first time visitors.  MDM recommends making your first visit to the store during the weekdays and off-peak hours since weekends tend to be crowded; otherwise, you may have to leave a trail of crumbs to find your way out. 

The top level of the store is the Showroom where you can see a full set-up by room.  On this level is a restaurant & café.  This is the level to jot down the numbers of the individual pieces you wish to purchase and pick-up on the 1st level below.  If you are purchasing items, MDM recommends parking on the upper level, which places the customer at the entry of the 1st level. 

IKEA  is open daily from 10am-9pm, and the restaurant  café from 9:30am-8:00pm.  You can get breakfast for 99¢ until 11 a.m.  Ikea provides instructions how to shop its’ stores online, so be sure to take a look before your first visit because it will avoid a lot of confusion.  IKEA provides wheelchairs, superior to the Mall of America, and has had electric carts, too for its’ customers–although at this writing they were not available. Strollers are also provided, and Ikea has storage lockers to place packages from other stores or coats for a 25¢ fee that is refundable.  Bags and shopping carts for keeping track of merchandise are provided, too.   All products are written in swedish, but the pricing code will tell you if you can pick-up the item or will have to special order it, additionally each item list its’ dimensions and other valuable information to assist in your decision. 

MDM especially liked the 1st level Marketplace that contained throw rugs for $1.99, prints, designer accent lighting, housewares and so much more.  A sample of items you can find include stainless kitchenware, lighted shelving, bamboo plants, designer rugs,etc.  MDM did not fail in her mission to locate the clearance section.  In the left corner of the Marketplace as you are entering, you will find an "As Is" and "50% off" sections that include furniture and other items.  Take your time and you can find some real bargains and be sure to ask about shipping and delivery if you are unable to take it with you.  

The Swedish Food Market had some great chocolate filled cookies and MDM was able to find a stainless steel cheese slicer/shaver–can be used to shave chocolate as well–for $4.99. 

You could spend the entire day at IKEA if you have to, but MDM recommends that if you have the time, take IKEA in stages to appreciate all that it has to offer.  Bring your own bag(s) to take your goodies home or pay a nominal 5¢ for each.  Worthy of several visits especially if you like finding all those neat design accents and materials that you see on your favorite decorating shows, at bargain prices.  Hats off to the Swedes for combining utility and style.

Skål!

The Big Bowl Restaurant serves fresh Chinese and Thai dishes in a trendy, posh atmosphere.   The restaurant pride’s itself in serving meats from free-ranging organic local farms free of antibiotics and growth hormones.   There are also many delicious options for vegetarian patrons, such as Pad Thai Noodles, vegetable potstickers (pictured right), and tofu curry. 

The dishes are a tad pricey, but well worth the cost.  Many of the dishes are fresh and wok stir fry in front of the customer.  Consumers can chose from a menu of appetizers, sit down dishes, the gourmet dish of the day, or their famous BIG BOWL.  THE BIG BOWL is a self-serve buffet line of fresh vegetables, which are then brought to the chefs who cook them in large woks with any choice of meats (chicken, shrimp, beef) or tofu.

The BIG BOWL is also famous for their home-made ginger ale beverages, which come in a variety of flavors or alcoholic beverages.  MDM recommends their original ginger ale served with a slice of lime (pictured left).  This house recipe is DELICIOUS and REFRESHING after a hot summer’s day and, of course, after a hard day shopping !

The tailored, button-down waiters are charismatic and the service excellent.  Having not previously been to this restaurant, MDM’s waiter thoroughly explained the menu and suggested a sit-down menu instead of choosing the BIG BOWL.  He obviously was trying to convince patrons to select the more expensive meals, and commented that the BIG BOWL options may be TOO OVERWHELMING for first-time diners!!!!  MDM thought this was quite humorous so at the end of the meal when the check was brought to the table, she wrote a comment on the sale receipt —–

"I WAS OVERWHELMED BY THE DELICIOUSNESS!"  
The BIG BOWL is located in various locations throughout Illinois and Minnesota and Reston, Virginia.  Check out The BIG BOWL website for a location near you:  http://www.bigbowl.com/index.html

Several Minnesotans celebrated the Taste of Minnesota events held at beautiful Harriet Island in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 29 through July 4th.  Among the many festivities were free concerts, prize give-aways, and carnival rides for the whole family and pony rides, carnival games, and Radio Disney  for the kids.  Also available were riverboat rides touring the Mississippi River, with an option to view the fireworks display on the night cruise. 

 

Forty-five vendors were also scattered throughout Harriet Park selling everything from the traditional American carnival foods– hotdog, brat, fries, mini donuts,soda, and beer to Minnesota favorites–mashed potatoes, turkey drumsticks, sweet corn, and wild rice casserole dishes, to the more unusual but tasty picks such as Hot Roast Beef Sundaes (roast beef and mashed potato bowl smothered in gravy), Indian Tacos, sweet potato fries, and Island Noodle’s Wok Fried Soba Noodles (pictured right). 

There were several FREE hour-long concerts for the entire family.  All the bands were spectacular, but without a doubt the best was The Village People who made an appearance on June 29.  The concert brought together both older and younger generations, and an eclectic crowd ranging from baby boomers, punk/rock, sporty, and preps.  The Village People still high-spirited and energetic engaged the crowd with their jokes and commentaries ending in their famous song, "YMCA." 

If you missed out on this year’s events, don’t worry.  The Taste of Minnesota will be back next year.  So check the website or newspaper for details in June. 

See the Taste of Minnesota website:
http://www.tasteofmn.org/

See The Village People website:
http://www.officialvillagepeople.com/

For those of us who remember the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, the question should be if retro ever left?  However, when MDM held an estate sale a few years ago, it was quite apparent that a new, younger generation had rediscovered the style of the baby boomers childhood, and appreciated the funkiness, fun, and flavor of the era.  Peter Maxx designs, the sleek look of vibrant orange, sea kissed aqua, and the flame red of naugehyde furniture, kidney shaped tables, geometric fabric and more married with the minimalist contemporary approach to design. 

Although it can be hit and miss, your best bargains to find this retro look are garage sales, estate sales, and thrift shops.  However, to save time and absorb the essence of this design era in one visit, your best bet is a shop specializing in retro.  MDM did just that on her latest Tour of the Twin Cities at  Swank Interiors located near the U of M at 1910 University Avenue in St. Paul.   Foregoing malls, this specialty shop is part of the "St. Paul Retro Loop," a loose association of 5 stores specializing in vintage and retro apparel, furniture, accessories and more.  These shops not only sell period merchandise, but are buyers as well. 

MDM found reasonable prices such as a poster of Marlene Dietrich for $90, lucite grapes for $12, McCoy large pot for $40–better than online auctions.  The lower level was packed with merchandise awaiting pricing.  Never hesitate to take a peek, if allowed, in the storeroom for new merchandise and if you see something that appeals to you, inquire–you may end up with a find!

These are cool sites to hang out with others who have a passion for this time period, and owners and staff have a wealth of knowledge that they will gladly share for the asking.  Merchandise changes weekly, so if you can’t find a particular piece mention it, oftentimes the owner/staff will be on the lookout and will give you a call if you leave your name and number with them.  For the unique item that doesn’t require instructions to put together, these retro specialty shops are worthy of investigation.

Number 6 on MDM’s tour of the Twin Cities includes a visit to the St. Paul Farmers Market.  Saturday and Sunday in Downtown St. Paul you will find this Farmers Market located under a canopy resembling a train station platform.  Customers will find for sale bedding plants, including herbs, hostas, along with planters filled with grasses and luscious flora and fauna. 

Although too early for the bountiful harvest that will come in the later part of summer and early fall, MDM found vendors selling in-season rhubarb, free range chickens, brown eggs, farm-raised bacon, and homemade soaps and lotions.  For those who love farm fresh and organic produce and food, nothing is better than the diversity offered at local farmers markets. 

To be green, MDM recommends bringing your own tote bag to carry your culinary and landscaping prizes.  Most farmers markets open quite early at 6 a.m. and close by 1 p.m..  If you arrive early, you have a larger selection but for the real bargain hunters deals can be made on the last day at the last hour by many vendors.  Some vendors may offer a punch card entitling the purchaser to free goods after a certain amount of purchases.

Click Here to See Spring and Fall at the Farmer’s Market!

A new phenomena in consignment stores is the consignment store chain.  These consignment chains offer new advantages such as 1) an increase in buying power of discounted designer lots and 2)  locations are more convenient not only for , but for sellers as well.

On a recent consignment store run, MDM found the Turn Style Consignment Chain, which has stores throughout Minnesota and select locations in Arizona. 

The Turn Style Consignment Shop in the Higland Park area in Minnesota has a boutique like setting and features housewares, men’s styles, childern styles, women’s styles in misses and plus sizes, and accessories.  The Turn Style store offers designer name brands such as Ralph Lauren, Prada, Karen Kane, and much more with savings up to 60-70% off the retail value.   

MarkDown Mom found this wonderful Valentina mandarin top for a steal at $7.  With a gold necklace and tailored pants, you will have one elegant look with money to spare. 

Investigate whether or not your state has any consignment chain stores.  It is well worth the effort! 

Spanning 450 miles and 4 states, it’s hard to keep track of the number of vendors and shoppers the Hwy 127 Corridor Sale attracts.  The start line for the Wold’s Longest Yard Sale is at Covington, Kentucky and ends in Alabama following the majority of highway 127.   The sale begins on August 3rd and ends on the 6th.  Vendors come from various backgrounds; some are homeowners selling items that they have collected over the years, while others are professional dealers that have geared up for this event. 

The idea for the Hwy 127 Corridor Sale originated with Mr. Mike Walker of Fentress County, TN.  He wanted to bring Interstate System tourists to the highway less traveled by in Tennesse and Kentucky.  Since its start in 1987, the event has multiplied and has become the best thing since sliced bread.

The only additional tip with this yard sale as opposed to other yard/tag/rummage sales is that you will have to book lodging along the route, preferably a year in advance.  If you are taking an RV or trailer, make sure to plan and confirm campsights that you will be staying at.   Consider this as a vacation destination.   Can’t attend this year?  Mark your calendars next year and enjoy the World’s Longest Yard Sale!

Ah, summer in the Midwest can mean only one thing—all you can eat dairy.  The summer is the opportune time to stack up on all your favorite dairy products: ice cream, cheese curds (squeakers) and other cheese items, and milk.   The most important factor to keep in mind with dairy products is that it is recently made, of course this depends on whether or not you wish to have an aged cheese.  On various trips throughout the midwest, MarkDownMom has discovered that freshest dairy products and the best deals can be found at local universities.   The agricultural department and dairy and meat sciences programs teach students how to create speciality cheeses, such as jarlsburg and feta, ice cream favorites, and various percents of milk.  Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your university dairy provider:

1.  Know the opening and closing time.  Depending upon the size of the diary program, university diary store’s time can be very exclusive.  Call the agriculture and/or diary/meat sciences departments to determine what dates the dairy store will be open and for how long. 

2.  Bring ice packs or a cooler.  It is imperative that your dairy products remain cool to prevent melting and spoiling.  If you live near the university dairy store, you need not worry about this.  However, if you are a ways from the university, you might want to consider buying an Igloo Hard-liner cooler available at Target™.

 3.  Ask the dairy store salesperson what the popular dairy products are.  One of the best aspects about going to universities for dairy  is the fact that they are continually trying new and exotic flavors and varieties.  At a local grocers you might not have the opportunity to expand your palate. 

4.  Ask the dairy store salesperson what he/she recommends.  Remember since he/she is working at the dairy store, chances are he/she has had to make and try out some of the products.  The salesperson is a great source for determing which dairy items to purchase. 

Fresh and new dairy products from local universities, it’s a better thing, it’s a better buy!

Annual county and state fairs are wonderful family events.  Held in the great outdoors, they offer an abundance of excitement, entertainment, and animal husbandry. 

These events showcase 4H accomplishments, 4H projects and products.  Included are many informational booths dispensing the latest news on local politics, health issues and local and state industry.  Entrance fees are usually waived during the weekdays or can be reduced by special coupons offered by credit unions to their members and from other organizations or by volunteering to man a booth. 

Since fairs are held during the warmest months of the year, be sure to have on hand a supply of water and other drinks, sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, comfortable shoes and a wire carrier to carry the inevitable items you will purchase at the fair.  If you have a large family party that heads in different directions establish a meeting place and time because it is very exhausting trying to retrieve the rest of your party when it is time to go. 

Some fairs hold equestrian events.  If you are lucky to have this feature at your fair, you will find it to be a wonderful educational experience viewing the horses, their riders and  the finesse with  which they perform together.   

Try the deep fried snickers bars and other such goodies with a fresh milk chaser!  You will have loads of fun at the fair grounds where city and country intermingle in the most delightful way. 

Click Here To See Fun Fair Slideshow!

On MDM’s recent trip to the Mall of America, she found tons of teen sales.  Teen sales ranged from 50-70% off of the hottest summer styles and newest fall trends.  MDM says that MOA and its 400 stores is offering the chance for everyone to become a trend setter this fall.  On your next visit to MOA, MDM suggests checking out the following places:

 Rampage™ is having a store closing at MOA.  This is the perfect chance to pick up Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Alba looks without the hit to your wallet.  The store closing promises 60% off of all clothing items and 50% off of hats and other accessories.  Items are limited so make sure that Rampage™ is your first stop at MOA. 

 Deb stores™ has a 60% off summer styles blowout!  Summer clothing features gaucho pants, capris pants, jeans, shorts, tees, camisoles and much more.  To get the best prices, start towards the front of the store near the cashier’s counter.  Many of the styles can be matched with other clothing items and accessories to create the perfect outfit for a day at work or a night out on the town.  In addition to summer looks, keep your eye out for the rouge sweater from last fall.  MDM picked a navy blue sweater up for a steal at $1.

 The most avid of MarkDown Mom bloggers cannot afford to miss the Banana Republic™ sale!  Banana Republic has a storewide sale of 60% off of both men’s and women’s fashion. 

MDM especially loves the embroidered cotton dress in tarbaya green (reg. $118.00, on sale $59.99), which is very reminiscent of Ann Hathaway’s green dress in "The Devil Wears Prada."  Pair dress with a large brown belt and layered necklaces to capture the look. 

The Mall of America has over 400 stores throughout its 4 floor mega mall.  MOA provides entertainment for all members of the family and is a great alternative to beating the summer heat.  The number of stores is matched by the number of sales one can find.  Here is just a sample of what MDM found on her latest trip to the Mall of America. 

Nordstrom™ is having its anniversary sale, which lasts until July 31st.  Storewide savings feature women’s and men’s clothing, shoes/boots, handbags and accessories.  Take advantage of scooping up the hottest fall fashions before they hit stores. 

 The biggest fashion buzz this fall for women is leggings. Pair Nordstrom’s™ Frenchi Footless Tights (available in black, macchiato, and white) with a light weight tunic top or long sweater for a great  summer or fall look.   If you order online, enjoy the standard flat fee shipping rate of only $5. 

 Click Here for Major Savings!  

Starting July 18th, Nordstrom Rack™ is offering huge sales on clearance shoes.  Shoes with brown tags are 35% off, blue tags are 50% off, and pink tags are 65% off.  Some brands that MDM found were Nine West™, Steve Madden™, Michael Kor™, and Via Spiga™. 

Ann Taylor Loft ™ has a huge 70% off sale, which includes spring sweaters, tees, tanks, flip flops, summer dresses and pants.  For a fun look, try the Keyhole Halter Dress, reg. $69.00, on sale for $39.99. 

One of MarkDownMom’s joys is raising children. Recently, MarkDownMom’s eldest daughter paid a visit to San Fransisco–and fell in love with the city. When you travel to San Fransisco, you do not have to lose your Gold in the Golden State. Watch this video for hidden gems that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

Hot summer days and hot looks go together.  No one has more fun looking for buried treasure than Markdown Mom.  These are her latest finds of the hottest look of the season.  Something for everyone, enough to raise Davey Jones! 

Online Oriental  Noted for its’ Goth Jewelry, this site carries a number of skull jewelry pieces affordably priced as is this case with this steel skull bracelet for $8.00.  Very popular accessory, worth waiting for it on back order.

   A bit more pricey is this scimitar and skull earring, yes just one, from  Marty Magic.com for $65.00, but even Captain Jack would love this look.

Girlshop recognizes that there are pirate beauties out there that have the finesse and savoir faire of a Lindsey Lohan and Nicole Riche sporting the pricey scarves from Alexander McQueen  and  Thomas Wylde, but who don’t want to break the bank. 

This skull scarf at $20.00 is the perfect accessory  and worth walking the plank for.