It’s less than a fortnight since the first day of summer.  What can Markdown Mom be thinking with this Wednesday Steal of Cashmere?  Well, consider this, MDM is not the only one looking ahead.  Target® has already begun to put out it’s college dorm and back-to-school merchandise.  So, it’s not too early to think about the next season or two and it’s never too early to get a bargain.  Now is the time to look for those markdowns on last winter’s boots and cashmere, including coats, sweaters, robes, and so forth. 

 Lands’ End Overstocks has up to 50% off their cashmere inventory.  Cashmere for children, men and women in popular colors. 

One designer has stated that a ‘must have’ in any woman’s wardrobe should be a cashmere cardigan.  Classic style in a classic fabric never goes out-of-date. 

So, check out the selection–next Fall and Winter, you will be admired for your selection and good taste, and you can smile remembering the $avings from this Wednesday Steal!  Besides, you can never start your holiday shopping too early!!!

A dapper appearance, bold, handsome, classic are all descriptive words when you think of men’s fashion. More unusual would be terms like scalloped, undulating, wild, edgy, and who would think of applying them to describe that old stand-by gift for Dad, the tie? However, at My Nextie™ you will find the next evolution of this classic accessory.

Leave it to a doctor to find a way to cure the ailing state of men’s fashion accessories by employing beautiful prints in the hottest trends like plaid, Thai silks, and psychedelic visions of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury of the 1960’s. Prices range from $29.95-$69.95 and save more when you buy more.

Not just for the men, women will appreciate this additional fashion choice as well!

Mirdle sounds like (1) a flower or (2) a female’s name, but Seinfeld’s gang would know that it’s the current answer to male belly fat. In keeping with the “bro” for man boobs, mirdle is the male equivalent of the girdle. The one difference between the mirdle and the “bro” is that the mirdle is for real! Well, why not…afterall, everyone wants to look her or his best, and sometimes you just have to suck it up! However, it’s hard to hold your breath that long and the mirdle accomplishes the nonsurgical, noninvasive lift to a guy’s midriff and spirits as well.

Plastic surgery, makeup for men, support socks, and now a man’s girdle. Some say “fat chance” that it will take off, but if you really think about it, why not? Many men could benefit from such undergarments not only in the results on their libido, but also to relieve back pain and other health ailments by tummy weight. Spanx® is currently investigating this idea, and others like Go Softwear already have a padded butt brief and is planning a man’s waist eliminator, Andrew Christian Flashback Butt Lifter™,Solidea® men’s contour underwear, Undergear® Body Shapers®, and in Japan there is the Wacoal ex walker.

Want to spruce up your mate or male friend for Valentine’s Day or Easter?  Check out these terrific bargains at Land’s End Overstock’s "On The Counter,"  if you are the right size.  Get this wool men’s Harris tweed sport coat in navy or rust, reg.$325.00, red hot price $37.50, sizes 38 only.   

Or how about this tailor poplin suit coat in khaki or bayleaf, reg. $125.00, red hot price $25.00, sizes 40 and 44 only.

Minnesota is noted for its’ rugged, independent people.  Talented, educated, and industrious are all qualities that personify its’ citizenry.  Despite economic hard times, they press on and for all of us savvy consumers oftentimes you have only to look in your own backyard for some quality products and bargains.  Such is the case of the Duluth Trading Company.  Now one would think by its’ very name that this store is solely for the rugged, outdoor type, while this may be true, you do not have to be Will Steger or Sam Cook to find something terrific that makes you say:  ‘I didn’t know they had something like that–cool!’

MDM found a remarkable quick fix tape that will surpass MDM’s Toolbox must have, Duct Tape.  This X-Treme Tape is heat resistant up to 500° Farenheit due to its silicone base, withstands UV rays, acid, and fuels, and serves as quick fixes for electrical repairs and is air and water tight if your pipes spring a leak!  You can use it on muffler repairs, air ducts, and radiator hoses.  Comes in 6 different colors, and a kit of 6 rolls, each 10 ft. long and 1 Inch thick for $29.50.  Just think what the Red Green Show and our crafty DIYers can do with this product! 

This site is having a sale right now and features some terrific sales, and check-out their Last Chance Countdown where items are reduced every Wednesday until they’re gone, The Scout’s Weekly Special where you will find a great item reduced up to 60% off! 

Great site for our outdoor bargain hunters, travelers, and handymen and women, and it’s in:

 Markdown Mom’s Own Backyard!

Despite the start of the New Year, sales on holiday items and other merchandise can still be found in store and online.  This is the perfect time to pick up anything that Santa forgot and to start shopping for the next holiday season. 

JCPenny© is having a holiday clearance sale, featuring 50-70% off.  MDM found this great Ipod Nano Bling Case, orig. $24.99, steal for $5.99, in the online outlet store.  The bling case is a great way to show off your new tech gear and at this price you can afford to get it in many colors.  Ipod Nano Bling Case comes in blue, clear, pink and purple.

Macy*s© is also having a holiday clearance of 20-65% off.  The major steals are to be found in women’s apparel.  Big, bold colors are hot this year and the Miss Chievous Colorblock Emma Top, orig. $28.00, steal for $8.40, fits the ticket.  The Emma top looks great with black leggings or dark wash denim.  Top comes in plum/black or whipped cream/ black, sizes small - large.

Kohl’s© has fantastic savings on men’s apparel, 60-80 % off.  MDM found Chaps 3 pack of ribbed brown dress socks, orig. $14.00, steal for $2.80.  With the sock monster running rampant in the laundry room, this is one bargain you can’t afford to lose.

Toys R Us© has a 60% off clearance blowout.  This is a great opportunity to pick up toys for future holidays and birthdays.  MDM likes the Imaginext: Motorized T-Rex Gift Set, orig. 32.99, steal for $ 9.98.  Gift set comes with T-rex and Pteranodon, appropriate for ages 3-8 years.  3AA batteries are required. 

Lands’ End® carries some great markdowns in their "On The Counter" department of their Overstocks.  New markdowns are listed every Saturday and further discounted through the week or until stock is gone.  Markdown Mom found this pair of stain released twill trousers for your favorite guy in Sky Blue, sizes 34-44, reg.$54.00 steal $7.50.  Plus get free shipping until 10PM CST on Monday, December 3rd. Enter in Source code:  CASHMERE and 528152815!

Thinking about a Holiday vacation to warmer climate?   The Company Store® has this great beach mat that is so much more than a towel.  Cotton covered foam for added comfort with a removable pillow can be rolled up for easy storage and carrying, reg. $45.00 steal $10.99.

Did you know that Nordstrom has great buys under $30? Jewelry, apparel, shoes and more for under $30–no kidding!

For instance, everyone, just everyone was wearing Crocs™ when Markdown Mom visited Florida this past year and at the Mall of America, these sporty shoes were and still are de riguer despite cold weather–just add socks.  And who can go wrong at this price, reg. #29.90, steal $19.90!

Okay, we know it’s the rare man that buys his own clothes.  It happens from time to time, but like one salesperson in the Men’s Department said, "If I have to rely on men buying their own clothes, I’d starve to death!"  One of the must-haves for every man’s wardrobe is the double breasted blazer or coat.  Today only, JCPenney® brings us this double breasted coat reg. $190-$230, steal today only $29.99, comes in sizes regular and big, in charcoal, black, navy, navy stripe and charcoal stripe.  Too late to be gussied-up for turkey day tomorrow, but in time for the upcoming holidays!

Nordstrom Start shopping for summer dresses now at Nordstrom 70% clearance site.  Spring and summer dresses never go out of style and you can pick up great looking dresses, like Nine West Empire Waist Dress (featured on the left) for only a fraction of the cost.  The Empire Waist Dress, sizes 4-12, originally $129.00 is now on clearance for a steal $37.90.    Pluson qualified purchases.

  Macy*s is having a fantastic clearance sale on pants.  The Women’s plus size section best sale is on the Alfani classic pant, originally $59.98, a steal for $6.99.  Available in brown in sizes 14W-22W.

   Overstock®has a wide array of men’s clothing on clearance.  Get ready for winter in the KC Collection Men’s Reversible Down Vest, orginally $49.99, a steal for $25.99.   

One can never forget Audrey Hepburn as Sabrina and to remind us of that classic is the classic Sabrina dress from J.Crew. Long and elegant in silk taffeta, reg. $375 on sale $99.99, sizes 0-12, black, chocolate, and bright alpine–can’t get black, then go for chocolate.

And to remind us of that equally classic actor Humphrey Bogart is this wonderful tuxedo jacket made of Italian super fine wool from J.Crew in black, reg.$550, sale priced at $299.99, limited sizes.

Can’t you just see Sarah Jessica  Parker in this fabulous oh-so romantic dress in Navy, the hottest color this season.  "Essex" strappy faile dress by Mark of Mark Jacobs, sizes 4-12, on sale at Nordstrom reg.$548, now $379.90.  Choose from a number of wonderful evening dresses. on sale

Many manufacturers sell what is commonly referred to as "seconds" at great discount prices.  These items can range from expensive ceramics to textiles and should not be confused with refurbished items.  Oftentimes, what these items include are inconsistent color changes in the manufacturing process or changes in the weave making the item a little "off," or dissimilar from the original. 

However, the term "Not Quite Perfect™,"  as MDM found can also include discontinued items and samples.  Recently, MDM visited a Lands End outlet called Lands End Inlet in Richfield at 820 West 78th Street, off of Highway 494.  There are several of these outlets in the Twin Cities,  but MDM came across this store in a strip mall and not the usual outlet mall.  Now, although the prices are less than the original retail, your best buys can be found on the 75% off racks or special promotional racks and bins.  Lands End Inlet at this site not only had the 75% off rack, but a shoe and boot bins sale, arranged by size,  with an additional 30% off the reduced price.  Like most great bargains, these buys were located near the back of the store away from the more visible traffic areas and Lands End Inlet properly identified this area as The Back Rack.  An example of the bargains in this area include jeans that retail at $45 for $14.50, and MDM was able to pick-up a turtleneck sh/sl cotton top for $5, reg. $24, not only 75% off, but with turtlenecks being shown for Fall, an item that is a classic and still en vogue. 

Upcoming events at the Lands End Inlet include the Men’s & Women’s Overstock & NQP Pants from August 30-September 9th with overstock tailored/dress pants 50% off and all NQP pants for $7.50!

 MDM loves both their online site and outlets for their classic wonderful cottons and imported woolens–you can be sure that the quality is always there at Lands End!

 A menswear salesman once told MDM that if shopping for clothes was left up to men, most would be naked!  Well, MDM doesn’t know how true that is nowadays, but if your man likes to shop and has a sense of fashion, then consider yourself blessed–if not, then he should consider himself blessed that he has a significant other to worry about his attire. 

Whether shopping for yourself or for someone else, here are a few bargains that you won’t want to pass up.

JCrew has this end of season wonderful cotton cashmere corduroy blend sportscoat Reg.$198, on sale for $119.99.  The bad news is that  there is only one size left 44R in Acorn.  A rich subtle look bound to attract the eye of the fashion conscious!  Not a 44R?  Then check out the other items as part of their Spring Sale event. 

Lands’ End has this plaid lambswool sports jacket at bargain price of $69.99/reg.$265.  Shown is the blue plaid, but MDM also likes it in dark camel for selection–also comes in sage and dark navy.  Sizes run 38R-48R and some talls.  Free Shipping through Tuesday, May 1st just enter Source Code:  FLOWERS and PIN#896367753 in billing info. 

Macy’s is having an end of the season sale on outerwear, suits, sportscoats and more.  Now is the time to secure great bargains for those cool nights and for next year at a tremendous savings. 

Always a classic, this overcoat will never go out of style.  Wool/Cashmere single breasted overcoat reg.$400/sale $119 comes in black and charcoal.    Selections are limited, but for these bargains well worth the look. 

Free shipping on purchase of $100 or more through May 7th, enter promo code:  FREESHIP 

JCPenney continues it’s Wednesday Deals with some great bargains for the first Wednesday in April like this washed silk sportscoat in Spring colors of mint and melon, reg $240/$40.  Plus, now is the time to get those flannel sheets for next year.  Perfect gift for college bound student and other members of the family, flannel sheets sets in 9 colors 70% off along with gemstone sapphire heart necklace with diamond accents in sterling silver, reg. $60/sale $15.99.  But Hurry! 

Sale only good until midnight tonight.

HSN is having its’ Moonlight Markdown  Friday, April 6 from 3AM-5AM EST–Pacific Coast people are fortunate since PST for this sale is Midnight to 2AM.

Macy’s is having a One Day Sale–Thursday, April 5  with an extra 25% off Clearance, Plus 10-50% Off in other Departments. 

Macy’s instore has slashed markdowns up to 75% off.   Online Sure-fit slipcovers on sale 50% off, like this separate seat performance twill slipcover Reg.$180-$240, Sale $89.99-$119.99. 

Ann Taylor Loft, Buy 1, Get 50% off second one on regular priced sweaters.  Loft on Sale has some bargain buys like this hot new look in a trench coat this year  reg.$149/on sale $99, size 16 and 18.  Limited selection but worth a look.

Sam’s Club instore has a great buy on their Members Mark Men’s Camel Hair Blazer for $24.81.  This is a must have in a man’s wardrobe. 

TJMaxx instore is taking a second markdown on its’ clearance shoes.  Additionally, some real buys in jewelry clearance like these murano earrings reg.$85/$15, and large hoop sterling silver earrings reg.$45/$7.  Online enter its’  Maxx Moment $1000 Sweepstakes. 

Wilson Leather Outlet has a great sale going on with its buy one and get another (same price or less) at 50% off, includes clearance merchandise. 

Tanger Outlets have a 50 Plus Senior Tuesdays with an extra 10% savings on entire purchases at selected outlet stores.   

Regis© is having a Customer Appreciation 20% off sale on chemical services like coloring, highlighting, relaxing, perms and Buy 1 Get 2nd One 50% off on product  through March 18th!

JCPenney© has this nightshirt reg. $30/sale $8.99 today only.  Comes in 5 patterns.  Remember how sexy Bill Cosby looked in nightshirts?  If your guy is not as adventurous, pj’s are on sale, too reg.$26/$7.99.