By: Kanika Jelks
Source: visitflorida.com
As summer winds down, sales across the Sunshine State are heating up. No matter whether you’re in the market for yourself or gearing your kids for school, shopping deals for every age can be found everywhere.
Arm yourself with solid research on local sales and a proper plan to only purchase pieces that are priced just right, and you’ll find yourself satisfied with just how far a fashion dollar can stretch these days. Remember, that right price varies as much as the patterns on a pretty Lilly Pulitzer dress. Only you know which one is the right match for you; and once you find it – you have to scoop it up quick, or find yourself watching some other savvy shopper walk away with your deal.
Sarasota’s St. Armands Circle is the perfect place to start your “sale-abration.” White House Black Market just rolled out reductions on two racks of spring fling fun that are marked down even more than you can imagine. Dresses, skirts, capris, shorts … every Florida fashion a girl could need at prices every girl wants.
While on the circle, check out the new Tommy Bahama store. Natives will recall the days that the tasty restaurant was adjacent to the stylish retail outlet. Well, the signature store has spread its wings and moved a couple of blocks down the street. Still a major player on the St. Armands Circle scene, you’ll see the Tommy Bahama store is at its best.
Next, let’s saunter through South Florida’s Sawgrass Mills, where it’s always a good bet that you’ll find a great deal. Seriously, Sawgrass Mills, one of the state’s premier outlet malls, is unbeatable when it comes to top-notch bargains that are too good to believe. Right now it’s the clearance sale at Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th that has me happiest. Daring dresses and sassy shoes beg to be bought for great prices – like half of what you would expect to spend.
Speaking of shoes at Sawgrass, Finish Line has a promotion that will give your little ones a great lesson before they get back to the books at school. Through Sept. 7, when you donate a pair of gently used shoes, you’ll get $5 off a new pair valued at $25 or more. Finish Line will then take your generosity and pass the shoes on to Soles4Souls, a charity that donates shoes to people in need. It’s always good to find a way to give, while you get.
Other stop-you-in-your-track sales happening at Sawgrass include IZOD’s 50 percent off, with an additional 10-50 percent off through Aug. 25; a Hartstrings coupon that will slash 20-30 percent off your purchase of $100 or more and high fashion Tribu jeans for less than $20.
Ten miles west of Fort Lauderdale, once at Sawgrass Mills you’ll find yourself 30 minutes equidistant from Miami and Palm Beach … both unbeatable shopping destinations. In Palm Beach, Worth Avenue is a famous destination that has well-earned its reputation with fashionistas around the world. You may do more window shopping than deal finding while on Worth – but, it’s always worth a stop. Check out 150 Worth, a picturesque purchasing escape, just off the Atlantic Ocean. With classics such as Saks Fifth Avenue and more than 20 other exclusive boutiques, the finest fashions and jewelry are at your fingertips.
A half hour in the opposite direction would have landed you in South Beach – a retail Mecca that can only be described as a shoppers’ dream come true. Within the seven-block stretch of Lincoln Road, you’ll find everything from Bebe to one-of-a-kind boutiques. Every day on South Beach presents a new sale opportunity. Come early when most doors open at 10 a.m. and prepare to be wowed.
Now, if you’re really looking for a bargain, you can’t look past Orlando’s Premium Outlets. Through Labor Day, renowned retail giants are rolling out the savings for back-to-school shoppers. Some of the best deals include: 50 percent off micro fleece at Carter’s Children’s store; buy one, get one half-off off, three for $20 Basic Tees and 50 percent reductions at Champion athletic store; buy one get one free denim deals at DKNY and 30 percent off jeans at the GAP.
Top the shopping spree off with a Dooney & Bourke bag from Destin’s Silver Sands Factory Stores center. Silver Sands is America’s largest designer outlet center, and it offers savings to match. With reductions up to half-off, now is the perfect time to make that wishful thinking reality with your dream bag.
Other North Florida finds include a fall collection sale at Silver Sands’ Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Outlet and 30 extra percent off at Strasburg – where you’ll find some of the most beautiful children’s clothes being made today. Classic christening gowns to big boy walking shorts will catch your attention, but it’s Strasburg’s signature smocking on party dresses that will steal your heart.
Throughout Florida, now is the time for shopping like you mean it and saving in big ways. No matter what corner of the state you find yourself in, the good deals are there waiting to be bought. See you at the “Sale-abration!” I know you’ll be as fabulous as the many fashions you’re sure to find.
