Well, Black Friday is right around the cornder - just 7 days (and a few hours) away.

We’ve heard about Black Friday sales at Gymboree and Old Navy, and we’re watching for tip-offs on others.  If you have any insights to Black Friday Deals related to the retailers in this column, please comment and share!

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Current Sales

• 77 Kids
  • Free Shipping & Free Returns through 12/27/08. TIP: Get Free Shipping & Free Returns on your entire American Eagle / Aerie / 77 Kids order by including an item from 77 Kids in your cart.
  • Now through Nov. 25. Particpate in the Santa Sweeps sweepstakes for an opportunity to win a $1,500 wardrobe from 77 Kids.  How?  Just register an account and create a wish list — and you’re in.
  • We are curiously and (im)patiently awaiting the first-ever sales at 77 Kids.
• American Girl
  • Here it is!  Free Shipping - No Minimum!  Offer good  through Nov. 25 (11:59 p.m. CST).  Just one short week,  Use code “GIFTSHIP” at checkout.  Don’t postpone - inventory will dwindle fast this week.
  • Purchase the new Kit Kittredge movie on DVD and receive a $10 off code for a future $30 purchase!
    • TIP:  Try code 153302 advertised to be good through 2/28  (this is the “Kit” code, and it is currently valid - whether or not you purchase the movie)
    • TIP: Optimize this deal from $30 - $80 in purchases and your $10 discount will save you more than Free Shipping.
  • November’s Monthly Specials - select current merchandise is 15 - 25% off. You can still get last year’s Holiday outfits 50-60% off.
• Abercrombie Kids
  • Fall sale items for boys and girls are now 20 - 65% off.  Some sweaters are 50% off.
• BabyGap & GapKids
  • In stores only - get $20 off any purchase over $75 (through Nov. 25).  Gap Card holders, get $25 off.
  • Mailer coupons arriving for $15 off 74 purchase - good through Dec. 7
  • Holiday Styles ~15% off
  • Save 30-60% on late Fall and Early Winter apparel for babies, toddlers, and kids.
  • Baby & Toddler sleepwear - $19 each when you buy 2 or more
• Crazy 8
  • $20 Baby & Kids Outerwear sale - this week (regularly priced $44.50 - $49.50)
  • $15 Baby & Kids Sweater Sale continues this week, too
  • Winter and holiday dressy styles - up to 50% off.
  • Free Gift Boxes and Gift Card with every order through December 24.

(more…)

This is a busy sale time of the year and a challenge to keep on top of all the promotions in just children’s apparel (let alone all the other holiday shopping categories).Between the emails, the catalogs, and the postcards, it’s a rapid-fire with many promotions only lasting a couple of days. All to get the attention of the holiday shopper.

Black Friday and Thanksgiving weekend is closing in - just 11 days away.  We’d love to hear about any info you have on Black Friday promotions from the retailers covered in this article.  We already know that Gymboree is offering special deals on Friday, Nov. 28.

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Current Sales

• 77 Kids
  • Free Shipping & Free Returns through 12/27/08. TIP: Get Free Shipping & Free Returns on your entire American Eagle / Aerie / 77 Kids order by including an item from 77 Kids in your cart.
  • Particpate in the Santa Sweeps sweepstakes for an opportunity to win a $1,500 wardrobe from 77 Kids.
  • We are curiously and (im)patiently awaiting the first-ever sales at 77 Kids.
• American Girl
  • Here it is!  Free Shipping - No Minimum!  Offer good  through Nov. 25 (11:59 p.m. CST).  Just one short week,  Use code “GIFTSHIP” at checkout.  Don’t postpone - inventory will dwindle fast this week.
  • Purchase the new Kit Kittredge movie on DVD and receive a $10 off code for a future $30 purchase! TIP: Optimize this deal from $30 - $80 in purchases and your $10 discount will save you more than Free Shipping.
  • November’s Monthly Specials - select current merchandise is 15 - 25% off. You can still get last year’s Holiday outfits 50-60% off.
• Abercrombie Kids
  • Fall sale items for boys and girls are now 20 - 65% off.  Some sweaters are 50% off.
• BabyGap & GapKids
  • Mailer coupons arriving for $15 off 74 purchase - good through Dec. 7
  • Holiday Styles ~15% off
  • Save 30-60% on late Fall and Early Winter apparel for babies, toddlers, and kids.
  • Baby & Toddler sleepwear - $19 each when you buy 2 or more
• Crazy 8
  • Baby, Toddler, Boy & Girl sweater sale; $10 - $15
  • Winter and holiday dressy styles - up to 50% off.
  • Free Gift Boxes and Gift Card with every order through December 24.

(more…)

We specifically chose to narrow in on the Sweater Vest, as it is such an all-time great holiday piece.  We like the vest better than an argyle sweater for its versatility and comfort.  Dress it up or down.  Pair with a turtleneck, button down shirt, or even a nice crew neck tee.  And, they look great under a sportcoat or blazer.  Accessorize with any type of tie to dress up.

Here are 3 sure tips for buying a boys sweater vest now that you can re-sell in the future:

• Quality, comfortable fabrics (e.g. non-itchy).  Try fine cottons, cotton-cashmere blends, cashmere, merino, etc.
• Traditional holiday colors — steer away from trendy, unusual combinations.  Try reds, greens, navy/blues, grays, blacks.
• V-Necks are more popular than crew-necks and will likely re-sell better
• Designer brand names*

Here’s our recommendations. We actually didn’t find as many options as we expected, and inventory is also running low.   Remember - prices, inventory, and promotions can change daily. Please share if you see prices drop by commenting below!

• BUY:
  • Crewcuts
    • Boys Westen Argyle Sweater Vest (shown at right) - $29.50 (reg. $48.00)
    • Boys Cotton-Cashmere Duke Sweater Vest $19.99 (reg. $52.00)
    • Boys Cashmere Argyle Sweater Vest  - $98.00
  • BabyGap
    • Toddler Argyle Sweater Vest -  $24.50
  • Gymboree
    • For Big Boys:
      • Argyle Sweater Vest (shown second at right)- $17.99 (reg. $28.50)
  • Strasburg Children
    • Boys Red or Green Argyle Sweater Vest - $34.50 (reg. $57.00)
      *

• WAIT . We loved each of these skirts, but recommend waiting and getting them on sale to optimize your re-sale opportunity.
  • Crewcuts
    • Boys Haven Argyle Sweater Vest (shown 3rd at right) - $49.50
    • Boys Cashmere Argyle Sweater Vest  - $98.00
  • Boutique Brands:  As usual, we recommend waiting for the boutique sales vs. paying full price now.  And, we did find several options available.  Watch for brands such as:
    • E-Land Kids
    • Kenneth Cole
    • Cotton Blu
    • Nick Nack Patty Wack
    • Goodlad
    • Glorimont Boys
    • Hartstrings *
• CAUTION: These are some nice-looking styles, but the original price point and quality may not net you much of a profit on the re-sale market.
  • Children’s Place
    • Argyle Sweater Vest for Baby Boys - $9.99 (reg. $14.50)
    • Argyle Sweater Vest for Big Boys - $14.99 (reg. $19.50)
  • Crazy8
    • Dressy Sweater Vest for Boys - $12.99 (reg. $18.50)
    • Argyle Sweater Vest for Boys - $9.99 (reg. $16.50)
      *
• AVOID:
  • Unrecognizable brands from low to mid-range variety and deparment stores such as Target, Kohl’s, Mervyn’s, Lord & Taylor, Marshall Fields, and Macy’s.*
    *
    
• NOT AVAILABLE — We didn’t forget! These popular children’s retailers are either sold out or not offering a classic argyle vest this season.
  • Hanna Andersson
  • LL Bean
    
  • Abercrombie Kids
  • Mini-Boden
  • Naartjie
  • Garnet Hill
    
  • GapKids
    
  • Lands End
  • Janie and Jack
    
  • 77 Kids
  • Old Navy
    

— Loobalee.com

Mark your calendars for tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. EST., then just click here to join the concert. 

The Jonas Brothers concert will stream one-time only, putting on a full-length 40 minute show.  Afterward two Jonas Brothers’ songs from the exclusive show will be available for extended play through November 30th!

The concert will be a a very unique experience for 77 Kids customers and Jonas Brothers Fans worldwide.  Here’s some of the details you might not have picked up elswhere.  We received these updates directly from a representative at American Eagle - 77 kids:

• It will include all the excitement of a live concert.
• Fans can visit the 77kid gallery and 77kids.com to choose between fourteen “kid cool” characters that be represent their style.
• Your 77kids character will walk the red carpet and join the crowd on concert today.
• Fans can also select different camera angles, including a Nick Cam, Joe Cam, and Kevin Cam, throughout the 40 minute show.
• Fans can post messages on the Jonas Brothers message board during the show.

BTW - Here’s three of the top reasons we like 77kids by American Eagle:

1. They offer a great size range big style for kids 2-12.
2. Kids can Play on. And on. They’re clothes are backed by some big-time guarantees, with free shipping and free returns.
3. Everything is super comfy and soft. They’ve tested their line and guarantee it through 77 washes.

Stop back after the concert and let us know how you liked it.  American Eagle - 77 Kids will love the feedback!  And, if you’ve tried their clothes — we’d love you to share your comments.  Thanks!

There are several store promotions this coming weekend to note: Janie and Jack Friends and Family (save 25%); Gap Friends and Family (save 30%);  and Naartjie (addl. 30% off).

Also, don’t miss the Hanna Andersson dress sale (still in progress), and be sure to check the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for Women & Children (now with free shipping on orders over $100).

Black Friday and Thanksgiving weekend is just 2 weeks away.  We’d love to hear about any info you have on Black Friday promotions from the retailers covered in this article.  We already know that Gymboree is offering special deals on Friday, Nov. 28.

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Current Sales

• 77 Kids
  • Free Shipping & Free Returns through 12/27/08. TIP: Get Free Shipping & Free Returns on your entire American Eagle / Aerie / 77 Kids order by including an item from 77 Kids in your cart.
  • Particpate in the Santa Sweeps sweepstakes for an opportunity to win a $1,500 wardrobe from 77 Kids.
  • Coming in just 3 more days! Mark your calendars for 3:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, November 16 — 77 Kids will air exclusive Jonas Brothers concert.
• American Girl
  • Purchase the new Kit Kittredge movie on DVD and receive a $10 off code for a future $30 purchase! TIP: Optimize this deal from $30 - $80 in purchases and your $10 discount will save you more than Free Shipping.
  • November’s Monthly Specials - select current merchandise is 15 - 25% off. You can still get last year’s Holiday outfits 50-60% off.
• Abercrombie Kids
  • Fall sale items for boys and girls are now 20 - 50% off.
  • Summer apparel is still available at 50 - 70% off.
• BabyGap & GapKids
  • Gap Friends & Family Discount - Save 30% this weekend.
  • Mailer coupons arriving for $15 off 74 purchase - good through Dec. 7
  • Holiday Styles ~15% off
  • Save 50% on all Pants at Gap Outlet: Nov 7 - 15

(more…)

A few stores are still offering additional %’s off from the weekend sales. Stay tuned, though, the sales are only going to get better on winter apparel from here on out. It won’t be long, and we’ll see most winter wear on a permanent reduction schedule.
For now, you can easily get Holiday outfits at 40 - 60% off, as well as 30 - 50% on Outerwear at some stores.

Also, don’t miss the Hanna Andersson dress sale (still in progress), and be sure to check the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for Women & Children (now with free shipping on orders over $100).

****************************************************************************

Current Sales

• 77 Kids
  • Free Shipping & Free Returns through 12/27/08. TIP: Get Free Shipping & Free Returns on your entire American Eagle / Aerie / 77 Kids order by including an item from 77 Kids in your cart.
  • Particpate in the Santa Sweeps sweepstakes for an opportunity to win a $1,500 wardrobe from 77 Kids.
  • Coming in just 3 more days!  Mark your calendars for 3:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, November 16 — 77 Kids will air exclusive Jonas Brothers concert.
• American Girl
  • Purchase the new Kit Kittredge movie on DVD and receive a $10 off code for a future $30 purchase! TIP: Optimize this deal from $30 - $80 in purchases and your $10 discount will save you more than Free Shipping.
  • November’s Monthly Specials - select current merchandise is 15 - 25% off.  You can still get last year’s Holiday outfits 50-60% off.
• Abercrombie Kids
  • Fall sale items for boys and girls are now 20 - 50% off.
  • Summer apparel is still available at 50 - 70% off.
• BabyGap & GapKids
  • Gap Friends & Family Discount - Save 30% this weekend.
  • Mailer coupons arriving for $15 off 74 purchase - good through Dec. 7
  • Holiday Styles ~15% off
  • Save 50% on all Pants at Gap Outlet: Nov 7 - 15

(more…)

The fun thing about this skirt is the variety of options available. You’ll find everything from silk to denim, from velvet to corduroy, from patchwork to plaid, and from metallics to chiffon pinks. But, one thing they all have in common — they make are a great foundation for a festive, feminine party outfit.

The skirt pairs well with most anything: sweaters, blouses, blazers, vests, sparkly tops. In fact, the less the top “matches” the better. They are totally fun, and totally in!

Try these 6 tips for buying a tulle skirt now that will re-sell well later:

• Quality fabrics such as silks, velvets (vs. velveteen), and chiffons (vs. polyesters) or fabrics with added sheen, lurex, or sparkle
• Finely stitched hemlines
• Added details like satin ribbons and stitched on beads or sequins
• At least 2 full skirt layers (vs. a stitched in tulle hem)
• Designer brand names
• Lengths recommended in Tulle skirts for girls is opposite our Dress recommendation:
  • For Babies & Little Girls: Short, above the knee, which is most reminiscent of a tutu dance skirt (and looks great with leggings for a casual look)
  • For Older Girls: A longer skirt, to the knee, adds the perfect touch of sophistication to this otherwise younger style
    *

Here’s our recommendations on one of this year’s hottest holiday trends for girls - the Tulle skirt. Remember - prices, inventory, and promotions can change daily. Please share if you see prices drop by commenting below!

• BUY:
  • Hanna Andersson
    • Dreaming Of A Dance Tutu: Now $30 (Reg. $35)
  • Crewcuts
    
    • Tulle Pixie Ballet Skirt in Various Colors: $45 (try to get this at least 20 - 30% off)
  • BabyGap
    
    • Black Velvet Party Skirt Skirt for Babies: now $19.99 (reg. $24.50)
    • Patchwork Plaid Party Skirt: $29.50
    • Tier Tulle Skirt in Gold: $29.50
    • Black Velvet Party Skirt for Toddlers: $29.50
    • Ruffle Tulle Party Skirt in Metalic Silver: now $24.99 (reg. $29.50)
  • GapKids
    
    • Tartan Party Skirt: now $29.99 (reg. $34.50)
    • Party Skirt in Black or Russian Red: now $24.99 (reg. $29.50)
  • Gymboree
    • For Baby Girls:
      • Red Tulle Skirt: $19.99 (reg. $26.50)
      • Pink Glitter Tulle Skirt: $28.50
      • Berry Tulle Skirt: $28.50
    • For Kid Girls:

(more…)

This is a weekend for additional %’s off. It might possibly be the best time to purchase Holiday Outfits for children that are already on sale (inventory and select sizes could be low if you wait).

Get and Extra 20 - 30% off your purchases this weekend at BabyGap, GapKids, J. CREW, Crazy8, Gymboree (COF), and Janie and Jack.

Also, don’t miss the Hanna Andersson dress sale (still in progress), and be sure to check the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for Women & Children.

****************************************************************************

Current Sales

• 77 Kids
  • Free Shipping & Free Returns through 12/27/08. TIP: Get Free Shipping & Free Returns on your entire American Eagle / Aerie / 77 Kids order by including an item from 77 Kids in your cart.
  • Particpate in the Santa Sweeps sweepstakes for an opportunity to win a $1,500 wardrobe from 77 Kids.
  • Mark your calendars for 3:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, November 16 — 77 Kids will air exclusive Jonas Brothers concert.
• American Girl
  • Purchase the new Kit Kittredge movie on DVD and receive a $10 off code for a future $30 purchase! TIP: Optimize this deal from $30 - $80 in purchases and your $10 discount will save you more than Free Shipping.
  • October’s Monthy Specials - select current merchandise is 15 - 25% off.
  • UPCOMING: Free shipping should be coming Monday, Nov. 10, if AG follows suit from previous years’ promotions — be ready to make your Christmas purchases early.
• Abercrombie Kids
  • Fall sale items for boys and girls are now 20 - 50% off.
  • Summer apparel is still available at 50 - 70% off.
• BabyGap & GapKids
  • Take an additional 25% off now through Nov. 11. Use code “EXTRA25″ at checkout.
  • Holiday Styles ~15% off
  • Save 50% on all Pants at Gap Outlet: Nov 7 - 15

(more…)

For our second review in this series, we searched for the perfect, classic red Christmas sweater for boys - always a sure winner. We found some great sweaters to consider this season in every price range.

Again, Red is for Resale - And try these 4 tips for buying the red Christmas sweater to optimize your resale opportunity:

• Fine fabrics like cashmere, lambswool, merino, and fine gauge fade-resistant cottons.
• Buy designer brand names
• Color is king! Look for lush, true red Christmas colors. Generally, your more expensive sweaters and finer fabrics will have and sustain better color.
• Necklines in both V or Crewneck are most popular, but button cardigans, shawl collars, roll neck collars, and zip or half-zip all have good resale opportunity as well - if designer quality.

*

Here’s our recommendations for this year’s red Christmas sweaters — for baby, little, and big boys. Remember - prices, stock, and promotions can change daily. Please share if you see prices drop by commenting below! And, refer back to our bi-weekly Sales At A Glance article for all the current sales promotions.

• BUY:
  • 77 Kids
    • Cable Neck V for Toddlers: $24.50. Although we aren’t sure how well 77 Kids will re-sell, this looks like a stylish basic sweater that will outlast trends.
  • Crewcuts
    • Boys Rollneck Sweater in Holiday Red: Just $29.50 (Take care not to over wash if you plan to re-sell)
    • Boys Lambswool Crewneck Sweater in Vivid Red: $54 (Wait a couple weeks — this may go on sale)
    • Boys Shawl Collar Sweater in Holiday Red: $39.50 (reg: $49.50)
    • Boys Cotton Cashmere Cardigan in Vivid Red: Best Buy! $39.50 (reg: $68) NOTICE: We think this one may have sold out already since yesterday! But, watch on-line, we have also noticed that the Crewcuts sale section is a bit haphazardly managed and it will possibly re-appear.
  • Childrens Place
    • V-Neck sweater for Little Boys: $12.50. Wow - this is an unbelievable price. We didn’t expect a ‘find’ at the Children’s Place to make our BUY list. This sweater may actually have pretty good resale value for the brand. The color appears rich and the style is classic.
    • And, the same is available for Big Boys: $14.50
  • BabyGap - we love the Russian Red color this season!
    
    • Cable Knit Sweater Hoodie: $29.50
    • Sherpa Mock Sweater: $34.50
  • GapKids
    • Uniform V-Neck: $24.50 (take care with washing)
  • Gymboree
    • Use a 20% off coupon, or buy during upcoming Circle of Friends sale to save an additional 30% on top of these current 25% off sale prices:

(more…)

Take advantage of these sales before they are gone:

Lands End Free Shipping (no minimum)

Hanna Andersson Dress Sale

Gymboree Circle of Friends (starting Nov. 6)

Strasburg Children - 40% off Everything

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Current Sales

• 77 Kids
  • Free Shipping & Free Returns through 12/27/08. TIP: Get Free Shipping & Free Returns on your entire American Eagle / Aerie / 77 Kids order by including an item from 77 Kids in your cart.
  • 20% off coupon: Visit the American Eagle home page, and use the Coupon code provided on orders over $50 when checking out (There is a single cart and checkout, so this also works with your 77 Kids order!)
  • Mark your calendars for 3:00 p.m. EST, Saturday, November 16 — 77 Kids will air exclusive Jonas Brothers concert.
• American Girl
  • Purchase the new Kit Kittredge movie on DVD and receive a $10 off code for a future $30 purchase!  TIP:  Optimize this deal from $30 - $80 in purchases and your $10 discount will save you more than Free Shipping.
  • October’s Monthy Specials - select current merchandise is 15 - 25% off.
  • UPCOMING: Free shipping should be coming soon in November if AG follows suit from previous years’ promotions — be ready to make your Christmas purchases early.
• Abercrombie Kids
  • Fall sale items for boys and girls are now 20 - 50% off.
  • Summer apparel is still available at 50 - 70% off.

(more…)