Bargain Shopping:
Get it for a Steal
Even when the economy is tip top, everyone loves a great price. These days, we like bargains even more. Here’s your guide to the best sales and everyday deals on clothing, food, gifts and more in the state.
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The eclectic crowd heads to Blue Streak Gallery (1721 Delaware Ave., Wilmington, 429-0506) in January and July for big bargains. Clothing, scarves and jewelry are drastically reduced. Owner Ellen Batholomaus finds fabulous, handmade items from the United States, Italy, South America and “everywhere in between.” The Baby Blue line features handmade bibs, toys, blocks and books. Go for an in-store lottery and win big discounts.
Carltons (31 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-7990) kicks off its fall savings spree during the Sea Witch Festival at the end of October. Save 20 percent to 40 percent on men’s and women’s fall clothing from Tommy Bahama, Vineyard Vines and Burberry. Fun weekend events are the norm at Carltons, so stay on the lookout. The store often teams up with local restaurants to offer customers refreshments and food, plus little giveaways such as pens, footballs, bottle openers and gadgets.
Sales happen often at Christina’s Unique Accessories & More (3646 Silverside Road, Wilmington, 478-7202), but its biggest general merchandise sales occur in January, June and August. Great deals can also be found at trunk shows in March and October. Handbags by Rampage, Murval, Elite Modeling, Melie Bianco and Hobo International, normally priced from $29 to $250, are reduced 40 percent to 50 percent. Clothing by Parameter, Sledge, Yogi and more is also cut about 50 percent during trunk shows. Buy three Troll Beads or Chamilia charms to get one free. And every $100 purchase gets you a free bracelet.
After proms in May and weddings in September, the dress race ends. Smart gala goers find the best deals on gowns at Claire’s Fashions (1312 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, 798-1312) in the summer, then again in early fall. Save 25 percent to 90 percent on gowns, separates and cocktail dresses. We’re talking serious brand-name leftovers. Claire’s also stocks clearance racks with separates, eveningwear and bridal wear. About 3,000 customers on the mailing list are privy to extra savings year-round. Claire’s prom dress registry helps ensure that no other young woman will wear the same gown at the same event. “We won’t even sell the dress in a different color for the same prom,” says CFO Darrin Wilson.
Shoe lovers in search of designers such as Taryn Rose, Stuart Weitzman, Ugg, Cole Haan or MBT should head to Dale’s Shoetique (4023 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 655-6003) in late June and late December. Shoes normally priced up to $450 are discounted 25 percent to 80 percent. Handbags by Cole Haan, SZ collection and Donald Pliner, as well as jackets, scarves, jewelry, wallets, key chains and hosiery, are also available at reduced prices during sales. Dale’s ships anywhere.
Deanna’s (113 Second St., Lewes, 644-1112) and Piccolino (111 Second St., Lewes, 644-7611) are a one-two boutique punch that offers huge sales the day after Christmas and the day after Labor Day, when almost all the clothing in the stores goes for 50 percent off. That means beaucoup savings on Tribal, Willow, Skytops, Hobo, Hanky Panky, Scrapbook and Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, which can’t be found anywhere else in Sussex County. In January Piccolino will hold a ladies night featuring wine, refreshments and 50 percent off all clothing. 
Sprint to Delaware Running Company (3801 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 655-7463) February 2-24 to score on men’s and women’s clothing by Asics, Saucony, Nike, Adidas, North Face, Mizuno, Prana and Lole. Reductions start at 25 percent and reach 50 percent the longer items sit on shelves. Hit the store on Father’s Day weekend for discounts up to 70 percent on shoes by Nike, Adidas and Brooks. Last season’s leftovers, or items owner Mike Monagle calls “old styles,” are great buys. Staffers inventory shoes on Mondays, so shop Tuesdays for great pickings. Women sizes 7 through 9 and men sizes 9 through 11.5 go first.
Page 3: Get It For a Steal | Fashion and Accessories
