Shop Talk: 30 Dirty Little (Shopping!) Secrets
For: Facials
Head to: Saks
Where: Bala Cynwyd
It’s a shared secret among Ladies Who Lunch that on most days, Saks offers free 30-minute facials in the comfort of its private beauty suite. And even if you neither Lunch nor consider yourself much of a Lady, you can get in on the action: Call your favorite makeup counter — Chanel, Clarins, YSL — to find out when its next sessions will be held, schedule an appointment, and prepare to be pampered using products from your requested makeup line only. Sessions don’t include extractions, but they’re the perfect complement to the rest of your more rigorous skin-care regimen. 2 Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, 610-667-1550; saksfifthavenue.com.
For: High-End Modern Furniture
Head to: Minima
Where: Old City
For the past seven years, Old City’s Minima has saved Philadelphians from trekking to NYC for modern designer pieces. But now you don’t even have to hike over to 3rd Street — or get out of your PJs, for that matter — to get great deals on Minima’s stylish wares. Just check out the “floor sample” section of Minima’s website (minima.us/floor_sample.html) to score several of the same sleek pieces, but discounted. On a recent visit, we couldn’t believe the Piero Lissoni “Box” sofa was going for $3,111, down from $5,185. 118 North 3rd Street, 215-922-2002; minima.us.
For: Rugs
Head to: Brandon
Where: King of Prussia
A trip to Brandon is like walking onto the set of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids — you’ll feel Lilliputian among the massive headboards and tables and armoires. But even if you don’t have a home that’s the size of Texas, you’ll love the insane deals on imported rugs, like 50-percent-plus markdowns on $10,000 pieces for your living room. Plus, the staff is extra-friendly, and doesn’t mind explaining the coded price tags or sharing in your super-sale glee. 555 South Henderson Road, King of Prussia, 610-768-9222; brandonhomefurnishings.com.
For: Fur
Head to: The Fur Vault At Macy’s
Where: Center City
If you missed it this year, mark Macy’s fur sale on your 2008 calendar now. (It’ll probably be the last two weeks of February and the first in March.) Whether your style leans to lynx, mink or lamb, Macy’s end-of-season racks carry everything from modern cropped jackets by Mary McFadden Couture to classic floor-length coats and wildly dyed numbers, all at 60 to 80 percent off. This year’s sale yielded lynx marked down from $14,995 to $5,995, and mink for $2,000 from $7,000. 1300 Market Street, 215-241-9000; macys.com.
For: Haircuts
Head to: Virtually Everywhere — On Hopecuts Day
We realize you probably can’t wait seven months for your next haircut. But if you’ve been looking to see another stylist (without the guilt of feeling you’re committing hair-adultery) and have always wondered whether the city’s designer salons are really any better than the $10-a-cut chop shop you’ve been going to since 1984, then Philly’s annual HopeCuts day is perfect for you: Sometime this fall, around 200 salons in the area will be offering their services — haircuts are generally $20 to $25 — with all proceeds from the day’s cuts going to City of Hope to benefit leading research and treatment centers for cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases. Think of it as an opportunity for you to look good — and feel even better. cityofhope.org/Hopecuts/find.htm.
For: Pet Stuff
Head to: Target
Where: City & ’Burbs
Most days, we actually don’t drink the Target Kool-Aid or think this place is especially discounted, so much as simply priced right. But we gotta give Target props for its extensive selection of pet food and accessories, like the perfectly perfect “Bone Jovi” rocker tees for $20, and a hot pink raincoat for $30 that’s way cuter than Burberry’s stuffy $225 doggie trench anyway. Multiple locations; target.com.
