Beating the Heat This Summer on a Budget

Since getting started in the late 1800’s with the advent of the hoop skirt, America’s legendary brown bag creator has remained at the top of department store lists by offering a never-ending array of trendy yet timeless accessories and garments to fashion forward individuals with high-end taste hoping to cash in on the hottest seasonal items while staying on a shoestring budget.

Bloomingdales, along with luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue, are the crème de la crème for chic, enviable fashions—the places to beeline toward for ladies and gents wanting to look their absolute best all year round. And with the summer season now finally upon us, there’s never been a better time to update that wardrobe with the newest, in-season trends without breaking the bank. Yes, there are actually tons of ways to discover phenomenal savings at these luxury retailers. Use this handy dandy guide for sweet strategies on how to splurge but still save at the queens of high end retail stores.

Score luxury coupons.

First things first. Who in the world doesn’t love coupons? Well, you might think that finding coupons for luxury stores would be like looking for needles in a haystack. But think again because a plethora of high-end retailers such as Bloomingdale’s and Saks provide discounts for something as simple as subscribing to their email newsletter.

For instance, Bloomingdales provides a 15% off coupon for signing up to receive mobile text alerts while Saks a 10% Saks Off Fifth coupon when you sign up for updates on the newest items, flash sales, and special invitation-only sales events. Otherwise, scour for coupons in the sales section on Bloomingdale’s website or at popular sites such as PromoCodes.com to find available deals to choose from. 

Become a member.

Many high-end stores offer loyalty programs that provide uber amounts of perks like exclusive discounts and the ability to earn points toward free gift certificates. Sign up for the Loyallist program at Bloomingdales to receive a free $25 reward card after earning 5,000 points or get ahold of a Saks First card to get a $25.00 gift card for every 2500 points earned.

There are also ways to earn double and triple points on select days to rack up on more rewards, as well as members-only sales and special events that only you will have access to as a cardholder.

Don’t be afraid to do some price matching or adjusting.

Haggling at high end stores is still an option, as price matching is still widely acceptable at numerous luxury stores these days. Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue, along with others like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom’s, and Barney’s all price match on items that are in stock or in the same color or size you want to purchase.

Basically, if you see that any purchased item is now on sale, there’s the option of submitting a request for a price adjustment for both in-store and online purchases-- although adjustments can only be made 10 days after purchase, so keep an eye on all sales. The difference will be refunded to the original form of payment. Remember also that price adjustments also apply for new coupons.

Check the outlet location and troll sale sections.

Luxury retailers have outlet locations throughout Los Angeles, giving you an opportunity to snag name brand designer clothing, shoes, jewelry, and home goods for 50 to 60% off. Check out Saks Fifth Avenue’s OFF 5^TH and Bloomingdales: The Outlet Store, along with the sections on both store websites that have been hand crafted for bargain hunters of all sorts. Once in the sales and promotions sections, you can enjoy navigating through a boatload of special and hard-to-find-anywhere-else options on shoes, cookware, clothes, or even newer products. At Bloomingdales, this section also lists gifts with purchase offers and Loyallist promotions, such as free shipping and double or triple point opportunities.

Mark your calendar for annual sales and seasonal savings.

Summer is no doubt the perfect time to take advantage of sales on winter clothes, as most if not all merchandise will be marked down by as much as fifty percent. Get a head start on next fall’s newest coat or jacket without waiting all the way until September to experience some hefty savings. The same goes for gloves, boots, and pretty much any cold weather specific clothing.

For Saks, specifically, shopaholics can get major price reductions during the amazing annual Semi-Annual sale each summer, where you can get up to sixty-five perfect off the best designer gear.

Bloomingdale’s offers similar seasonal sales—but four times throughout the entire year. Get ready to save save and save at its Friends and Family Sales, where there is 25 percent off most items plus extra value for members of the retailer’s rewards program. The semi-annual private sales, in addition (which takes place in January and June), allow loyal customers to earn 50% off a huge variety of apparel and accessories, not to mention a $250 gift card that comes with the purchase of a $1000 purchase of premiere designer items. During these events, online shoppers are often treated to free shipping as well.

Buy more and save more.

Get free products just by making a purchase. It’s as simple as that. There’s nothing better than a free gift, especially at sites like Saks’ beauty section for gorgeous giveaway options on an ever-changing selection of designer makeup, skincare, and fragrances when stocking up on your favorite brands. Head over to SaksFifthAvenue.com for other cool complimentary goodies as well. It’s the perfect way to save on spicing up that daily beauty and grooming routine.

Credit and Charge it.

When in doubt, charge it! Sign up for a SaksFirst Credit Card for savings and perks—or easily turn everyday purchases outside of SaksFifthAvenue.com into SaksFirst points with a SaksFirst MasterCard. There’s also the SaksFirst World Elite MasterCard, which allows you to enjoy special offers, advance notice of sales, a $25 Saks Welcome Gift offer, and the chance to score benefits like no foreign transaction fees and price protection. What’s more is that there are easy financing offers catering to every want or need, as well as extra VIP perks along the way.

Bloomingdales offers a similar option with Bloomingdale’s credit cards, which provide some of the best perks for Loyallist program members. Either choose from a store credit card or an American Express credit card, whichever better suits your needs. Both provide free shipping and bonus point benefits, plus access to special offers throughout the year, both in-store and at other locations. Plus, each opening of a new card gets 15% of purchases to $250 made on the day and day after sign up. What’s even better is that those who reach Top of the Line status with Loyallist memberships will get an automatic update to their store credit cards! Score.

Take advantage of free shipping. ALL THE TIME.

Saks Fifth Avenue offers free shipping on all day, every day, and on every order. By using promo code FREESHIP, start getting gorgeous goodies delivered right to the home or office for absolutely no extra charge. What’s even better is that Saks Fifth Avenue’s free shipping offer is available regardless of order total, which means there’s a chance to update that entire summer wardrobe or just buy that one pair of designer jeans, sunglasses, or shoes that you’ve been eyeing for months now – but for way less.  

Channel that inner bride.

Planning a June wedding? Blushing summer brides can get multiple perks at both Bloomingdales and Saks, who are both very generous when it comes to wedding gift registries. Registering with Bloomingdale’s, for example, allows for exclusive offers, including 10% off the remaining home items on your registry for six months after your occasion date, as well as a $100 “splurge card” for spending $500 or more on all remaining items in your registry. There’s even complimentary monogramming, along with additional exclusive savings such as 25% off regular-priced women’s dresses, 20% off fine jewelry or regular-priced intimates item, 25% off one regular-priced purchase of $500 or more in the men’s department, and 10% off of luggage (starting two months prior to the occasion date).

App it out.

With Bloomingdales specifically, savvy shoppers can download the bWallet app to link directly to their Loyallist accounts to automatically rack up points whenever using the app. Be sure to use that bWallet to store credit, debit, and Rewards cards for a more organized, easier payment process and remember that when adding available offers and promotions, the app will be able to show exactly which offers will likely save you the most money. Maximize your savings all while making checkout a breeze. So cool.