Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

After reading and re-reading all the entries and weighting them carefully we have picked our winners. Your entries were fun, inspiring and diverse. Thank you for participating in our contest!
And the winners are:

Below are links to all winner’s entries

First Place              PS3 AND a Wii from Game Dude
Second Place        $500.00 Gift Certificate Ski and Snowboard Liquidator
Third Place            $200.00 Gift Certificate from Goldstar Entertainment
Forth Place            $100.00 Gift Certificate from Athena Designs

Runner Up 1            All runners ups receive a BargainsLA hoodie valued at $35
Runner Up 2
Runner Up 3
Runner Up 4
Runner Up 5

Submitted by Jenn E

As a fan, I’ve been meaning to write this as a letter of thanks to you, your mom (Gerri Cook) and the great service your website truly provides!  I’m sure I’m not the only one, but your good work has truly impacted my life in a big, BIG way!  Back in 2005 you single handedly furnished and practically decorated my first home with your glowing recommendations of RD Imports, Designer Furniture Auctioneer, FR Industries and a consignment shop in Santa Clarita.

Now where do I begin this seemingly endless list of bargain buys?!!! Perhaps we can attempt to tackle this chronologically…

RD Imports
  * 8 dining chairs under $300
  * accent chair & accent furniture $70
  * decorative lattice which I turned into a cool headboard $40

Designer Furniture Auctioneer
  * pillow top full and queen mattresses with box springs under $650
  * dining table that seats eight $240
  * 4 piece sofa set $2000 (Julio swears it was from Bloomingdales)
  * Calvin Klein bedding $35

FR Industries Warehouse
  * Pottery Barn-like curtains $20
  * Z Gallery-like accent pillows $5
  * Z Gallery-like pillow covers $4
  * Countless gifts for the wedding entourage

Consignment shop that was going out of business in Santa Clarita
  * 4 piece custom designed danish modern bedroom set for only $700!!!

Even my extracurricular activities are because of you, too! Discovering GoldStar.com has provided me and my friends with countless discounted tickets, shows and services… tour of Stars’ Hollywood homes, Kooza, Grinch & Lion King at the Pantages, Nightmare Before Christmas at El Capitan, and yes, even massages, too!

You’ve managed to help me save on countless gifts for birthdays, weddings and Christmases with suggestions on Archipelago, Paul Frank, Michael Stars, Flux Nouveau, Stila, 1928 and not to forget shoes galore at Luxury Avenue! Am sure that’s only a smattering of all the places I’ve hit.

But my ultimate prize buy would be my wedding gown from a random email you sent about a Bridal Shop off PCH in Redondo Beach that you said was closing… I tried on 5 beautiful gowns and fell in love with two and actually walked away with “THE ONE!” This little bridal shop is where I managed to snag a two-piece Ramona Keveza Designer gown originally priced over $3000 but now marked down to $700!!!  The trip happened to be on a whim since my fiancé and I were in the neighborhood that weekend… the only thing was that I was alone when I actually bought my wedding gown =( … a little sad that my mom wasn’t there with me but the simplicity of the gown was exactly what I wanted and at an unbeatable price to boot!  Plus they practically threw in the veil and undergarments when they only charged me $25!  PS. I scored my mom’s Mother of the Bride dress from Buyer’s Brand Outlet in WLA! And my Post Wedding Day outfits from Trina Turk!

Although I must admit all my stories were not happy endings… there was the time we took your lead and wound up at Lumber Liquidators. While we were canvassing around, mom & I managed to find the perfect hardwood flooring… but we didn’t have the exact measurements of the townhouse with us.  The guy reassured us there was much of that particular flooring to go around. We returned three weeks later and to our dismay it was all gone! Apparently a contractor bought the whole entire lot! But all was not lost that day, since we did manage to find comparable flooring at iFloors just down the street.  =)

My latest find was your tip on Floor Plan Home Furnishing in Glendale last month… where new hubby and I snagged a beautiful oatmeal tweed, fully upholstered daybed for only $400 (marked down from $700 but probably sells for $2k elsewhere) ... They even threw in the accompanying twin mattress =)

I am proud of my all my frugal finds and I have you to thank for them!  Attached are a few photos of my treasure finds.

There really are not enough words in the English language to properly thank you for all the good work that you do!  Long live BargainsLA.com !  Second only to my beloved Thomas Guide, you truly are the next best resource in So California!  Merry Christmas!           

Forever indebted to you, JG

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Submitted by Candice B

The BargainsLA.com Bride
(Or: How I Got a $100,000 Wedding for $20,000)

I’ve been a BargainsLA.com devotee for as long as I can remember. Even when I was going to college in San Francisco (1999 to 2003) and spending my holidays and summers down in Southern California, I made a point of checking the Hot Sales page to go sample sale shopping. I began reselling some of my less-worn finds on eBay, which helped me get through college, and even was inspired to run a column on San Francisco deals in my college newspaper.

But Suzanne and her team benefited me the most when it came to planning my 2005 wedding. From the gown to the shoes to the groom’s vest, I don’t know what I would have done without her!

The issue is that I have a dual personality: I’m a die-hard bargain hunter who can spot 100% cashmere from 40 paces. I will gladly hunt through an aisle of Goodwill shoes in hopes of finding that pair of Jimmy Choos (yes, it’s happened). That’s where BargainsLA.com helps me out; it keeps my two conflicting personalities totally happy.

On to the wedding. I married into a massive Irish-Italian Catholic family that’s very close, despite its size — so being able to accommodate a large group was a must. That being said, my now-husband and I didn’t get any outside help in paying for our 300-person wedding. I had an expectation of how it would look, but was at a loss as to how to make that happen.

Using the tips Suzanne e-mailed out over the years in her newsletter, I found a gorgeous ceremony venue (the mission in San Juan Capistrano) that was both historic and large enough for our needs. (The price was right, too!) We also selected a reception site (the Holiday Inn in Laguna Hills) that, despite its name, was beautifully appointed and extremely reasonable.

With the biggest needs conquered, I began the (seemingly endless) search for the perfect dress and other accoutrements. I live in South Orange County, so there aren’t a lot of bargain wedding apparel options. My wedding planning involved a number of trips to LA, the Valley and even the Inland Empire, using itineraries created through searching the BargainsLA.com website and Suzanne’s newsletters.

Since the wedding, I’ve become the de-facto wedding coordinator for my friends, taking a countless number to LA to follow in my footsteps. I’ve also referred many to the Brides Against Breast Cancer sales, where I finally found my gown.

On to some of the specific deals:

- The gown: Brides Against Breast Cancer. BABC puts on traveling sales nationwide of both new and pre-worn wedding gowns and accessories. All proceeds benefit breast cancer research. Suzanne had spoken highly of them in her website, so it was a natural choice to go to a BABC sale to find my gown. My mother had a breast cancer scare right around the time of my wedding, and I have lost family friends to the disease as well. Before going to the sale, I reviewed options online and in boutiques, in order to get a sense of what I liked. I knew I wanted true silk, but I couldn’t justify the $3,000-and-up prices. When I went to a BABC sale in the South Bay, it was only a few minutes before I came across a gorgeous sample gown from a recently-retired designer that was pure silk, edged with silvery Chantilly lace, and had sterling silver and Swarovski crystal accents. It was exactly what I had hoped for. Retail was $5,999, but Brides Against Breast Cancer sold it to me for $599. I still have the receipt, and cried as I signed the credit card slip. I also found a gorgeous sterling silver filigree tiara, set with rhinestones and pearls arrayed like flowers, for just $10. Savings over retail: more than $5,000(!).

- Veil: Erika Koesler Wedding Accessories, North Hollywood. Erika Koesler is one of the top designers in the wedding accessory industry. I wish I knew about her sooner in my wedding search. I think I spent two hours in her little outlet shop, set within her warehouse. Her veils were so intricate; some were beaded, and others were bedecked with rhinestones. Her tiaras also ran the gamut from fairylike to current. I ended up selecting a double-layered veil to go with my aforementioned tiara. Erika took time to look at it and my gown before recommending a veil. One pearl was missing from the tiara, so Erika herself attached a new one for me on the spot. Simply amazing! Savings over retail: in the hundreds.

- Photo frames: Frame Club, North Hollywood. Just down the street from Erika Koesler is the wonderful Frame Club, where I picked up stacks of gorgeous frames for my wedding photographs that I used as Christmas gifts for my huge family and equally huge wedding party. Savings over retail: easily $500.

- Bridal party jewelry: 1928 Jewelry Outlet, Burbank. All of my bridesmaid and maid of honor necklace and earring gifts came from here. I had a blast picking pieces that would go with each girl’s personality and dress style; each girl had been told to choose a dress neckline that best accentuated them. Savings over retail: about $300 total.

- Corset/cufflinks: Department Store Outlet, Pomona. I found my undergarments here, as well as a cufflink set for my husband. DSO is a wonderful Federated Department Stores liquidator that’s always an adventure; you never know what you will find there. Savings over retail: $90.

- Shoes: Piller’s, Torrance. The holy grail of designer shoes, Piller’s is crammed high with every style and designer imaginable. After hunting through many shoeboxes, I came across these beauties, which were 75% off. They have crystal dragonflies on them, and looked perfect with my gown. Savings over retail: $60.

- Capelet: Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Scholarship Store, Los Angeles. I was obsessed with capelets, but couldn’t find anything that worked with my gown in the stores. I finally went on a whim one weekend to the FIDM store, and found the most beautiful white tulle capelet with tiny seashells stitched to it, for just $5! Savings over retail: likely at least $60.

- Flower girl/ringbearer outfits: For Kids Only, Tarzana. I stopped by on my way home from visiting my uncle and aunt in Moorpark. Boy, was that a great decision! Just the traditional European look I was going for. The photos say it all. Even if the ringbearer didn’t want to walk down the aisle, he was too cute for anyone to care. Savings over retail: $40.

- Groom’s vest: By way of Roger Stuart Clothes, Los Angeles. I had the hardest time trying to find the “right” vest to go with my husband’s tux and tails. We wanted a classic, Victorian-inspired look, and the stores just didn’t have anything like it. So I stopped by Roger Stuart, where my husband buys all his suits. They didn’t have the exact vest I had in mind, but one of the staff members was able to refer me to a vintage shop where I found it for just $10 (sorry, I don’t recall the name!). Savings over retail: $50?

- Mother of the Bride outfit: Off Fifth, Ontario. My mother wanted to wear a pantsuit for my wedding. She wanted it to be flowy and airy. There were lots of other things she wanted, as well — but a high price wasn’t one of them! This Saks Fifth Avenue outlet had the perfect outfit, at the right price. Savings over retail: $85.

(Thank you for all your hard work, Suzanne! Please know that there are so many of us who have benefited directly from all of your diligence.)

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Submitted by Susann L

“I Love BargainsLA.com: My Shopping Adventures”

I first discovered Suzanne O’Conner while browsing a website called yourlatv.com (a website catered toward learning about interesting things to do in the LA area) and that is where I found video clips of Suzanne going around places in LA and finding amazing shopping deals on designer apparel, shoes, and furniture.  At the end of the clips, Suzanne mentioned she had a website called BargainsLA.com, so I found her website online and immediately joined her free newsletter to get updates about upcoming sales. 

One of the first sales I went to was Athena Designs in Torrance and since I was attending Cal State Dominguez Hills at the time, I was surprised to find out that it was only 15 minutes away from my school.  So, I decided to drop by the sale after I was done with my classes for the day.  I found the place easily and parking was so convenient (right in front of the store) so I was really happy.  I love easy parking!!! I was greeted by Barbara, the owner of the store and she guided me around her jewelry showroom and mentioned the areas with the discounts.  She was so nice and she even offered me water and put on music for me while I shopped.  I was completely blown away by the prices, when she showed me the 70% off rack, I immediately checked out the jewelry in that section.  It was around Thanksgiving time, so I was able to do some early Christmas shopping. That day I bought 7 necklaces all sterling silver or gold plated sterling silver with assorted gemstones and 3 pairs of earrings.  I spent around $160 but it felt like I walked away with over $400 worth of goodies, and to top it off, Barbara even packaged my items in gift boxes with their personalized logos on the boxes.  I love shopping at Athena Designs and I am always checking the “Hot Sales” link on BargainsLA.com to see when another sale is coming up.   

One day, I got an email from Suzanne about an upcoming sale in Santa Monica called Sassy City Chicks. In the email, she stated that the first 50 people to respond to the email will get free admission to the sale and a free gift bag, plus you can invite a friend who would also get a gift bag.  I immediately responded to email and I ended up winning the tickets!! My boyfriend and I drove to Santa Monica on Saturday morning, and there were people waiting in line to get in to the sale, we got in line for about 30 minutes.  When we checked in at the front desk, they gave us our free gift bag that consisted of a specialty vitamin drink, lip-gloss, and coupons for other stores.  I was so happy, I love getting free goodies!!

From the “What’s New” section of the BargainsLA.com website I learned about Buyers Brand Outlet, a clothing outlet store where you can get business suits for a reasonable price.  My boyfriend had an interview coming up, and I was busy at work so I gave him the address of the outlet so he can check out the place.  He came home with a suit jacket for just $40!  When I looked at the label in the jacket I noticed it said it was an “Alfani made exclusively for Macy’s” jacket, so my bf and I thought we should go to Macy’s to find matching pants for the suit jacket.  OMG, when we arrived at Macy’s we were shocked to find that Alfani pants alone cost $150, and Alfani suit jackets cost $450 dollars (no sales & full price).  We could not believe we just saved 90% off on a designer suit jacket!!!

I was browsing the bargainsls.com website and I discovered that Suzanne had a blog called “Zannee’s Blog” where she talked about places that she has visited.  On one of her postings, I read about how she adores and loves the LF sales, so I decided to check out what all the rave was about.  When I got there, I was surprised to see people dragging huge bags of clothes out to their cars.  I went into the warehouse and looked around and the prices were unbelievable $6 for tops, $12 for shoes and $15-25 for tops and dresses.  At the time I was on a tight budget, so I had to restrain myself from wanting to buy everything in the warehouse.  I ended up buying a lace top with pink floral designs from the LF Boutique Section for $15 and 2 regular tops from the $6 top section.  I got 3 tops for $27! On my car ride home with my bf, I was looking over my shirts and I was so giddy when I found a “made in Italy” label for my lace top.  I have never gotten anything that was made in Italy for only $15 dollars!!!  The next time I went back to the LF sale was like 6 months later, and I was one of those people dragging my items out to my car!!!

My bf and I went to Shane’s Jewelry near UCLA to look for engagement rings, and the pricing for diamonds was awesome, we found out that they only charge 10% markup on their diamonds from their purchase price.  They were even willing to show us the billing receipt, so we knew they were a trustworthy store.  One of the store managers Ted also let me try on any jewelry that caught my eye and my boyfriend is thinking of buying my engagement ring from here when he proposes to me, hopefully soon! 

Other memorable shopping adventures:

I went to the Flux Nouveau Warehouse Sale, and I ended up buying 3 t-shirts for $20.  I occasionally shop at revolveclothing.com for discounted designer clothing (in their sale section) and I saw this brand on their website and it was $40 for one t-shirt.  I was so happy when I realized I basically got 3 shirts for the price of one! 

My bf and I visited the Von Dutch warehouse where they had placed a ton of boxes of clothes on the floor in a small parking lot.  I ended up buying a grey hat with the Von Dutch logo for just $10! 

I went to the Erica Koesler to check out bridal hair accessories, even though I was not getting married, I just wanted to get some sparkly hair clips.  I got 2 hair pins with rhinestones on them for $10 each!! 

I saw a posting on bargainsla.com that there was a BCBG Final Cut Outlet in Melrose, so I decided to drive to Melrose to find the outlet.  When I arrived at the BCBG Outlet, I was surprised to find that the handbags was priced at $50 and under, I got a nice bag for only $19, original price was $550! When I went back to the outlet a week later, all the purses were gone, it just goes to show when there is a good deal you have to act fast!! 

I love BargainsLA.com, I love discounts and getting quality items for a fraction of the cost.  I have been an avid follower of Suzanne’s website for over 3 years and along the way, I was able to find pretty amazing deals.  Thank you Suzanne for all the shopping adventures and the many more to come!

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Submitted by Lisa N

I am lucky to have a close relationship with my mom.  One thing we have bonded over is our love of shopping.  My Mom taught me at an early age to take advantage of sales and coupons.  We used to head out to Buffums for their end-of-the-month sale at 9:30am on the last Friday of each month so we could catch all the best deals when the store opened at 10:00am.  I wore many high school and sorority formals for under $20 from hitting this sale!  It is because of this love of bargain shopping and the thrill of the hunt that BargainsLA.com is my favorite site on the Web.

I can’t remember how I came upon the BargainsLA site, possibly Googling something, but I can’t imagine living without it. Every Monday afternoon I faithfully check the site for this week’s posting under “Hot Sales” and I plan my Saturday.  Some Saturdays there are not any sales that I am interested in and other Saturdays I must schedule and MapQuest my stops! I have gotten so many great deals over the years by checking the “Hot Sales” section everything from t-shirts, shoes, belts, beautiful leather purses, designer jeans, makeup, furniture, jewelry, housewares.  I rarely shop at the mall because most things I can get from sample or warehouse sales advertised on BargainsLA.com. My teenage daughter is very well dressed in all the latest brands at a fraction of the cost.  I have saved lots of money over the years because of BargainsLA.  A fact that I regularly point out to my husband!!! 

I love Suzanne’s write ups on the stores/warehouses that she has visited with her detailed review and pictures broken down by item category or general location.  I usually go through each of them and write down stores that I would like to visit.  I have visited many of them!!  Last year a friend (who knew I was a highly skilled bargain shopper!!) asked me where he could get a slip cover made for a chair.  I said I had never had one made but let me check my favorite site, BargainsLA.com.  Best SlipCover was on the site with a great review from Suzanne.  I told my friend about it.  He called and arranged an appointment.  They came to the house, measured, and showed him fabrics, and quoted a great price.  He was very impressed with both the company and the finished product. I also gained credibility in his eyes as an expert bargain shopper!!

I have been to tons of sample and warehouse sales that have been advertised under “Hot Sales”.  The most popular sale I have ever been to was the Stila Cosmetics sale about 3 years ago (Unfortunately, I couldn’t make this year’s sale).  I waited in line for about 3 1/2 hours which seemed crazy.  Women kept coming out of the sale with enormous bags telling us that it was so worth the wait.  I hung in there and it was so worth it!  I got small makeup gift sets for $10, lip gloss and travel perfume sets for $3, eye shadows for $5 - 10.  Most items were $20 or less which is a steal for this fantastic makeup line.

Another of my favorite sales was the Charm & Luck purse sale which sadly has went out of business. They made beautiful leather purses with some bling.  Their purses retailed for as much as $400 dollars but at the sale you could find them between $10 to $30 because they had some slight flaws.

I have also fallen in love with an up-and-coming purse company called Roxbury.  They make beautiful, luxurious, well made bags with a lot of style.  These retailed for as much as $600 and could be picked up at their sample sales for between $50 & 100 dollars.

One year Chip and Pepper had a big jean sample sale that was advertised on BargainsLA.  I was able to buy my son and daughter jeans for $30 because they each wore the sample size.
Matisse Shoes is another one of my favorite sample sales that I learned about through BargainsLA.  They make gorgeous leather shoes, sandals, and boots. They have sample sales twice a year.  If you are lucky enough to wear their sample size of a size 6 you can find shoes for $5 to $10 dollars. They also offer all sizes of other shoes for at least 50% off.  This is definitely a sale that should not be missed.

My favorite furniture stores are both on the BargainsLA site but I was shopping with them before they were on the BargainsLA site. They are RUF and Just Like the Model.  The majority of my home furniture and accessories are from both of these stores.  Both companies specialize in furniture and accessories from model homes.  A bargain lover’s paradise with many well know furniture manufactures goods at discounted prices.  Both stores are no frills with a selection that varies from week to week.  These stores are not for the timid – if you see something you like you must be prepared to pounce on it or it will not be there tomorrow.

GoldStar.com is a great discount ticket site for plays, sporting events, harbor cruises, tastings, spa services, etc.  I am fortunate to have found them through the BargainsLA site.  Not only do they offer great discount tickets they also display member reviews on the events so you can decide if it is something that you would be interested in.  I have enjoyed several plays at the South Coast Performing Art Center and other local venues for less than $25 per ticket.
 
Some of my other favorite stores are Santa Fe Outlet, The ELS Outlet , and ReMart.  Of course, I also found out about these because of BargainsLA!  These stores offer products from a well known large membership warehouse store at discounted prices. 

I can go on and on about the BargainsLA site and the many great bargains I have found. To me there is nothing more satisfying than to purchase a high quality item at a great price.  Anyone can shop but it takes work to be a bargain shopper.  BargainsLA helps take some of the work out of finding a great deal.  I highly recommend this site.

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Submitted by Maria W

When I moved to LA just 7 years ago,
I wondered where should I shop and where do I go?

I knew about outlets, thrift stores, consignment shops too,
But what’s an expert bargain hunter to do?

An online search sent me to the best place
Bargainsla.com put a smile on my face.

There were hot sales, bargain finds, and forums to read,
To find a sale or store for anything that I need.

I started out with the big brands that I knew
BCBG and Barneys were the very first two.

The quality was great and the prices were tiny
I got a wool coat reduced from $1200 to $90!

Suzanne was right, the sales were great,
But if you want purses you cannot be late!

She’s ahead of the curve and knows what’s ahead
I now own Ella Moss, Flux Nouveau, Rachel Pally, and Bed Head.

The best of them all was a onetime event
Chiarakruza was for me heaven sent.

I was 6 months pregnant and felt twice my size,
That sale alone was my biggest prize.

The designer was there and she was so nice,
I had no idea those clothes sold for 10 times the price!

Wendy Glez was another sale I adored,
I spent very little and totally scored.

The LF Warehouse sale is a really good bet,
If you’re looking for basics you’re totally set.

I do love my clothes but other bargains can be found
Archipelago has the best candles around.

I convince friends to go to these sales in an instant
You can find what you need for just a mere pittance!

I adore this site; you can find anything I bet ya,
Don’t forget to tell them BargainsLA sent ya!

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Submitted by Gail P

Here is my submission for the Bargains LA contest:

I moved here from Mpls the fall of ‘08 and I only have about a year’s worth of Bargains LA experience under my belt, but I have made up for lost time.  Having lived in the Midwest with not much interesting shopping, I had no idea what LA had to offer.  I love to shop, and was known for finding bargains in Mpls, and now with Bargains LA help, I can continue to do so here.  There is alot to uncover.

I love meeting the people as much as finding the bargains.  It is so much more interesting than shopping the chain stores, and putting a face to the name on the label. I can’t say enough great things about Linda at Loco Lindo, Florence at Villa Firenze, and Mike and Barry from Dressed Up.  They are all special people and treat their customers so well.  It is a pleasure to do business with them.

Twas the day of Black Friday
and I’d had enough.
Tired and bored with
the lack of great stuff.

I’d gathered the ads
and planned my shopping with care,
in hopes what I wanted
still would be there.

But as I looked in the stores, I cried with dismay.
I just couldn’t find what I wanted that day.
Despite catchy slogans and pretty displays.
quality was poor and I was tossing money away.

Over-priced goods,
nothing in stock to boot
I decided to leave,
and had no good loot.

Then there in my cell phone,
did an email appear.
It was Bargains LA
with a Hot Sale that was near!

I remembered the fun
when last I did go
and the stuff I had gotten
that I loved even more.

At Villa Firenze, Loco Lindo,
Dressed Up and more.
I found $20 dresses
and $5 chic home decor.

Below-retail pricing
and the great things I’ve found,
have made me a hero
with gift giving year-round.

Instead of the store clerks
who are not always able,
I’ve met some designers
whose names are on labels.

And when the sale is over
I smile to myself….
knowing I’ve found many treasures
with my Bargains LA elf.

You can be sure
with Suzanne’s advice
you’ll find quality things
and a good price.

Buying way below retail
can happen every day.
And only another Bargain LA’er
will know what you’ve paid

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Submitted by Denise P

Ode to BargainsLA.com

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My wallet can reach, when feeling compelled to shop
For the things my family must have & yearn for.

I love thee to the level of my household’s
Most quiet (or not so) desires, by day and by headlights.
I love thee freely, as I strive for bargains;
I love thee whole-heartedly, as I turn my back on retail prices.

I love thee with a passion put to use
On my shopping days, with pocketbook in hand.
I love thee with a love I seem to lose restraint for
In light of past bargains lost,—- I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my bargain-hunting… and
as long as you are paving the way for me,
I shall but love thee well into all my future shopping sprees.

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Submitted by Sandy D

I have been a friend of Bargains LA for the last 4 years ... My sister in
law turned me on to the website back then. I check the website every couple
of days and plan weekend trips around the hot sales list. We live in
Tehachapi, California about 2 hours from downtown Los Angeles so we dont
get the opportunity to make every deal due the the kids schedules but I
make big efforts. For example I drive to Lancaster and hop on the Metrolink
to a station near the sale and my sister in law picks me up and we are off.

My favorite sales this year was the Hurley sale (I have been the last 4
years in a row on the Metrolink), the Guess sale in downtown Los Angeles,
and the sale at Dodger Stadium. I know that not living closer to the sales
is a slight problem but I make it work because I cant pass up the deals. We
have done the Rip Curl Sale, the Downtown LA sales as well as the warehouse
sale off the 5 freeway where I found my new garage door opener for only 99
dollars ... it was a steal compared to $229. But, I must tell you that we dont just look up the hot sales .... we also keep up with the bargain finds.

My husband was undergoing training in Ontario for 3 months and while he was there
I had him visiting the JC Penney outlet and the Buy Rite Outlet as well as a few others.
Since he was so close for a short amount of time I had him check everything he could and we ended up with a new kitchen table, chandelier, and a few lamps.
My son has also been using your site since I mention the Ski and Snowboard Liquadation Center and when we venture down to see Grandma on Christmas
he has planned to spend the night and hit the Center in the morning the day after Christmas. My daughter is thankful for the formal dress she now owns from
one of the sales ... another steal for 20 dollars compared to $200. She will look beautiful at this years prom. We have also been to the Dale Tiffany Outlet as well as many others.

As a family we always check the Bargains LA site before we venture out for
any shopping spree .... if I walk around my house I can honestly say that
every room in my house has something in it found on Bargains LA from the
kitchen table and a couple of appliances to a Chandelier in the dining room
to a chair in the living room to clothes in all the closets to a garage door
opener. We are a Bargains LA family and owe a large amount of gratitude to
this website for all the deals that it has passed on to my family and then
on to my extended family and friends.

I thank you in advance for your time and patience,

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Submitted by Beverly D

Yes I do love bargainsla.com!

I do email family & friends of great sales.
I love the disney/ harajuku apparel warehouse in van nuys for the kids.
I love the lipstik warehouse sale too.
I love my dresses that I used for reunions from a family clothing
store in L.A. (selling brand name Bordeaux from Nordstroms).
I love the L&F warehouse sale for boutique clothing & accessories. ( I
own leather jackets for $15 each!)

I love my Junior Drake & Tylie Malibu & charm and luck bags. (charm &
luck leather bags I think I got for $15!)
I love my Matisse boots ($15) & Charles David shoes.
I love my Stila makeup.
I love my Archipelago candles.($2-$5)
I love the Hank hoodies & tees.($6)
I love the Saturday Sale & got hoodies & tops from a brand for $3 each!

I guess you can spot a BargainsLA.com subscriber in a shopping line by
looking at what she wears.

I joke to my husband how cheap my outfit is:
$3 - Matty M. Top
$18 - L & F jeans or $15 Mek denim
$15 - boots from Matisse
$35? Bag from Junior Drake
$3 underwear from L & F

I am mistaken to be a boutique shopper because of the quality clothes
I wear but I am just a bargainsla.com devoted subscriber!

Merry Xmas @ more success!

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