Read This Before You Make Your Next Purchase, Regardless Of The Price

Shopping can be so much fun. You get to bring smiles to the faces of those you love by giving them the perfect gift. Of course, a little retail therapy is always great for you, too. Before you dive into your next shopping session, read the following useful tips to ensure you are a wise consumer of goods.

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If you are thinking of buying high-quality jewelry, do your research. 

A jewelry purchase is a huge monetary expenditure you do not want to go awry. That is why when you are ready to buy a valuable piece, such as a diamond, it is imperative for you to do your due diligence and learn more from another Angara review. Read all of the applicable reviews on the gems and jewelry and research the company to ensure you will be purchasing your gemstone from a reputable business.

 

Always read the fine print.

Regardless of what you buy and where you buy it from, you must read all of the documentation before you click to purchase or tap to pay. If the content has been presented for you to read and it expressly states that by completing the transaction, you consent to the terms, you are agreeing to that information whether you take the time to read it or not. It is ok to wait a few moments before you get your retail therapy fix so you know what you are getting into. 

 

When in doubt, ask for help.

You cannot know everything about the product you are interested in, or every product, for that matter. Sometimes you have more questions about something and want to understand it before you spend your hard-earned money. Or perhaps you need assistance with a problem regarding said product. When that happens, your best source of help is through the customer service channels. You should try whatever services are available to you, such as:

 

  • Customer Service Representatives 
  • AI Chatbots
  • Email
  • Social Media

 

Watch this video for helpful tips on how to get better customer service.

Understand the return policy.

One company’s return policy can vary widely from the next. To that end, you need to understand the parameters of the policy before you buy a product. While you may fully intend to keep your items, there is always the possibility that they will arrive damaged from shipping or not work once you are home and ready to use them. Clothing can have imperfections that may not be visible in the store, and the list goes on. Knowing the timeframe in which you can return an item, whether it will be for cash, a credit card refund, or store credit, and whether a sale is final will help you in the event that a problem arises.

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Now that you are armed with information on how to make the best-informed purchases, it is time to go shopping! Sit back on your comfy couch and click away. Or meet your bestie at the mall (they still exist) and grab a pretzel in the food court when you are finished.

Birmingham Celebrating Small Business Saturday #ShopHomewood

WHAT: In 2010, American Express created Small Business Saturday in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: getting more customers during the busy holiday shopping season.

Celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year, Small Business Saturday helps shine a light on the small, independent businesses that keep our communities thriving.

This year Small Business Saturday is on November 25Even more consumers and communities like Birmingham are coming together to support all types of small businesses (from retail shops and restaurants to fitness studios and record stores) on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.

WHERE: 

Homewood Chamber of Commerce
7 Hollywood Boulevard

Homewood, AL 35209

WHEN:  Saturday, November 25, 2017

More details on the day’s events include:

  • A chance to win gift cards and giveaways with the use of #shopsmall and #shophomewood
  • Drawing and social media contests

WHO:  Meredith Drennen of Homewood Chamber of Commerce is available for on-site interviews.

They can discuss:

  1. Events taking place at Homewood Chamber of Commerce
  2. Background on Small Business Saturday
  3. The importance of local businesses to our economy
  4. The impact of Small Business Saturday on America’s small businesses

Macy’s Backstage Outlet Store Grand Opening

Macy’s Backstage is a new outlet store located in select cities.  The department store is one of my favorite retailers because Macy’s has something for everyone.

Last weekend, the store hosted their Macy’s Backstage Grand Opening at The Riverchase Galleria.  The event included music, gift totes, and a selfie booth. Local shoppers came out to the event; eager to partake in the sales and discounts.

For shopping clarity, Macy’s will continue to function in it’s normal capacity.  What does that mean? Macy’s Backstage is actually located within the original department store. The outlet is it’s own individual area with reduced merchandise and checkout.

Ultimately, Macy’s Backstage is an opportunity for customers to get their favorite products at a reasonable price.

 

32nd Annual Southern Women’s Show Recap – Girls Day Out

Attending the 32nd Annual Southern Women’s Show is a local tradition in the Birmingham metro area. Participants have the opportunity to view exhibits and purchase a variety of products from aromatherapy to fashion accessories, and home decor.

It’s considered to be the official Girls’ Day Out with live entertainment and delicious treats.  This was my first year taking part in the event and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

Vendors at The Southern Women’s Show were pleasant and very knowledgeable in terms of selling their products. For example, I received a presentation from the doTerra Representative describing the use of essential oils.  doTerra’s different from most essential oil companies because they provide the highest quality oils. Yes, I am a lover of fashion but also an advocate of health and wellness. doTerra’s wellness presentation (essential oils 101) was a treat!

In addition, the exhibit provided cooking demonstrations from Alabama Gulf Seafood and ProFashion offered professional hair styling tips.  Belk encouraged participants to stop by their booth for a makeover with the use of cosmetics from Bobbi Brown and Clinique.  I had a really good time testing the new fragrance gift sets.

The Spotlight Stage (on Thursday) included Step by Step Painting Old Furniture, Beige and Black with LANCOME, and the Unclaimed Baggage Experience.  In my opinion, I give The Southern Women’s Show a thumbs up and encourage anyone in the area to purchase a ticket next year.  You might see me there!

Exhibitor List:

Bohemian Bliss

Gigi Cupcakes

Scentsy Wickless Candles

Wacoal

Michael’s Steaks and Seafood and much more…

https://youtu.be/UwcyG6xeWqM

Queenstown Premium Outlets – Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale

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Queenstown Premium Outlets to jumpstart summer with Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale event May 27 – 30
Premier shopping destination offers summertime specials and extra savings

To kick off the summer season with extra-special savings and deals, Queenstown Premium Outlets invites all fashionistas and savvy shoppers to join in on its annual Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale event! From Friday, May 27 – Monday, May 30, guests can enjoy extended hours and save on their favorite apparel, accessories and home merchandise – all while taking in the weekend’s warm weather!

Shoppers will find outside store displays from brand-name retailers, including:

Accents
Ann Taylor Loft Outlet
Bass
Calvin Klein
Clark’s Outlet
Columbia
Dressbarn
Easy Spirit
Gymboree
Harry and David
Merrell
Nine West
Stride Rite
Tommy Hilfiger
Wilson’s Leather

As an added convenience, Queenstown Premium Outlets will also offer extended hours to allow ample time for shoppers to enjoy all the savings during the holiday weekend.

Friday, May 27: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 28: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 29: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, May 30: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

For more information and a complete list of participating retailers, please visit premiumoutlets.com/queenstown.

Hagerstown Premium Outlets Celebrate – Ladies Day Out: Fashion & Fun for Moms

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Mother’s Day has never looked so chic at Hagerstown Premium Outlets! In honor of the upcoming holiday, the community’s premier shopping destination is inviting all mothers and grandmothers to enjoy a “ladies day out” on Saturday, May 7 from 12 – 4 p.m. with a FREE afternoon filled with fashion, beauty and glamour galore!

Shoppers can expect to celebrate in style with freeze model fashion shows, live entertainment provided by Sandy Whetzel and local “pop up” shops with brands including Silpada, Pink Zebra, Younique and Scentsy. Make this Mother’s Day extra trendy with fabulous mom-inspired festivities at Hagerstown Premium Outlets!

WHAT: Ladies Day Out: Fashion & Fun for Moms

WHEN: Saturday, May 7 from 12 – 4 p.m.

WHERE: Hagerstown Premium Outlets, 495 Premium Outlets Blvd., Hagerstown, Md. 21740

HOW: For more information, visit premiumoutlets.com/Hagerstown.

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Arundel Mills Expands with New Retailers

Shoppers seeking the latest in fashionable footwear for men and women and treasured women’s apparel will soon have two new options to choose from at Arundel Mills with the scheduled spring openings of shoe retailer G.H Bass & Co (Spring 2016) and women’s fashion outlet Francesca’s Collection (Spring 2016).

“G.H Bass & Co and Francesca’s Collection are two wonderful additions to our mall,” said Gene Condon, general manager at Arundel Mills. “Both brands emphasize what shoppers want; the latest trends for less. In line with our own mission to offer the best selection at a discounted price, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome these two great companies to our mall.”

For those seeking the highest quality footwear at the lowest discounted prices, G.H Bass & Co will be the place to shop when it opens at Arundel Mills in the spring of 2016. Founded in 1876 in Wilton, Maine, G.H. Bass Co. has continued to live up to the mission of its founder of “mak[ing] the best possible shoe for the purpose in which it will be used.” The store will offer quality and affordable shoes for the whole family and will be located in Neighborhood 3 near H&M.

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Those who seek luxurious style will enjoy the addition of Francesca’s, one of the fastest-growing women’s fashion retailers in the country. Since its founding in 1999, Francesca’s boutique stores have offered women a bevy of unique handpicked apparel, jewelry, bags, shoes, accessories and home goods. The store will be located in Neighborhood 4 near Teavana.

G.H Bass & Co and Francesca’s joins Steve Madden, Cole Haan, and Yankee Candle, as the newest additions to Arundel Mills– Maryland’s largest outlet and value retail shopping destination.

H&M TO OPEN IN PUERTO RICO | Fashion – Forward Apparel

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H&M, one of the world’s largest fashion retailers famous for offering fashion-forward apparel at affordable prices in a sustainable way, is pleased to announce that its first location will open its doors in June 2016 at The Mall of San Juan, in San Juan. This will be followed by a second location at Plaza Del Sol, in Bayamón.

“We are extremely thrilled to open in Puerto Rico. Our new store at The Mall of San Juan will give our customers there access to our fashions for the whole family,” says Daniel Kulle, U.S. President of H&M. “We are excited to continue our North American expansion and add our upcoming stores there to our four hundred and seventeen other locations in the U.S.,” he adds.

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The new store will be approximately 31,000 square feet with fashion for everyone’s personal style. The Mall of San Juan location will include collections for ladies, men, young ladies, and young men with separate “store within a store” sections for accessories, lingerie and beauty. The Mall of San Juan location will also carry H&M’s children’s collection for newborns up to nine year olds. H&M looks forward to offering the best of summer fashion to its customers in Puerto Rico.

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Harbor East Hosts Vino in Vogue: Wine Tasting and Shopping

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Harbor East, Baltimore’s hottest destination for dining, shopping & nightlife, proudly announces Vino in Vogue! On Saturday, November 7th from 124PM guests can sip, swirl and sample wines from some of the neighborhood’s most notable restaurants while enjoying shopping events, lite bites, and live music in the heart of the district.

Tasting stations hosted by: Azumi, Bond Street Social, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Lebanese Taverna, Ouzo Bay, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion and Wit & Wisdom. At each table, sommeliers and wine experts will offer pours of three different wines from their respective restaurant cellars, giving guests an opportunity to sample their wine programs and explore various varietals, blends and regions.

Love one of the selections? Enjoy a full glass while you window shop and nosh on cheese, sweets and lite fare at a variety of Harbor East retailers including South Moon Under, J.Crew, Sassanova and more to be announced soon! Live music at Katyn Circle makes the afternoon a festive fall affair.

Harbor East Vino In Vogue 11-7-15

Tickets for Vino in Vogue are on sale now and must be purchased in advance. Reserve your tasting glass today: $30 for early birds$35 after October 17th. Ticket includes wine tastings from seven restaurants (3 pours per restaurant), a signature tasting glass, lite bites & complimentary garage parking at Harbor East. Please note full glasses of wine will be available for purchase on-site and are not included in the ticket cost.

Vino in Vogue at Harbor East is sponsored by Baltimore STYLE magazine. For more information and to purchase tickets visit:

http://www.harboreast.com/events/vino-vogue/. Click to Tweet! http://ctt.ec/Cb1YG.

About Harbor East

Harbor East is home to some of Baltimore’s best shopping, dining, entertainment, hotels and residences. Among its many eclectic attractions are fine dining restaurants, vibrant and unique shops, a world-class fitness center and a seven-screen art house theatre. Harbor East is also an inspiring place for business, providing a contemporary setting for world-class offices.www.harboreast.com.

Tamar Collection | Stylish and Well – Made Clothing

Sharing photos and clothing from The Tamar Collection

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Teal Pumps & Accessories

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Fluffing my Natural Hair

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Smiling & Posing

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of The Braxtons and especially Tamar.  Their sister dynamic reminds me of my own family with the laughs and craziness!  I’m also the youngest child and can relate to Tamar in the perspective of  being outspoken, fashionable, and loving everyone unconditionally.

I was excited to receive items from the Tamar collection and eager to share with my audience.  The two pieces shipped included the Vegan Leather Pants and Striped Shadow Skirt.  Both items are simply gorgeous and very well-made for all body types.

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Striped Shadow Skirt

For styling purposes, the striped shadow skirt can be worn with a blouse or jacket to dinner, church, or brunch. The vegan leather pants are perfect for a girl’s night out and perfect in terms of size and length.

I decided to pair the skirt with teal accessories for a fresh summer look; and wear a white jacket with the pants for a sophisticated color combination.

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Vegan Leather Pants & Hair Change

I hope that everyone will check out the Tamar Collection.  The site updates frequently and trust me, you will not be disappointed!