You know how I like to say that paying for shipping is for suckers. Most of the time, I think that’s true. Many (most?) online retailers offer free shipping one way or another, with some regularity. One of the very few exceptions I make to this rule is when Dillard’s takes an additional 40% off their clearance like they’re doing right now. Dillard’s charges a flat $10(ish; I think it’s $9.95) for shipping no matter what, always. And that’s a bummer. But. When they start taking these additional discounts on clearance items, I nearly always go ahead and shop them anyway. It’s a great time to pick up an otherwise expensive bed linen set, or a kitchen electric, or even a fancy dress (prom season will be here before you know it). And yes, I’d rather not pay for shipping, but these savings usually make it worth it.

And while I’m browsing (did I mention that my oldest has come out of her shell in college and I had no idea there were so many formals and semi-formals because she never went to any of them in high school…?), let me just say that the trend toward fancy-schmancy gowns having pockets is delighting me to no end.