zztop11
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,541
Oct 10, 2014 0:54:51 GMT
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Post by zztop11 on Sept 7, 2024 19:56:13 GMT
Was flipping through web sites and went to QVC. They had a cute Barefoot Dreams beanie cap/hat for just about $40. Then there is tax, shipping, etc. I'm retired so don't need many clothes. But it got me thinking. How do people afford to buy clothes now-a-days? I know thrift stores, sales, hand me downs, etc. but besides those ways, clothing is SO EXPENSIVE. Do you shop at regular department stores for clothes? How do you do it?
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pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,273
Jun 19, 2022 16:48:04 GMT
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 7, 2024 20:09:44 GMT
I wait for sales and budget. Like I know ds is going to need new shirts and some tee shirts as well as new socks and shoes for school. So I put a little away in June and July and ship b2s sales early August. I shop at Kohl's for home and always have a 30-40% off code for my Kohl's card. We go to Sketchers for buy 1 get one half off and he gets a pair and I get a pair.
I always earn Kohl's cash and before would use that for DD for back to school. This time it was used for an outfit for her internship position.
I shop here and there as needed.
We shop cooler and colder weather attire in October. Luckily ds is the same size. He just needs new pants and a few new long sleeve shirts and a new hoodie. He wears through pants quickly due to his Autism stims.
Those we get between JC Penny and Kohl's. Previous 2 years I have found last year's elastic waisted pants on clearance at JCP and paid $6 a pair. Looked like this years but different colors and saved $30-40 a pair.
I have gotten good over the years (when we really struggled due to medical debt and current medical need costs when Ds was younger) at sales and saving and shopping discounts.
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scrappinmama
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,122
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Sept 7, 2024 20:10:49 GMT
I don't do well with thrift stores. My adhd brain just can't handle it, for some reason. I have friends who get some great deals at thrift stores and I'm so jealous. I have tried and just don't have the skill to find the good stuff in a thrift store.
I try to buy things on sale when I can. but sometimes I need to replace something and can't find a deal. I do try to buy quality pieces of clothes that will last, mixed in with some quick fashion t shirts. I also love finding things on Stitch Fix.
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Tearisci
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,249
Nov 6, 2018 16:34:30 GMT
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Post by Tearisci on Sept 7, 2024 20:19:28 GMT
Honestly, I buy most of my clothes on Amazon or Old Navy. I have an Old Navy Visa that gives rewards off of clothes that I pay off every month. Granted, I work from home so I don't need an extensive wardrobe but I've been buying a lot of fall stuff even though it's still in the 80s-90s here.
I do need to get some new boots though so that will be an expense. My old ones don't fit anymore so we'll see what I can find at DSW!
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Post by leannec on Sept 7, 2024 20:31:48 GMT
I buy nice pieces that are going to last more than one season and then I can justify the price ... blazers and twin sets, decent leggings, dresses that are a timeless style, good shoes and boots ... I'm a teacher so I do need to look semi-professional most days ... although many teachers here do not! I never thought in a million years that I would pay $350 for boots but I now own two pair! Of course, I also own six pairs of Vans ... they are not that expensive ... I love them! I do the majority of my clothing shopping online ... I hate the mall! I need to try on shoes and boots so I suck it up and go to stores in person
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Post by Merge on Sept 7, 2024 20:37:08 GMT
Sales. And eBay. And yes, Amazon and Old Navy. More the former than the latter these days.
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GiantsFan
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Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Sept 7, 2024 20:43:12 GMT
Amazon and Costco. I hate to shop and rarely go into a store that has clothing. Once I find a pants that I like, I buy as many as I can. Tops are easier.
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Post by mom on Sept 7, 2024 20:49:45 GMT
Was flipping through web sites and went to QVC. They had a cute Barefoot Dreams beanie cap/hat for just about $40. Then there is tax, shipping, etc. I'm retired so don't need many clothes. But it got me thinking. How do people afford to buy clothes now-a-days? I know thrift stores, sales, hand me downs, etc. but besides those ways, clothing is SO EXPENSIVE. Do you shop at regular department stores for clothes? How do you do it? I think that if people are shopping for Barefoot Dreams, then they aren't minding the tax, shipping, etc. Thats a semi-luxury brand. When I am out shopping, I am looking for free shipping and sales if I am purchasing online. The stores I frequently go to online tend to have sales fairly often so I just wait. Very rarely do I have an emergency clothing issue that requires me to pay full price + shipping. Some stores I shop out never have sale or free shipping, but I know that going in & I know whatever I buy is going to need to be something I use season after season. Yes I pay more, but I am paying for quality. Just recently I went to Dillards (really the only major dept store within 200 miles) and hit their summer clearance. I bought resort wear + sundresses for 50-65% off. I wont wear them now, but I will wear then in Feb/March on our annual winter vacation to the beach.
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Post by katlady on Sept 7, 2024 20:51:24 GMT
Yes, I still shop at department stores. Macy's still has a petite section, so I look there first for clothes. Macy's does have sales often. Nordstrom used to be my go to place, but they did away with their petite section. Now, it is like looking for a needle in a haystack, especially for nice petite work slacks. Tops I can usually get away with regular sized clothing, although some times the length or the sleeves are too long. And I will shop all different type of stores for tops. But pants, and even dresses, can be hard to alter for a petite person because you sometimes have to cut away too much and you lose the shape of the item. Thankfully I can stop shopping for work slacks soon.
Shoes, is a pain for me. Most stores no longer carry a size 5, and even bargain places don't carry my size. Nordstrom still carries size 5. The Nordstrom Rack has size 5 too, but the shoes there are different than what I see in a Nordstrom store. And I must try on shoes before I buy because they all fit differently. I have a low tolerance for shoes that don't fit right.
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Post by lisae on Sept 7, 2024 20:54:45 GMT
Does anyone really pay full price for clothes anymore? I rarely pay the full price for anything. Almost every retailer does sales particularly around holidays, all holidays. The next one will be Columbus day.
With sales and free shipping most of the time, clothes are one of those things that to me haven't increased in price that much. I just bought a pair of pants from LL Bean to replace ones I stained permanently last spring. I'd had them probably 4 or 5 years. I would say the replacement was 20% more in price. Over 5 years that isn't nearly as much of an increase as many things have been though probably more than the preceding 5 years. Between Rakuten cash back and a LL Bean coupon code, I paid close to the price I probably paid 5 years ago. I bought some Brooks tennis shoes via Amazon - last year's style - for $102, which is about $60 less than the first pair of that style I bought last year.
I've shopped at consignment stores for years and bought some of my favorite things that way. Mostly I buy decent quality items, staying away from too many trendy things and wear my clothes for years. I'm trying to pare down my closet and resist buying something because it is a good buy.
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Post by monklady123 on Sept 7, 2024 21:01:08 GMT
I hate shopping. And, my wardrobe for both of my part time jobs is black pants or leggings and a short or long sleeved tee-shirt style shirt, with a cardigan or blazer over that. So I don't need a lot of clothes. The ones I do buy new are usually from Costco. That's where my pants and leggings came from, as well as the three new cardigans I just bought. lol
My dd swears by Old Navy. Every time I see her in something that I like I'll say "oh that's nice, where did you get it?" and she always replies "Old Navy, Mom, why do you always ask me? Old Navy is always the answer." hahaha
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Post by chaosisapony on Sept 7, 2024 21:21:46 GMT
I don't buy anything unless it is on sale and I never pay for shipping. If there is a shipping fee, I don't need the item. There are only a few stores I shop at, even Old Navy is too expensive for me these days.
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seaexplore
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Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Sept 7, 2024 21:26:17 GMT
I don't buy anything unless it is on sale and I never pay for shipping. If there is a shipping fee, I don't need the item. There are only a few stores I shop at, even Old Navy is too expensive for me these days. Yep.
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pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,273
Jun 19, 2022 16:48:04 GMT
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Post by pantsonfire on Sept 7, 2024 21:37:09 GMT
I stopped shopping Old Navy when the quality went down hill and the pricing up hill. That used to be dd's favorite store.
I do get a few items at price when needed now and I can't wait for a sale. Like when ds tore up a pair of shoes when he slipped at school and broke his leg. No sales going so I paid full price for his new shoes. Not like I could have waited.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 24, 2024 9:48:04 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 7, 2024 21:41:37 GMT
Honestly, a local thrift store. They have AMAZING stuff. I get compliments on my clothes all of the time. I get asked where I buy my stuff. I generally get a full outfit (skirt, shirt, jacket/sweater) for $12. It's amazing what people get rid of. I also got a brand new gorgeous dress with tags ($90) for $8. I wished this store were around when my girls were small. Well, at least I am benefiting now.
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,806
Jun 30, 2014 12:52:45 GMT
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Post by ellen on Sept 7, 2024 21:45:05 GMT
I wait for good sales. Most of my clothes come from Gap, Duluth Trading Company, and Loft. I never pay full price for anything.
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Post by melanell on Sept 7, 2024 22:48:06 GMT
We buy very little clothing in our household, and try to never pay regular price if we can help it.
We don't view clothes shopping as an activity, and none of us consider fashion to be a passion or hobby of ours, so we just buy what we actually need. And we're not fussy. We tend to rebuy the same brands and styles over and over again, which lets us keep an eye out for sales.
And we do keep an eye open at garage sales--again, because we know what brands and sizes we tend to always wear, it's easy to grab a deal if you find one. Last summer DH picked up several pairs of Levi's in great shape for $5 each and at the same sale I picked up a pile of Adidas shorts for $1.00 each for one of my kids, because I knew that brand & style worked for them.
We also tend to buy clothing as gifts. So then in term of budget it does double duty. it serves as a gift and as clothing, but I only need to use the budget of one category, kwim?
I definitely do well at Kohls for the entire family. DH does well with Old Navy clothing, and that's easy to find second hand, too. And we occasionally get things from Target as well. We do also go to the odd thrift store, although it's typically only DH who tends to find much there.
I personally do buy some things from Lands End, but they last me quite awhile, and I will search Ebay for anyone selling what I need there if there are no sales when I am looking for something.
As I mentioned in the are you ready for company thread, I wear clothing that is stained, ripped, etc. when at home. And that lets my other clothing last longer.
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twinsmomfla99
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,118
Jun 26, 2014 13:42:47 GMT
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Post by twinsmomfla99 on Sept 7, 2024 22:59:38 GMT
Amazon and Costco. I hate to shop and rarely go into a store that has clothing. Once I find a pants that I like, I buy as many as I can. Tops are easier. All of my professional pants and jeans came from Costco. I paid less than $10/pair for the pants and about $10/pair for the jeans. I started Mounjaro this summer when I was diagnosed with Type2 diabetes, and I have been losing quite a bit of weight. I am fitting into a smaller size of both the jeans and the black pants that I still had in my closet, but I will be shopping for yet a smaller size on Black Friday when Costco runs some pretty awesome deals. I buy tops on Costco occasionally, but most of the ones in my closet are from Amazon or JCPenney. I even have a few from Walmart. I used to rely a lot on CJ Banks, but I haven’t really shopped there since they closed their stores. I do still have several of their tshirts, which I love. I only buy black pants for work. This makes it so much easier to shop for the tops, and I only need one pair of shoes to go with them. I am fortunate that I work remotely one day each week, and I am allowed to wear jeans to the office. I have University-branded polo shirts with the name of my department that I wear 2 days each week with jeans, and I wear the black pants with different shirts the other days. Those days vary each week depending on what meetings I have scheduled I retire at the end of June next summer, so my shopping will definitely get easier.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,734
Location: So Cal
Jun 26, 2014 16:42:12 GMT
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Post by caangel on Sept 8, 2024 0:25:11 GMT
Another costco shopper here. My DD and I just went shopping today. We hit a thrift store and goodwill. Got her 2 dress for homecoming ($15 for both), 4 pairs of pants, 2 tops, 2 pairs of earrings for about $80 total.
Most of her clothes and some of mine are from my Buy Nothing group or hand me downs. I find it really easy to find decent women's clothing for free/cheap. Men's is a little harder.
I do splurge on Stitch Fix a few times a year. But I figure I save enough with the above it is fine.
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Post by jackietex on Sept 8, 2024 1:18:04 GMT
Amazon, Walmart, and Poshmark.
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Post by Linda on Sept 8, 2024 1:28:23 GMT
For myself - the thrift store, Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, and for jeans, Target. And I don't buy a ton of clothes and I tend to keep mine a long time and then pass them along to someone else or donate so I don't feel quite so bad about the fast fashion aspect.
For DD17? -She shops at thrift stores a ton - plus Target and Walmart and for 'dress clothes' JCP. She primarily wears men's clothes - which can be harder to find used but new ones generally are better quality for the equivalent price than women's.
None of us (DD24 and DS32 included) are especially big into fashion or trends which does help keep the price down.
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Post by cmpeter on Sept 8, 2024 3:43:05 GMT
If I wanted Barefoot Dreams I would order from Nordstrom and get free shipping. Ideally during their Anniversary Sale to save a few bucks.
I order most clothing online and always google for a promo code.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Sept 8, 2024 4:26:06 GMT
Most of my clothes come from Costco, Kohl’s and lately, JC Penney. I look for sales and clearance deals all year round and will only buy something if it’s a really good deal. I used to buy some of my t-shirts from Duluth Trading (and only on sale because they’re crazy expensive normally), but for some dumb reason they stopped selling women’s Longtail T’s in a V neck. What the hell are they thinking? I still buy DH’s shirts there but wait until they change colors seasonally and have them cheap. He’s just going to destroy them at work anyway so I hate paying more than $8-12 for them and he doesn’t care too much what color they are.
I had been buying some of the Tek Gear brand shirts at Kohl’s (long sleeve and short sleeve) but then they stopped selling the ones that are mostly cotton that I liked. Since I don’t really like “performance” fabrics, I was on the hunt again and found some decent V neck t-shirts at JCP and on sale I can get them for $5 or less. I like zip front hoodies and I buy the men’s Tek Gear ones from Kohl’s when they have a sale. They are roomier and I like them better for layering over a t-shirt even though they don’t have as many pretty colors like the women’s ones. I watch for sales on those too, but now I have a bunch so won’t need any new ones for quite a while. I definitely play their game with the stupid Kohl’s Cash and discount stacking. By carefully watching what I’m buying, stacking discounts and shopping clearance, I can get some insane deals there. Last week or so I bought DD two graphic T’s, one for myself and a plush oversized bath mat all for under $20.
I’m at Costco pretty much every week, so I breeze through the clothing section every time I’m there looking for closeout deals. Anything that ends with a 7 is on the way out, so I really comb through looking for those things. I found my favorite joggers there (Skechers thin ones for spring and summer, Fila heavier ones for fall and winter) for under $8 a pair when they started marking them down, and I will literally buy 4-5 pairs of the exact same thing if I like it. Also found some nice anti wrinkle travel pants, some boyfriend jeans and some ponte dress pants at different times. Found my new favorite Bermuda length shorts there too, on clearance for about $4-5 a pair. I find quite a few things for my kid at Costco too, mostly leggings, joggers, shorts, some dressier tops and sweaters for band concerts.
For shoes, I live in either Crocs or Rocket Dog Jazzins which I order online through Rakuten to get the extra cash back. Rocket Dog will regularly have BOGO deals so I buy two or four pairs at once. Orders over a certain dollar amount are free shipping so I take advantage of that. I watch for end of season sales at Crocs and wait until I can get the ones I want at rock bottom prices. If they do a BOGO deal, I’ll order some for me and some for DD or DH to get the deal and free shipping. Occasionally I’ll find some Crocs in my size on Woot.com too for really cheap and I’ll snag them there.
It’s kind of a game at this point, to see what I can get for almost no money.
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caangel
Drama Llama
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Location: So Cal
Jun 26, 2014 16:42:12 GMT
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Post by caangel on Sept 8, 2024 14:29:58 GMT
FWIW I've ALWAYS been a sale/bargain shopper. I rarely buy clothes at "regular prices" assuming that means non sale prices.
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Post by KelleeM on Sept 8, 2024 15:00:28 GMT
My wardrobe is simple…jeans or black leggings from Amazon, Life Is Good T-shirts from their sales (they have sales all the time, free shipping always and recently I learned that they pay for return shipping as well), dressier tops from Amazon, shoes and sneakers from Amazon. I do buy pajamas at Walmart and very occasionally at Kohls.
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seaexplore
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Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Sept 8, 2024 15:16:08 GMT
I don’t know the last time I bought not on sale, new for me.
My leggings are all costco- bought on closeout. Hoodies are random brands but usually bought at Michael’s or Joann or hobby lobby on sale/coupon. Most of my tee shirts are same as hoodies- on sale tee’s are 5/$10 most times. I have some tees that are way old from Target. Tank tops from kohls- tek gear brand, cotton. I’m the search for jeans since it appears that my 10(?) year old target denizen ones are on their way out after this winter I think. I’ll need new jeans and crops. My old navy denim shorts (the only type I wear) are pretty much done after 15 years and I need new ones but I ordered the same from old navy and they suck. Shoes- costco, Ross, crocs, Chaco - all on sale always.
I never shop without a code.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Sept 8, 2024 15:26:43 GMT
Do you shop at regular department stores for clothes? How do you do it? For myself, I shop at Target. I buy jeans and tee shirts from the men's section (GoodFellow, their store brand, for anyone wondering). I like that I can walk in, pick up the size jeans I want and KNOW they will absolutely fit. I buy three to four pairs a year, and they are between $20-$30 a pair, but last me a year+ of hard wear and tear. I buy the GoodFellow men's tee shirts for $8 full price, or sometimes they are on sale for $6.40. They have something like twenty colors, change up some color selection for seasons, hold up flawlessly to lots of washing and drying. I used to try thrift stores, but there are only 2 left near-ish to me, and they jacked their prices up, most over Walmart prices. I usually order sneakers online, either Walmart or Amazon. I aim to pay less than $15/pair. When I find a pair that fits on sale, I buy 3 pairs at once, then rotate them. I only order black sneakers. I know I'm not fashionable, but I work manual labor, and when I'm not at work I'm doing all the hard, dirty housework and repairs, and gardening. On the very few occasions when I needed to dress nicely (like jury duty), I did go buy an outfit at a thrift store.
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Post by snugglebutter on Sept 8, 2024 15:48:45 GMT
Family of 7 - we don't buy a ton of clothes and have pretty basic tastes. DD needed more clothes before heading to college because she obviously wouldn't be doing laundry daily like we do here. Most of her stuff came from TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Sam's and Costco. We also do Target, Amazon and the occasional thrift store.
We often find good deals on things like socks and underwear during big Amazon sale days. Shoes have been a little harder as the kids get older. We have found getting higher quality brands to be worth it for shoes.
I grew up learning to shop sales, so it's very ingrained for me to shop that way. Living in a high population area helps, just because there are so many options. I think it can be a lot more challenging in rural areas. When I grew up, we usually drove to a big city a couple of hours away once or twice a year for better shopping. Here it's not a big deal at all to find another TJ Maxx etc to expand your selection.
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Post by Scrapper100 on Sept 8, 2024 16:16:04 GMT
I buy a lot of clothes from Costco or Sam’s. They are so much cheaper than other stores but nicer brands. Some clothes come from Walmart or Target.
Barefoot dreams are nice but are considered a luxury brand by most. I have some from gifts but honestly the knock offs from Costco have lasted just as long and I can only tell them apart from the tags - these are socks and they are even the same colors. Just wash on delicate then hang dry I have been wearing them for years now. I wash my leggings and some nicer t-shirts/tanks the same way snd they are still going strong years later. Barefoot dreams really are nice but I am glad there are nice knockoffs now. I have a blanket from them I love but have found similar ones that are nice. I now have quite a collection. If I really want a real one I would look for sales. I am sure there are places that carry them. I have a FabFitFun subscription and they have had a few items deeply discounted but they have been very limited.
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Post by katlady on Sept 8, 2024 16:21:24 GMT
I never heard of Barefoot dreams before this thread.
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