The Basement of the Bargains

Soft, romantic lighting is a big part of the success of any intimate gathering. Too bright, and the intimacy is gone. Too dark and people start crashing into things, which is enough to dampen any good mood.

Some find the way around this with dimmer switches, but if you’re of a more retro-romance frame of mind, nothing fills the bill like a candelabra.

This elegant Savannah candelabra is made of galvanized iron using 17th century French wiring techniques. Its graceful arms hold six tapers easily.

Originally priced at $119.00, it can now be yours from Crate and Barrel for a mere $49.95…which means darkness will fail to fall not only over your dinner party, but over your bank account as well.

A good mock turtleneck sweater is a staple of any good wardrobe. If you’re missing such a basic piece, head on over to Coldwater Creek and take a look at this pretty, silk-blend one available in two lovely colors: Cherry Wine and Dark Orchid.

Regularly priced at a reasonable $49.50, it’s now marked down to a superfantastic $19.99. You could have a hard time finding a similar all-cotton turtleneck for less, so why pass on warm, soft, fabulous silk at this price?

A good shoulder bag is worth its weight in gold, but if you head over to YOOX right now, you won’ t have to spend nearly that much for this lovely suede purse by CAFe’Noir.

It’s a roomy 14.8″w x 12.5″h, and appliqued with cheerful flowers. Usually $175.00, it can now be yours for only $105.00.

If there’s one thing my mother taught me well as a child, it’s that there’s no better time to start preparing for the holidays than the time when everyone else has finished. Not only do you get to avoid the crowds, you get some amazing deals and plenty of time to consider what you really want.

With the advent of online shopping, that time can be the week or so before Christmas actually arrives as well as the month following.

Take, for example, this gorgeous Jay Strongwater egg ornament with bejeweled butterfly adornment. I found it today at Saks Fifth Avenue for a quarter off the original price of $80.00. That means it’s only $60.00 now, and I didn’t have to face a crowd!

Now that puts me in the Christmas spirit.

You’d have to have been hiding under a rock not to know that the headband has made a huge comeback of late. Once used to keep the hair out of your face at school or Aunt Mildred’s birthday party, this practical item is now used to glam up your hair at parties that are a great deal more fun.

Unfortunately, all too often we’re stuck between choosing an inexpensive but not very wow-worthy headband or spending a fortune on an accessory that may be painfully over two months after we buy it.

Luckily, Nordstrom offers a third option. This sparkly metallic headband by Tasha is just the ticket for looking both superfantastic and tasteful at your next party without breaking the bank. Originally $98.00, it’s now on sale for a budget-friendly $48.90.

The British seem to have a gift for showing the humor in the most uncomfortable situations, and no series has showcased this ability better than Ricky Gervais’ ourageous brainchild, The Office. This one hits as close to the bone as possible, making some of it’s most hilarious moments almost physically painful as well. If you work in an office, have worked in an office, or have known anyone who has worked in an office, you’ll recognize every petty act of one-upmanship, every bitter battle for supremacy in utterly insignificant fields, every last drop of boredom and despair…and every triumph of what spirit is left after people give up their deeper dreams to settle for a humdrum but safe existence.

Right now, Amazon has the complete original British series - including the acclaimed post-series Christmas special - for just $39.99; that’s 33% off the regular price of $59.98.

And when you’ve seen the whole series and want more, be sure to check out the wildly funny American version starring Steve Carell. Amazon has the first season for only $19.99, regularly priced $29.98.

Those of us who are left-handed sometimes find the world just isn’t set up for our needs. Desks, notebooks, scissors…they’re all built for the majority. I’m not bitter about this by any means, but it does give me a special pleasure when I find something built just for me and the rest of us who are wired a bit differently.

This elegant bread knife from Kershaw Shun has a handle specially designed for the comfort and ease of the left handed cook. It’s just one of a full line of knives for every kitchen need. Usually priced at $160.00, it’s now available from Chef’s Resource for only $119.95.

Better yet, spend $499.00 on Kershaw Shun knives, and get this handsome 14″ x 14 1/2″ bamboo cutting board (an $80.00 value) absolutely free!

Or perhaps an Antik Batik crocheted cape. This elegant cape is 100% cotton with a self-tie and a pretty flower applique.

Not sure what size to order? Don’t worry. One size fits most. The soft ivory color will fit neatly in most wardrobes, too.

Originally $120.00, it’s available at YOOX for just $84.00.

There’s nothing like a cosy, soft sweater on a cold afternoon or night. This pretty one from The Gap will look fantastic whether you’re headed to a tailgate party or out on the town for a nice dinner.

Pretty lines and easy care combine for a comfortable and practical piece to add to your wardrobe. It comes in four attractive colors to fit both your taste and your skin tone, as well. Originally priced at $49.50, it’s been marked down to a thrifty $24.99.

This lovely Cynthia Steffe skirt is not to be missed. Made of a pretty turquoise stretch matte jersey, it’s just the thing to brighten up your wardrobe.

The suggested retail price is $150.00, but for today only, Bluefly has it for a mere $35.99. Tomorrow the price goes back up to $39.99, so hurry and don’t miss this one!