Bye-Bye Summer, Hello Savings

Summer’s long days and fun-filled nights are far from over, yet retailers are already trying to get rid of warm-weather apparel and accessories to clean out their stock and make room for chunky knits, scarves and wool pants. You know what that means for you – mega discounts! Here are the four items you can score now for a fraction of the cost:
 
 
Bathing Suits

You dread staring in front of a dressing room mirror so much, turning from front to back to ensure that the bathing suit you are trying on fits in all the right places, that you didn’t purchase a new suit this year. Instead, you are wearing the same one-piece you wore last summer, and the summer before that. With clearance sales in full swing, take advantage of some great deals, including 20% off a new swimsuit (or bikini, if you dare) from SwimsuitsForAll.com. They carry sizes 8 through 16, from 11 different designers, so do a little virtual browsing and then jump into this sale, which ends July 31.  
 
 
Sandals

There’s nothing worse than wearing sneakers or closed-toed flats on a hot, humid day, so do your feet a favor and stick them into a cute pair of espadrille sandals –  the must-have shoe of the summer – or embellished flip flops. 
 
Endless.com has sandal steals on thousands of styles for Mom, Dad and the kiddos, but when summer ends, so does this deal. The Home Shopping Network (HSN) also has sandals on clearance from big name designers like Havaianas and Steve Madden, plus they are offering free shipping on your sandal purchase. We hear happy feet!
 
 
Shorts

Although some women may shy away, shorts are really popular this season. With so many styles making the best dressed list this summer, like Bermuda shorts, linen shorts and even lace shorts, there is a pair out there waiting for you to take home. Now would be a great time to stock up for next year, so that when the weather gets warm, you are ready to look good while staying cool.  
 
Aeropostale.com is currently offering guys and gals shorts starting at $5.99 (don’t adjust your computer screen, you read it right – $5.99). Nab a pair or two for yourself and your teenage daughter, but try not to get a matching set.
 
Beach Hats
 
Sun hats, probably the most forgotten summertime accessory, are a must, especially when you spend time outdoors around 3 PM, typically the hottest time of a summer day. They are not only great for protecting your scalp and face from painful sunburns and dangerous sun spots, but they are making a fashion statement all their own. 
 
The trendiest styles right now are floppy brimmed sun hats for ladies and straw fedoras for the men. Lids.com sells a variety of hats (although they target sports lovers – ahem, maybe you can tack on a birthday present for the husband with your order) and invites you to save $5 off your $30 purchase or 20% off your $60 purchase.   
 
Treat yourself to a late summer treat, or be proactive and shop for next year. Either way, you’re going to save.