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Our Fav Girls’ Clearance Items from DSW.com

19 Nov

Editor’s Note: This article was contributed by DSW Coupons

DSW.com’s clearance section has one of the best selections out there, and you’d nearly always find something to like. This season I picked out some styles from Girls Clearance that would make great holiday gifts. You can drive the price even lower by using the free shipping code that is exclusive to DSW Rewards members. DSW Rewards is a loyalty program that gives you lots of coupons, discounts, bargains and points on every purchase that you can redeem for gift certificates. It’s really an amazing rewards program if you shop frequently at DSW.com. Just to give you an idea what to expect from girls clearance, it has shoes for infants (0-2 years), toddlers (3-5 years) and young girls (5 years and over). My top picks:

Bearpaw Emma Girls’ Toddler & Youth Boot

The Bearpaw Emma Toddler & Youth Booth looks like pint-sized UGGs. They’re not as ostentatious, however. The grey and dark brown colors make it easy to mix and match with any outfit, but I’d recommend wearing these with leggings/tights and a coat. It’s also easy to slip on and off; no zippers or closures to worry about. The upper is suede with fleece lining and moisture-wicking footbed. The midsole is cushioned foam. Measures 8″ (shaft height). Price: $39.94 – slash the price down 20% with DSW coupons codes

Wanted Pippy Girls’ Toddler & Youth Dress Flat

It’s never too early for girls to wear flats. The classic ones like the Wanted Pippy dress flat is simple and looks great either with dresses or more casual jeans. I’d pair this with dark tights and a red velvet dress or dark denim and a tan coat. The upper is patent leather with elastic collar for a snug fit. The lining is soft textile with a synthetic sole. Online only. Price: $19.94

2 Lips Too Radical Girls’ Toddler & Youth Bootie

For a mod romp in the snow, dress your little girl in these 2 Lips Too Radical booties. The bright pink color and wavy brown trim detailing go great with basic coats, sweaters and pants. One mom says that her 9-year-old loves them. The upper is faux suede with faux leather lining. The heel is 0.5” and the sole is synthetic. For easy pull-on, there’s also side zipper. Online only. Price: $34.94

Wanted Bicker Girls’ Toddler & Youth Casual Shoe

Another classic shoe is the Wanted Bicker loafer. I love that it comes in pink as well as tan and black. These would be perfect with dark denim or a casual dress, but also try it with dark tights and a neutral coat for maximum style. Reviewers say that kids love the pink color. The upper is faux patent leather with faux leather lining. Online only. Price: $19.94

Ralph Lauren Polo Cove Girls’ Infant & Toddler Sandal

My last pick from clearance is the pink toddlee sandal from Ralph Lauren Polo Cove Girls. These are perfect for the beach, pool or weekend getaway and just $9.94! Moms love that their kids can put on the shoes by themselves, but can get dirty quickly. The upper is stretchy fabric with Velcro closure, foam footbed and fabric lining. The sole is threaded foam rubber. Online only. Price: $9.94

Best Cheap Headphones for Working Out

15 Nov


Headphones or earphones for working out should be sturdy, sweat-resistant, comfortable, fit snuggly and not interfere with movement. They come in every price range, but you can get a quality pair without having to spend hundreds of dollars. First, determine if you want earphones (they plug into the ear) or headphones (they sit over your ears), and then pick from wired or wireless, depending on your device.

Here are our top recommendations:

  • Five Below has $5 earphones that hook around the ear, but no word on how long they last.
  • Skullcandy ($10) earphones are pretty sturdy and the cords don’t tangle. Try Skull Candy Smokin’ Buds (about $20).
  • Sony MDRAS20J Sport Headphones are $15 at Wal-Mart. They’re loud and clear and don’t fall out when running or lifting weights.
  • Yurbuds are custom-fit earbud enhancers that are great for exercising ($20-$60). Try Ironman Focus PRO.
  • Some Sennheiser earphones are cheap (around $20), but they’re very durable and last for years. The Sennheiser CX400 II ($50-60) is more expensive but it sits in the ear canal and stays put. Another good option is Sennheiser CX 680 Earfin Sports Earbuds ($50). It’s compatible with most audio devices and designed for intense exercise.
  • Plantronics 903+ are $49 from Amazon and they hook over the ear too.

If you can afford it, there are plenty of high-quality headphones/earphones from brands like Bose, Polk and Bowers & Wilkins. Your best bet is eBay or Amazon, where brand names go for really low prices. The selection is pretty unbeatable, too. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your money, shop around and read online reviews. This is a great way to narrow down your choices if you’re considering a number of options. Amazon has a review section on the product page (from consumers like you) as well as professional reviews on CNET, Macworld and Newegg.

It’s convenient to buy online, but you won’t be able to test the merchandise. If this is a priority, head to the manufacturer’s store in your area and ask to try out different pairs of headphones. Feel the material. If it feels cheap, it probably is. Wear the headphones for as long as you can to see if they’re comfortable. If you’re buying online, choose a store with a solid return policy and check the warranty. Most headphones come with a 1-2 year warranty, particularly the expensive ones.