Retailers and etailers alike are combatting these tough economic times with mindboggling sales.  Everyone from Saks to H&M is discounting their inventory, including new merchandise.  Well-advertised website chickdowntown.com (their ads run constantly on gossip blogs and in print magazines) is marking down ALL INVENTORY by 55% and SALE inventory by another 30% off at checkout.  While 55% is great, especially on new Black Halo dresses and Helmut Lang trousers, the real steal is browsing the sale category to find designer items for a steal.

This Mint by Jodi Arnold dress was originally $495 but with the extra 30% (just type add30 at checkout) is around $180.  It's still quite a lot for a dress--that is until you realize the runway inspiration:

The Marni Spring/Summer 2007 collection is an obvious inspiration for the great dress at chickdowntown--and a fraction of the price.

This charcoal gray pleated sweater by ADAM (formerly Adam + Eve) originally cost almost $250 but can be in your closet making casual outfits for around $55.  This top would be great with jeans and a coat for a more relaxed look or would be a great piece with a black tweed pencil skirt to change up a work wardrobe a little bit.

When chic, well-made jeans go on sale for under $100, they disappear quickly.  These 12" J Brand medium wash jeans are great go-tos (the brand has been around for a few years now and continues to get press/cover the legs of many, many celebrities).  Full price these basic blues will set you back around $165, but after markdowns are more along the lines of $60-$70 (which is basically the cost of Gap, Banana Republic and Abercrombie & Fitch jeans at this point in the market). 

Well,  no reason to read about the items I wanted to put in my shopping cart--head over to chickdowntown.com and check out the two major bargains.  I mean, if you're going to shop, you may as well get the newest items at 55% off!