Bag Lady hadn’t been to Marden’s in f-o-r-e-v-e-r.
OK, fine. We did shop for tights there in April, fleetingly. Doesn’t count. It wasn’t perused, it wasn’t savored, it wasn’t oh-my-toast-there’s-two-racks-of-J.Jill-for-$9.99.
Because oh-my-toast, it’s true.
Marden’s is the sort of store that demands to be strolled at least every six months, and what better time than now, for a quick fall wardrobe and home refresh on the cheap. How cheap? How’s seven favorite finds, six of which are $9.99 or less?
And these aren’t even touching on any of its Halloween costumes, banners, plates, candy and adorable mummy throw pillows (a real, adorable thing). In two weeks, Bag Lady and Shopping Siren plan on Halloweening it up elsewhere, so this week, spooky-good finds only.
• Devine Color Peel & Stick Wallpaper, 27.5 square feet, $17.99
Bag Lady loves a good home makeover show and this is totally the sort of thing you want to try to make your own living room statement wall with after watching a little “Love It or List It” or “Property Brothers.” Pay almost double at Target or try the selection here with black and white chevrons, rose gold crackle or gold or black speckled dots.
It says it’s easy-on, easy-off. How much cursing you do is between you and the statement wall.
• Marilyn Monroe microfiber footies, six-pack, $2.99
Now that we’ve begrudgingly retired our sandals and flipped the last flop with fall’s return, reach for one of these no-show pastel footies to wear inside heels and flats. Hey, if it was good enough for Marilyn …
Seriously, though, how does one get into the business of making Marilyn Monroe-brand microfiber footies? So random.
• J.Jill slim leg cream corduroys, up to size 28, $9.99
Super soft, super cream-colored and one of just many of the mostly neutral $9.99 J.Jill finds to be found in the women’s department. Awesome for the office. If you’re a small or petite, run don’t walk for the dresses.
Sweet bonus: The original tags are still on most of the pieces. Love knowing that I just saved a cool $70 to $80 off retail.
• Gander Mountain unisex black or blue rain suit (pants and coat), $8.99
Perfect to stash in the trunk for the next drizzly football game, track meet or free L.L.Bean concert, where it rained or misted so many times this past summer. There was even one mid-show lightning delay that Bag Lady was ill-prepared for and I got to Bean’s poncho bin two steps behind a customer grabbing the last one. Rain gear in the trunk from now on = happy camper.
Side note: L.L.Bean has a few more concerts left this weekend! The forecast calls for sun, but just in case …
• Threads 4 Thought scarves, $2.99
Super cute and wardrobe-refreshing in blacks, reds, oranges, golds, stripes, patterns — even pom-pom trimmed, which looks a little retro kitchen curtains, a little admirably bold. For $2.99, it’s a super low threshold to see if you can pull it off.
A number of these note that they’re made from beechwood trees, so, um, there’s that, too.
• Farberware can opener in red or white, $1.99
Bag Lady has a can opener … thing. Not in a good way. Extras are key.
• Sunglasses, $1.50 and up
Bag Lady snatched up two slightly blinged-out pairs because at that price, oh-my-toast, I’m not being caught without backup shades again.
Marden’s, it was good to be back.
Bag Lady’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who keep getting lost in the morning fog) and the customer service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at baglady@sunjournal.com.
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