Shopping

All summer merchandise is on sale at Zara. Sullen expressions not included. Photo courtesy of Zara.

If you happen to snag some down time between barbecues and being forced to watch fireworks this weekend (seriously -- someone explain to me what the big deal is), swing by one of these many Fourth of July sale events. Happy shopping!

ZARA, 66 OLD ORCHARD CENTER IN SKOKIE:
This might be worth the drive. Last week, European import Zara dropped its prices as part of their semi-annual sale, which will continue until all spring and summer merchandise is gone. Get up to 50 percent off suits, dresses, shoes, handbags and more.

ALL BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY AND GAP OUTLET STORES IN THE COUNTRY:
Get 40 percent off everything at Banana Republic Factory Store now through Monday, July 6. At Gap Outlet, snag up to 70 percent off the entire store through July 9.

ALL MACY'S LOCATIONS:
Save up to 50 percent off on women's, men's, juniors and kids clothing, as well as jewelry, shoes, handbags, kitchen appliances, furniture and more. Plus, save an extra 25 percent of clearance. Can't make it in to the store? Sales are available online, and if you can get free shipping with a purchase of $99 or more.

MARION MERCER VINTAGE, www.marionmercer.com:
If you're a vintage clothing hound, and have a few extra dollars to throw around, Marion Mercer Vintage is a must-stop. The site offers beautiful designer vintage dresses, jackets and accessories from any decade you're after, though the majority of clothing appears to be from the '70s and '80s. Designers include Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Lanvin and Valentino. Starting Thursday, July 2, the entire site will be 30 percent off. The sale lasts through this Monday, July 6.
At left: This Christian Dior navy cropped double-breasted blazer from the 1980s is $395. (But don't worry -- not all of the items are this pricey. Some are closer to $100.)

CHICAGO PREMIUM OUTLETS, 1650 PREMIUM OUTLETS BOULEVARD IN AURORA:
The outlet mall will run a huge Fourth of July Summer Sale Thursday, July 2, through Monday, July 6. The stores, which already have clothing marked down 25 to 65 percent off, will be offering even bigger discounts. Stores include Ann Taylor, A|X Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Elie Tahari, Gap, Giorgio Armani, J.Crew, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Lane Bryant, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Puma, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sony, Theory and more. Also, A|X Armani Exchange is taking it one step further. They're already offering 20 percent off everything in the store, but if you shop between 8 and 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and between 9 and 10 a.m. on Sunday, you'll snag an ADDITIONAL 20 percent off all merchandise.

Stop by Wildflowers Lingerie -- a very cute Old Town boutique where you'll get great service from owner Gretchen Reachmack -- Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5, for a 4th of July Sample Sale.

Camisoles and bras are $10, underwear is $5 and loungewear is between $10 and $25. Designers include Arianne, Felina, Jezebel, Honeydew, Donna, RoseWear and more.

The sale is cash only and all sales are final. Since they're samples, sizes are limited, so come early!

Shown at left: Arianne's "Andrea" camisole in blueberry.

FROM LEFT (AND BEFORE THE 50 PERCENT OFF!): Bird T-shirt, $22.99; Hearts tank and skirt set, $32.99; Guitar hoodie, $22.99.

I've written about this site before. I have 11 nieces and nephews and too many friends popping out babies, which means I get tired of gifting the same H&M hoodie every year (though H&M clothing is still awfully darn cute). SlickSugar.com, started by edgey moms who like to dress their kids in fun, youthful, rocker clothing, offers adorable duds I haven't seen anywhere else.

Normally I'd warn you all to stay clear of the full-priced items -- they can be a little pricey -- and stick to the clearance section site. But right now, in honor of the Fourth of July, SlickSugar if offering 50 percent off all regular-priced items. This is by far the best sale I've seen the site have. I'm about to stock up for the rest of the year!

Clothing starts at infants and goes up to size 8. Sale runs now until "supplies last."

Here's the coupon code to enter when you check out: bigbang.

It just starting heating up in Chicago, and summer clothing is already going on sale to make room for fall merchandise.

A little early, I'd say, but good news for us nonetheless.

Cute Bucktown boutique d.marie handbags, 1867 N. Damen, has just marked down all summer handbags to 50 percent off. If you go, let me know what you find!