If you're one of those who love Michael Stars for basic, everyday wear, you'll want to hit the two, somewhat rare (especially at the same time!) Michael Stars sales going on now in Raleigh

Certain Things, which has stores at North Hills and Cameron Village, is having a 25-perfect off sale storewide, and that includes Michael Stars T-shirts. (Also on sale: Hobo, Hanky-Panky, David Kahn and Anue Ligne.)

And then over at C.T. Weekends, which has stores in Glenwood Village and Triangle Town Center, Michael Stars tees are 20 percent off today through Saturday.

Both stores have some of the biggest selections of Michael Stars tops around.

How appropriate that as we watch our 44th president get sworn in today, Raleigh-handbag maker Holly Aiken has select handbags marked off 44 percent today only. Check out the selection online.

Fans of the clothing line Dianaira, best known for its interchangeable, reversible looks, might want to hit SoHo Clothing in Cameron Village next week.

The store will have a limited selection of discontinued styles from Dianaira Monday to Sunday. And they'll be marked down 40 percent, 60 percent or 80 percent.

There are some real deals out there on shoes and clothes. Here are a few that I heard about today.

Kristen's Shoe Boutique in Cary is practically giving away shoes. Oh wait. They are giving them away. Buy one pair of shoes or boots at 50 percent off, get another pair of equal or lesser value for free. If you've been to Kristen's and have seen the beautiful designers (Nanette Lepore, Kate Spade, Olivia Rose Tal) the store carries, you already know this is a seriously good deal.

Fleur in Cameron Village and online has all remaining fall and winter shoes marked down to $75. Again, if you've shopped here before and seen the gorgeous designer lines, you know these shoes won't last long.

Gigi's Boutique off Creedmoor Road in North Raleigh is having a its winter sale where the majority of fall and winter items are marked down 25 percent, with a few pieces marked down 75 percent. Look for tops, dresses, sweaters, tunics and a few pairs of pants on clearance.

Victoria's Secret has bras and panties up to 80 percent off. So I'm thinking a $45 bra could potentially be $9?

A local boutique has made it easier to shop for the dress, the shoes and the jewelry all at the same place.

Scout & Molly's and Walk at North Hills have a great deal going on now through Valentine's Day. Buy your entire outfit — either a dress, shoes and accessory OR a top, bottom, shoes and accessory — and you get 15 percent off the entire purchase.

Accessories include handbags, jewelry, scarves or undergarments.

Martin & Mary's in Cary is having a double-whammy of a winter sale. First, go to the sales rack, which has designer sweaters, jackets, pants and tops marked 30 percent to 80 percent off. Or buy pieces that are full price that total $100 or more and you'll get $25 off.

Not a bad deal, considering some of the stuff that's on sale includes Betsey Johnson dresses (one for $59!), a BCBG cardigan ($117) and a blazer from Badgley Mischka ($173).

If you want a sneak peek at what's in the store, go to www.martinandmarys.com.

The store is at the corner of High House Road and Davis Drive at Stone Creek Village.

Got a friend who's pregnant? Let her know about the 25 percent to 75 percent off sale at Cravings, the maternity boutique in North Hills. Look for deals on pjs from Olian or Bellabumbum, wrap dresses from Notice and T-shirts from Three Dots.

The sale also includes OiOi and Storksak diaper bags and holiday tees from Michael Stars.

Hurry! The good stuff goes fast.

And it's a biggie. They've take even more mark downs, with accessories, dresses, skirts, pants, tops and outerwear now up to 80 percent off.

If you love Christopher Blue jeans or corduroys, find them now for $40.

There's also a rack of clothes marked down to $25.
 
The sale starts today.

C.T. Weekends has stores in Glenwood Village and Triangle Town Center.

In August, I dropped by the Cary REI to find out when the revered $.83 sale would be. There are a handful of such sales, when the price of everything ending in $.83 is cut in half, throughout the year and there's usually one around Labor Day, as I recalled. But when I approached a sales associate and asked, I was met with a blank, "If-I-tell-you-they'll-shoot-me" stare.

"We're not allowed to say," she said stiffly. Pause. "But I can tell you there's a good sale starting the Friday before Labor Day," she added.

Contrast that with the email I got a few minutes ago from Paul Graf at the Durham REI: "Just thought you might like to know that our super clearance, $.83 sale starts on 1/9/09. *wink."

What a difference a broken economy makes.

For all of you Lush fans out there, here's a chance to stock up on some of your favorite Lush products. The skin care company is giving away products in the wake of the Christmas rush. Buy one holiday gift or soap and get the second (of equal or lesser value) for free.

The deal is good through January 18 or while supplies last. Lush has a store at Crabtree Valley Mall or check out what they've got at lushusa.com.