At least, at Holly Aiken's it's Black Wednesday.

The Raleigh handbag designer, whose bags are sold around the world, are on sale 25 percent off today. And if you shop online, you get free shipping.

If you're looking for the perfect under-$50-gift for a friend, check out Holly's collection of clutches that double as large wallets. Perfect for nights out! She's also got a new Hatchback laptop sleeve, nicely priced at $45, but on sale for $33.75.

Holly's shop is located at the corner of Hargett and Wilmington streets in downtown Raleigh.

(Truth be told ... it's actually Black Weekend. Her 25 percent off sale runs through Sunday.)

I stumbled upon two good sales today that would be ideal for those hunting for the perfect holiday party outfit. Beanie + Cecil in Cameron Village had everything in the store marked down 25 percent. And its neighbor Certain Things had everything marked down 30 percent (except Michael Stars). Both stores also had impressive sale racks full of cute things.

If navigating the holiday sales isn't your thing — but you still love a good sale — you'll be happy to know that spas are doing a little discounting as well.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa will give you 20 percent off any spa treatment booked next Monday through Wednesday. Not a bad deal for a pedicure, massage or facial.

Here's the caveat, though. The discount isn't good with any other promotion, including hotel packages or special offers.

Make reservations at 447-4170.

Now you have another reason to hit the Arboretum in Cary. Ciao Bella, the clothing boutique next door to Kristen's Shoe Boutique, also is having a big sale. All fall merchandise is marked down 40 percent through Nov. 29. Holiday merchandise is on sale 20 percent. And accessories are discounted 10 percent.

I can't tell you the number of times I walked into Harold's (long before I had the fashion job), really liked something but never pulled the trigger. Was it the price? Was it that I didn't get that 'Wow, this is some kind of value and I've gotta have it' feeling?

We'll find out this weekend. Harold's is closing its Crabtree Valley Mall store and everything in the store is marked down 30 percent to 50 percent.

If you've been holding out for a pair of boots or a cute pair of shoes for holiday parties, Kristen's Shoe Boutique at Cary's Arboretum is the place to turn. All shoes and boots are marked of 40 percent. And all handbags are 30 percent.

Gulp! For those who have shopped at Kristen's, you probably already know that 40 percent off is huge! Kristen's has some of the biggest names in the shoe biz, including Loeffler Randall, Beverly Feldman, Belle by Sigerson Morrison and the latest addition, Magrit (see picture to the left).

It is at Scout & Molly's. The boutique is marking down everything in the store 20 percent Friday through Sunday. (Think 20 percent off DvF, BCBG, Nanette Lepore, Joe's Jeans ...)

Look for the same deal at S&M's sister store Walk, as well.

Call it a pre-Thanksgiving treat without all the carbs.

Count J.C. Penney among the retailers who really, really want your business the day after Thanksgiving. The stores will open at 4 a.m. Nov. 28, and larger stores will stay open until 11 p.m. to give you plenty of time to shop.

Penney's will even give you a wake-up call (they're calling it a 'turkey call') on your cell phone so you don't miss the sales. All you have to do is sign up at jcp.com.

You can find out what's on sale by going to the Web site and putting in your zip code to find out deals in our area.

Gena Chandler has two good deals to get you shopping this week.

First, buy one T-shirt and then pick another one to take home free, now through Friday.

The second is that they'll match coupons from their competition. Just make sure you have a copy of the sale or promotion when you are at the register, and they'll match it, now through Nov. 30. (Doesn't apply to prior purchases.)

And if that's not enough to get you in the store, check out the new Rebecca Taylor, Diane von Furstenberg, Degaine denim, Haute Hippie and Tylie Malibu boots.

Denim and Lace in Cary's Arboretum wants you to find a perfect-fitting pair of jeans during its custom denim fitting event Friday from 5-8 p.m. The store stocks 40 styles of denim, including top-name brands such as Paige Premium and True Religion. Wine and cheese will be served.

(ps ... if you bring a friend with you, you'll both get 20 percent off your jeans!)