Why do I return to the twice yearly love affair that is the sales? Possibly because it is a faithful love. No matter how many times I turn away and pay full price it welcomes me back...wraps me in it's arms (possibly cashmere, or avant garde, or puff sleeved) and wipes away my tears (yes...with an overpriced handkerchief).

Our last rendezvous was at the final markdown. I'd passed by the embellished Marni skirts, Prada dresses that were still well into four digits even when reduced, and a Proenza Schouler dress that screamed "last season". Then I saw my new transgression. A Chanel cardigan jacket in black cashmere, single hook closure, lace around the cuffs and edges, Victorian style medallions with the interlaced C's on the pockets and sleeves...gothic, classic, punk and prim at the same moment.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the Nightly shore-
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

The Raven - Edgar Allan Poe