Bargain Central

This month's Real Simple magazine has a bunch of gift ideas under $50, including a nifty jewelry section. Among their selections is this neat little bauble from Ann Taylor Loft. In the magazine, they show it with clear beads, rather than the turquoise shown in the photo. Either way, it's $34.50.

Unless you go to Wal-Mart (I know, don't remind me, I do detest Wal-Mart, but sometimes, they do have good stuff, case in point):






Guess what? It's the SAME necklace. (Okay, to be fair, the ribbon tie at the back of the Ann Taylor Loft version is a bit plusher, but still) IT'S $10.

Wal-Mart has three versions, one with clear beads, one with multi-color beads and one with black beads, as shown. Savings to you and me? $24.50!!