One of the best mini-malls in the Twin Cities, Uber Outlet in Minneapolis, continues to corner the market on great sales of designer duds. The mall carries clothing and accessories marked 50 to 80 percent off from retailers such as Twill by Scott Dayton, Arafina, Ataz, Uber Baby and Trail Mark. Starting Thursday, April 30, a new shipment of handbags from From Bags to Riches will be sold at $99 to $900. The bags are first-quality overstock, not returns or knockoffs.

At a time when many women are avoiding luxury “it” bags as too ostentatious, the rare sale may prove tempting. Still, some of these bags are $400 or more after the markdown.  Some are current season although most are from previous seasons. The From Bags to Riches owner will be selling about 200 bags including Prada, Gucci, Goldenbleu, Carlos Falchi, Marnie, Treesje, Kooba and Botkier. Styles include totes, satchels, hobos and clutches. The sale continues through May 2.

So, shoppers, I’m curious. Will you buy a luxury handbag if it’s on sale or are you trading down or not buying at all in this economy?

Is a handbag too impractical in this economy? Ok, let’s get practical. How about a KitchenAid stand mixer for $139.13, shipped? From Brad’sDeals:

SmartBargains has an incredible deal on this Kitchenaid stand mixer in white. Normally $229.99, it is on sale for $189.98 through 4/29. Then, in your cart, a Mother’s Day promo knocks an extra 20% off and, if you’re shopping through a new Smartbargains account, a BradsDeals 15% off coupon drops the price further to $129.18. Shipping adds $9.95 but there is no sales tax (except CO, KY, MA, NC, NY). How good is this price? The 2nd best deal is $240 at Amazon! Of note: if you’re not using a new account at SmartBargains and can’t get the 15% off, activate this free shipping coupon and you’ll pay $151.98 shipped.

Reader Kiley tipped me off that only the early birds get the goods at Ikea’s Seize the Day specials. Apparently, the inexpensive pillows offered last month were gone within an hour. (The store opens at 10 a.m.) Keep that in mind as you’re shopping for this weekend’s specials including the Jonaker 400 thread count sheet set for $10 (full, queen or king, regularly $40) in white or beige. The sheets are Saturday’s special. Sunday’s special is the Mysa Stra down alternative comforter in white for $20 (all sizes, regularly $30 to $50). On Monday, get the Malm 3-drawer chest for $40 (regularly $70 to $80 in black, brown, birch or oak veneer).

FREE BREAKFAST: Served from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday.  A 99 cents savings.

More good news for bargain hunting consumers at the expense of struggling retailers.

The Talbot’s Outlet (Burnsville Marketplace, 13947 Aldrich Av. S., Burnsville, 952-707-1240) is closing Jan. 24 (Saturday). The under-the-radar outlet had excellent bargains for women and children. Reader Kassia from Minneapolis, who provided the tip, described it as a “goldmine.” She nabbed a $180 dress for $12 earlier this week. All of the dresses are discounted 80 to 90 percent. She saw lots of petite and large sizes from 2 to 24. It’s a combination of all seasons for clothes plus shoes, belts and bags. Thanks for the heads up, Kassia.

 Another unprecedented deal: the TJ Maxx Company is offering 15 percent off your entire purchase Thursday, Jan. 22. It includes TJ Maxx stores, Marshalls, and Home Goods stores.

 Remember the Wilson’s Leather blowout sales at the State Fairgrounds? Now that all the stores have closed due to bankruptcy, they’re gone. But the company is having a last blast. Inventory from its 400 stores nationwide will be clearanced out starting Thursday, Jan. 22. More than 17,000 jackets will be for sale starting at $30 and more than 5,000 handbags starting at $10. The sale is at 1312 Glenwood Av. N., Minneapolis on the corner of Glenwood and Girard, 8 blocks west of the farmers market.