Fashion & Trends

So the lime green spandex cycle short may not be for you (hopefully it's not for anyone, actually), but there are lots of wearable items to choose from in American Apparel's end of summer sale.

The sale includes clothing for both men and women, and you can filter the items by gender, or see only the 50% or 30% off categories.

Here are a few examples:

- Fine Jersey Leisure Dress: $21 (was $42)

- Cotton Spandex Reversible V-Neck Tunic: $17.50 (was $35)

- Poly Cotton Short Sleeve Plaid T-Shirt: $19 (was $19)

Don't be put off by the nonchalant / occasionally topless hipster models: American Apparel makes some great, comfy staples.

I have to admit, I'm a sucker for RW&CO.'s autumn advertising. Something about those gorgeous couples lounging around outdoors in stylish but cosy garb (always clean, never with rogue leaves clinging to the sweaters) makes me want to shop there.

If you've never ventured into RW&CO., I'd describe the prices as mid-range and the style as professional n' pretty. It carries clothing for both men and women.

Now is a great time to check it out because until September 6, RW&CO. is offering 20% off a minimum $85 purchase. The discount cannot be combined with other offers, nor can it be used to purchase gift cards.

Parents who lack self control when it comes to dressing up their munchkins might want to sprint over to Gymboree this weekend. The baby and kidswear shop is having a Fill-a-Bag sale from now through Labour Day.

Simply fill a bag as carefully or impulsively as you like and 30% will be discounted at the register.

To locate a Gymboree, click here.

As a student, it's a rite of passage to live in an apartment that smells suspiciously like a thrift store. After all, eating Kraft Dinner straight from the pot at a kitchen table that was made within the last two decades just wouldn't feel right.

Knowing that students will continue to rely upon thrift stores as long as tuition fees continue to nearly bankrupt anyone who wasn't to the manor born, The Salvation Army is offering 20% off everything (except new merchandise like pillows, mattresses or paint) for the entire month of September.

All you have to do is show a valid student I.D.

To locate your nearest Salvation Army Thrift Store, click here.

Every now and then, Value Village increases its deal population and becomes something more like a Value City.

Mark your calendars, because this Monday, August 30 is one such occasion. All clothing, shoes, accessories, and items tagged "bed and bath" will be reduced by 50%.

The sale does not apply to new merchandise, books and items tagged "housewares" or "furniture."

To locate a Value Village near you, click here.

"We're just a bunch of simple guys from Iowa," says Frank Fritz when asked to describe why he and his partner in crime Mike Wolfe work together so well. They are the American Pickers -- two guys from the Midwest who travel the backroads and deep woods of the American heartland so they can rummage through people's junk. Sometimes their shop manager Danielle Colby-Cushman sources the people with the stuff ahead of time, but most of the time they're just knocking on doors and passing out fliers and digging through barns and backyards with all manner of signs, furniture, bikes, cars and knick-knacks, in pursuit of anything they can make a buck off.

Mike owns Antique Archeology out of LeClaire, Iowa and Frank has his own business called Frank Fritz Finds. Together, they buy junk and old collectibles from people so that they both can sell them back to antique dealers, decorators, and pretty much anyone who will pay, for a profit. The show is currently airing its second season in the U.S. with an average of 4 million viewers every Monday night -- unheard of for cable -- and is about to make its freshman debut up north next Tuesday August 31, 2010 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The format is so successful stateside that a Canadian spin-off is set to launch in the spring starring Calgary-based antique and art appraiser Sheldon Smithens and fellow picker Scott Couzens.

Mike and Frank have known each other since junior high and they know everything that can be said about the thrill of the pick, getting the right price and getting the stories behind all their finds. WalletPop thought we'd ask them what it was that made them decide to make a living digging through junk and cow patties, and what you need to do if you think your trash could be treasure.

Do wedding gifts make sense anymore? Friends of mine were actually giving things away when they got married because they had two of everything from their respective apartments before moving in together. As a result, when they got married they asked their guests to make a donation to their local children's hospital on their behalf instead of bringing a gift. They raised over $5,000.

Many others choose to do the same, whether it's for a special occasion or a challenge. These days, creating your own fundraiser for charity is actually quite an easy thing to do thanks to the internet.

Given that back to school fever is in full swing, I've come across loads of deals on children's clothing lately.

Here are a few that might help you save on restocking your kiddo's wardrobe for September:

The Children's Place: a 15% off coupon (expires September 1), as well as a 25% off fall sale that is currently underway.

Bonnie Togs: $10 denim event (until September 12), includes Osh Kosh B'Gosh, Tangerine and Woodland jeans.

Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy: 30% off coupon (valid from August 26-29) at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Banana Republic Factory Story and Gap Factory Store.

L.L. Bean: free shipping to Canada plus 20% off all backpacks.

Please Mum: all bottoms are $20 and all tops are half price.

If you know of any other great back to school deals, feel free to share them in the comments area below!

It's my birthday tomorrow, and it's got me thinking about mortality. That, and how much free stuff I can rake in.

Lots of stores and restaurants - particularly those of the junk food persuasion - offer perks to customers on their birthdays. Often, you are required to sign up to a mailing list or "club" in order to receive the benefits, but I suggest you get sneaky and create a separate email address for this purpose.

Click to see just a few of the birthday freebies I've come across. If you know of more, please let us know in the comments section below!

No need to play the fashion stylist with this great deal for boys and infants from Giant Tiger: three pieces (jeans, hoodie and t-shirt) are all included for just $10.

According to Giant Tiger, a comparable outfit at another store would cost $55.

There are four sets to choose from, and sizes range from 12-24 months or 2-6x.

Click here to see a list of Giant Tiger locations.