HERE COME THE BRIDES

Bargain bin

HERE COME THE BRIDES

Ladies all over will be laying out the sneakers and setting the alarm for tomorrow's "Running of the Brides," Filene's Basement's semiannual wedding gown blowout at Hynes Convention Center (900 Boylston St. Boston, 617-954-2000). For the uninitiated: More than 3,000 gowns, many from big-name designers (though exactly which, the store cannot disclose), are on offer for $249, $499, and $699. Grab all you can, pull each one on, and swap away the ones that don't work. The sale runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but you'll want to get there early. More info at www.filenesbasement.com/bridal.

NEW KID ON NEWBURY 

Given the recent spate of closings on Newbury Street, setting up shop there would seem an act of defiance. Enter J. Crew's sister store, Madewell, which opened on Tuesday (at 329 Newbury). Madewell aims at a younger, female set: fringed scarves, cropped jackets, snug jeans, strappy sandals. Staff will be handing out 15-percent-off coupons in front of the store this weekend on the sleeves of complimentary cups of hot cocoa. Sweet deal, we must say. Just don't spill anything.

MARATHON SHOPPING 

If you're not one to let the cold interfere with your workout, head to Marathon Sports, where select apparel is now 40 percent off at all stores as part of its winter sale. Lightweight jackets, technical shirts, and stretch pants from brands including Brooks, Nike, and Patagonia were among our finds at the Back Bay store (671 Boylston St., Boston, 617-267-4774). Other Marathon Sports locations include 1638 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-735-9373, and 1654 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-354-4161. Find others at www.marathonsports.com.

MENSWEAR SALE

Sophisticated men's clothier Kaps has taken 50-70 percent off most of its prices as part of its closing sale. At a recent visit to its flagship store in Andover, we found Toscano button-down shirts for $49 (marked down from $115), Raffi sweaters for $129 (originally $295), and slacks by Ballin, Hugo Boss, and Brunello Cuccinelli for as little as $49. Kaps is at 5 Main St., Andover, 978-475-3905. Find other locations at www.kapsmenswear.com.

SUNNY SIDE UP 

Like most folks, we're counting down the days until spring (29). In the meantime, it gives us pleasure to see Ame & Lulu's sunny merchandise at the Shops at the Prudential Center (outside of Vineyard Vines), where the store has set up an outpost until the end of the month. Boldly colored tennis bags, head covers, and yoga bags are up to 50 percent off; if you're not into any of those sports, find yourself a discounted cosmetic bag or coin purse.

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