• A bit last minute but too good not to share: Bill Amberg is running a friends and family offer for today only. Quote code 11DEC at checkout for a 40 per cent discount when you shop online and treat everyone on your list to a leather bound Penguin classic.
• If you’re at a loose end in the City over the next few days, check out the warehouse sale at the Barbican, with 40 to 90 per cent off men’s and womenswear by the likes of Stone Island, True Religion, and McQ Alexander McQueen. Where: Exhibition Hall 2, Barbican Exhibition Centre, Golden Lane, London EC2Y 8DL. When: until Saturday.
• More sample sales: the DKNY sample sale ends today - see LynkU for details. And treat yourself to something sumptuous by Biba at the sample sale hosted by DSUK tomorrow. Where: The Music Rooms, 26 South Molton Lane, London W1.

The Marks & Spencer 20 per cent day has been widely flagged: avoid the crowds and quote code oneday20 when you shop online instead. Also offering discounts of 20 per cent today and tomorrow are Dorothy Perkins and Burton; while Jigsaw is offering up to 30 per cent off selected clothes and accessories. Sweaty Betty also has a discount of 20 per cent with code xmastreat - snap up those new winter FitFlops sharpish. Plus: 30 per cent off at Coast with discount code gift; and 25 per cent off everything this weekend at Laura Ashley.

Lots of discount codes and offers this week. Here goes:

• Harvey Nichols is celebrating 12 days of Christmas with 25 per cent off menswear and womenswear from 26 November until 7 December.
• Who doesn’t love Ren’s Moroccan Rose Otto bath oil? Save 30 per cent on this and more with discount code FRIEND until tomorrow.
• Revamped high street store Whistles is offering 25 per cent off its revved-up fashion this weekend; print off the voucher or simply shop online.
• Get 20 per cent off your high fashion buys at New Look until 30 November with discount code 20NEWLOOK.
• A guilt free discount: save 30 per cent on fair trade and ethical clothing from People Tree until 1 December with code XMANV8.
• Oasis is offering 20 per cent off for two days only with code CHRISTMASOFFER2008.
• There’s 25 per cent off brands at House of Fraser for two days from midnight Wednesday 27 November until Friday 29 November in store and online.
• Love to lounge? Enter code bird008 at checkout to save 20 per cent on gorgeous homewear at Pyjama Room until 5 December.

I am so excited; I think I’ve discovered a positive twist in these tricky financial times. I am eating less! It looks like Grazia has backed up my findings with their recent survey uncovering the “Recessionista”.
Although half of the women surveyed are cutting back on their spending habits with that 20% of us are cutting back our weekly food shop. Credit crunch, the new weight loss program without the milkshakes! 83% of us are still shopping for clothes, accessories and beauty products at least once a week and who wouldn’t swap meals for the deals you can find on our site!
Spend a few pounds - lose a few pounds - the bargainista need not go hungry.

Bargainista news, sales and online offers

• Here’s how to do the party season like a true bargainista: George at Asda has unveiled the £12 little black dress (below), says the Daily Mail.
• Unmissable? We think so. If you’ve always hankered after one of Aquascutum’s classic coats, check out their sample sale, on now until 20 November. It’s at 57-60 Haymarket, London SW1.
• Down in Cornwall, meanwhile, Seasalt is holding a warehouse sale this weekend with up to 80 per cent off their own brand as well as the likes of Orla Kiely, White Stuff and El Naturalista. More info on their blog here.
• Dates for your diary: lots of upcoming sample sales listed on Daily Candy this week, including Brora, Pringle of Scotland and Goat.
• Feeling naughty? There’s 20 per cent off Myla’s sexiest lingerie, as well as some very racy toys and accessories.
• Beauty industry pros know when to scrimp, according to last week’s Wall Street Journal interview with Linda Wells, editor-in-chief of beauty mag Allure. Saves: mass-market cleansing cloths, moisturiser and shampoo. Splurges: a great haircut and foundation. Get the full story here.