The famous “sunup to sundown” Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale is right around the corner, and we’re ready to take advantage of some amazing deals.

We love to shop, but shopping for bargains is at the top of our favorite things to do. There’s nothing better than picking up something you’ve been eyeing for months for a fraction of the price. It just makes shopping that much more fun!

Anna Burton, left, and Kristi Carpenter, right, both of Overland Park, review their selections while waiting in line to purchase clothes at Urban Outfitters early during last year’s Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale.

We’re pretty sure most of you have already been to the Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale, because let’s face it, who doesn’t go to it? But if you’re a newbie, then you’re in for a fun-filled day of bargain hunting!

Sale hours on July 17 range from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. depending on the store. Regardless of the hours, you should definitely be ready early because there will be a crowd. The early-morning hours are when you have access to the best deals, but prepare yourself for lines.

It wouldn’t be a sidewalk sale without the lines, right? We embrace the crowd and enjoy the shopping journey during the sidewalk sale.

We suggest making a list of where you want to go and stick with your game plan. We also like to make a list of what we’re looking for; that way you can avoid any buyer’s remorse.

There’s nothing worse than making an impulse buy for something you’ll never wear again. It’s actually easy to do when you’re in the moment of an amazing deal that you can’t pass up, but it’s usually something that you don’t necessarily need. A simple list of things you need for your wardrobe will prevent that.

With that, we’ve put together a guide of our favorite stores and what they sell in case you’re on the hunt for something specific.

Gap, 643 Massachusetts St.

The classics — everything from stripes to star prints

Hobbs, 701 Massachusetts St.

Contemporary clothing and unique gift items

Eccentricity,
716 Massachusetts St.

Stylish apparel and unique pieces for all ages

Francesca’s, 742 Massachusetts St.

Lots of beautiful jewelry

Fortuity, 809 Massachusetts St.

Lots of color, prints and trendy pieces like cropped tops

Foxtrot, 823 Massachusetts St.

Trendy and classic shoes in a small boutique atmosphere

Third Planet, 846 Massachusetts St.

Hippie chic finds

Weaver’s Department Store, 901 Massachusetts St.

Cute dresses and designer denim

Urban Outfitters, 1013 Massachusetts St.

Boho everything

— Emily and Elizabeth Kennedy are twin sisters who share a blog called Fashion Column Twins. Emily writes this column. They can be reached at fashioncolumnblog@gmail.com.