Some deals only come around once or twice a year, but offer savings that justify the wait. This post is part of our series on such 'don't miss' sales.

One would not ordinarily enter a Fifth Avenue mansion in New York City expecting bargains, especially when the home houses the legendary Henri Bendel department store. Known as one of NYC's great stores with outstanding service and top-drawer fashion offerings, shoppers routinely drop thousands on a dress and hundreds on shoes to match.

Yet twice a year even the grand dame of New York elegance marks down goods in order to clear the way for the latest runway hits. In late August and January, savvy shoppers from all over the country find their way to the mansion to score clothes, accessories and some cosmetics to carry home in Bendel's trademark white and brown striped bag.

Others may visit just to enjoy some rejuvenation time in the store's Frederic Fekkai Salon. Shopping bargains is hard work, after all, and shouldn't thrift be rewarded? Ahhh, that's better.