The easygoing spring and summer apparel of Alexis is available on PinkMascara, one of the many companies offering discounts through CouponCodes4U

Try as I might to shop independent as often as possible, there are often things I need that lead me to major retailers, among them things like running shoes or socks or cheap sunglasses that I can accidentally lose, break or scratch guilt-free. If I can spend less at a major chain store, then it often works out this way in my mind: oh, well that just means I have more to spend the next time I see some wonderfully fabulous creation by an independent designer in San Francisco.

I’m not saying, of course, that shopping is always an even sum game. Sure, sometimes I get a deal and what that savings actually goes to in reality is me buying groceries or paying for a babysitter or buying gas. But in the fantasyland of my mind, I usually think about the next indie item I’ve been coveting and how I may soon be able to check that off my list (and trust me, that list is long).

And so onto the sponsored part of this message. You knew it was coming. But it’s actually a sincere suggestion on my part: before shopping big box, why not scope out ways to save on your potential purchases? That way maybe you, too, will be able to check off something on your indie wish list. There are many ways to suss out deals these days, but one that’s super simple and easy to is quite old-fashioned: online coupons. Sure, the “c” word can sound like something people did with scissors and too much free time way back when, before the Internets. But these days, Free Coupon Codes are bringing plenty of shoppers welcome deals. The only trick, of course, is remembering to hunt them down before you buy. For example, should you be hunting for shoes, you’d do well to notice the Coupon Code for Shoebuy waiting on Couponcodes4u.com. There are several available at the moment, but one will net you 20 percent off and free shipping.

Think of it like building a shopping muscle. You probably already do research on different items at different retailers when you shop. You may even compare pricing and watch for items to go on sale. In the same way that you’ve trained yourself to bargain shop online or check flash sales or daily deal sites on a regular basis, you can develop that coupon-seeking muscle and kick it into gear before making a major purchase. On the same site, you’ll find a Coupon for Maurices, among many, many others offered by companies ranging from Southwest Airlines to Clarins. For clothes, many stores offer multiple discount coupons that you can use depending on what fits best with your purchase. If you’re looking for a free Pink Mascara Promo Code, for example, you’ll find that you can save 20 percent, opt for free shipping or get 10 percent off sale items.

Think of it as spending less on the must-haves so you can drop a little more on the can’t-live-withouts.

More San Francisco shopping…

A reason to love the Super Bowl, even if the chance to drink excessively and yell at guys in uniform doesn’t appeal: the y&i Super Bowl Sale. It’s on for Sunday (and the rest of the weekend, too) and means merch with prices starting at $10.

More San Francisco sales…

Let the Valentine’s Day sales and promotions begin: Bryna Nicole bags are half-off through Feb. 14. Plus, shipping is free.

More San Francisco shopping deals…

A New Year’s Sale is on at Secession Art + Design, a sweet little gallery and boutique in lower Bernal Heights that also happens to double as a workspace for local designers such as Colleen Mauer.

More San Francisco sales…