Frugal Fashion Finder: Digging for Gold

You can discover clothing at low prices, but you’ll have to dig and search.  I have actually found designer pieces at a fraction of the cost at stores like Marshalls, Nordstrom, Loehmann’s, and the like.  Unlike boutiques and department stores, a notch lower in the fashion cycle is the sector including Marshals, Ross, TJ Maxx, and the like.  Below that is clearance outlets.

The idea is to try and splurge only on your staple pieces: blazers, coats, suits- the necessities.  You want to be more wise about investing in trends because the fashion cycle now moves so quickly, you’re not likely to get as much use out of trendy items.

For the Designer and Brand Name finds

  • Loehmann’s: I’ve gotten Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Paul Gaultier, you name it!
  • Saks Off 5th: I used to buy designer glasses there for $60, now they’re around $80 but for a $300 pair of glasses.
  • Century 21 in NY: Amazing, all kinds of designers for a fraction of the retail price.
  • Neiman’s Outlet: Great designer looks, not as big a steal.
  • Nordstrom & Nordstrom Off the Rack: it was better years ago…

For Mainstream RTW:

  • Ross
  • Marshalls
  • TJ MAXX
  • Burlington Coat Factory
  • Macy’s: Macy’s used to be a great source for me- I used to find upward of 50% off.  Look for the clearance rack and sales racks.  I don’t know how the sales are now in comparison to years ago, but I feel like they’re not as good or I just stopped going: thoughts? Comment below.

Cheap Clothing Stores

  • Forever 21: basic tees start at $3.80 and jeans at $7.99- they are a pretty innovative brand, and consistently put out some great looks for the price.
  • H&M: a little higher priced than Forever 21, maybe less adventurous or resourceful as well.

Merchandising is what differentiates Department stores from those lower on the food chain: styles won’t be organized and displayed, nor arranged in all the sizes, but if you can keep searching out your size and digging deep for the sales, you can be chic for cheap. 

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