Smart Shopping: Discounted Fashions
Posted On: 7/27/12
Written By: Hope Evans
*Click images below to view larger versions.
In some circles, shopping is considered a sport, and while it may not be part of the upcoming Olympic games, most shoppers can benefit from a little coaching. From where to shop and what to buy, there is a lot of money on the line. However, in this article, grab a few hints for your next shopping craving - you’re going to love the way you look and will want to thank me for helping keep more money tucked away in your wallet than ever before!
The Problem
If you’re anything like me, you’re lucky to catch a day off from work, and when you do, errands have piled up and end up filling the whole day. All I want to do is get to the beach as fast as I can. However, little events or nights out seem to wiggle their way into our busy schedules, leaving us staring into the dark abyss of our closet, wondering what we could possibly wear to said function. Also, I find my biggest problems to be that I liked it better on in the store (or on the hanger!) or that I bought the shirt, and have nothing else to make an outfit with it.
I find that the root to most fashion problems is one thing, and one thing alone - what the price tag reads. Most shoppers go one of two ways: 1) “The item is so cheap! It’s kind of cute and well, sort of fits, so I’m just going to get it;” and 2) “This designer hand bag is so great. I know it’s crazy expensive, and well, kind of a weird color that won’t match much, but I’m going to get it.” Attention! Neither of these mindsets will do your wardrobe or your bank account any good!
The Solution
Malls are great. Storefronts are fun. Outlets can occasionally have that one “steal.” But unless you’re shopping in Marshalls, TJ Maxx or a Nordstrom Rack - good luck. However, there is a magical world out there where shopping brand names for the most up-to-date style isn’t bank breaking - may I introduce online shopping websites.
Yes, the Internet is a big place, bigger than just your Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail. There are some websites that offer top name brand clothes, shoes, jewelry, and home décor for way cheaper than physical stores can offer. Many times, if a company makes too many of one thing, they will sell it to these online shops, which, in turn are able to get them to consumers for discounted rates.
Where To Shop
When it comes to online shopping, I consider myself the queen. It is the perfect solution for a college student, like myself, who loves new clothes, but doesn’t always have the time or the budget for a big shopping spree whenever I feel like it. So here are a few of my go-to online stores.
1) Hautelook.com
Offers items for: Women, Beauty, Home, Kids, Men
Sale lasts for: Monday-Thursday, 48 hours. Weekends, until Monday morning.
Benefits: Different sales, always changing, e-mail updates about upcoming sales.
2) Gilt.com
Offers items for: Women, Men, Baby and Kids, Home, Food and Wine, City, Jetsetter, and Park and Bond.
Benefits: Customer service via email, Twitter, or phone, both domestically and internationally, specific part of site devoted to gift ideas for any person and are even categorized by price point.
3) Shoedazzle.com
Offers items for: Shoes (Heels, Wedges, Sandals, Flats, Boots), Handbags, Jewelry, Clothing.
Benefits: Personalized showroom of what items seem to be in your liking after taking the style quiz about personal preference, all shoes only $39.99 a pair.
4) Tobi.com
Offers items for: Clothing, Swimwear, Accessories, Beauty, Home.
Benefits: New sale arrivals daily, is for those with a taste for Urban Outfitter-esc clothing on a more conservative budget, wide selection.
5) Forever21.com
Offers items for: Men’s and Women’s Clothing and Shoes, Swimwear, Plus sizes, Accessories, Jewelry, Beauty, Gifts.
Benefits: Cheap prices (which makes sense for trendy or risky buys), wide selection, easier to view clothes online than in store.
6) Nordstrom Rack
Offers items for: Women, Men, Junior, Kid Apparel, Shoes, and Accessories.
Benefits: Wide selection, same great service expected of Nordstrom, in-season and in-trend items available.
7) Papayaclothing.com
Offers items for: Junior Girls Clothing, Dresses, Shoes and Accessories.
Benefits: Use Papaya to outfit the teenage girl in your life for school, as fall approaches, for only a portion of the cost in a mainstream department store.
If you like to physically shop for deep discounts, I would suggest Marshalls and T.J. Maxx for name brand items. Also, never discount a thrift shop trip! These can sometimes be the most fruitful, and fun, shopping adventures.
What To Buy
When shopping, it can sometimes be difficult determining what you want or what you will actually wear in your everyday life. Many trendy clothing items seem like a good idea and are very tempting, but can rock your bank account and ultimately leave you in your towel, wondering what to wear. If you follow these simple rules next time you shop, your trip will go smoother as well as the next day’s outfit picking!
Rule #1: Invest in Basics
It can be so easy to forget the importance of a plain white T-shirt or a pair of plain denim jeans. Invest the majority of your clothing funds into the basics of your wardrobe, since these articles of clothing are your go-to outfit builders, and consequently, most worn items.
Rule #2: Avoid Colors Outside Your Pallet
I don’t care who you are, what your complexion, or your hair color - lime green is in no one’s color wheel. So unless you’re off to a rave, avoid the temptation for the crazy colored tank top. These items seem fun and youthful, but are hard to mix into everyday wear. I’m not saying it can’t be done - a bright, royal blue belt on a little back dress can be very effective. What I am saying is, however, to spend little funds on these items and purchase sparingly.
Rule #3: If Possible, Try It On
Sometimes we are in a time crunch, and if it’s cute and is the right price, it’s coming home with us. However, because I’m a sale searcher, most items I find tend to be final sale. Always try on an item before committing. Sometimes things just look better on the hanger - leave them there and spend your money on clothes that fit and flatter.
Follow these simple, money saving tricks next time you shop to make your dollar stretch farther - and look good doing it!
«Go back to the previous page.The Problem
If you’re anything like me, you’re lucky to catch a day off from work, and when you do, errands have piled up and end up filling the whole day. All I want to do is get to the beach as fast as I can. However, little events or nights out seem to wiggle their way into our busy schedules, leaving us staring into the dark abyss of our closet, wondering what we could possibly wear to said function. Also, I find my biggest problems to be that I liked it better on in the store (or on the hanger!) or that I bought the shirt, and have nothing else to make an outfit with it.
I find that the root to most fashion problems is one thing, and one thing alone - what the price tag reads. Most shoppers go one of two ways: 1) “The item is so cheap! It’s kind of cute and well, sort of fits, so I’m just going to get it;” and 2) “This designer hand bag is so great. I know it’s crazy expensive, and well, kind of a weird color that won’t match much, but I’m going to get it.” Attention! Neither of these mindsets will do your wardrobe or your bank account any good!
The Solution
Malls are great. Storefronts are fun. Outlets can occasionally have that one “steal.” But unless you’re shopping in Marshalls, TJ Maxx or a Nordstrom Rack - good luck. However, there is a magical world out there where shopping brand names for the most up-to-date style isn’t bank breaking - may I introduce online shopping websites.
Yes, the Internet is a big place, bigger than just your Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail. There are some websites that offer top name brand clothes, shoes, jewelry, and home décor for way cheaper than physical stores can offer. Many times, if a company makes too many of one thing, they will sell it to these online shops, which, in turn are able to get them to consumers for discounted rates.
Where To Shop
When it comes to online shopping, I consider myself the queen. It is the perfect solution for a college student, like myself, who loves new clothes, but doesn’t always have the time or the budget for a big shopping spree whenever I feel like it. So here are a few of my go-to online stores.
1) Hautelook.com
Offers items for: Women, Beauty, Home, Kids, Men
Sale lasts for: Monday-Thursday, 48 hours. Weekends, until Monday morning.
Benefits: Different sales, always changing, e-mail updates about upcoming sales.
2) Gilt.com
Offers items for: Women, Men, Baby and Kids, Home, Food and Wine, City, Jetsetter, and Park and Bond.
Benefits: Customer service via email, Twitter, or phone, both domestically and internationally, specific part of site devoted to gift ideas for any person and are even categorized by price point.
3) Shoedazzle.com
Offers items for: Shoes (Heels, Wedges, Sandals, Flats, Boots), Handbags, Jewelry, Clothing.
Benefits: Personalized showroom of what items seem to be in your liking after taking the style quiz about personal preference, all shoes only $39.99 a pair.
4) Tobi.com
Offers items for: Clothing, Swimwear, Accessories, Beauty, Home.
Benefits: New sale arrivals daily, is for those with a taste for Urban Outfitter-esc clothing on a more conservative budget, wide selection.
5) Forever21.com
Offers items for: Men’s and Women’s Clothing and Shoes, Swimwear, Plus sizes, Accessories, Jewelry, Beauty, Gifts.
Benefits: Cheap prices (which makes sense for trendy or risky buys), wide selection, easier to view clothes online than in store.
6) Nordstrom Rack
Offers items for: Women, Men, Junior, Kid Apparel, Shoes, and Accessories.
Benefits: Wide selection, same great service expected of Nordstrom, in-season and in-trend items available.
7) Papayaclothing.com
Offers items for: Junior Girls Clothing, Dresses, Shoes and Accessories.
Benefits: Use Papaya to outfit the teenage girl in your life for school, as fall approaches, for only a portion of the cost in a mainstream department store.
If you like to physically shop for deep discounts, I would suggest Marshalls and T.J. Maxx for name brand items. Also, never discount a thrift shop trip! These can sometimes be the most fruitful, and fun, shopping adventures.
What To Buy
When shopping, it can sometimes be difficult determining what you want or what you will actually wear in your everyday life. Many trendy clothing items seem like a good idea and are very tempting, but can rock your bank account and ultimately leave you in your towel, wondering what to wear. If you follow these simple rules next time you shop, your trip will go smoother as well as the next day’s outfit picking!
Rule #1: Invest in Basics
It can be so easy to forget the importance of a plain white T-shirt or a pair of plain denim jeans. Invest the majority of your clothing funds into the basics of your wardrobe, since these articles of clothing are your go-to outfit builders, and consequently, most worn items.
Rule #2: Avoid Colors Outside Your Pallet
I don’t care who you are, what your complexion, or your hair color - lime green is in no one’s color wheel. So unless you’re off to a rave, avoid the temptation for the crazy colored tank top. These items seem fun and youthful, but are hard to mix into everyday wear. I’m not saying it can’t be done - a bright, royal blue belt on a little back dress can be very effective. What I am saying is, however, to spend little funds on these items and purchase sparingly.
Rule #3: If Possible, Try It On
Sometimes we are in a time crunch, and if it’s cute and is the right price, it’s coming home with us. However, because I’m a sale searcher, most items I find tend to be final sale. Always try on an item before committing. Sometimes things just look better on the hanger - leave them there and spend your money on clothes that fit and flatter.
Follow these simple, money saving tricks next time you shop to make your dollar stretch farther - and look good doing it!