I always get giddy over a good bargain. I drop everything when J.Crew launches its occasional 30-percent-off sale online. I'm crazy about the designer finds at Saks Off 5th. I don't really buy much for full price. Why would you when it's eventually going to go on sale? My bargain-hunting capabilities were recently put to the test on a Twin Cities Live fashion challenge. The challenge, as it were, just about killed me: Create an entire outfit, including shoes and accessories, for $50 or less.
You can check out the fruits of my painstaking labor here. The finished product might be lovely, but pulling it together was not. Why? Because while there are plenty of bargains out there, it takes time and digging to find the good ones. And by good I mean things that you'd want at full price, but got lucky enough to find for four dollars.
The $50 challenge was such a hit with viewers that we're having a rematch next Friday, April 10. The theme is evening/party attire. While you can and should tune in at 3pm, what I really want to know is where do YOU get a LBD for $20, or fantastic pumps for $10? What are your bargain-hunting secrets?
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2009 in Permalink
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Reader Comments:
This is a tough challenge! H&M has some really great priced dresses and accessories. Also, I know that they're aimed more for teens, but stores like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe carry some pretty inexpensive but classic LBDs. I recently noticed that Payless has some great designs. I really love their beaded chiffon shoes as they're very similar to Armani version I saw at Neiman Marcus. Otherwise dressy sandals are usually @ lower price points than heels at mass discount retailers like Target(and more comfortable). Good luck, I love what you did with the last challenge!
Elena
Thanks for the tips, Elena! My first thought was H&M—we just used a bunch of accessories for our May fashion feature—so I'm glad to hear you agree. You sound like one savvy shopper! Love it!
OOOOOO - I love a bargain! I would hit up the outlet stores in Albertville. Since the "real" stores are discounting, the outlet stores are seriously discounting. I always count on the Banana Republic Outlet when I need a new look in a pinch! AMAZING DEALS right now. Also I have witnessed J Crew shoes and dresses at TJ MAXX for $20 a piece. The thing about Target boutique and assorted other disposable fashion retailers is that the fashion is just that - disposable. I can't think of an item from one of these stores that has made it through more than 2 seasons, but I know that my $30 black, a-line, shirt dress with a small ruffle from the BR outlet may just make through 5 or 6. Great job!!!
Laura Anne, you are a girl after my own heart! I couldn't agree with you more: Buy high-quality goods on sale, not cheap goods. Period. Throw-away fashion is a waste of money and resources. With the exception of a trendy accessory or two, I buy things based on how long I'll want to keep them in my closet. In the end, I spend far less than what I would if I shopped at Target. p.s. Albertville Outlets—you're a genius.
Marshall's has great finds if you're ok with digging. I like getting accessories at Pier 1 (no one ever thinks to look at their jewelry, and it's SO cute!) I also regularly find good deals on shoes at DSW (sales rack).