https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 05 May 2026 08:20:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199430 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:38:59 +0000 Angie 199430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Does that mean I have to move to Alabama? I'd have to say no because I couldn't adequately showcase my boot collection in that climate. A girl has got to have her priorities. But I'll take a hand me down in a pukka Chanel jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199378 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:21:38 +0000 Kristen 199378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't forget street fairs and farmers markets, April! Lots of pretty jewelry at those. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199377 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:19:12 +0000 April 199377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would be in that shop right behind you, Angie! Apparently there is something similar in the U.S.: <a href="http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/what-happens-to-items-left-on-planes/" rel="nofollow">http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com.....on-planes/</a> but it's not in the most central location.</p> <p>Okay, who lives in Scottsboro, Alabama and will go to Unclaimed Baggage once a week to hunt down a Chanel jacket for Angie? ;)</p> <p>I love these ideas! Chinatown, Japanese grocery, pawn shop -- I'm putting a list in the back of my planner. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199336 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:24:55 +0000 Angie 199336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought of another one. In Zurich, there is a shop that stocks what people left behind on airplanes. Its AMAZING what people loose on a flight - like wedding dresses, Chanel jackets and Rolex watches. I'd be in that store every week if we had one close by. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199308 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:34:30 +0000 Refugee 199308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pawn shops. Especially for jewelry. You never know what you may find. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199225 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:19:03 +0000 Frances 199225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chinatown for inexpensive silk scarves and fun jewelry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199207 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:00:37 +0000 Angie 199207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely right! With a discerning eye - leave no retail stone unturned. From hawkers selling things on the side of the road all the way to the likes of Chanel. </p> <p>I like to go to Japanese grocery stores with a gift section. I always find something quirky in there when I'm doing as Asian grocery run. I found a fab eyeglass case a little while ago that was cheap as chips. Apple green and makes me smile </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199205 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:57:23 +0000 taylor 199205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG...my husband LOVES Wise Buys 9.98 stores...he could spend hours going down each isle, and then share the entire experience of bargains and what he bought for only 9.98!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199203 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 01:54:08 +0000 April 199203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MJ -- wow, that's the most surprising choice yet on this thread! Very cool. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199164 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:54:10 +0000 M. Jantz 199164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Renaissance Faires/Festivals: A great source of artisan jewelry. I own several chain maille 'Statement necklaces' that I love &amp; always get positive comments on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199124 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:51:18 +0000 Barbara 199124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I frequent them all: Target for their Merona line, Walmart for Sasson and Jordache jeans, SteinMart for funky tops, TJMaxx and Marshalls for designer bargains, and yes, JCPenney. Hey, Maya, JCP DOES have some cool stuff! Ralph Lauren's AMERICAN LIVING line is designed especially for JCP. Preppy perfect. I've found Vigoss Jeans and Tignanello bags there. JCP is my first stop for leggings, lingerie, tees and tanks. For really crazy bargains, I check out all my local thrift shops often. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199089 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:11:30 +0000 Sparky 199089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Orvis. I find them generally too pricey and the clothing is not my style, but I had a gift card to use up and recently found some nice accessories ~ some belts and a pair of red leather gloves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199088 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:59:39 +0000 Kristen 199088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sears, of all places. Having the Lands End store inside is such a great idea; they even have some of their Canvas line available! (Or is it Heritage...I get those terms confused.)</p> <p>I know LOFT has gone downhill in quality lately, but I have never walked out of there empty-handed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199060 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:01:07 +0000 medusa 199060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, have you looked at the tunics at Macy's? They seem to have quite a few right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199055 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:39:10 +0000 April 199055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're completely right about their sizing, Maya. Big and bigger. I have occasionally had success with their petite shirts, though, so I may risk this one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199052 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:30:54 +0000 Maya 199052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am reluctant to burst your bubble April, but doesn't CC run large? Not that I am a regular shopper there, but my garish-print-loving mom is, and as such I have shopped there for her. I am probably the smallest size there...and that might even be too big for me. Granted, the tunic is supposed to be voluminous. But then you may as well have stuck with the KC one. </p> <p>I wouldnt blame you for trying it but I just thought I'd help manage your expectations...</p> <p>And yes, that is a nice necklace. Not very JCP-like though. I usually find their jewelry a little cheap looking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-199041 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:03:18 +0000 April 199041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, <a href="http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu218/AprilYLF/Olive%20Silk%20Safari%20Jacket/IMG_0838.jpg">this necklace</a> came from JCP. Probably hard to see, but it's a bunch of different chains and looks rather industrial -- I was surprised to see it there.</p> <p>One of mine is actually Coldwater Creek. We walked into their store once and SO was horrified because he felt it was one large, garish, circus-y print after another. On their site, however, I have sometimes found good necklaces and -- somewhat surprisingly -- neutral basics. Right now I'm eyeing <a href="http://www.coldwatercreek.com/Products/Detail.aspx?productid=47806&amp;ensembleid=53948&amp;colorid=030&amp;refLink=&amp;Skn=outlet">this tunic</a> as a replacement for the KC one from NAS that was a bit too voluminous for me and has since found a happy home with Maya. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198994 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:16:46 +0000 RoseandJoan 198994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it is Punk/ Rockabilly websites which if you are selective have some surprisingly inexpensive vintage inspired clothing. One of my favourites is collectif<br /> <a href="http://www.collectif.co.uk/lace-lust-dress-lace-p-sku00010046-c-black.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.collectif.co.uk/lac.....black.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.collectif.co.uk/plain-norma-skirt-sailor-p-14467979-c-blue.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.collectif.co.uk/pla.....-blue.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198988 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:07:31 +0000 bj1111 198988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yessss, army/navy surplus in my gi jane phase. i got the sweetest olive aviator jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198940 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:59:21 +0000 chewyspaghetti 198940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of my favorite place EVER.....the Army/Navy surplus stores </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198914 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:34:54 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 198914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mom's gotten several cute knit tops from the farm co-op in my hometown. She bought me an adorable pink skirt there once. I think that'd have to count as unhip, if you can also buy hay and tractor parts there. </p> <p>Hmm, around here I can't think of anything spectacular - thrift stores of course, and discount places like Ross and Marshalls, as well as department stores of different levels of swank. Mervyn's was getting pretty rail before they went away; Kohl's is like Nordstrom in comparison. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198907 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:26:50 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 198907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm - Marks &amp; Spencers in the UK and in NZ - Jacqui E. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198905 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:23:54 +0000 medusa 198905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I learned about Lane Bryant jewelry from the store/forum and have some nice necklaces from there. Because it's a plus sized store I probably wouldn't have thought to shop there on my own. It's not that it's surprising that they have good things, it just wasn't on my radar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198899 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:14:38 +0000 Maya 198899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, nothing really surprises me from the standpoint of being "unhip." Maybe JC Penney but I never have any luck there. I have to admit I don't shop too much at places deemed unhip. Even Target has a large degree of hipness about it. It's not because I'm a snob really. I just never have any reason to go to a place like Sears or JCP.</p> <p>But I always am surprised at how much I like Ann Taylor, since it is allegedly much more mature and classic than my style is (even after the rebranding). Not a big fan of the Loft though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198894 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:45:34 +0000 Mae 198894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Although I don't have a K-Mart in my neck of the woods, their spread in Lucky (September issue, starting after p. 120) looks tempting. I wonder...has anyone seen the latest garments in person? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198880 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:26:04 +0000 AJ 198880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is one particular Goodwill location where I always seem to find a great skirt/jacket/bag and one Salvation Army location where I find great belts/accessories.</p> <p>I always check out stuff at Walmart when I'm there. Sam's Club sometimes has a great find. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198878 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:24:44 +0000 Peggy Sturman 198878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have gotten some cute necklaces from what was Long's and is now CVS.</p> <p>Also, I have gotten some cute tunic tops at Costco. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198877 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:23:35 +0000 Dusty 198877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wal-mart! It gets a bad rap, but they do get good things sometimes (like, my favorite skinny jeans came from there, my LBD, my turquoise necklace) and you can't beat the price for basics like tanks and camis. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/unlikely-retail-sources-what-are-your-favorites#post-198872 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:15:10 +0000 April 198872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of the most valuable things I've learned from Angie is her maxim to "Leave no retail stone unturned."</p> <p>There are places that you might not be inclined to mention if you were characterizing your style to a stranger -- places that might even bring out your inner snob -- but where you nonetheless find stuff that works. I'm not talking about stores that are consciously low-priced yet hip, such as H&amp;M, but places where it's surprising to find good things. </p> <p>What are your favorites? Check your sheepishness at the door and let us in on your secrets... </p>