Calling all budget fashionistas! Where do you shop? - YouLookFab Forum

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Calling all budget fashionistas! Where do you shop?

Carla

Veteran

I believe we all appreciate the quality fabric, workmanship, and details of a high-end (expensive) garment, as well as the experience of shopping a high end store. However, sometimes circumstances or inclination dictate shopping different venues. If you are a budget fashionista, where do you shop? What 'scores' can you report? Who gets positive reviews? I'll start...

Mark's Work Wearhouse - my current favourite retailer - love their house brand jeans - thick, non-stretchy cotton rich. The Hanna Highrise and Mia Midrise are kind to my body and they come in tall (and short) inseam lengths. MWW also carries great cotton undies, and sometimes surprisingly stylish and comfortable footwear (including boots for our Canadian Winters!). Alfred Sung designs a line for them.

Winners (and their sister stores Marshall's and TJ Max) - you have to be 'up' for the work, but if you have the time, energy, and inclination there are values to be had!

Sears - my white jean jacket (Jessica)! Swimwear. The best 100% cotton terry bathrobe, undergarments.

Suzy Shier - fast fashion with a lot of synthetics - however I'm loving my boho top, and cotton brocade trench.

The Bargain Shop - my best ever, non pilling, super soft cotton acrylic sweater. The label was snipped (remaindered product). Also shorts and tank tops.

Over to you!

Shopping

42 replies

Latest reply was from DonnaF

Anonymous

I am fortunate to live near a lot of really great resale/consignment shops, so when I feel broke, that's usually where I head. I occasionally find things at Costco as well. Even when I'm not broke, I enjoy the challenge of finding a great item at a bargain price! I live for the deal, and the thrill of the hunt!

Sara L.

Veteran

I thrift a lot of my clothes. Partially for budget reasons and partially because I enjoy shopping in one store with lots of brands. I buy things at Target and Old Navy. I occasionally order from Amazon. J.Crew is a splurge for me and the item has to be on sale.

Anonymous

Carla - I second your vote for MWW. Surprisingly good denim selection - for men too. DH picks up things there - two really nice pair of jeans (name brand though) and a winter jacket last year. I've bought pyjamas and long underwear for skiing there too. I pop into Ricki's most times I'm walking past it in the mall (I used to be a buyer for that chain many years ago so have a bit of a soft spot for it ) and once in awhile I find a trendier piece at a nice low price. which is a good way to go . As much as I'd love to be a good Winner's shopper, it has to be right there in front of me with a sign on it, or I can't deal with it. I also end up buying things I don't really need or want, just because they are cheap. Bad move.

always trying

Veteran

In my area we don't have a Marks work wearhouse, a Suzy Sher or a Bargain Shop. We have Marshalls and TJMaxx. Lucky me has a Marshalls right near where I get my dogs food and supplies so I usually pop in about once a week. I do find bargains there, mainly jeans, tops, and sometimes shoes. TJ Maxx is great, and even better on line. I like on line ordering as if necessary I can return to the store. Also have a new close Nordstroms Rack, but I do more on line and again can take back to the store, so free returns. Then there is ordering at Amazon. Sometimes same items at Amazon will be less than at Zappos, but it gets frustrating as almost always they don't have size or color I want. same goes for on line Nordstroms rack.

For shoes Off Broadway and DSW. Also on line and can return to the store if necessary.

Mall stores -only Zara for sometimes finding a bargain..They seem to have more in the store than on line.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I'd have to say Costco. I'm constantly amazed at the price and the quality of their clothes... obviously selection is very limited, but when you go as often as I do, you can keep your eyes open. Among other things, I have several pairs of work trousers/capris from there, and they wash and wear beautifully. Also great for PJ's, socks, tees, the basics.

Added bonus... things get absorbed by the grocery budget

catgirl

Veteran

Costco, the grocery store, thrift stores, JC Penney, F21 and now The Rack! I don't discriminate - it all attracts me.

Elly

Veteran

We have a TJMaxx locally and a Ross (Dress for less) about an hour away. I like to buy gear at TJMaxx and I have two really nice blouses (one from a major line) from there. Unfortunately, ours is small and is the only local retail except for pricey boutiques, Walmart, teen stores, and a tiny JC Penney-- so it is often really picked over. Same with the Ross.

I shop bras and undies on Amazon and Ebay once I figure out what I want. Amazon can also be good for deals on shoes and I've recently figured out you can buy a lot of 6pm.com stuff through Amazon and then the return shipping is free. There are several retailers that do the free shipping and returns like Zappos but slower but ALSO take coupons.

ON is good for some stuff-- sometimes the quality isn't great, but for things like denim shirts and jackets, it is a deal-- and scarves and PJs.

I actually do a lot of my bargain shopping at GAP--- I get so many good coupons that I rarely pay more than $40 for jeans and less for tops and sweaters. Same for BR.

Nordies is a mixed bag-- I got some smoking deals at NAS, and often pick up things on discount year-around. If you fit it, shopping in the Juniors department for trendy items or things like basic tees can be a bargain. Their shoes are often a bargain and I love the price-matching since they offer free shipping and returns. I love Nordstrom Rack, but don't live close to one-- I used to buy a lot of my clothes there when I was in Arizona more.

L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer, etc. can actually be good for bargains-- I made one purchase last year and returned it and they are still sending me really good coupons/sale offers.

I also am a big fan of EBags.com for purses, totes, etc. Good coupons and rewards.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I have recently had to take a serious look at my finances and stopped shopping at some of my regular places. I enjoy the blog at http://www.pennypincherfashion.com/. She frequently features items from Old Navy and H&M. I have found some really fun things there! Quality is hit or miss, but you just have to keep an eagle eye out for the good things. TJ Maxx also has some good things, but you have to shop there frequently. Sometimes the selection is fantastic. Other times, it's bare bones.

Gaylene

Veteran

Since I've become pickier about my wardrobe additions, I've tended to avoid most inexpensive retailers because the fit and construction is often an issue and fixing a $20 item just doesn't seem realistic.

That said, I do buy my jeans and T's from GAP, stocking up on on sale days because I get a good fit there. I also frequently check the sales section at J Crew, BR, Club Monaco, The Bay designer sections, and my favourite boutiques. Some of my best bargains have come from those racks--like a couple of $30 Eileen Fisher linen tops!

I also check out Zara, Aritzia, and H&M for the odd fashion piece or accessories. At 65, I'm obviously not their target market, but, if I'm selective, I sometimes unearth a gem. Simons, when I get to store, has also been a good place to check for bargains in their house brands.

I avoid discount stores like Winners, DSW, Marshalls, and the like. Too many mistakes in the past. Same goes for Costco (except for socks, camis, and yoga pants). By the way, if anyone needs merino wool socks this winter, check out Costco's Kirkland brand women's wool socks. They are fantastic and last much longer than my more expensive Smartwools.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The NAS is a mixed blessing for us Canadians now. When the CAD was close to par with the US, if you could get across the border and bring things back, it was a steal of a sale. Now it's dicier. But even so, I got some good bargains there this year.

I shop the sales at BR and J. Crew. I rarely buy anything from either store that is not on substantial discount.

I also shop occasionally at Winner's. Ours is pretty substandard, but once in a while, I find a gem, like my new Cynthia Rowley vest or a Vince Camuto military peacoat I got a few years back. I'm good at leaving things I don't truly love on the racks, so it works okay.

My other big fashion hit is Zara. Quality varies, but the fit on tops and jackets and most skirts/ culottes, and some pants is good for me and easy. The Zara sale is great if you can get your size, which I generally cannot.

My new loves are Club Monaco and Aritzia, but they are not cheap even on sale. I have found a few bargains at CM by stalking carefully and long.

Diana

Veteran

For B&M stores, I like the Rack, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. I have found that the ones in downtown Boston tend to have the best selection - much better than the suburban ones. I also like Century 21 when I am in NYC (haven't been there recently though).

Online, I have found some screaming good deals at Yoox (just scored a pair of R&B Dres for $47!), but you have to be willing to sift through pages of stuff (they have seriously terrible search functions) and they tend to not reveal the style names and other identifying features so you have to be willing to do some detective work and also take a chance and return if necessary. They also have interesting Euro brands that you don't see much in the US.

If I know exactly what I want and know it will fit, I can sometimes get great deals on ebay.

Gap/BR/AT/Loft - I always wait for the 40% or more codes. AT/Loft especially has these ridiculous 60+% extra discount flash sales all the time. I have all these stores near me so in-store returns are easy.

Amazon also has surprisingly good deals sometimes, and free shipping/returns on items sold by Amazon itself, so it's risk free. (Plus I have prime so it arrives super fast.)

catgirl

Veteran

Oh how I miss Boston! I used to love the original Filene's Basement and Loehmanns too.

Yoox sends me over the edge - the search function is beyond me. I want to browse but I can't handle the overload.

Diana

Veteran

Oh, I miss the original Filene's basement so much! That was the granddaddy of all good deal places.

(By the way, Una, have you been to the old site lately? They are putting a Primark in the old Filene's upstairs space, but the basement part is now a fancy grocery store. SO WEIRD.)

Yeah, Yoox is a really-bored-at-work-for-hours thing only.

catgirl

Veteran

Every time I'm home and something from my childhood has changed, I feel a deep pang of nostalgia. The cool old movie theatre where I worked in high school is now a Pier One, unless that's gone too.

Elle

Veteran

Lately, I've had good luck at Uniqlo, Old Navy and the Gap/Banana Republic sale racks. There is also a Goodwill "Boutique" near my house which is good for cashmere (I'm always amazed at how much good quality stuff is given away).

catseye

Veteran

Loft and GAP/OLD Navy. Loft fits me particularly well.

I really don't have time to go shopping now. All I do is return when I go to the stores.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Isn't Filenes starting back up an online store? I thought I saw an email...

ETA: Yes, they are! See here:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/bu.....story.html

My bargain shopping places are TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Nordstrom Rack. I'll also sometimes find a gem here and there at Saks Off Fifth or Nieman Marcus Last Call (hello, sweet Belstaff jacket for a fraction of the price!). It's all very hit or miss, though, and I have to be in the right mood to root around, and not be looking for anything too specific -- just open to a serendipitous find. I also have had some success with Target, but it seems to have gotten less interesting in the last couple of years. I do miss Loehmann's -- it was very hit or miss, but there was an occasional big hit from there.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Elly, I like eBags.com too, good quality on their own brand stuff as well. I also miss Loehmanns, it was so much more like a real outlet than Tj Maxx or Nordstrom Rack.

Non secondhand, JC Penney, H&M, Target, and Dress Barn all have inexpensive stuff that is worth having in my closet. Occasionally Ross or TJ Maxx. There's a BR outlet and an AT/Loft outlet near me, but you have to be careful because their initial prices aren't usually that great of a bargain.

The closure of Twice has really left a gap in my shopping methods; I'd pretty much stopped thrifting and going to the consignment store because Twice was so much easier and I could send my stuff to them and get credit to use.

E

Veteran

I'm all about thrifting & Ebay for most things! I've had very good luck with lightweight tights, the nylon ones, from Target though (I've yet to find an ethical source, so I just try to make my pairs last as long as possible). They hold up well & come in some beautiful colours & patterns & textures. Gap makes my favourite bras, their wireless molded cup style (although from my budget's perspective Gap isn't cheap, hence my usual interest in secondhand shopping). And for those who don't know, since Amazon owns 6pm.com, you can get on-sale shoes from Amazon for the same price plus free return shipping! I search through 6pm, because I think their site is much nicer, and then pop over to Amazon and order that way.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Filene's basement!! Oh, you guys are bringing back memories. When I first met my husband we used to do pilgrimages there every time we went to visit his mother (she lived in Lowell, Mass.) Oh oh oh I got some great stuff there...a beautiful mid-blue leather bomber jacket, silk trapeze blouses, so many gorgeous items at prices I could not believe....

stainedglass

It's good to hear that they're finally rebuilding where Filene's basement used to be... it was a hole in the ground for a while. I don't think that I bought much at Filene's basement back in the day, but it was always a novel experience.

I also pick up a fair amount of merchandise from Ann Taylor, Loft, BR and Gap whenever they're running a 40% off promo. I've also gotten some good deals at Last Call, Off 5th, and Nordstrom Rack, but I'm usually looking for specific pieces from Eileen Fisher or Diane Von Furstenberg. Polyester makes me itch, so I end up spending more for natural fabrics. I have to have a shopping buddy to make the trip to Marshall's or TJ Maxx's worthwhile; I don't particularly enjoy rooting through lots of merchandise by myself.

kerry

Veteran

Not exactly original, but my wardrobe skews very Gap. This is somewhat recent as it's only the last year or two that I've found denim there that works. I always wait for 40% off sales. My job and life are very casual so I don't like to spend a lot on the majority of my clothes. Because I'm ordering already, I'll usually check out ON and BR but I have less from them.

I always look at Costco clothing but rarely buy for myself. We buy my daughter some clothing there and my husband buys work stuff sometimes (he's in construction).

I rarely check out MWW but will have to give it another go, especially if they have decent high rise denim.

I don't like Marshalls or Winners - no patience!

Not necessarily budget (but good sales) is Sail. It's kind of like MEC but with more clothing.

Loft sizing does not work for my body but I usually get sucked in about once a year, try on a bunch of stuff and leave with nothing.

Great thread!

JAileen

Veteran

Here are the places I shop at, for the most part:

Thrift stores, Consignment stores, Sierra Trading Post, Patagonia

Macy's, Nordstrom, Lands End, Zappos

The first four are discounty, even Patagonia. We have STP and Patagonia Outlet in town. They are both great for gear. Patagonia has the best quality, and very high ethics. My only complaint is their weird colors. I think they cater to Millenials. STP has such a huge selection that it is sometimes hard to wade through. Their prices are hard to beat except by thrift stores. The quality varies a lot, though. At STP I can order online, pick it up at the store and return if needed, all without paying shipping. I hate paying shipping!

I just bought a lovely Eileen Fisher knitted linen top at a consignment store this week. I would have bought it at Nordstrom or Macy's, but it was nice to get it at such a low price. At thrift stores, primarily Savers, I think the other customers are very price sensitive. I didn't paying $15 for an Eileen Fisher merino wool pea jacket.

I guess everyone is familiar with the next four. I buy a lot from them, but end up returning a lot, too, because I order online. But with them, I also avoid shipping: either it's free both ways (Nordstrom, Zappos) or I can return it in person (Macy's, Lands End to Sears).

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I forgot about Marshall's and Kohl's. Both require a bit of patience and willingness to search, so I tend to only go when I'm in the mood to blow a couple hours. Macy's, in our area, is combines the chaos of Kohl's with the prices of Nordstrom, which is not a good combination.

Discount stores seem to vary in pleasantness by location a lot more than other kinds of stores.

Alassë

Veteran

Kohl's, JC Penney, Loft, Dress Barn, Land's End, eBay, and (formerly) Twice. I agree, Laura (rhubarbgirl) - not having Twice is much less convenient.

UtahDesert

For a long while I stuck to Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx, and a thrift store or two. Now I've located a couple of thrift stores I like even better, with high-end items, and I've also discovered the Ann Taylor/J. Crew/Banana Republic sale routine. I love the staple items--for example, button-up shirts, tanks, shorts--I can get from that last set of stores, and the sale prices end up so low that I have to make a conscious effort not to overbuy. And I also occasionally search online for a particular type of item, read reviews, and then simply find the cheapest seller on Amazon--thus, the leopard-print Jambu wedge sandals.

Oh yes, and the Sundance catalog outlet store in my town is a great place to find that highly unusual but somehow desirable item I never imagined before I walked in.

And there's one little thrift store in Warsaw, Poland that for some reason carries the tissue-thin-silk short-sleeved men's shirts (Summa, etc.) that I can't find even on eBay. The prices are so cheap I can afford to have even the men's Ls altered to fit me like a tailored women's XS.

Leighways

(website)

I call it : up cycling

I get a lot of things cheap at second hand shops...basically everything I own is second hand apart from my shoes or presents.

Ebay and trade shops are also great, there's a lot of local swapshops both online and nearby me so maybe try one of them? They're great for getting rid of the old and in with the new without bursting the budget.

kerlyn

Veteran

I've had very good luck in recent years at Kohl's. Coupons stacked on top of sales makes for great prices. I was actually in there this morning and bought a lovely black, blouson style maxi dress on clearance for $6! Yay!

I also buy from Target, occasionally JcPenney, or other random mall shops. I rarely go into T.J. Max because I just feel overwhelmed in there. I like some Old Navy stuff, like their flowy, slubbed tanks, and I'm stalking a couple of their cotton shift dresses, hoping they hit clearance soon!

Love a great bargain!

Faith

I grew up in Loehmann's and miss it dearly, I can't even bring myself to look at its new online incarnation. I still relish a good rummage through Century 21 on the rare occasions when I'm in New York, and I do a lot of buying on ebay now (almost exclusively of brands whose fit I know well), but I think that Yoox has largely taken the place of Loehmann's for me. As Ginia Bellafante wrote in the NY Times article on its closing, "the point of shopping at Loehmann's was that you brought not only a commitment to the hunt but also your own prodigious authority." I actually think browsing Yoox (if not searching, per se) has become tremendously more user-friendly. I usually select a category or subcategory, often a color, size, and now even fabric! Of course, there are very often still pages and pages of results that fall under those parameters, so commitment to the hunt is still required. The difference, of course, is that Yoox is a solitary experience, while Loehmann's communal dressing room was inevitably a social one. I see a lot of that friendly but earnest advice -- not to mention Style Exchanging -- right here on youlookfab, though, so all is not lost in the internet age!
http://http//www.nytimes.com/2.....pping.html

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