Hot Looks for Less!
It’s pretty obvious that online shopping is largely taking over, and there is an abundance of amazing discount designer websites. However, if you’re someone who likes to do most of your shopping in stores, don’t lose hope! There are still some great options for those of you who like to try things on before you make a purchase.
One store that none of us can deny is Nordstrom. They carry the best designers and the hottest styles. I seriously wish I could afford everything from that store, but let’s be honest- that’s not going to happen anytime soon. Thankfully, there is a store called “Nordstrom Rack” which offers some of the designer brands from their department store for a cheaper price. I highly encourage you to check this store out; I have gotten some amazing steals here! Personally, I think their accessories are the best areas to check out. I’ve gotten a pair of Nike’s on sale there for under $15, a pair of brown leather wedges on sale for $5, and even a Michael Kors bag! The MK purchase was obviously a little more expensive, probably around $200, but that’s not bad at all considering whom you’re paying for… Not to mention that I have used this bag for a straight year now, and it has held up like a champ. It is still in amazing condition and don’t worry, it’s real! Nothing sold by Nordstrom Rack is cheap or fake. Everything I have purchased there has been a great buy, saved me some money, and stayed in terrific condition! If you don’t go check out a Nordstrom Rack nearby, you are honestly just doing your bank account an injustice.
Another store that everyone has heard about but faces a lot of skepticism is Plato’s Closet. Now, I admit that my friends and I fall victim to being skeptics. It seems kind of questionable to go shopping at a store that’s based around selling used clothes. However, I really do think that places like these are worth checking out. After all, haven’t you ever heard the phrase “One man’s garbage is another man’s gold”? I’ve been to Plato’s Closet quite a few times, mostly because I am continually sifting through my wardrobe and finding clothes that I want to sell. During some of my trips to Plato’s, I’ve wandered around, mostly just browsing and seeing what their store is really like. To my surprise, they actually have some pretty decent clothing pieces and accessories. Now, keep in mind that this is a place where you really have to keep your eyes peeled. Every store is different because they are selling individual items, not a line of clothing. However, it’s definitely not a store that you should ignore. They sell designer jeans, like 7 for all of mankind, and designer bags as well. One of my most proud purchases from Plato’s Closet was two pairs of shoes, both of which I got for $12 each. The first was a pair of all red suede stilettos, and the second was a pair of gold glitter peep toe stilettos. Both of these shoes were unworn and still had all their tags, something which is important to be aware of when looking in the shoe section of a store like Plato’s. Here’s a picture of the same red shoes that I got! Whoever gave these up and allowed someone to sell them to me for 12 bucks is a godsend.
The most important thing to remember when bargain shopping, is that it requires time. You won’t be able to find the world’s best deal if you’re in a time crunch. Be sure that you can devote a portion of your day to searching the racks, trying things on, and continuing the hunt for great bargains. Chances are you won’t even catch everything the first time that you go through a section, so it may be worth it to go back to and look through the crowded racks again. It’s not as likely that you will find a stand-out piece in discount stores, but they are really good stops for wardrobe staples like plain tops, sweaters, and jackets. In my experience, the shoe section has been the best area for success. I have even purchased a pair of flat brown boots from Marshall’s for $20 that I have received countless compliments on! Moral of the story, don’t be scared to shop around for great deals at low prices, especially if you’re on a budget. There’s a lot that stores like Nordstrom Rack and Plato’s Closet have to offer, use your eye for fashion and find these hidden treasures for less!
Written By: Christine Kunz
Photo Sources:
http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.191066!/img/httpImage/image.jpg
http://thriftadelphia.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/platos-closet1.jpg
