Fashion Stores - Fashionista Finds on Budget

Fashionista Finds on Budget

Just because you are on a budget, doesn't mean you have to compromise your discerning sense of fashion and good taste. There are several hot fashion stores you can shop to find bargains on the latest styles and the greatest classics.

One of my favorite fashion stores to find fine fashion at drastically discounted prices is online at Smart Bargains. I recently purchased a silk designer evening dress in a flattering shade of blue slate for less than $20, with delivery. When you register at their site and place your first order, Smart Bargains sends emails with bargains meant just for their valued shoppers and some of the deals are beyond believable! The quality of the dress I purchased definitely warrants its original price tag of over $200. By smart shopping, I took an impressive zero off that price and nobody else will ever know it. Smart Bargains features popular designers such as Kenneth Cole (I bought a waterproof, stainless steel watch at a ridiculously low price that will survive years of summer beaching and sailing), Donna Karan (I got an incredibly warm raccoon fur-trimmed, full-length down coat for under $120) and many others at prices you won't find at other fashion stores.

Overstock.com is one of the other online fashion stores that feature terrific designer discounts. I recently discovered Overstock and purchased a 14-karat ankle bracelet to show off those ankles in summer skirts. I was impressed with the price and quality and intend to visit this site frequently to score additional bargain because they offer a vast amount of designer merchandise at sharply reduced prices. Another online store to check out for decent discounts is Luxury Diva Moda, where you can find designer accessories for less.

If you prefer perusing fashion stores personally, consider visiting the Tanger Outlets, a national outlet chain with stores throughout the country. Although the outlet center may be miles from where you live, it is well worth the trip. Designers such as Coach, Guess, Calvin Klein, Juicy Couture and countless others have storefronts at these outlets that feature dramatic discounts on their merchandise. Besides scoring great stuff at even better prices, you can be confident that you are buying designer originals. The $250 Coach bag I scored for $80 will be a staple in my wardrobe for years to come. Since the Coach lifetime warranty for repair and replacement also applies to merchandise purchased at their outlet, I really got a deal.

Outlets are not the only fashion stores that offer outrageous designer bargains. Fashion stores such as Marshall's, Filene's Basement and TJ Maxx feature name brand clothing at discounted prices. Although I have found some super deals at these places, they are rather frustrating because the merchandise is all grouped together by size. The shopper has to pick through the racks for fashion finds, which can be time-consuming. However, the Nautica hoodie I extracted from the racks in Filene's almost a decade ago is a timeless piece that remains one of my favorite beach jackets.

If designer tags aren't important to you, Target is a terrific source to find updated fashion looks at reasonable prices. Target offers cutting edge styles at a fraction of the price found at other fashion stores. Several famous designers create the clothing lines featured at Target, making them a cut above their mass merchandising competitors. When knit gauchos became a hot fashion item last season, I blanched at the prices in the department stores. I hadn't even thought of Target and went to the store to purchase some bathroom accessories. Unable to pass the clothing department without taking a brief peek, I discovered great-looking, well-made gauchos that rivaled the more expensive ones I had seen earlier. The best part was they were available in several colors and sizes, so I purchased two for less than I would have paid for one at a department store. Now that's a fashionista find!

For fashion stores featuring classic styles, check out Chadwick's of Boston. Chadwick's carries an exclusive line of J.G. Hook, as well as their own line of designs. During online clearance sales, the prices at Chadwick's are far below cost and the quality is outstanding. I recently purchased five summer outfits for less than $100, with delivery. I was totally pleased with the sizing, style and condition and intend to revisit them to revamp my fall classics. I also love Talbot's timeless fashions, but they can be extremely pricey. I suggest only shopping Talbot's during a clearance, when you can buy top quality clothing for up to seventy percent less.

To satisfy my sensual side, I shop Victoria's Secret during their semi-annual clearance. Although Victoria's Secret can be overpriced during the year, their clearance gives you a chance to score some really sexy stuff at super prices. The best secret about Victoria's fashion is that they are not just appealingly luxurious, they are also durable and well-made. Purchasing such flimsy apparel through other fashion stores, such as mass merchants, ensures they will only last through a couple of wearings. The tiny fashion tidbits from Victoria's Secret stand up to the test of time and extra weight. Furthermore, their infamous Miracle Bra lingerie and clothing line can give a girl cleavage she never knew she had.

Finally, if you are really on a tight budget, you can find attractive designer replicas for a small price at flea markets and certain online fashion stores, such as Fashion Treasures. Make sure the item is well-made with tight seams and functional zippers. After all, it becomes a poor deal if the item falls apart after a couple wearings.

My favorite trick is to peruse the pages of Elle and Vogue, then shop at fashion stores, outlets, clearance sales and discount shops to find similar merchandise at a fraction of the cost. With a little research and perseverance, you can look like a million bucks for a whole lot less.