The Budget Fashionista - 04 May 2007 04:55 AM

Probably my Kate Spade cream colored leather sandals for $13.98 at the DSW shoewarehouse in the Mall of America or my Kenneth Cole wedding shoes for $9.98

I adore DSW. The only problem with the one on Queens Boulevard is that it’s so big and there’s so much to see, but I rarely have the time to really browse, especially since my two little kids can’t handle browsing for too long.

Well, I’m a glutton for deals on clothing so my stories are numerous and, unfortunately, a bit foggy.

However, last week I purchased a blue Michael Kors trenchcoat for $30 from Nordstrom Rack. Super score!

I cannot believe I forgot this one, especially now that it’s winter and cold outside.

In November of 2002, I found out that a local synagogue was selling used clothing, with the proceeds going to charity, and I decided to go and check it out, especially since the flyer said that they had winter coats. My old winter coat was OK. It was a black down peacoat, and it kept me warm, but it wasn’t in great condition, and it didn’t hold up well in heavy rain, so I was interested in looking for a new one.

Well, I went to the sale, and I saw this peacoat of bright color blocks with black borders. The coat is wool, fully lined, and in great condition. It was a smidge big, but it was comfy, and I figured that I’d be wearing it over layers and heavier things anyway. It cost $15. Yes, really. I paid for it and ran.

It’s now the sixth winter that I’m wearing this coat, and it still keeps me warm and looks great. Once, the pocket ripped, but it was easily repaired at the dry cleaner. I love the way the colors brighten up my winter doldrums.

The funny thing is that my mom keeps calling that coat a “shmatta” (rag) and trying to convince me to get a good down coat to replace it. She insists that down is warmer and that my coat isn’t keeping me warm. Well, the fact that it actually is keeping me warm doesn’t seem to factor in there. As I heard it, down is warmer, but my coat is wonderful, so I don’t need a new one.

I got a very nice camisole for free. It’s a nifty camisole that can be worn both ways--on one side, it’s got a straight neckline, on the other side, a sweetheart neckline. Anyway, the cashier was annoyed with me because I was looking for knee high socks. I think she forgot to scan the camisole (usually $19) and when I got home, I realised it was for free. That really made my day!

Machazait - 01 January 2008 11:39 PM

The Budget Fashionista - 04 May 2007 04:55 AM

Probably my Kate Spade cream colored leather sandals for $13.98 at the DSW shoewarehouse in the Mall of America or my Kenneth Cole wedding shoes for $9.98

I adore DSW. The only problem with the one on Queens Boulevard is that it’s so big and there’s so much to see, but I rarely have the time to really browse, especially since my two little kids can’t handle browsing for too long.

Machazait-

I agree, so you know what I do? I first head straight to back and then I shop two aisles at a time, walking down one aisle while glances across the others. It’s hard but I can be in and out of a DSW in 30 minutes.

I once got a denim skirt for one dollar. I think it was from Boscov’s, a department store in NJ/PA. This was years ago. More recently, I stumbled on a store in NY that was selling tons of dresses for $15-$30 based on the style and fabric. I got a cotton, fluid knee length dress for $15 with maybe the prettiest print I’ve ever owned. I regret not getting two, because they had different colors.

christianay - 09 July 2008 01:35 PM

I once got a denim skirt for one dollar. I think it was from Boscov’s, a department store in NJ/PA. This was years ago.

There used to be a Boscov’s in Nanuet NY, near my parents’ home. Unfortunately, that store has since closed. They had some nice stuff.

I used to shop at a Goodwill that sold clothing by the pound for like $1.99 a pound. It’s amazing how little silk weighs… ;-)

Just took a quick trip to my local Goodwill, and found a beautiful classic black formal Laundry by Design dress (with tags, originally $297, from Macy’s)—IN MY SIZE—for $10. Woo hoo!

Okay, I have nowhere to wear it, yet, but I don’t currently have ANY formal dresses in my closet, and I’m thinking having a great one on standby for a ten-spot is a great value, indeed!

There is one particular Goodwill on the UES that I love! I got a Marc Jacobs skirt there for $6 or $7 and just two weeks ago, a cashmere sweater from Barney’s for $8!