We prefer not to pay full price if at all possible, but there are some brands that you should never ever pay full price for—because you don’t have to. Here are five:
1. Jones New York. JNY tends to go on sale faster than other mid-range women’s career wear. I suspect, although it’s not confirmed, that it’s because they produce a lot of volume and the fact that stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, where the line tends to be sold, aren’t buying as much stock as before due to customers reducing their spending.
2. Nine West. DO NOT EVER, EVER pay full price or even sale price for this line without first checking out your local Filene’s Basement. You can often find the same styles that are currently full price in department stores for 40-50% less at your Filene’s basement.
3. Rock and Republic, Hudson, and Paige Premium Denim. All of these overpriced jeans lines can be found at your local Filene’s Basement, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls for more than 50% off, sometimes even less.
4. Calvin Klein (bridge line). For some reason Calvin’s bridge line, both plus and misses, is always on sale. In the case of department stores, wait 3 to 4 weeks and you can find the line on sale at your local Macy’s for 30 to 40% off retail. If you’re plus size, you’re in even more luck as the line struggles to be a success and you can find discounts of up to 60% off.
5. INC We like the INC line at Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. We really like the line. But there’s no way we’re going to pay $99.00 for a pair of pants from the line, especially when we can find it for 50% off (plus a 20% off Macy’s coupon, holla!) if we just wait 2 to 3 weeks.
Pictured: Don’t pay full price for this Nine West Swirl Ribbon Dress ($134) until you’ve checked out Filene’s Basement . . .
Do you have other fashion brands you regularly find for well under full price? Tell us more on the TBF forum.
We prefer not to pay full price if at all possible, but there are some brands that you should never ever pay full price for—because you don’t have to. Here are five:
1. Jones New York. JNY tends to go on sale faster than other mid-range women’s career wear. I suspect, although it’s not confirmed, that it’s because they produce a lot of volume and the fact that stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, where the line tends to be sold, aren’t buying as much stock as before due to customers reducing their spending.
2. Nine West. DO NOT EVER, EVER pay full price or even sale price for this line without first checking out your local Filene’s Basement. You can often find the same styles that are currently full price in department stores for 40-50% less at your Filene’s basement.
3. Rock and Republic, Hudson, and Paige Premium Denim. All of these overpriced jeans lines can be found at your local Filene’s Basement, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls for more than 50% off, sometimes even less.
4. Calvin Klein (bridge line). For some reason Calvin’s bridge line, both plus and misses, is always on sale. In the case of department stores, wait 3 to 4 weeks and you can find the line on sale at your local Macy’s for 30 to 40% off retail. If you’re plus size, you’re in even more luck as the line struggles to be a success and you can find discounts of up to 60% off.
5. INC We like the INC line at Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. We really like the line. But there’s no way we’re going to pay $99.00 for a pair of pants from the line, especially when we can find it for 50% off (plus a 20% off Macy’s coupon, holla!) if we just wait 2 to 3 weeks.
Pictured: Don’t pay full price for this Nine West Swirl Ribbon Dress ($134) until you’ve checked out Filene’s Basement . . .

I love Vivienne Westwood, so when I heard that the women who some credit with inventing punk was teaming up with Nine West to premiere a line of lower priced (but certainly not cheap) shoes I was thrilled. The shoes, ranging in price from $160 to $350 a pair, will be available at selection Nine West stores. It’s an effort by Nine West to pump up it’s sales and image after years of dismal sales. Unfortunately, the collection will only be available for four weeks.
Viv will be in NYC today, at Macy’s Herald Square, chatting up the line. It’s suppose to be a consumer event, but of course, only the folks at Vogue, Elle and other people who would normal never set foot in a Macy’s store will be invited.
From Fashion Week Daily
Vivienne Westwood will be making a personal appearance at Macy’s Herald Square on September 12 to promote her new line of shoes designed in collaboration with Nine West. Vogue and Macy’s have sent out invitations to attend what is being billed as a primarily consumer-driven event, but look for a healthy sprinkling of the industry to be on hand for the Q&A session that will be led by Mary Alice Stephenson.
I will definitely be in attendance.
Some recent shopping scoops from fellow TBF readers:
Many of you are in love with the new George ME line at Wal-Mart. I’ll be writing a review of the line and my many trips to Wal-Mart this past weekend, later this month.
A rash of new store openings has prompted several readers to write in. Kelsey reports on a new Lane Bryant opening in the Yorktown Center in Edina, MN (right across from Target Greatland) on September 14th. As a part of their grand opening on the 14th, the store is offering 40% off on just about everything in the store and after that, offering 20% off through the 18th.
Michelle reports on her great finds this past holiday weekend. At Marshalls, she found a short gray (hot fall color) Micheal Kors wrap sweater for $7.00 (original price $70.00) and a pair of Roxy winter pants for $5.00! At Nine West, she cleaned up at the summer clearance sale with shoes originally $59.00, now $14.99! She reports that all belts are marked down, with an additional 50% off the lowest price. She picked up a wide brown leather belt for $9.99!
And, on an international note, Marilyn reports that the “Top Shop in Madrid looks like Forever21”. Let’s hope the New York version is better.
QI have to wear flat shoes for health reasons and I’m also on a budget. I feel like I spend days or weeks looking for fashionable, non-frumpy flat shoes which I can afford. What are some good sources for flat shoes on a budget?
A I’m a big fan of flat shoes and wear them on a daily basis because I do so much walking (New York is such a pedestrian city). Here’s some of my favorite places to score flats for a reasonable price:
Baker Shoes— This mall base store is a great place for trendy flats under $40. Never, ever pay more than $40 for a pair of flats from Bakers because several of their shoes are manufactered by the same folks who make shoes for Payless. Sometimes, you can even find similar styles at the both stores.
Aerosoles—In store, Aerosoles can tend to skew a bit grandma like—but online the store has a wider selection of stylish flats.
Old Navy—Old Navy has a solid selection of ballerina flats in leather and other types of materials for well under $20.00. The shoes won’t last you about 10, maybe 15 wears, and then you’ll have to throw them away. However, from a cost per wear standpoint, the shoes are only $1.50 to $2 per wear. A solid value
Urban Outfitters—Almost always has a few very trendy flats, usually well under $40/ most under $30. Be aware that many of the shoes sold at Urban Outfitters aren’t leather.
Steve Madden—Huge selection of stylish flat shoes in a ton of different colors from patten leather with pilgrim buckles to your basic ballerina flats in cheetah prints. Prices tend range from $29.99 to $89.99. If you see a style you like that tends to fall on the higher end of the price range, wait a week or two—they almost always go on sale.
Barefoot Tess—Great online based store with a HUGE selection of flats from folks like Jeffrey Campbell and Delmans. Most flats are around the $50 to $60 range.
Bluefly.com—Sometimes you can find a deal or two on designer flats from Kate Spade, Delman, Christian Louboutin, etc. Not exactly cheap, but definitely cheaper than retail.
Nine West - Another mall based store with a solid website. I actually think the website is better than the store. Every year, it seems like things get pricier and pricier. However, it’s definitely worth taking a peek at the store.
and Zappos.com, of course.
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Fashion Expert budgetfashionista
Dear Budget Fashionista:
I am 54-years-old and would like some style advice. I do not want to dress too young or too matronly—but I do love ruffles. I am “big boned” (5’3” and weigh 155 lbs).
A: Please, put the ruffles down. There is only one person over the age of six who can successfully wear ruffles and his named Prince.
There are several fashionable options for you, regardless of your size. The first thing you’ll want to do is create the illusion that you are taller. The taller you appear, the thinner your body will look. Search for shoes with at least a 2-inch heel. Stores like Aerosoles and Nine West sell fashionable, comfortable, affordable heels.
Another tip is to dress monochromatically—all in one color. This will help create a simple, unifying line (think ‘column’). Use a belt to help define your waist. Avoid the advice of stupid fashion experts who know nothing about larger-sized fashion, and advocate big muumuu-like tops. You want your items structured and tailored, again, helping to define your waist, creating a curvy silhouette. Embellishments like ruffles add bulk to the very areas that you want to draw attention from.
Last but not least, remember that the key to fashion is how you feel in a particular outfit, not necessarily what’s in style. If you feel comfortable with yourself, you’ll look fabulous. Style is 90% confidence, 10% attitude.
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