Top Five Budget Shopping Tips: The Budget Fashionista’s 5th Anniversary

September 4, 2008 07:00 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in budget_shopping, outlet_malls, fifth_anniversary, kathryn finney, shopping_tips

Fashion is one thing, but budget fashion is another, which of course is the premise TBF is based on. Kathryn knows whereof she speaks, and has long (five years to be exact) doled out practical advice for shopping without breaking the bank. Her top five budget shopping tips:

1. Know what looks good on you. Just because it looks great in a magazine doesn’t mean it will look great on you. Be honest with yourself about your body. It will save you time and money.

2. Know the names of sales associates. Sales associates are a great source of information on upcoming sales and have access to Friends and Family coupons, which offer up to an additional 25% off store merchandise. Some might even let you use their employee discounts.

3. Leave the debit and credit cards at home. I have a friend, who shall remain nameless, who views paying for purchases with plastic cards as not spending “real” money. Paying with cash gives you an instant visual indication of how much you’re spending.

4. Head to the outlet malls. Shopping at the outlets of your favorite stores and designers can save you a bundle. Some of my favorites are the Chelsea Premium Outlet Malls, Off Fifth (the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet), the St. John Knit Outlet, the Donna Karan Outlet, and the Last Call Neiman Marcus Outlet.

5. Remember the 70/30 rule. Fashionistas with limited budgets should follow the 70/30 rule: 70% of your closet should be classic pieces, 30% trendy pieces. Go as cheap as possible on trendy items because they have a short closet lifespan; purchase these pieces at stores like H&M, Target, Forever 21, Wet Seal, Asos.com, Zara, Bluefly, Urban Outfitters, etc. Go designer on classic pieces like black suits (Tahari, Donna Karan), coats (Burberry, Max Mara), evening (Armani, Tim and Linda Platt, Carmen Marc Valvo) and purses (Coach, Longchamp, Marc Jacobs).

Want more? Click here for more of Kathryn’s top budget shopping tips . . .

Have your own tips to share? Visit the TBF Forum

Fashion Advice: Dressing in Dallas

June 23, 2006 08:52 AM | Comments (1) | Posted in undergarments, fashion advice, tj_maxx, tahari, outlet_malls, isaac mizrahi, workwear, wardrobe, nylons, loehmann's

Q: OK…so I just moved from L.A. to Dallas,  I am at a loss for a) where to shop fashionable and affordable for suits for a conservative office job and b) How does one wear “hose” and not look like your grandmother!  They are strangling and sweaty during the hot summer, and I keep slipping out of my Stephane Kelian slingbacks.

Target.com

A: a) Shop at stores like Ann Taylor, TJ Maxx, Loehmanns, and even certain pieces from the Isaac Mizrahi line at Target for clothes for a conservative office environment. Also try Talbots online clearance section for surprising stylish pieces. If you have a moment to head to your nearest outlet mall—take a peak in the Neiman Marcus Outlet for discounted pieces from higher designers like Ellen Tracy and Tahari. Last but not least, don’t go so conservative that you loose your individuality—conservative doesn’t equal dowdy. Spice the basic suits up a bit with colorful (but simple) jewelry like a single strand coral necklace or silver chain link necklace.

And about your second question . . .

I never wear hose in the summer. Period. Just too hot. So you have some options—a) keep you legs shaved and use Jergens bronzing lotion (around $5 at your local drugstore), b) only wear hose when your actually in your air conditioned office, c) look for silk stockings, which are pricey but a little more comfortable than nylons, and d) try thigh-high stocking with either an elastic band or garter.

A Couple of Memorial Day Thoughts

May 27, 2006 01:07 PM | Comments (1) | Posted in sale, outlet_malls, bloggers, daffys, chelsea premium outlets, holiday shopping, memorial_day, myspace.com, flava_flav, the_space_between_my_peers

- Stores like Daffy’s and outlet malls like the nationwide Chelsea Premium Outlets are having big sales this weekend.  I heard the Saks outlet has a major coupon circulating around shopping circles.

- A big Memorial Day shout out to Rebecca, of the wonderful blog Space Between My Peers, for reviewing my book so quickly on her site. We may not always agree, but what’s life without a little variety.

- In regards to TBF on my space . . . My Myspace page is no different than the blog—just more info and a way to connect with my fellow shoppers. Plus my fashionable friend Sandra told me that I had to get a page. If Flava Flav can do it, so can I! Join if you like.

Shopping Advice: Bargain Shopping in Las Vegas

May 11, 2006 08:13 AM | Comments (0) | Posted in st._john_knits, neiman_marcus, coach, tahari, outlet_malls, last call neiman marcus, sales, burberry, saks, shopping advice

Dear Budget Fashionista: What are the best places for bargain shopping in Las Vegas

A: Personally, I think the best places to do real bargain shopping in Las Vegas is at the outlets (read below my comments on pawn shops).  Las Vegas has more shopping outlets per capita than probably any other place in the world. which is just fine my me.  At the Fashion Outlet Las Vegas. you’ll find a pretty good Williams Sonoma Outlet, as well as outlets from companies like Coach, Last Call Neiman Marcus, St. John Knits, Tod’s, Burberry, etc. at the Fashion Outlet Las Vegas. It is about a 10-minute (around $10) taxi ride from the strip or you can use the shuttle from the MGM Grand. 

Head to the site, to get more information on the outlet (as well as a link to a coupon to save an additional $3.00 off the shuttle service). Make sure you get a discount book with coupons for additional savings at the mall.

There is also another, outlet mall (Las Vegas Premium Outlets) located about 10 minutes or so from New York New York (about a $10-15 taxi ride) between the strip and Downtown Las Vegas. They have a Dolce & Gabbana, Tahari, etc outlet. Go to Premium Outlets and register for the VIP club to receive even more savings.

I would also check out the shopping mall on the other end of the strip near Treasure Island and Circus, Circus. It isn’t a discount mall, but they have some great stores, like Neiman Marcus and Saks.  Since it is the end of the season, these stores are probably having pretty good sales. Some people like the pawnshops (which, of course, are EVERYWHERE).  Personally, I feel kind of creepy buying something that was someone else’s misfortune. However, if a pawnshop had a pair of Cartier gold and diamond earrings for less than $500 bucks I would purchase it as quick as you can say “bankruptcy”.

Spotted: Zac Posen Cashmere Coat, $120 at Last Call Neiman Marcus

May 7, 2006 04:06 AM | Comments (2) | Posted in outlet_malls, jersey garden outlet mall, zac_posen

While shopping at the Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall in Elizabeth, NJ I spotted a gorgeous teal cashmere blend coat by Zac Posen for only $120—down from $2900. It wasn’t my size (size 8) , but for some reason I was compelled to carry it with me as I shopped the store.  Fortunately (or unfortunately), I didn’t have enough cash on me. If I did someone would have received this coat for christmas.

Why I Love Target…

April 27, 2006 01:03 PM | Comments (2) | Posted in shoes, outlet_malls, h&m

(IMAGES NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

I was out shopping yesterday with one of my star clients at Woodbury Commons Outlet Mall. We were in a very high end, but fabulous, outlet store (think the letter P) and I saw the a pair of shoes marked down to $300 from $600, which looked so much like a pair for $27.99 a Target, that I almost dropped my cup of white chocolate mocha.

Is Target taking a chapter from the H&M playbook?

Target.com

Don’t Sleep on Jersey Garden Outlet Mall

February 26, 2006 02:52 PM | | Posted in outlet_malls, beyonce, marshall's, ikea, jersey garden outlet mall, vivienne_westwood

Yesterday, I spent the day at the Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall near the Newark airport in Elizabeth, NJ—an outlet mall that puts the “g” in ghetto (before you leave angry comments, visit the outlet mall. The kiosks sell gold fronts (aka teeth) that would make Flavor Flav proud and there’s a shop in the mall that sells rims).

Despite the quality of 90% of the stores, you can actually find some pretty solid deals on designers that your favorite rap stars have yet to discover, like the Vivienne Westwood khaki canvas jacket with black stripes that I found on the clearance rack at Marshalls (full disclosure: Marshalls is sponsoring my book tour) for $16.00. At the same Marshalls, I found a House of Deron, Beyonce and her mama’s new clothing line, cropped cream brocade jacket for $29.99 (not on sale).  The jacket was constructed nicely, but the wrists of the jacket were lined with what looked like fur from a dead cat.

Dead animals and 20 inch spinners aside, the mall is a great diversion if you have sometime to kill before a flight or need a little apparel therapy before hitting IKEA (historical note: The Elizabeth IKEA was one of the first IKEA in North America, Plymouth Meeting, PA was the first). Plus it’s a bit closer than Woodbury.

Shopping Guide to New York City

December 27, 2005 08:42 AM | Comments (5) | Posted in new_york_city, outlet_malls, macys

New York City. Don’t those three magical words just scream “shopper’s paradise”? Although “budget” may not be the first thing at comes to mind when you think of Big Apple shopping, we have the tips to guide you through the expensive shopping trenches so you can discover the hidden and not-so-hidden bargains in the city that never sleeps! So put on your most comfortable shoes, grab your biggest tote and gather up your dough. It’s time to go bargain hunting. Sales beware!

The Budget Fashionista’s New York Shopping Tips

1. Find the Sample Sales. New York is known for taxis, big apes and sample sale events. For a general guide to when these sales usually happen, visit our monthly guide to sample sales (NOTE: YOU WILL NEED TO CONTACT THE DESIGNER/STORE DIRECTLY FOR THE SPECIFIC DATE OF THEIR SALES. You can also visit the Metropolitan Pavillion’s website (http://www.metropolitanpavillion.com for a listing of their upcoming sample sale events.
Shop Uptown. Although probably best known for being uber-expensive, at least take a stroll along Madison Avenue from the 60’s to the 80’s to window shop. Then head to some of the best consignment shops in the world to try and find these higher end fashions for less. Try consignment shops like Michael’s Consignment Shop and Cancer Care Thrift Shop, where ladies who lunch sale last season’s Chanel suits for rock bottom prices.
Explore Midtown. Visit the three B’s: Bergdorf, Barney’s (which started off as men’s discount suit retailer), and Bendel’s - plus their more conservative cousin - Saks. Then head to Zara, Mexx, and the flagship H&M store to find similar fashions (but lower quality)  for signficantly less.
Stop at Chelsea. Chelsea is as close to suburbian shopping as Manhattan gets with a Loehmanns (deals okay, sales staff horrible), Bed, Bath & Beyond, Old Navy (which has a large plus size section), and T.J. Maxx. However, you can find great deals while supporting worthy causes at the nearby Housing Works Thrift Shop, where I found a beautiful, barely worn, Donna Karan Collection evening dress for $45 (retail price- $1500+). Also take a stroll by the Find Outlet, which is really more like a boutique, with discounted finds from designers like Chloe, Paul& Joe, etc.
Shop Downtown. As long as authenticity doesn’t concern you, Chinatown is the perfect place to bargain hunt. The street is a knock-off mecca. Plus head to Gabay’s outlet, a little known shoppers paradise off the beaten path.
Bring Credit cards - New Yorkers rarely carry more than $20 in cash. Sad but true - it’s just not safe nor practical. Try to stay away from traveler’s checks, as well. Many merchants regard them as a nuisance.
Call ahead. Stores tend to come and go quickly in Manhattan. Before you make the trip, make sure the store is still there.
Ship it home. The 8.25% sales tax can put a crimp in any sale you might find. Avoid the tax by having the item shipped to your home state.
Limit taxi use. Yes, they are bright and yellow, and riding in one is a great NYC experience. However, each little jaunt cuts into your shopping dollars. So walk whenever possible. Blocks running north-south tend to be shorter than blocks running east-west. The subway system is also fast and relatively safe.
Wear comfortable shoes. Only Sarah Jessica Parker goes shopping in New York City wearing Manolo Blahnik. Shopping in New York is a sport.You wouldn’t wear heels to play sports, now, would you?
Pick up a Time Out Magazine or a New York Magazine. These weekly magazines profile all the major and minor shopping, theatre, art, comedy, books and other events in New York city.
Venture Outside of Manhattan. Some of the best shopping in Manhattan is located outside the island. Head to over to the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn for unqiue boutique and designs from up and coming designers who can’t afford Manhattan rents. Also check out Aarons Brooklyn. This well-loved (read: messy) discount department store has been a mainstay in the Park Slope neighborhood since the days of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In stock are designers such as Misook, Tahari and Sanctuary. On your way to the airport, visit the Jersey Garden Outlet Mall in Elizabeth, NJ (Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet and Last Call Neiman Marcus Outlet) or if you are really up for an adventure, trek an hour north to the grand-mama of all outlet malls, Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets, which features the outlets of Chanel, Prada, Bottega Veneta, and more.

New York’s Top Shop

Century 21

Address: 22 Cortlandt Street @ Day Street. New York, NY

Phone: 212-227-9092

Although the hordes of shoppers and overflowing clothing racks may leave your Century 21 shopping experience with a little something to be desired, you can’t beat the euphoria that comes when shopping this enormous downtown discount bonanza.

More New York Information

• New York Magazine - A great place for the scoop on all things New York.
• The Insider - Like having a friend with connections.
• Gray Line Tours- A double-decker must for anyone visiting New York. Resist the urge to throw things at those on the ground – soon enough, you’ll be among them.
• The New York Times - Web site of the nation’s paper of record.
• TKTS - The place for discount Broadway tickets.

Know a great shopping tip or store for NYC? Post it in the comments section below

Shopping Guide to Chicago

October 5, 2005 07:39 PM | Comments (3) | Posted in outlet_malls, h&m, chicago, gurnee_mills

Located on the shores of the mighty Lake Michigan, Chicago is definitely our kind of town. Part college town, part business town, and part ethnic enclave, Chicago is full of amazing deals. Chicago Fashionistas have longed loved the city’s mix of thrift stores and ethnically inspired shops.

Chicago Shopping Tips

 
1. Pick up a copy of Chicago Magazine. This magazine lists the best sample sales and shopping events in the Chicago Metro area. You can also sign up to have the sale and shopping information sent directly to your email box.
 
2. Head to Belmont for Vintage. Don’t miss Chicago’s version of New York’s Greenwich Village.
 
3. Head to Lincoln Park for Thrift. Here you’ll find the best selectionof thrift and antique stores including the trendy Plato’s Closet.
 
4. The Magnificent Mile - The shopping Mecca of Chicago. This mile-long stretch of North Michigan Avenue houses 460 stores on 8 city blocks including Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.
 
5. Chicago Premium Outlets. If you’re driving, check out Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora, a Chicago suburb. It’s well worth the trip if you’re looking for deals on Giorgio Armani, Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, BCBG and
 
6. Gurnee Mills is another great outlet - If you haven’t satisfied your outlet craving at Chicago Premium Outlets, then head west to the Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall, which houses over 200 discount stores.
 
7. Find Sample Sales at Beta Boutique. Beta Boutique has monthly sample sales in the Chicago area. Visit their site for details.
 
8. Visit H&M. H&M just opened in Chi-town. Warning: Do not expect these garments to last until next year.
 
9. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. If you’re looking for jewelry, check out Chicago’s Jeweler’s Row. This jewelry district is the largest in the Midwest, and the diamonds and gems sell at unbelievable prices.
 
10. Get Mall Coupon Books. 900 North Michigan Shops, Chicago Place, Water Tower Place, Westfield all have coupon books that offer additional savings for shoppers. North Bridge gives out coupon books for their stores, which you can often pick up at the Visitor’s Desk. Some require you to show a hotel room key or an out-of-state driver’s
    

    More Chicago Info

     
    1. Chicago’s Convention and Tourism Bureau—A one-stop shop for everything going on in Chi-town.
     
    2. Chicago Traveler—Provides a whole a lot of great info, including printable maps.
     
    3. Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum—The first Planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
     
    4. Navy Pier—Shops, amusements and more for the entire family.
    Wanna share a shopping tip for Chicago? Post it in the comment section below.