Living Chic on a Budget – Favorite, Affordable Stores
During times like these when the global economy is looking dismal and people are losing their jobs, you really have to become a more savvy shopper. I have always enjoyed shopping at affordable stores to get the most out of the money I spend on clothes, shoes, jewelry etc. Rarely have I bought expensive items. Once in a while it’s been a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses, marked down, or a pair of Stuart Weitzman pumps, again marked down. The stores I most enjoy are H & M, Forever 21, Target, American Apparel, Guess, Old Navy, DSW Shoes, just to name a few. You have to know which stores to go to for specific items.
Both H & M and Forever 21 are great for a little bit of everything. I think the quality of fabrics, tailoring, and style for H & M surpasses Forever 21. For instance, I bought a beautiful, thick satin, black cocktail dress from H & M for only $60. You could never find that at Forever 21. However, both stores are great for everything from shoes to accessories, to t-shirts, to dress pants and dressy tops.
American Apparel is one of my absolute favorites. This is where I go for the basics I need. Workout pants, bathing suits, long sleeve t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops in every color of the rainbow, and the list goes on. You can’t go wrong with anything from American Apparel. Lately they have been expanding their line to include vintage-style wool ponchos, t-shirts with funky prints on them, and even doggy-wear.
Finally, there’s Target. They have done such an amazing job at distinguishing themselves from Walmart. They have been able to partner with some of the most reputable designers in the world such as Izaac Mizhari, Liz Lange, Sigerson Morrison, just to name a few. I love going here for some of the basics like socks and pajamas, but also every now and again I find a great top, a nice summer dress, or a sweet pair of pumps. I also like going here for all my kitchen supplies, some furniture pieces, and home accessories.
With all these stores, you have to be patient when you shop to look for the right pieces, but it’s worth it. And if you are creative with they way you put your outfit together, people always think you’re wearing the top designers. Chic, affordable, and smart.
(Photo courtesy of NCinDC)
