NTTGPR: Shopping

hullabalou

I am totally embarrassed to admit that I haven't updated my wardrobe in 5 years. I love thrifting and have picked up some random shirts/dresses/shoes, but I haven't really shopped for clothing in years. However, I have gained 30 pounds somehow this year and I have no choice but to go buy some new clothes. I am really, really cheap and I hate spending money on clothes. I hate shopping for myself in general, I get frustrated and annoyed and always think of a thousand other things to spend the money on...but I've got to do it now.

I also have terrible fashion sense. This could be why I hate clothes shopping, because I always come out with a random mix of clothes and not many coherent outfits, or a couple of full outfits that look terrible if I try to mix and match so I can't get much use from them.

What is your favorite store for clothes (that has good bargains since I'm a major cheapskate)? What "staples" do you have in your wardrobe that I should remember to buy? 

hullabalou

englandxo said:

I swear by Forever 21. I find they are really well priced, and have clothes for all shapes and sizes. 

I have the basics, like camis, cardis, t shirts, jeans, sweaters, a few nice shirts, casual dresses. All from Forever 21. I went on a shopping spree back in November, and bought almost 20 items, for $200 (including shipping). 

I think they recently opened a Forever 21 in our mall. I'll definitely go check them out!

MusicFanatic

I love New York & Company, but they can be stupidly expensive. I go there to splurge.

But I shop Old Navy a lot, actually.  I'm short and their "short" jeans fit me the best out of any store.  I also get a ton of t-shirts, sweaters and hoodies there.  H&M is another I shop at often. Sometimes Gap. And sometimes Target, but not always. Some seasons their stuff sucks to me, and other times I can find a lot.

BabyCowbell

I would say lots of camis. Skinny jeans and boots (I was late to the skinny jeans phenomenon but now wear them 50% of the time). Then just some various shirts that can be dressed up or casual.

I sometimes find cute inexpensive stuff at Costco. I've bought Levi's and Lucky jeans there recently. They also have camis. Most of my newer stuff is from H&M.

missnacholover

Kohls!  

I also like TJ Maxx and Marshalls but have to be in the mood to hunt.

Lane Bryant (plus size) when I have money and for underwear and bras.

nikiz628

I like H&M and Charlotte Russe. Forever 21 is a great one too!


Of course, I really haven't updated my wardrobe in years either....and i really need to (i own 1 pair of jeans lol)

snooks721

I also vote for Kohl's. They have very good quality clothes, and ALWAYS have great sales and great coupons.

I am also a fan of Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and H&M, they are very affordable, however, a lot of their clothes don't last that long.

missnacholover

thelostiowan said:

Another vote for Kohls. 

I also love Maurices.

I've heard good things about Maurices.  The closest one is over an hour away though, boo.

peggels24

missnacholover said:

thelostiowan said:

Another vote for Kohls. 

I also love Maurices.

I've heard good things about Maurices.  The closest one is over an hour away though, boo.

I know nothing of Maurice's....however, if it is as good as everyone says on here, drive the hour plus!! Otherwise, I vote for Kohls.

Htle07

While forever 21 and Charlotte Russe are great bargain places, their quality aren't that good in general. I shop there too, btw. Since you don't shop often, you should get the basic pieces at more quality stores. I never pay full price and always bargain shop from the clearance racks from Banana Republic, the Limited, Express, LOFT, Etc.

missnacholover

peggels24 said:

missnacholover said:

thelostiowan said:

Another vote for Kohls. 

I also love Maurices.

I've heard good things about Maurices.  The closest one is over an hour away though, boo.

I know nothing of Maurice's....however, if it is as good as everyone says on here, drive the hour plus!! Otherwise, I vote for Kohls.

I probably will the next time I need a wardrobe update!

Pintobean39

I love Maurice's. Their clothes aren't super expensive and they hold up pretty well. I don't really like forever 21, I've bought a few things there. Yes the clothes are cheap but they don't hold up either. I've always found some of the cutest dresses (casual and dressy) at TJ Max and Marshals. Other good places, gap, Banana Republic and ann Taylor.

missnacholover

Bree8485 said:

peggels24 said:

missnacholover said:

thelostiowan said:

Another vote for Kohls. 

I also love Maurices.

I've heard good things about Maurices.  The closest one is over an hour away though, boo.

I know nothing of Maurice's....however, if it is as good as everyone says on here, drive the hour plus!! Otherwise, I vote for Kohls.

I probably will the next time I need a wardrobe update!

-------------------------------------------------- I love Maurice's. I would say about 90% of my wardrobe comes from there. Their jeans fit me really well because I'm "curvy" and don't like super low rise pants (my muffin top hangs over if they're too low). On another note, @missnacholover I have no idea why but I always read your SN as miss anchovy.

Noooooooooooo.  NACHOS!!!!!!!!!!!!

hullabalou

Thanks, ladies! I had never heard of Maurice's but Google says there is one in my mall, so I will check it out! 

peggels24

missnacholover said:

Bree8485 said:

peggels24 said:

missnacholover said:

thelostiowan said:

Another vote for Kohls. 

I also love Maurices.

I've heard good things about Maurices.  The closest one is over an hour away though, boo.

I know nothing of Maurice's....however, if it is as good as everyone says on here, drive the hour plus!! Otherwise, I vote for Kohls.

I probably will the next time I need a wardrobe update!

-------------------------------------------------- I love Maurice's. I would say about 90% of my wardrobe comes from there. Their jeans fit me really well because I'm "curvy" and don't like super low rise pants (my muffin top hangs over if they're too low). On another note, @missnacholover I have no idea why but I always read your SN as miss anchovy.

Noooooooooooo.  NACHOS!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's na-cho lover!

CDumpster84

H&M is a must. Also, Marshall's or TJ Maxx. I might be getting too old for Forever 21, because the local selection always looks like club clothes to me these days!

I prefer neutrals and basic shirts/sweaters that can be worn with dark denim and boots in the winter.

Hegi627

I'm not much help on stores since 90% of my wardrobe is thrifted, but I do love TJ Maxx. As far as staple items I'd say 2 knee length skirts in a darker color (for funerals, work, semi-formal functions), 2 pairs of well fitting slacks, camis in a few neutral colors (all mine are black or tan), 2 or 3 dresses that are also a bit business casual, a white button up and a few cardigans. After that, buy what you love. Crazy dresses, jeggings, etc.

sthrncharmer

I buy most of my stuff from AE only bc they have the best jeans for my butt and the best basic pieces. Half of my closet is from there. Kohl's is a good place and you can also find some pretty decent deals at JCP too!

turtles7

Tj maxx is where I go. I hate paying full price for clothes.

lulu783

If you keep an eye on their sales, Ann Taylor LOFT online actually has some really decent deals. I only shop there when it's 50% off, but they seem to have that sale going on at least twice a month. You can get some good quality stuff for work and weekends there.

norweigan

Have you ever tried ruelala or giltgroup? They are online boutiques that sell nice, usually expensive stuff at a discount. I've bought sunglasses from there before that were normally $300 for $30. 

amylee545

Htle07 said:

While forever 21 and Charlotte Russe are great bargain places, their quality aren't that good in general. I shop there too, btw. Since you don't shop often, you should get the basic pieces at more quality stores. I never pay full price and always bargain shop from the clearance racks from Banana Republic, the Limited, Express, LOFT, Etc.

Agreed. Forever21 is nice and cheap, but you get what you pay for. None of my articles of clothing from there lasts more than a season. Where you hate shopping so much, I second buying basic pieces at higher quality stores that will last longer. I swear by Marshalls and TJMaxx. They've got designer clothing at a fraction of the cost. But these stores could be frustrating for people who don't like shopping since you have to hunt. 

Banana Republic is awesome but pricey... if you have an Outlet store around, you can find some great deals there without being limited to the clearance rack. Same with Gap Outlet or Loft outlet. All their stuff is really classic and will never go out of style. Old Navy has really upped their quality and has decent pricing. Target surprisingly has some good quality clothing (and shoes!!) as well. Some of my favorite most comfortable shoes I own are from Target. Personally, I despise Kohls, but I know they also have some decent pricing.

I'm a huge shopping guru if you couldn't tell. I would totally go shopping with you if we lived close.

hullabalou

RinnyBee said:

I hate forever21. I feel like everything always falls apart after wearing it once or twice. I generally avoid shopping like the plague, but I have found that you can usually get decent basics on sale at the gap or old navy online for decent prices. I like basics because you can dress them up with accessories and they tend to not fade out of style as quickly.

I want to shop online some because its is much less stressful, but I have no idea what size I should be wearing ha.