I'm pretty petite, and I have a small waist, so shopping for pants and skirts that actually fit me is a nightmare. Sorry, but I don't want to look like I could fit a watermelon under a skirt that's too big. Sadly, my $12 Forever 21 skirt just isn't cutting it anymore. It's fading and when paired with the $70 NY&C blazer I bought last semester, looks horrific (not to mention obvious).
So the fiancé and I ventured to a nearby Outlet/Factory Mall. I HATE paying full price for things, and Outlet/Factory stores are the PERFECT way to get an awesome deal on designer clothes that will last you forever!
While we were shopping, my fiancé asked: What's the difference between a Factory store and an Outlet? Well after a short amount of research, it appears that Factory stores have in-stock clothing made specifically for the "Factory Store." This can be a different fabric, or look. It can also be different styles tried out by the company to see how well they sell. On the other hand, Outlet stores carry the overrun from "normal" stores or things that have never sold. To me, either have a "win" about them.
Although the Outlet/Factory mall was GIANT, we had a mission, so we went first to Banana Republic Factory Store. Best decision ever! My goal was simply to find a great suit and maybe a skirt... and my budget was $200. I had been suit shopping at Macys, Dillards, JCPenney, and NY&C in malls both in San Antonio and in Kansas City and decent suits there seemed to be priced the same, if not more.
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DRUMROLL: Here's what I ended up with:
{ Banana Republic Blazer - Originally $99. Paid $69 with the 30% savings }
{ Banana Republic Martin Fit Trousers - Originally $59.99. Paid $42 with 30% savings }
{ Banana Republic Shirt - Originally $49.99. Marked down to $16.99 clearance.
Paid $8.49 with 50% off clearance savings }
&
{ Banana Republic Shirt - Originally $49.99. Marked down to $19.99 clearance.
Paid $10 with 50% off clearance savings }
&
{ Banana Republic Black Pencil Skirt - Originally $49.99. Paid $29.99 with 40% off }
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I was so excited! When I got to the register, the total with tax was $206 something. I asked if they had a 10% student discount because I remembered getting one at the Wichita Banana Republic in Bradley Fair, but the cashier had no idea what I was talking about. However, he did offer me a tote for $7.19, with which I would receive 10% off my current purchase and 10% off for the rest of the year! (I hope I don't need to buy more things haha!) My fiancé majored in Aerospace Engineering so he quickly did the math and the purchase of the bag, even with it's added cost, saved me even more money.
TOTAL: $193.32. According to the receipt, I saved $127.85! Woohoo.
Best part, all of it were things I needed.
We also went to Victoria's Secret Outlet and I saved more than $60 there on necessities, but sorry. No pictures of that for sure! :)
The point is, if you really want or need something, there's a chance you can get it for cheaper than full price. Shop around!
Below are some opportunities for discount shopping that I have discovered:
Hautelook.com - My fashionista roommate introduced me to this site. "HauteLook partners with top fashion and lifestyle brands, suppliers and service providers to offer insider access to the highest quality merchandise. As a result, we're able to deliver a wider selection of the latest styles at deeply discounted prices for our members." < From http://www.hautelook.com/support#faq_page. They send out deals on their selected merchandisers every day through email; jewelry, shoes, clothes, decorative items, makeup, and all amazing brands are featured! You have to have an invite to join, so don't hesitate to ask me to send you one! :) I have bought a couple gifts from Hautelook and they have all been fabulous!
Gilt.com - This is a little more upscale than Hautelook. They feature designer brands, such as Tory Burch, Chloe, and more (I have never acutally bought anything from Gilt - I'm too poor!) But if you're looking for a great deal on designer wear, I have heard it is the place to go! You also need an invite to join their email group and get their deals, and I am a member, so once again, don't hesitate to ask for an invite!
Coach Factory Online - IN LOVE. Another friend introduced me to this site. If you want a designer Coach purse for cheap, a REAL one (not one of those knockoffs), then Coach Factory Online is where it is at! I have purchased a swingpack from Coach Factory Online since all the purses I kept buying kept breaking. I saved 80% and I have used it for over a year! It still looks perfect and is so functional. Guys - this is a great place to get gifts for your women! Once again, invite only to join. Just let me know!
Beauty Brands - If you get on Beauty Brands' email list, they will continuously send you coupons for dollars off! It's fabulous and you can use them online (or so I have read).
Bath & Body Works - The king of the coupon. Every time you buy something from BBW, they throw a coupon for a percentage off your next purchase (usually 30% off). People always forget to use them! DO IT! It saves you so much money!
Victoria's Secret - If you provide your email or your telephone number when you check out, they will mail you a $10 off any bra coupon for your birthday! You will also continuously get more $ off coupons in the mail as well. Also, they have semi-annual sales, and one's happening right now!
Barnes & Noble.com - FAVORITE. As a law student, I spend WAY too much money on textbooks and supplements for my classes. However, I purchased a $25 membership to B&N and it has been a dream! They give members free expedited shipping on all the books B&N carries online, and in stores you get discounts as well! But even without a membership card, B&N Marketplace has constantly had cheaper textbooks than Amazon. I used B&N for every single textbook I bought for the summer and fall semesters that I could, and just by talking to my friends I saved at least $200-500 dollars by doing it as early as possible and thru B&N Marketplace. You can check out B&N Marketplace by searching for any book you want, and then by clicking "Used from..." or "New from..."
{ Example of B&N Marketplace, highlighted above }
Do you have more great shopping advice? Post a comment!
Have a great day! Save some money :)
XOXO
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