Who the heck am I to be giving out fashion tips? No one, that is who. But really this is the beauty in all that I do. I’m just a girlfriend, telling you what works for me and hoping that maybe some of it will work for you too!
So here is the 411 on where I find some great deals on clothes! (It should be noted that I’m NOT a designer snob. If it’s cute and looks like it won’t disintegrate in the wash, I’m all for it.)
1. Gabriel Brothers. If you live in MD, OH, PA, or VA you’re in luck! You might just have one of these gems near you! (If you live in the south look for Rugged Wearhouse. I think they are the same thing and are definitely owned by the same company.) I find the most amazing deals on designer clothing and shoes from this store. Yes, you have to search and yes the clothing might be a second, but if you’re up for the hunt…the treasure can be yours! Tip: Take some baby wipes with you. If clothing has a mark on it that comes off with a baby wipe, you know it’s not a permanent stain and just needs to be washed.
2. Ross (TJ Maxx & Marshalls). I don’t think all of you have these stores either, but Ross is right up there with Marshall’s and TJ Maxx for me. However, if I’m shopping for dresses, I always hit Ross first. They have a fabulous selection of dresses at amazingly low prices. Tip: If you’re not incredibly tall, don’t shy away from petite sizes. In dresses, I find I can wear a petite size with no problem.
3. Outlets. I don’t go very often, but when I do I always find great deals! Our Gap outlet never disappoints.
4. Forever 21. Okay, I have to admit that I’m a bit self conscious entering this store and I have no allusions that I am “forever 21”. However, this store has fantastic prices and their accessories section should not be missed!
5. Target. I love Target for “play clothes”, pj’s, sandals, and swimwear. Don’t overlook their clearance racks that are sometimes hiding near the dressing rooms or even in the back of the maternity section. You can find some steals there!
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Well, I'm glad you're doing this series, because I'm running short on girlfriends about now. (Moving every year or two tends to cut WAY back on close friends . . . ) And, having no sisters, and being a "brainy" one at school, means I've got some catching up to do. lol
Thanks so much for the tips!
I Love Gabriel Brothers..but don't tell too many people about it…it's our secret!! I have purchased many designer items for very minimal prices. And, they have great home goods and children's items!
Nowadays, I buy my clothes almost exclusively at Goodwill. Otherwise known as "my secret source for quality fashions and home goods." I buy the same brands I would buy if I shopped retail (Gap, Old Navy, American Eagle, Target brands) but for WAY less. I get accessories (shoes, sunglasses, belts, bags) there, too.
Oh, I second Charming Charlies! I just went in there for the first time a couple weeks ago- its amazing!
I have to say, even some βmall storesβ have incredible discounts if you know where to look. Ann Taylor (and Ann Taylor Loft) have GREAT quality clothes that last forever- and they have a sale section in the back of their stores where I have found shirts for as low as $5 and pants for as low as $15. My other favorite mall clearance rack is Dillards. They have specific weekends where they have discounts on top of the merchandise that is already marked down, and I will find things SO cheap that way! I love it. Iβve found things cheaper than the local thrift store that way before. π
Great post! But, I can't believe no one has mentioned Charming Charlies! I'm in LOVE with that store, they're the mecca of accessories. Check it out (I guess google to see if there's one in your area) and I promise you won't be dissappointed!
I don't know what it is though, I've really been drawn to accessories in the last year like never before. Even my husband noticed!
I've been all about the DIY accessories too, I just recently made a tshirt necklace that I'm so proud of!
http://hfamilyhappenings.blogspot.com/2011/04/made-another-tshirt-necklace.html
You are so great! I luv an honest shopper. I feel a certain rush when I find an awesome outfit in TJ Maxx. Where I live there is no Target, only Ross & TJ Maxx. I'm with you on the dresses at Ross, everything else at TJ Maxx. I have "dressed" my home from TJ Maxx & Pier 1 for years. All my friends think I spend alot on decor, no……
I like to go to Macy's, Lucky, Abercrombie, Nordstroms etc, try on their clothes, & then come home & look for them on EBAY!! I've gotten MANY MANY items NEW on ebay for half of what they sell for at the above stores! By trying them one first I know they will fit, especially in pants. Shirts & dresses are a lot easier to shop for since I know my size & they pretty much run true π Kim
I love JC Penney's, Old Navy, Target, Kohls and Ross. I think my entire wardrobe is from those places. Also, I love V's Secret for underwear…I guess I am an underwear snob and won't get them from anywhere else. They are the only ones that fit me the way I like…and I like cute undies, haha! π
Being that my kids are still at the age where they grow out of their clothes every few months, there isn't much left in the clothing budget for mommy and daddy. We love Kohl's, the outlet mall and Stein Mart. I go into Forever 21 for accessories, but I never have much luck finding clothes that look age and "mommy" appropriate. I know they have great stuff because that is the only place my sister shops but I can never pull it together like she can! Old Navy is also pretty good π
These are most of the places I shop at too! And as for Forever 21 – I always just assumed the 21 represented IQ level…..
We don't have a Gabriel Brothers or Rugged Wearhouse, and I'm absolutely bumming about it, because I routinely hit up the other stores on your list. So I know your #1 must be fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Gabriel Brothers rocks my world! Love that place!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Ross is LEGIT, most of my wardrobe staples come from there.
I love all the stores you mentioned with Ross, TJ Maxx and Rugged Wearhouse being my favorites.
@alamodeMaven here are the listing for Rugged near TN:
Rugged Wearhouse Fort Oglethorpe 791 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742-39
Rugged Wearhouse Chattanooga
2288 Gunbarrel Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Rugged Wearhouse Cookeville
524 S Willow Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501-3727
Rugged Wearhouse Gallatin
825 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066-7139
You're so right Beth!!!! I miss Gabe's since moving to TX, but every year when I go home, I make several trips to Gabes π
Most TJ Maxx stores get inventory on Mon and Fri- FYI for best selection =) I'm a local stalker. Yeah, I said it. =)
Does anyone know if there is a Rugged Warehouse anywhere near TN?
xoxo Shelli
I'm in CA, so I've never heard of Gabriel's. (I've never heard of the baby wipe tip either, so thanks for that!)
I don't think I have ever paid full-price for something at Kohl's EVER! I do almost all of my BTS shopping there. Love Target, Ross, etc.
I always find feee-nominal deals at New York & Company and at Ann Taylor Loft. I think full price at either of those places is ridiculous, but clearance and sale items are total bargains. (Like an $80 dress for $12 kind of bargains.)
(Love the shoes you are wearing in that photo and am following you on twitter.)
Honestly, the only 2 places I usually look other than my fav Goodwill stores are Ross and Target. I want it 'cheap'. LOL Most of the time, I am picking up 'designer' labels at my local Goodwill! Wearing a great pair of GAP shorts right now from Goodwill for a whooping $3.49
i just thought i actually love old navy too!!
I do like Rugged Wearhouse and TJ Maxx is my go to place for bath sugars and salts! It's always fun looking at all the neat things they carry and they always have clearance items with great prices. Great post!
I also love Ross & TJ Maxx. Our Marshall's closed (boo hoo) and now the closest one to me is 3 hours away in Mobile! But I do like Kohl's, Belks, Old Navy & Penneys….also Cato has some cute things as well as accessories.
I don't "do" designer stuff….too expensive and you can get "the look" for a lot less.
Judy
I love all of them and Downeast Basics!!
love love love Ross for dresses!! Also…do you live near the Tanger outlets?! I went to Elizabethtown College…so I know the Tanger Outlets well π I live in the Lehigh Valley now…probably not too far from you?!
Ah, Gabe's. I miss Gabe's. Haven't been to one in years, but the digging through always resulted in some great finds!
xo*tricia
p.s. I love the hot mama pic at the top. π
Yep yep and double yep! I shop at just about all those places. And girlfriend you got it going on, so you can tell us a thing or two for sure:)