WELCOME BEST KEPT SECRETS IN THE INDUSTRY. Okay, I write a mediocre
at best blog, I am hardly a “industry insider” but I am a fashion lover and
bargain hunter. I know I usually refer to online stores for a number of
different reasons. I do love online shopping, you can literally buy anything if
you look hard enough. Buying online is a really different buyer
interaction and I feel like buying from a company online they are more likely
to send you exclusive deals and promotions because of a lack of human interaction.
Finally, I usually reference online stores because I need specific examples and
if you wanted to purchase something I suggested visiting a website is so much
easier than a store. Keeping all of that
in mind nothing replaces going into a store, touching the material, trying on
clothes and an ultimate shoppers high.
Clearly, some stores are superior to others, and then you have your super
secret sneaky stores where you can find real gems. Welcome to the diamond mine.
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| Missoni for Target > everything |
In case you missed it shopping at Target maybe one of the
best kept secrets. Ladies who know, go! Not only in the past few years as has
Target been featuring huge designer names like Missoni (that shut down the
target website) and Jason Wu but also feature the target brand names like Xliheration and
Merona. First, and foremost the designer brands at Target have historically been
AWESOME. Like I mentioned the Missoni collection for Target shut down the
Target website and sold out in stores across America in hours! These
collaborations are really good because you can get the essence of that designer’s
style with a much smaller price tag. Targets “generic” brands like Merona and
Mossimo, etc are really great for basics too. They always have tank tops, boy
beaters, v-necks, and scoop necks in all sizes and typically a variety of
colors. Even though these store brands are cheaper is price the quality is
there. I wouldn’t say buying a clothing item from Target will last you a life
time, but it will definitely last longer than one season really making these
items a value. Furthermore, depending on your particular Target they carry some
really stylish stuff. I got a pair of cotton ankle pants for work at Target
just a few weeks ago for 20 bucks! WHAT A DEAL! I think Target is also a really
great place to buy swimsuits. If your actually wearing your swimsuit to the
pool, in the hot tub, or at the beach a variety of elements either wear on your
swimsuit or fade the color. This makes swimsuits a one or two season item, so
why buy a ton of really expensive swimsuits? I know what you’re thinking, how
counterproductive to the previous post where swimsuits where $150 and up!
Realistically, I would suggest buying one or two swimsuits that you really love
and make you feel like a million dollars, and then purchase something more
simple or something more trendy for a cheaper price. It’s all about mixing and
matching people! Finally, one of the best things about shopping at Target is
they don’t just carry clothes. You can get a new top, matching shoes, fresh
shampoo and dog food all at the same place. Katie Holmes even admitted she
loves shopping at Target with Suri. If Katie likes Target there’s a good chance
that Tom Cruise likes Target, and if Tom Cruise likes Target, you should too,
right?
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| coolest Kiosk known to man kind |
Another overlooked place to shop is kiosks. I am talking kiosks everywhere the mall, the
airport, on the street, where ever! Here’s the biggest catch with kiosks, you
will likely never see that item again. Most kiosks are home made goods, local
artists, etc so typically the item you’re buying is one of a kind. Also,
depending on where your kiosks are located these people are more likely than
your clueless store clerk to make a deal with you on the price. I always browse
(because shopping is what I do!) and I am always surprised at the items I find
at kiosks. Once at a mall in Raleigh I found a kiosk where a woman handmade
jewelry with really nice stones and started dabbling in the fascinator hats
worn by European Royalty. Like how random? But, when else can you say you have
seen a fascinator in person? Also, when I was fast walking through the terminal
at Logan airport I found the coolest kiosk that had huge chunky jewelry with a
large selection of turquoise rings (the first love of my life), if I wasn't hustling to make my connection I probably would of bought a second carry on bags
worth! Finally, at the most notorious kiosks in all the land New York City I
negotiated three scarves for the price of one print scarf and to this day
couldn’t be prouder. Oh, and the scarves are gorgeous pastels and the softest
material. Generally speaking I think
kiosks get a band rep, like oh there’s that art freak selling his shit on the
corner but if you can get past that stigma there is some really cool stuff at
these little vendors.
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| Southwest AMAZE-BALLZ turquoise jewelry |
Finally, this may seem like a no brainer but shopping during
traveling is an amazing way to collect one of a kind pieces. Now, you may be
thinking I have to travel to a far away land to get something different and unique,
SO NOT TRUE! Sure, most trips that require a passport will result in an eye
opening fashion experience and I am jealous of those who get to do this often!
Also, you really have to be careful of monetary conversions. It’s generally kind of hard to judge what’s a
fair price when your introduced to a new monetary system, so rule of thumb is
get some sort of monetary converter app on your phone or laptop. Now, for great
fashion travel in the ole U-S of A is pretty simple with some research. You can
research big trends in the area online or simply ask the locals once your there, where is the best local places to shop! Generally speaking just getting outside of
your “region” will open you to new fashion styles. Like if you’re an east
coaster heading to the west coast will likely be the opposite of your style, or if your from
the Midwest head to the southwest! You’ll be surprised how each region has its
own unique style flairs. In addition traveling can help you find one of a kind
boutique’s, or open your eyes to chain stores or different brand names not yet
established in your area. With summer being a big travel time for most people,
keep your eyes peeled.
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