I actually HATE to shop (for clothing). The only thing I find tolerable about it is the game of paying as little as possible for an item. There is no way in hell I would give Macy's $90 for what is essentially and oxford button down. No way, No how. Macy's is particularly good, because their clearance mark downs are usually between 60%-75% - I download the 'wow' coupon good for another 15% off. That oxford shirt? $9. I shop alone (I have been described as a wolf stalking a deer) I only visit clearance racks in name brand stores. I know folks who have have gotten real deals at Ross/TJ Maxx et al but there is too much junk surrounding the jewels for my taste. I don't bother with most 'outlets' for the same reason - many times the stuff in the outlets is lesser quality, made just for outlet stores.DevilAlumna wrote:Wow, do you perform personal shopping services? I hate shopping. I can't stand the mall. I only have a Macy's card to buy Macy's gift cards for presents.windsor wrote:Just came home from Macy's. Full retail price of items purchased : $644. I paid $58. Clearance is my favorite word.
My office is business casual...I live in 'docker' type pants at work I found a particular brand that comes in Longs that fit me well. I own them in every color - with multiple pairs of black and navy (who knew but there is a huge difference between 'long' and 'tall' in many brands. Long generally is inseem only, tall assumes I am 5'10" and are larger all over causing an improper fit since I'm only 5'6" - I just have a 33" inseem, yes I am mutant) I buy them online.
I find it much easier to shop the dreaded mall if you only hit name brand stores (I like to say I buy good clothes cheap, not cheap clothes) the crap in most of the low price stores will fall apart after the third washing. As I said, I only visit the clearance racks...so I am in and out of the store in minutes if there is nothing exciting on sale. I shop Saturday evenings, after 6 - most malls are pretty empty then.
For the larger brands, know your size. Most manufacturers use the same basic patten, so if one Ralph Lauren top in size 8 fits, the odds are pretty good they all will. I don't have to try a lot of stuff on in the store. Knowing your size by brand also makes shopping online much easier.
My ultimate find of a lifetime...seveal years ago I found a classic tailored blazer in slate grey. 100% silk. Original price - was $290. It is my favorite $25 piece of clothing, ever.