Hello! I hope your week is going well. I did a post awhile back on where to find deals, so I decided to do a refresher because now is the time to take advantage of some GREAT savings. I get questions about the places I shop pretty regularly – from co-workers, friends and strangers. It’s a little difficult because I shop so many places, but I’ve narrowed it down to my top picks.
I’m not sure if you noticed throughout my outfit posts, but there is a common theme – I shop sale racks. I seldom buy anything full price. I learned this from my mother. I would beg her for a shirt from Limited Too and she would say “Ok, but wait a couple of weeks.” I didn’t understand why I had to wait, but I do now. The price was nearly cut in half. I find this to be the same for almost everything I want. I have to attribute some of my “shopping swagger” to having a little bit of patience. Without patience, you aren’t going to get the best deal or find the best stuff.
Here’s a list of my top places and a little reason why I shop there.
Stores where I have the best luck:
1. Old Navy (and Gap, too) – I always find something. Whether it is a simple tank to layer under a sweater, or a slick pair of jeans, there is always something for me. I shared my latest score on my Facebook page: a pair of jeans for $8.50.
2. Nordstrom Rack – I have a love/hate relationship with this place. I never can find shoes here (damnit), but always find clothes. I only tend to shop here when they are having a crazy sale, like their “Clear The Racks” sale. I purchased my most prized denim blazer there for $10 and scored this DVF dress for under $60. Subscribe to their email list so you don’t miss this.
3. H&M – This store never lets me down. It helps that their items aren’t expensive to begin with, but as they get ready for the next season (which always seems to be way too soon with the weather where I live), they do a massive sale. Additional 50% off already reduced merchandise. Across the board. I recently purchased 10 items for $50, including a skirt, pants, dresses, a sweater coat, and accessories. It was crazy.
4. Off-Price Department Stores – I’m talking the TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall’s and Burlington’s of the world. Excuse me for being blunt, but if you go to a Ross or a TJ Maxx in a more affluent area, you’re gonna find some good stuff. I’m talking about clothes, shoes, linens and home decor. Check their sale sections, too. I have gotten some of my best dresses at Ross, including one that cost me $2.50 and was Tory Burch-esque. If you live in Sacramento below is a list of best stores:
- Ross: Roseville, Town & Country Plaza
- Marshalls: Natomas, Roseville
- TJ Maxx: Roseville, Town & Country Plaza – However the holy grail of TJ Maxx’s is in Moraga. I promise it will be worth the drive (and if you’re planning to go, let’s just carpool!)
- Home Goods: Roseville, Vacaville
- Burlington Coat Factory: Woodland
5. Local Boutiques (new and consignment) – I know the word “boutique” probably made your skin crawl a little bit thinking about the high prices, but I assure you, times have changed. There’s nothing I enjoy more than checking out the latest gear and also scouring the sale racks. You might get 50% off already reduced prices, on some of the freshest clothing out there, maybe even a Buy One, Get One offer. It doesn’t hurt to build a rapport with the staff, either. They will then know what kind of merchandise you are looking for, and will let you know when it arrives. Shout outs to Sacramento boutiques Article Consignment, Love Bellissima, Heart Clothing Boutique and Cuffs. Shop Local!
6. Thrift Stores – It’s been a while since I’ve been thrifting, but I do enjoy going to these places because you never really know what you are going to find. I have seen designer duds there (Ugh, Valentino pants did not fit me!) and some really retro outfits as well. It really just depends. Thrift stores often have special shopping days or tag events that will get you an additional percentage off or “99 cent for all clothing.” Do your research, check Yelp, and plan a trip to your local thrift store. If you are in the Sacramento area, check out Thrift Your Heart Out for tips. And although not exactly a thrift store, buy-sell-trade stores like Freestyle Clothing Exchange and Crossroads Trading Co. have killer picks and often times higher end pieces for a steal.
Now after reading this post, you have a homework assignment. You have one week to check out the sale racks. Leave a comment here and tell me what you find!
xoxo,
TLG
You definitely know where to shop for the bargains and your outfits are always on point! I am sure you are now gearing up for the fall and will be hitting those end of the season sales – have fun!
Thank you! I think the two of us together could do a lot of damage. And you know me well, I have been stocking up on essentials with end of seasons sales. 🙂
Totally agree on your list! On the rare occasions I stray away from my fave thrift and consignment stores, I love everything in your list. H&M though I haven’t ventured inside for the longest time but since you mentioned getting 10 items averaging $5 each, that’s a great deal!
Old Navy and Nordstrom Rack are a bit of a drive though but I’m lucky there’s a Marshall’s (or is it TJ Maxx?) that’s walking distance from me which is beside the Nugget. Not exactly sure which one it is, which shows I rarely go in there, but I do remember visiting them during the holiday season last year to purchase gifts for my family and friends. Can’t buy gifts at thrift stores eeeeks!
You should definitely get inside H&M. Their sales will surprise you and some pieces are very well made. I haven’t been in the Marshall’s near you in a long time but will have to check it out. Maybe we can meet up. Cheers!