Being a designer in the fashion industry, I have a pretty good idea of what it costs to make shirts, jeans/pants, jackets, etc.  That being said, I have an issue with spending alot of money on clothes (regardless of the label).  Typically, they don’t cost too much to make but the mark-ups are crazy!  So let’s discuss how to look good without having to break the bank - especially in today’s economy. 

One of the easiest things to do is shop at discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, DNA (located in L.A.), and Nordstrom Rack (a pricier, trendier retailer). These places usually carry name brand styles of past seasons (as well as overruns and overstock), therefore they are sold at a discount - sometimes as much as 50% or more!  Now I know what you’re thinking: “If it’s from the last season then it’s going to be out of style, right?”  Wrong.  Some trends last more than one season and don’t quickly go out of vogue.  Remember trucker hats?  Unfortunately, that trend lasted much longer than it should have.   For the record, I’m a fan of Marshalls.  Their stores usually aren’t ghetto and carry an up to date selection of clothes - they even sell Seven, Rock & Republic, and True Religion jeans!

Don’t be afraid to try flea markets, thrift, and second hand stores for great bargains.  To name a few in Los Angeles: Fairfax Flea Market, Jet Rag, Aardvark’s, and Crossroads Trading Co. (tends to carry more popular designer names).

Online there are several discount sites to choose from.  When I’m looking for luxury items on the cheap (e.g. Gucci loafers), then I’ll usually go this route.  One of my favorite sites for this is Bluefly.  If you’re not sure how to size an item that you find online (e.g. a pair of jeans or shoes), then simply go to a brick and mortar store and try on a similar item of the same brand.  This way you’ll get a general idea of how it fits. 

Sample or warehouse sales are another route to get good deals on past season clothing, samples, overruns, and overstock.  If you live in Los Angeles or New York City these sales are everywhere.  You can find sample sales for tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories, and more.  Try doing an internet search for ’sample sales’ in your area.  Jean lovers, check out The Warehouse Sale.  I know people that have gotten great deals from there.  

For those living in Los Angeles, The California Market Center (CMC) often has samples sales throughout the year.  Here’s a popular one: The Saturday Sale.  There’s also Santee Alley (not a sample sale but an open-air market place) in the Fashion District that has bargains abound.   

Finally, try to shop at the end of a season.  As seasons change the stores need to clear out  the racks for next season’s styles.  Therefore older items are marked down.  I find great deals at Macy’s at this time - as much as 60% off.

Dressing well doesn’t have to be expensive.  You just need to know where and when to shop.  If you’d like some store recommendations for the L.A. area, then feel free to drop me a line.