Label Whore: Fashion, Trends, and the Uberlife-by JustCircuit fashion editor Kris Hobson (from June/July JustCircuit.MAG) Outlets and Vintage and Sales...Oh My! Outlets and Vintage and Sales...Oh My!
You’ve just discovered a D'Squared Tank for $50. at a consignment store--should you buy it? Is it a good deal? What's wrong with it? These are the age-old questions we all ask ourselves, and you are not alone. Shopping for “steals” can be a lot of fun. And one can always rationalize: instead of spending $50 on that D’Squared tank, I actually saved $200 on the original $250. price! I then reward myself for being so damned frugal by having a $50 facial, a $100 massage and still keep an extra $50 in my Tiffany Money clip! Not only am I saving the planet (by recycling) but I am improving my health, my skin tone and my wardrobe all at the same time. It’s a WIN/WIN for everyone! Especially ME!
When shopping vintage or consignment, here are a few things to remember: 1-Yeah, it’s cheap, but would you buy it otherwise? (If you don’t love the item, or if it doesn’t fit, or if you’re buying it just because of the brand…then it is not a deal for you.) 2-Check for damage (inspect buttons, zippers, seams and fly’s.) These are the areas that show the most wear and damage. 3-Inspect items for stains, holes, fading and wear. 4-And by all means DRY CLEAN or wash items before wearing them!
One of the best and largest vintage clothing stores in the USA is the BUFFALO EXCHANGE (www.buffaloexchange.com.) They have locations throughout the country and offer a TON of cool, recycled clothing. Check your local phonebook or simply Google “vintage clothing” in your area to see what your retail therapy options truly are.
You may also pick up great deals at consignment stores. The same rules apply when making these purchases. Depending upon the area and time of year, you may find some absolutely FABULOUS frocks, jeans and accessories locally at only a fraction of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Just be aware that consignment stores take in mostly local wares and you may actually know the person that consigned the very shirt you are wearing. It is OK however because if they consigned the clothing, they more than likely shopped while they were dropping off! Every national retailer has an outlet or twenty in the United States. You can pick up NEW fashion at greatly discounted prices at places like Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks off 5th, Banana Republic factory stores and others. A couple of things to remember to ask prior to purchasing: 1-Return Policy (most are not as liberal as the flagship stores) 2-Look for special “seasonal” sales which offer deeper discounts, and better savings 3-It is still smart to inspect all clothing purchases prior to buying (items could have been returned or damaged. Keep your eyes open.)
Whoever said “LESS IS MORE” was absolutely wrong when referring to wardrobe. If you can add five new t-shirts to your closet for the price of one, you certainly should. We all like options! Always remember, don’t buy it or wear it unless you can WORK IT! Bargain or not, if it doesn’t work for you, you’ve paid entirely too much.
Kris Hobson is Fashion Editor for JustCircuit and resides in Dallas, TX when not traveling the world, making purchases for a major clothing store. Email Kris: a1968newguy@aol.com
