How Much Can You Buy For
When I was in high school, I loved to shop at Contempo Casuals. I would save my allowance and splurge on a new outfit for $30, complete with shoes,2013 louis vuitton speedy 30. Either I'm 145 years old, or times really have changed, because it seems nearly impossible to get out of a store without spending at least $100. I took up the subject with Dana Oliver, our beauty editor here at HuffPost Style. Dana is a shopping expert -- she knows her retailers, and she visits them often. Dana regales me with tales about how much -- or how little, actually -- she spends on clothes and accessories. With the end-of-season sales in full swing, I challenged her to a sale shopping showdown, to see which of us could spend the least amount of money and come up with the most merch. We hit our favorite haunts -- Zara, H J. Crew, Gap and more -- to see how little we could spend.
We took away three big lessons from this challenge. Firstly, it's important to be patient and wait for the sales. We all have our favorite stores and brands; get to know their sale schedules. Secondly, follow the sales online. There are online tools and services that will alert you when your favorite brands and items go on sale. For example, we love Shop Style and Hukkster. Lastly, make friends with sales associates. They'll tip you off to which locations have the best stuff, plus you can get a lead on when to expect sales before the public descends upon the stores.
Dana Look One"I went in knowing that these are stores that I'm familiar with, but I wanted to try some new trends. My first stop was Zara, which is pricier than the other stores. I wanted to have the most budget at Zara. The first thing I spotted was a marigold cardigan, and lucky for me, it was on sale for $9. I chose the pants because I wanted to play with winter whites. When I put the pants in my arms with the sweater, I felt a Michelle Obama moment coming on."
Sweater ($9) + Pants ($29) = Grand Total $38
Dana Look Two"I was looking for a button-down or denim at Gap,cheap louis vuitton, but I came up empty-handed. So I decided on this jean jacket that I can wear through all the seasons. It's a staple, and it pulls together every outfit."
Cardigan($9) + Denim Jacket ($15) + Printed Pants ($25) = Grand Total $49
Dana Look Three"I went to two different H stores,louis vuitton outlet online. I wanted to see if there were different offerings -- in my size -- in the stores. There were $5, $10 and $20 racks; I beelined for the $10 rack when I saw this pretty print. This dress was a must-have: I love the pattern, and this is my first peplum. The volume at the waist gives me curves -- yay!"
Dress ($10) + Shoes ($39) = Grand Total $49
Dana Look Four"I love this marigold sweater, so I layered it under the dress both for warmth and for a contrasting pop of color. Then I draped the jacket over my shoulders, and the black tights and nude pumps were neutral and subtle enough to tone the whole look down."
Dress ($10) + Sweater ($9) + Jacket ($15) = $34
Christina Look One"When I first walked into LOFT, I was excited to see all the bright prints, especially since it has been so dreary here in New York lately. But I was surprised when I looked closely at the price tags; even jeans were as much as $59,cheap louis vuitton bags store. I chose a few really simple items, but my spirits were lifted when I got to the checkout. The cashier informed me that the entire store was 50% off. I headed right for this cobalt dress,louis vuitton outlet store 2014, which I knew I'd wear immediately with tights and a blazer. Then, come spring, it will be perfect with sandals on those warm days."
Dress ($44) + Necklace ( ($19) = $63
Christina Look Two"I've been wanting to try the polka-dot trend for a while now, so these LOFT patterned jeans offered the perfect chance. My budget was starting to feel squeezed, so I grabbed an easy tank top and a bold patterned scarf to punch up the look (without upping the price too much)."
Jeans ($29) + Tank ($7) + Scarf ($17) = Grand Total $53
Christina Look Three"I've wanted a pair of J. Crew's patterned capri pants since last summer, but the prices have always stopped me from purchasing. When I spied these bottoms, I was shocked to look at the price tag. Not only are they warm, yet fitted, but I can wear them into the spring with a light sweater. The oxford was a no-brainer. I'll wear it now with a blazer, and then in the summer, tied at the waist with shorts."
Capri pants ($14) + Oxford shirt ($19) = $33
Christina Look Four"I never would have paid the original price for this J. Crew jacket ($450), but when I saw it hanging on the rack and marked down to $100, I folded. I love that I can pair it with skinny cords for a casual look, or I could wear it with a pencil skirt for a more grown-up feel."
Jacket ($100) + Cords ($29) = Grand Total $129
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HuffPost High School welcomes a lively, thoughtful debate in the comment section. Most of my clothes come from Ross, TJ Maxx, and even various thrift stores. Why spend $100 on a single crazy jacket at a department store when I could go to the thrift store and find 25 vintage items for the same price?
Another thing to note: most items on the clearance rack are there because they're either very small or very large. Women in the middle of the spectrum may find a harder time finding clearance item deals at these stores.
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