ISYFashion SHOPPING USA
If you've read It's So You! then you know how I explain the wild wild world of retail. So, rather then naming items and guessing where you might find them, I've categorized the most popular stores under types of retail and then listed some guidelines.
Regular Retail
Type: Department Stores
Best Bets: Nordstrom, Dillards, Macy’s, Lord and Taylor, Bloomingdales, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Boston Store, Carson Pirie Scott, Younkers
If You Go: Survey everything first and then loop back around for favorites. Try on everything and remember it's okay to walk out with nothing. Try again later.
Watch Out For: Coupons in the newspaper or specials on line.
Avoid: Feeling the pressure to buy something because you figure there's got to be something for you in such a grand place.
You’ll Probably Score: Special occasion outfits, swimsuits, undergarments, suits, work blouses, shoes, bags
Type: Mainstream Clothing Retailers
If You Go: Use the sales help, but if you feel the need to wait, say so.
Watch Out For: Store-wide discounts, Clothing marked down and placed in the back of the store.
Avoid: Visiting too many of these in one day.
You’ll Probably Score: Special occasion outfits, suits, work blouses, trousers, skirts
Type: Specialty Clothing Retailers
Best Bets for “Juniors:” Delia’s, Charlotte Russe, Aeropostale,
If You Go: Use the sales help, but if you feel the need to wait, say so.
Watch Out For: Store-wide discounts, Clothing marked down and placed in the back of the store.
Avoid: Becoming a poster child for a particular store.
You’ll Probably Score: Special occasion outfits, costume jewelry, suits, work blouses, trousers, skirts
Alternative Retail
Type: Off Price
Best Bets: T.J. Maxx (Winners), Marshalls, Ross, Stein Mart
If You Go: Have a lot of energy and give yourself a lot of time; Do a process of elimination by color first; Try everything on; Save receipts
Watch Out For: Quality items at much better prices than regular retail.
Avoid: Damaged merchandise
You’ll Probably Score: Personal casual clothing, shoes (especially at Marshalls), bags (especially at T.J. Maxx)
Type: Resale
Best Bets: Consignment, Goodwill, Amvets, Salvation Army
If You Go: Grab the possibilities but be ruthless in the dressing room. DO NOT compromise on fit or condition.
Watch Out For: One of kind items like jewelry and bags, and frequent buyer punch cards
Avoid: Damaged merchandise, odors, ill-fitting garments
You’ll Probably Score: Bags, jewelry, winter clothing, coats, sweaters, jackets
Type: Discount
Best Bets: Kohls, Target, J.C. Penny, Target, Shopko (Yes, I have a mix of discounts in this list, but they are essentially the same. I do not shop at Walmart.)
If you Go: Avoid buying the hard-working items; Go for quick updates.
Watch Out For: Undergarments at Kohls; Workout wear at Target
Avoid: Cheap handbags with lots of bling
You'll probably score: Quick update peices at Target.
Target: Wouldn't it have been better to just kind of sneak Missoni into the stores in such a way that women would have whispered to one another, "Guess what I got at Target?" The lovely patterns market themselves. Now, I see a lady at the grocery store wearing an obvious Target Missoni cardigan and I make a mental note NOT to get the exact same thing...only to find that this is impossible. Hmmm.
