In the past week I've had several people ask me for suggestions of good places to go shopping without spending a lot of money. Since I have spent more time than I'm willing to admit preparing for exactly that question, I have a wealth of knowledge to share with the world. So, I have decided to write reviews on affordable shopping stores-- both the good and the bad-- so you're all fully aware of what's out there. Please keep in mind that these reviews are just my own opinions of these stores; I encourage you to make your own opinions-- and then share them with me! Let me know if you have any questions or if you have any requests for my second batch of reviews!
H&M
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
$-$$
H&M is the Ikea of the fashion world (No, not just because they were both created in Sweden). There is so much that can be said for the wonderland that is H&M, but I’ll try to keep it brief. Unlike some other cheap, trendy stores, H&M, like high-end designers and retailers, is always one step ahead of current trends. Furthermore, H&M frequently features capsule collections from top designers (Lanvin’s collection will be released in H&M stores on November 23) with H&M approved prices. What more could a frugal fashionistia ask for?
Look for: Business clothes, trendy pieces, shoes, jeans, accessories, pretty much everything.
Ignore: Most things are worth at least a try-on, but beware of awkward sizing. Also, H&M stores vary drastically in quality—as in the Michigan Avenue H&M in Chicago and the St. Louis Galleria H&M might as well not be the same store. So, don’t swear off H&M until you’ve visited a decent store (like I said, the Michigan Avenue store is incredible, as are the H&M’s in New York City and Newbury Street in Boston, just to name a few).
Delia’s
★ ½
$$
Delia’s reminds me of my middle school dances and my awkward stage. That being said, the clothes are no more fashion-forward now than they were then. As tempted as I am to buy a “Future Mrs. Bieber” graphic tee for $25, I’m not sure that Delia’s qualifies as a clothing store for anyone other than preteens. Not only that, but $25 for a shirt that I could make with a $5 Hanes tee and a Sharpie? Come on now, Delia’s, I’m not in middle school anymore.
Look for: Basics and gag gifts (I’m serious. Dobkin, look out for the Bieber shirt underneath your Hanukkah bush).
Ignore: Everything else.
Old Navy
★ ★ ★
$
Old Navy is like an old friend (no pun intended) that I’ve lost touch with. Let me tell you something about Old Navy, for a period of about two years in the early 2000’s, Old Navy ditched its simpleton clothing and produced trendy, cheap items that were actually well made with tailored fits. Oh, how times have changed. Old Navy has since resorted back to providing more basic than unique items. Yes, the basics are reliable, but how many hoodies do you really need? Sometimes Old Navy pleasantly surprises me, though, and brings me back to happier days where even the biggest clothing snobs in my high school couldn’t resist Old Navy’s incredible clothes. But usually, I’m reminded that those days are gone. Sigh.
Look for: Intimates, loungewear, jewelry, casual shoes, outerwear, sweaters, pet accessories, and a few hidden gems
Ignore: There’s nothing to ignore because I’ve pretty much listed everything that you would find in the store above. Just don’t expect to find too many trendy items.
Hint: Look at their “trends we love” section on their website. It’s home to pretty much all of the clothes that they have that are worth checking out.
Forever 21
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
$
Forever 21 is the mother of all cheap clothing stores. Of course I am going to give this gift from God five stars, how could I not? Yes, Forever 21 has, from time to time, produced some of the tackiest items I have ever laid my eyes on, but in the world of affordable fashion, it is boss. Where would we be without Forever 21? I, for one, would have a much smaller wardrobe. From shoes, to purses, to clothes, to makeup, to room décor, Forever 21 does it all-- and does it all with an unrivaled flare. Its clothing options are so limitless that the possibilities can actually be overwhelming… usually in a good way, unless it’s Black Friday. The best part of Forever 21? Well, besides the fact that its items are dirt cheap, Forever 21 is one of the few affordable clothing stores that unabashedly copies high-end lines’ designs. You can literally find an imitation of any and every high-end designer’s clothing, some better than others. It’s so spectacular it shouldn’t even be legal (in fact, I’m not sure that it is…).
Look for: Trendy pieces, basics, anything that will go out of style in a short period of time.
Ignore: Most business clothes, some formal clothes, anything with faux leather and anything that you want to wear for more than a year or two—remember: it’s trendy, not practical.
Hint: Don’t see what you want? Check back tomorrow. In the past 24 hours, the website has added one and a half pages worth of items to the “New Arrivals” section. Seriously.
ASOS
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
$$-$$$
ASOS is a warehouse of clothing from various designers, countries, and trends. If you’re looking for something in specific, it is definitely a good place to check out because it will probably have several options. It’s a little hard to focus on the clothes if you’re not looking for something specific, though, because it simply has SO much stuff. Also, things can be pricey, so wait for a sale if you can. The sale section is good, the clothes are reliable, and even though it’s a British site, it has free shipping both ways to the U.S – incredible, I know.
Look for: It pretty much has everything you could ever imagine, and it’s all really trendy and unique. Great selection of formal dresses. Also, anything “ASOS” brand is cheap and cute.
Ignore: The outerwear is nice, but expensive, you could probably find it somewhere else for cheaper.
Don't forget to look out for "Annie Takes on the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Affordable Shopping: Part Two"!
-Annie Wazer
