I love a good sale and I assume most of you do since you opened this article. I used to (and still do) shop at fast fashion stores like Forever 21, American Eagle and UNIQLO for my basics like jeans. But between co-op and my work-study job, I usually have more money to spend on clothes that will last longer than a year. Below you’ll find a list of my favorite picks. But be warned, sale prices usually don’t last long and sell out quickly and the habit of shopping sales can be very addicting.
In-Store:
Before this store opened on 17th and Chestnut, I had never walked into a Bloomingdales. I was nervous for the sake of my wallet to walk in when I first passed the storefront. But I must say it is one of my new favorite stores. While some outlet stores may carry lower-quality lines and/or last season items, Bloomingdale’s has the opposite. Here you’ll find designer pieces suitable for Co-op or a fancy night-out. My favorite piece that I bought was a sleeveless white peplum top with black embroidered flowers from French Connection. The original price was around $70, but I found it for $25.
*Tip: In the back corner of the store is the sales rack with pieces ranging from $10 and up.
It’s amazing what you’ll find walking down Chestnut Street from Center City back to my apartment on campus. I discovered this the Banana Republic Factory store while walking home from Co-op one day. If you need anything for Co-op or job interviews no matter the season, look no further. I once found a linen blazer and white cotton button-up for $30 total. The store is usually 50% off and the sale racks are honestly the best for business and business casual attire.
While I love Nordstrom Rack, it is hard to come by new products from this season, especially in the shoe department. However, twice a year they have a “Clear the Rack” sale which usually occurs in the fall and spring. Here you can find all your name brands and Nordstrom exclusive brands for less than Nordstrom prices. I took my mom once during a sales event and we bought 11 items for $130. They also sell travel sizes of select name brands and full sizes of affordable beauty brands at discounted prices.
*Tip: apply for a debit card to link to your checking account and earn rewards back.
Online
Hautelook is a Nordstrom Company meaning you get shop Nordstrom brands without the prices. However, shopping “events” are limited in variety they do happen daily. I have purchased Keds for less than $20, Sperry’s for $35 and a faux leather jacket for $35. Shipping is $7.95 or free for purchases over $100.
*Tip: With free and easy returns to any Nordstrom Rack, spend $100, get the free shipping and return whatever you don’t like.
Like a Bloomingdale’s Outlet, Sak’s Off Fifth provides higher quality designer items without the price. The shoe selection is great as well. Unfortunately, there is no store around Drexel’s campus, but randomly there will be free shipping and with free returns online! My latest purchase was a pair of Sak’s brand moccasin slippers that were $10 that normally retail for $30.
I have yet to purchase from here but the concept is like Hautelook, except shopping events occur sporadically throughout the day. You can also customize the home screen of the website to only shop your favorite brands. Shipping is $9.95 but if you find something else within 30 days of paying shipping, the remaining items ship free! I am waiting for a pair of boots to come back in stock as I type.
*Tip: If they don’t have your size and color, click the “I Want It” button and they will charge you and ship your item(s) the next time it becomes available.
If worse comes to worse and you don’t want to pay shipping, I suggest checking Amazon, which carries a lot of designers shipped with Prime. No matter where you shop, be sure to check the places mentioned above and tell us your favorite finds on Facebook or Instagram.