Looking Chic for Cheap

It's surprising how two of my friends borrowed (and absolutely loved) my brown Fila zipper top for a date and a girls' night out. What's even more shocking is the look on their faces when I told them I actually got the top for $3.

I don't remember the last time I bought clothes at original price. Looking chic is not about how much you spend, it's about what you wear, when you wear, and how you wear. It's all about matching and accessorizing. It's really a game, and here are some tips to play it right.

The best advice is to buy things of good quality (you can't go wrong with brand-name designer labels that you trust), basic colors (good for mixing and matching for the years to come), and non-trendy clothes (for longer wear, you don't want to be out of date). Remember that accessorizing, when done right, makes the outfit, or even gives the appearance of a new outfit. Don't be afraid to buy things (especially tops) that are slightly bigger, because sometimes you want loose-fitting clothes. Also, you might want to resort to purchase a gown that isn't your size (ie. A $30 maroon satin gown from Ann Taylor) and got it tailored for a mere $15. You have options, just look for them!

Shop at discounted stores. Stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Loehmann's, are great places to pickup discontinued, slightly damaged, brand name, even designer clothing. Loehmann's carries high-end goods. But all carry purses and handbags, pantyhose, sprays and perfumes, bras and panties and many more. TJ Maxx and Marshalls have brand names, but not necessarily designer labels. You can't go wrong buying handbags and pantyhose at these stores. Yes, you will get a good discount-probably the best price around. You may even find Coach, Dooney and Burke, Ralph Lauren bags at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. A spray/perfume boxed gift set is also a good bargain at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. What's more they have a great selection of home goods, with décor from foreign countries. You'll come by great finds at the home section. The items at these chain stores vary. So shop often-once a month-at each store. Soon, you will be able to recognize the trend at each store. You will be able to pinpoint what labels they carry. During my many trips to Marshalls (Parsippany, NJ) I was able to distinguish their more causal brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West, Fila, Nike, Adidas etc. While at TJ Maxx (West Caldwell, NJ), I recognized that they offer more formal and trendy brands like BCBG, Max Mara, Anne Klein. You know that you are getting a bargain; but note that very rarely well you able to find clothes steep cheap. My $3 brown top is one-of-a-kind. Most times, you can expect to find t-shirts from $5-$12,sweatpants from $15-20, caps for $5, and jeans at about $20-30. These stores are great places to find athletic team wear as they carry jerseys and other sports merchandise. Loehmann's is where you will find luxury goods. You are in heaven when they offer 50% off clearance (note that most times the clearance price does not reflect much of a discount). I have found a DKNY blazer, a BCBG sundress, Michael Kors sweatshirt, and a cashmere sweater for less than $20 each after the discount. As always, the store price at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Loehmann's are much lower than the retail price. But it is important to note that their lowest discount price most often does not necessarily beat the lowest discount price at department stores. So, check out these discounted stores, when you know for a fact that the department stores are not having good sales.

Go to outlets and you are share to get good deals. Check out your nearest outlets for bargains. I have found a Gucci top for $90, which is more than 95% off the original price. You can find Coach clutches for about $28.

Some people like to shop online. Keep in mind shopping online can offer great values but at great risks. If you would like a return/exchange some online stores charge you for restocking fees. Personally, I like to shop sneakers online because it does not make a significant difference if I don't get the opportunity to try them on.

Accessorizes in the U.S. are expensive. Jewelry (not even the real ones, just beaded and chains) cost $20+ at most stores. Headbands go for around $10. My tip is to shop for accessories at foreign countries (not Europe, where prices are high). Accessories are about mixing and matching and normally you can shop exotic finds at different countries.

Department store sales are also not to be missed. Michael Kors heels for $20? You bet. Macys juniors department offers great discounts. What's even better, it has a scanner for customers to use, so you can find out exactly how much that piece is even before trying it on. DKNY jean jacket for $13 is possible during clearance season at Macys.

Try going vintage. Never forget the clothes from before. Some old clothes tucked in the back of the closet are treasure finds. Wearing your mothers small-fitted leather jacket or slimming jeans is the hottest thing!