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Thrift Store Fashion

Recessionist thought of the day:  clothes for fancy events (like proms, dinner parties, awards shows, etc) should be purchased at ROSS DRESS FOR LESS, MARSHALLS, OR THRIFT STORES.  The "thrift stores" angle is especially true if you live near a high-end area. 

Why?  Frankly, the retail version of an outfit you're going to wear one time (maybe twice) is probably a worse deal than buying a brand-new car (percentage wise) in terms of depreciation.  Granted, it might take some convincing to get your teenager to check out a prom dress at a thrift store, but here's a thought-- before settling on a final outfit, check out at least one full-price dress (like at Macy's), and one thrift store.  No price-related decision is ever final until more than one option has been explored!

Shop till you drop....for less.

I might have mentioned before, I'm a big fan of places like H & M (website has locations only) and Topshop, which I usually mix with high-end denim and shoes from Payless (I am not kidding, you should check them out-- that's an Alice + Olivia for Payless slingback in the photo), so I typically don't pay attention to good places to buy high-end designer clothes (though, I will admit to the occassional trip to Century 21 in downtown Manhattan).

If designer shopping is your thing and you've had to scale back your retail therapy because of recent economic woes, here are some websites that can help:

Redtagcrazy.com has recently had huge sales on everything from VB by Victoria Beckham to Paige Premium Denim and everything in between.  Think of it as your virtual awesome thrift store that doesn't smell like mothballs and where you don't have to paw through mountains of clothes.

Bluefly.com still has great deals on really high-end stuff, though if you're the kind of money saver who gets hot flashes from seeing a $2,000 Yves Saint Laurent purse for the low low price of $1,600, I would recommend sticking with your "tried and true" places, from Ross to Nordstrom Rack to Old Navy to Lowe's. 

Target has also been expanding their clothing lines recently, adding many designers to their roster.  Separate review of that coming up!