Let's talk for a moment about how amazingly frustrating it is to look in a fashion magazine and see these fun fashions that you want to pull together and when you say to yourself, "Ooh! I love that t-shirt. Where can I get it?", and you look at the microscopic print on the side shopping guide you are greeted with: "T-shirt: $129." And that is not even the most extreme example. Although I do feel paying more than $20 for a t-shirt is ludicrous, there are cotton dresses for $999 or plastic bracelets for $5000. Ok, now I'm exagerrating, but you get my point. I don't know who these magazines are trying to appeal to, but it is certainly not me. Or my friends. Or anyone I know. So today I am going to step up onto my soap box and preach the good news: There are places you can get affordable style!
Bitten: I might be late to the game, but I only recently discovered the awesomely affordable, awesomely designed line Bitten, by Sarah Jessica Parker. I remember hearing about it when it first launched and brushing it off. I mean, come on, jeans for $8.98? Who was she kidding? But I am a snobby fool. (I blame the fashion mags I read.) SPJ's line is beyond cute and I should never have expected less from "Carrie." I was re-introduced to the line by looking at pictures of SPJ out on the town and most of what she would be wearing was Bitten clothes. Do yourself a favor and click on the link I provided. Check out the whole website, from key looks to SJP's Manifesto - watch the documentary even (it's all of 2 minutes). You'll get hooked too. The only drawback right now is that they don't sell online and the line is only available in Steve and Barry's stores. They have a big map though, so hopefully you'll find one to visit near you.
(Here she is on a normal, everyday-day wearing Bitten flats and jacket)
Forever 21 and H&M: I know I shouldn't lump these two together, but to me they are of the same beast. Of-the-moment looks that are affordable, these two stores have constantly updated inventory so sometimes it's hit and miss. But when it's a hit, watch out credit cards! I like to stock up on fun dresses and versatile accesories at these stores. Dresses are my fave new thing because they are an instant outfit. Not much to think about in the spring and summer. In winter and fall, I've already talked about my penchant for layering dresses with tees and scarves and leggings. I am always asked, "Where did you get your dress?" And when I say Forever 21 or H&M, people are always pleasantly surprised. So do some digging and find some gems.
Target: All together now: Tar-shay. That is the closest I can get to phonetically spelling the preferred French pronounciation. Target has been very smart as of late, wrangling major designers to design affordable lines for their store. Everyone from Isaac Mizrahi to Alice Temperley have designed limited addition lines for Target creating a "fashion democracy." Their latest hot designer is none other than Converse. I didn't realize that Converse had more to offer than their iconic One Star sneaker. But they have cute dresses, tops and jeans available at Target too. I'm seriously going to get some sneakers. Like today.
Kohl's: Come on, people. Vera Wang does a line here. You can't pass Kohl's up. Great dresses, shirts, pants, shoes, jewelry. I could go on. Another place where you can stock up on staple pieces, on the cheap. I got all my bridesmaids their necklaces from here. They have a starfish pendant that is reminiscent of Tiffany's and my girls looked great. Kohl's is constantly having clearances and sales, so it is great to visit their site often. You never know what you may find.
Ok. So I'm clearly not re-inventing the wheel here with the five stores/brands I've suggested. But it's always good to be reminded that there are options out there. Back away from the $100 t-shirt. You could get a whole new wardrobe with $100 at these places. Happy shopping!
