“Expensive does not mean classy” -Unknown

You need a new TV, more deodorant, and some mascara; where do you go? Probably Target. Need a Missoni bathing suit or a Phillip Lim blouse? You may not know it, but you can also go to Target for that. The bulls-eye logo isn’t the only thing setting this store apart from its competition. In the past few years Target has collaborated with some extremely high-end designers such as Rodarte, Missoni, Prabal Gurung and 3.1 Phillip Lim. These designers have created unique clothing specifically for Target at fairly reasonable prices ranging from $30 to $200. These exclusive collections have been massive hits: stylish high quality clothes at unbeatable prices, and found at your local Target, which shouldn’t be farther than 5 miles from your house. The Missoni collection, which sold out in one day, featured the patterns and fabric that are so unique to its name.

I myself have clothing from both Prabal Gurung and 3.1 Phillip Lim collections.  I purchased two dresses for Prabal Gurung on sale for $15 and $27, practically a highway robbery. When paying no more than $30 for a dress, you expect the quality to be lacking but I was extremely impressed with the quality of the fabric. Both dresses were expertly lined and looked far more valuable than their double-digit price tags. In the words of Prabal Gurung, “ A modern woman is not necessarily someone who buys expensive stuff, a modern woman is someone who buys intelligently.”

Prabal Gurung dresses from Target (Alexandra Carlino)

While everyone can agree the Prabal Gurung dresses from Target aren’t the same ones celebrities are gracing the red carpet with, they were much better than anything similar stores had to offer. It is this unique opportunity that has widened the Target customer base and has inspired other retailers to follow in its footsteps and collaborate with high-end designers. Vera Wang and Catherine Malandrino both have lines available at Kohls. H&M even has lines with Lanvin and Jimmy Choo.

3.1 Phillip Lim sweater (Alexandra Carlino)

Target’s newest collaboration is with Peter Pilotto. The lookbook was released on January 13^th and shows off the colorful and whimsical collection to hit stores on February 9^th. The collection will feature 70 items from skirts and dresses to purses and swimwear. Most of the items will retail for less than $60. Put this date on your calendars because these one-of-a-kind items will sell out quickly and you don’t want to miss out.

Hidden Gem: Once Worn

            When people think of going to thrift stores the first word that comes to mind is vintage. While some stores do have a few older items, it looks more like something your Grandmother would wear rather the effortless vintage look so popular today. Sometimes purchasing vintage clothing can cost more than current styles. For those of you who like to have a few vintage pieces in your wardrobe, Once Worn consignment is the place for you. Located in Northern Liberties at 906 N 2^nd Street, this cute shop has a great mix of vintage clothing and current styles. The store is nicely arranged and it’s easy to look through. A small designer clothes rack is available for those of you who like to find a good deal on high-end labels. I saw Hudson jeans priced at $35, and an Anne Klein skirt for $15. The shoe selection is pretty good as well; I found an adorable pair of grey pumps that had intricate elastic straps criss-cross straps for just $22. There was even a pair of Elie Tahari pumps for $15! I don’t often find myself in Northern Liberties nor I had heard about this store, so I’m going to consider Once Worn an “Off the Rack” hidden gem.

Left and Right: Google

The owner, Jen, was very helpful and told me what sells and what doesn’t. She explained that pants aren’t a big seller because people don’t like to try them on, which I can understand. Let’s face it, trying on clothes is annoying. She says brands like Urban Outfitters, Banana Republic and J.Crew sell very well. High-end designers aren’t popular unless they’re well-cut pieces or have an interesting pattern. As of February 1, 2014 Once Worn is only accepting spring clothes. The store is in need of men’s clothes so if you ladies with a significant other want to do a little closet cleaning for your boyfriends, you know where to bring them.  

            Once Worn is open Wednesday through Saturday 11am-7pm and Sunday from 12pm-6pm. Their business card has a frequent shopper card on the back. Spend $25 and receive a stamp. When you fill up your card, you receive $20 off your next purchase. I really liked the vibe and selections. This was the first store where I found some legitimate vintage items, like a leather Mario Valentino skirt, and I am interested to see what is new when I go back. If you ever find yourself in Northern Liberties, which seems like a nice place to find cute boutiques anyway, don’t forget to stop in at Once Worn. You won’t regret it.

Philly’s Best Kept Secret: Super Thrift

            The world of thrifting is similar to membership in an underground society. Many people participating, but no one is talking about it. 
          When speaking to customers at thrift stores, I like to ask them what their favorite thrift store in the city is. More often than not, the name Super Thrift kept coming up. When I asked for more information about the store, I was told it was located on Aramingo Avenue in a sketchy shopping center. There are no signs for it so you have to know where to go. My interest was piqued. A quick Google search told me that the address was 2403 Aramingo Ave. Thankfully someone had told me what to look for because my GPS was not very helpful. My thrift store guide said that when I saw a Pep Boys location, I had found the shopping center. After driving around the parking lot for a while, I eventually found this elusive store tucked in at the end of the shopping center. Listening to all of the talk surrounding Super Thrift, I was expecting some hole-in-the-wall shop, but it was actually very large with a good number of people shopping. 

Left and Right: Alexandra Carlino

            Racks upon racks of clothing took up the inside. I didn’t know where to start, so I just went straight to the blouses and looked through each size. The thrifters who frequent this store say you really have to have the patience to look through all the items. For every five pieces of bad clothing, you’re going to come across one or two fabulous finds. The patrons crowding the aisles each had baskets full of clothing, shoes, and trinkets. I came across a woman, who told me her name was Irene. She had found 2 Express dresses for $3.50 each. They were each in great shape and were still in style. During my own sifting I found an Eileen Fisher blouse for $4.50, a Michael Stars blouse and dress for $2.95 and $3.50 each, and finally, a Hervé Chapelier bag for $6.25. Each of those items retail for at least $80 and above. I was amazed by the prices of everything. I could probably spend hours in this store and still not find every fashion gold mine hidden among the racks.

            Another woman, Meg, I spoke to said she comes to Super Thrift frequently. She once found a woman’s Calvin Klein Suit for less than $40. Meg’s friend Donna said she finds items here that she has sold online for 3 times the amount she paid for them. Super Thrift is a serious thrifter’s heaven. Many of the thrift stores I have more inventory in woman’s clothes than anything else. This store not only had a woman’s section, but men’s – girl’s – and boy’s as well. Shoes lined the top of the clothes racks.

            My advice would be come to Super Thrift if you have had thrift store experience. I was wholly unprepared for the sheer amount of inventory in the store. I also did not have the time to look through every single rack, which is what you have to do to be a successful thrifter. Super Thrift definitely lives up to the hype surrounding it. This is one Philly spot you don’t want to miss.

Off the Rack Favorite: Bella Boutique

            For someone who has lived in Philadelphia for five years, I am not well versed in the institution that is South Street. I mean, it’s where Miley Cyrus went from sweet little Hannah Montana to the woman we are familiar with today. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Cryrus claims that Philadelphia is where she found her style.

“Have you ever been to South Street in Philly? That's where I got my first chain. Sixteen bucks – not real," she said.

Well, I wouldn’t say that I had a complete style makeover, but my shopping horizons were expanded after a trip to South Street. I came across Bella Boutique, a consignment store located at 527 South 4^th Street

            The store has been open for 15 years, the last 8 in its current location. The boutique offers a large inventory, from costume jewelry to high-end accessories, and everyday clothes to fur jackets. Bella’s shoe collection includes such brands as Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin. I even saw a Hermes “H” belt behind the counter that the boutique was selling for $150. This belt is regularly priced at $500!

Who can beat a deal like that?

            The sales people at Bella were extremely helpful and were more than glad to answer my questions. The boutique accepts consignment Monday through Saturday from 1pm-7pm, and on Sunday from 1pm-6pm. There is no minimum number of items required to sell. Marie, the sales associate, said the salespeople pick inventory based on how customers are shopping in “regular” retail stores, and “of course” on the basis of need. At this time, the boutique is going through a transition period. That means they are trying to get rid of winter clothes – such as heavy coats, to make room for spring items.

            After customers bring in their items to consign, they will approve the price before the clothes are put on the floor. When their items are sold, they will receive 40% of the selling price. The employees maintain that the store tends to get more of the higher-end items than any of the other consignment shops around the area. After looking around the boutique for close to an hour, I tend to agree. If the items given to the boutique do not sell after 40 days, then they are donated to thrift stores like Philly AIDS Thrift. Or, customers can choose to take them back.

Top Left and Right: gold chain bracelet with pink accent; Bottom Left and Right: gold swirl bracelet. (Alexandra Carlino, purchased at Bella Boutique)

            While I was in Bella Boutique I fell in love with the accessories section. The boutique carried unique pieces that I haven’t seen in stores. I ended up purchasing 2 bracelets. I intended to only buy one, but to make the $10 credit-card minimum I had to choose a second. While checking out, Marie showed me a full finger sterling silver ring with an intricate design for $12. I almost bought the ring but fought the urge. But can a girl really have too much jewelry? Maybe another trip is in my future. I was pleasantly surprised by my first foray into consignment store shopping. This boutique will be my first stop when I make my way back to South Street, and this time I will bring friends along. Bella Boutique is officially “Off the Rack” approved.

Starter Store: Greene Street Consignment

Greene Street consignment is housed in a lovely brick building that stands out from the rest of the small boutiques that line South Street. Located at 7th and South, Greene Street seemed neat and organized, which instantly drew me in. My limited experience in thrift and consignment stores had me prepared to look through unkempt piles. In reality, this store is neater than the local Express.

My adventure into Greene Street took place on a snowy day. Very few people risked the weather for a little shopping, but a few brave customers walked the aisles. I approached a woman who was looking through a circle rack and after a little small talk I asked if she came to this store often. Liz said that she was visiting her sister from Maryland and discovered the store on her last trip. She walked out with some good buys so she wanted to come back and see what else she could find. Liz’s last purchases were a faux fur shrug from Bebe for $45 - the regular price was over $100. She also purchased a Banana Republic sweater for $20, an item that was regularly priced at $65. I, myself, found a pair of Seven jeans for $40, a BCBG Generation tank-top for $12, and a Love Ady blazer for $23. The best piece of advice I was given is to look through everything. She didn’t have any merchandise with her but maybe she got lucky after I left.

Left: Google; Right: Yelp

Behind the front counter at Greene Street is where high-end designer items are kept. The top items the store were carrying were a pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps and a pair of Gucci rain boots. The rain boots were being sold for $175. Normal retail price is $350. The jewelry was not anything special but it was well priced. Necklaces were priced at  $10 to $15 and the bracelets were no more than $10. If you need an everyday necklace or bracelet, you should look through the selection.

As opposed to other consignment stores, Greene Street requires you to bring in a minimum of 10 items to consign. The rest of its policy is similar to all other stores; the owner of the clothes will receive a 40% commission off the sale. All unsold items become Greene Streets property if they are not claimed at the end of the contract. Greene Street’s hours are Monday through Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm, Friday and Saturday 10:00am – 9:00pm and Sunday 10:00am – 7:00pm.

If you are a first-time consigner, I think Greene Street is a great place to get your feet wet. Because it’s so well organized going through racks won’t be as tedious as other consignment stores. If you are on a tight budget and need everyday pieces to fill your wardrobe, then I recommend you stop by.

“Shopping is really complicated if you are a girl” -Helen Salter

Shopping for clothes is a tricky mix of finding pieces that you like and staying within your budget. Unfortunately for me, and probably for many of you out there, our tastes tend to run a little to expensive. When shopping, you come across pieces that are not worth the high price tag and others that are worth the splurge. Paychecks have been known to disappear on items still hanging untouched in my closet. As I grow older and finally understand the value of a dollar, I have limited myself to three items that are worth a little excess spending.

Jeans

Nothing makes an outfit look more put together than pants that fit your body. Yves Saint Laurent once remarked, “I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes.”

Your outfits should show people how well you can dress, not have them wondering why you aren’t wearing pants that fit you. Jeans are a staple to any wardrobe and you wear them more than any shirt or jacket, so you want to make sure they can stand up to daily wear and tear. Cheap jeans never fit as well as expensive ones and they always end up ripping, which can have a negative effect on your self-esteem. I’m 22 years old and it’s taken me years to find my perfect jeans. Once I did, I hardly buy any other brand. American Eagle makes great jeans that fit me perfectly and for someone who is barely 5’3,” having a short length option is ideal. A long length option is available for those who find jeans can sometimes run short. My American Eagle jeans cost, on average, $50. You do not have to spend $200 to find a good pair, but anything less than $30 can be questionable. Buy your own pair of AE jeans here.

Right: AE Jeans, Left: Red Engine Skinny Jeans (Pinterest)

Blazers

As a senior in college my everyday clothes are leaning more toward blazers and pencil skirts than yoga pants and t-shirts, so I’ve been slowly building up my professional clothes. An ill-fitting blazer will not only ruin an outfit but it can skew your body shape. I went to H&M looking for an affordable beige or blue blazer and walked out a little disillusioned. The blazers made me look bulky and the fit was all wrong, completely different than the one black blazer I have had since my first co-op interview. Instead of trying another lower-end retailer I went to the department store, Lord & Taylor, and my experience completely changed. These blazers were made better and fit my body shape instead of hiding it. The way some items are made matters and there is no room to cut corners. Don’t try to save your money on blazers because, like jeans, they can be worn many times without people noticing you’ve been wearing it for a week. Stores like AnnTaylor Loft and Banana Republic are great stores to try for blazers and other professional clothes.

Right: Colorful blazers (Pinterest), Left: Topshop blazer (Pinterest)

Little Black Dress

The LBD has been a fashion must have for every woman in the world since Coco Chanel published a picture of one in the pages of Vogue in 1926. Like the other two items on this list, the LBD is a necessity. There isn’t an occasion in the world where this item wouldn’t come in handy. For that reason your LBD shouldn’t be poorly made, nor fit you improperly. You want the dress to flatter your shape and make you feel beautiful while wearing it. To achieve this look, you will have to spend some money. A woman only needs one little black dress so think of this purchase as an investment in your fashion future. You can find a LBD in any retail or department store of your choosing. The prices can range from as little as $20 to as much as $500. I would not say that there is a certain price that every woman must pay when buying an LBD, my advice is to find one you love and go from there. If you love the dress, then you’re ready to make the investment.

Right: Victoria Beckham in a LBD (Pinterest), Left: Olivia Palermo in a LBD and blazer (Pinterest)     

Use these items as a guideline to your own splurge list but try to keep it short. Make sure you are getting your money’s worth out of every garment that you purchase, otherwise what’s the point? Remember that a good shopper is a smart shopper.

“Luxury is in each detail” -Hubert de Givenchy

Celebrity fashion has always been a guilty pleasure of mine, following red carpet fashion and who wore it best. The problem with coveting celebrity fashion is that Oscar de la Renta will never call and beg to design me a dress. Ever since Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge she has wowed and enthralled many people. I’m starting to believe this woman could wear a paper bag and no one would ever judge her for it. Everything she wears is usually one of a kind or too expensive to even think about. Recently, Kate showed up to the “Mandela” premiere last month wearing a Roland Mouret gown and a $35 Zara necklace. Yes, you read that right. Within hours of the photo being posted, the necklace sold out online and in most of its retail stores. I may be a little late to the party, but Kate Middleton just became my new favorite person.

Here is a woman who literally has priceless jewels at the snap of her perfectly manicured finger and she chose a Zara necklace to finish off her look. A+ for style ingenuity. With one simple choice, she made her adoring fashion fans realize that you don’t need a lot of money to look great. That beautiful white gown paired with a cheap necklace had the same effect as if she were actually wearing diamonds. Her well-chosen accessory has given hope to the women out there who don’t have thousands to just spend on clothes.

Kate Middleton wearing $35 Zara necklace (Pinterest)

Now picture you are out shopping and find a perfect LBD (Little Black Dress). The dress is more expensive than what you usually spend on clothes, but it’s well made and it will literally never go out of style. So you buy it. People are under the impression that you have to pair expensive with expensive and cheap with cheap but that doesn’t have to be the case. Your LBD can be worn with a $30 faux fur jacket and a $10 necklace and few would know any different. The key is to find the perfect balance between mixing high-end retail with lower-end retail.

Every woman has a few items in her wardrobe that she has spent money on and may not know what to pair them with. Well, take that piece of clothing and pair it with some costume jewelry. Bib necklaces are very fashionable right now. You can stock up at your local Forever 21. Also try Rings & Tings, a great new website that sells accessories at great prices. A good quality scarf can make any “cheap” outfit increase in value.

The possibilities are endless.

Don’t be afraid to get creative.