Sorority Girl Needs...the cheap version

[USFSDTAlum]

OK, so I loved all the stuff everyone posted in the Sorority Girl necessity thread, but come on .....we all can't afford $200 purses. So, I think we should all share how we got the "look" and didn't pay the price. I'll start. I got my Kate spade black "sam" Bag off e-bay. It's real, its a little used, but I only paid $40 (including shipping) for it, so....And the Tiffany's bracelet, I loved the bracelet it really didn't matter to me that it came from Tiffany's, so I have been looking for a similar bracelet in the link style, but all the one's I have seen at the Major department stores were kind of "off" somehow (hard to describe but just didn't cut the mustard) until yesterday..I was in American Eagle and they have the bracelet for $14 and change. Its supposed to be a charm bracelet and they have all these stupid charms with words like 'faith' and 'dreams', and 'hope' hanging off, but I got a pair of pliers popped those bad boys off, and when I wore it last night so many people came up to me and asked me if I had gotten the Tiffany's bracelet (hee-hee I only paid $15 my sisters all paid $150) So come on guys: how did you get your "necessitys" without paying the retail price?

[dzsweetiee]

Ugh. Quality..... I'm sorry, I just don't do AE, or Ebay.

[This message has been edited by dzsweetiee (edited April 01, 2001).]

[IowaHawkeye]

DZsweetie.. sister, youre funny http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif
american eagle, ebay... that stuff can be quality, its all in the way you maintain and take care of the stuff you buy - and who cares if in a few months it falls apart, chances are it's going to be out of style and in the back of everyone's closet eventually http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif i am all for the bargain shopping. i was recently in washington dc and i picked up two very designer (gucci and kate spade) purses.. they look so authentic its great!

[AEPhi-QTPie]

hee heee, USF, you are a trip. A girl after my own heart. My favorite places to shop for less expensive goodies are Marshall's and T.J. Maxx. While shopping there can be labor-intensive (i.e. drudging through over-stocked, messy racks), you can find some good trendy stuff there. I think the internet is another good source, as well. Sometimes if you register your name with high-end cosmetics sites, they offer gift certificates for your first purchase.

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Phi Love,
AEPhiSteph

[Turtlegirl]

I love bargain shopping!!! I like to look nice but my bankroll is rather limited (I pay for everything, including my tuition and sorority dues, all by myself. Take that sorority-girl stereotypers!) I like to shop at places like TJ Maxx,Ross and cheap stores at the mall. My clothes and things look nice but don't cost a fortune. I wear the "sorority girl" black pants but mine cost like $20 http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

[equeen]

Greekchatting Bargain Hunters of the World, unite! (or something like that...)

I personally love Ross (for clothes) and Tuesday Morning (for deep-discounted every day items and gifts).



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@-->---
Pure as Silver, and True Blue!
Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies (http://www.alpha-sigma-kappa.org)

[dzsweetiee]

Yes, but I'd rather have a warranty on my Tiffany bracelet than some fall apart version that I replace 10 times! I see nothing wrong with a bargain, but there is a quality difference in a genuine Kate Spade and a "fell off the truck" one! Not to mention the service http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

[USFSDTAlum]

Well since I pay for my own clothes(bills, rent, utilities, etc.)not Mommy's credit cards, I can think of a thousand better things I want more then some over-priced purse. A purse which on the website sites as a reason for making the purses a desire to make inexpensive attractive durable purses (or something like that). When inexpensive equals 200 for a purse, I think we have a problem here. Also, since I take care of my belongings, ie-i hang up my clothes, I put away my things, I don't see myself having to replace the same things over and over again. Something my parents taught me was to respect money. Just cause you have it, doesn't mean you have to spend it on garbage. I grew up knowing the value of a dollar, and sorry a $200 purse just doesn't fit that classification for me.

[prdlocal]

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"For every lie I unlearn I learn something new..." Ani Difranco

[This message has been edited by prdlocal (edited April 09, 2001).]

[bucutie02]

i hope none of this gets out of control! just remember to please respect other people's opinion and be considerate! not everyone will agree with you all the time but it doesnt mean they are trying to start anything! thank you! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

happy posting!
bucutie02
Chit Chat co-moderator

[mgdzkm433]

When I was in college, those black pants were starting to come into style, but weren't 'quite' there yet. I owned a pain--and STILL own the same pair (with NOTHING wrong with them) that cost me less than 20 bucks. They still fit great and look even better http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

ANYWAY--what I was starting to say was--nobody in sororities on my campus worried about this stuff. Yeah, we had those black pants--but they were a fad, not a sorority necessity. No tiffiny bracelets, no special purses . . . I think it's interesting how the importance of things are different in different areas. We just didn't care that much about clothes. I can't tell you how many times I got up, pulled my hair into a hat, pulled on my DZ sweatshirt, a pair of sweat pants and tennis shoes and trodded off to class. When we went out, we wanted to look good, but we had our own styles and we were all different. My personal style always encorporated a black shirt--always always because I like black--but that was MY thing, not my whole sorority's thing.

[Unregistered-]

In the "EVERY SORORITY GIRL'S NECESSITIES" thread, my contribution was altoids and dental floss for her purse. After the posts got more and more ridiculous (i.e. Tiffany bracelets and watches, Bebe pants, etc.), I stopped even reading that thread. Most of the things I saw were LUXURIES...and not NECESSITIES! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/mad.gif

It's all about the clearance rack for me, baby! I pay for my car, my insurance, and my thousands of bills...there's no way that I could ever afford a real, genuine Kate Spade! To tell you the truth, I didn't even know who or what Kate Spade was before I came onto these boards!

The nicest brand name thing I have in my closet right now is my Guess coat that sold at a retail price of $118. Luckily, my friend gave me her 30% employee discount, but even with that my BF had to pick up the bill. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/tongue.gif

Nothing is wrong with eBay, I've gotten my Roxy clothing off eBay, and they're not fake at all (I know my Roxy clothing). Sorry, bucutie, some of these posts in this thread just come off as being so shallow. Everybody's entitled to their own opinion, and there's mine! Like prdlocal said "I'm glad none of the sororities are like that on my campus". http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

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"Talk doesn't cook rice."--Someone smart

Visit Alpha Gamma Delta-Delta Sigma chapter! (http://www2.hawaii.edu/~alphagam)

[finest_alum]

mgdz - I'm with you. I don't remember anyone dressing up for class, I almost always wore my little bro's frat hat in the morning. We dressed "up" to go out - jeans and a cute shirt.
What's all this about purses, anyways? No one EVER carried a purse on my campus; we had those little leather key/id thingies and backpacks.... I guess we were just minimalist out there in the cornfields!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

[juniorgrrl]

I love the nice, name brand things, but I'm a bargain rack shopper all the way. I get a thrill out of getting cute stuff at a great price. Last weekend I went to the mall and got two tshirts, a pair of capris and a denim halter dress all for $60 http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

Maybe I'm lucky because I'm a size 8/10 - those sizes are always left on the sale rack at Gap. I've often found $60 pants marked down to $10 or $20 that fit perfectly and look awesome.

My shoes are almost always Payless because, face it, what's the point in spending money on designer shoes that are going to only last one season? The only shoes I ever splurge on are running shoes, because the Kmart ones just dont look or feel as good as the real Adidas or New Balance do.

I have some real jewelry from Tiffany's, but its always been a special Christmas present from my mom - I've never bought it for myself.

LSU isn't a "dressy" campus, per se, but people wear dressy pieces with jeans and tshirts. For example, I'll wear a neclace from Tiffany's and a Kate Spade bag with a tshirt and capris. But that's just what I like. I don't see someone with a purse from Gap and go 'ew'. I love handbags, ALL handbags. Right now I'm in a Kate Spade phase, but its not because its designer - its because of how its shaped. I hate hate hate Louis Vuitton and Prada bags, even though they're an "in" thing.

[bucutie02]

Originally posted by OohTeenyWahine:
Sorry, bucutie, some of these posts in this thread just come off as being so shallow.

Hey OTW! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif Dont worry about it- i know everyone is entitled to their own opinions- i am just reminding everyone to respect whoever posts on here- even if they do sound shallow or not! But of course- you didnt say anything bad or disrespectful. I know you have class and wouldnt ever do that! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

[BCNUQT]

I just have to add that paying a fortune doesn't mean that it's quality - it's just expensive. If you've ever read "The Millionaire Next Door," you'll note that most of the people profiled in the book still clip coupons and shop sales racks. My mother, no matter how successful my father is, will always shop at TJMaxx before she shops anywhere else. It's foolish not too. She'll watch things and wait to buy them, because let's face it - everything goes on sale eventually. Perfect example - my mom paid full price for the little leather jacket she bought me as a gift (about 300 dollars) and she just called me the other day to tell me she saw it for 60 at the end of the season. She couldn't believe her luck. It pays to be patient.

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Sigma Sigma Sigma
Zeta Eta

[Turtlegirl]

OK I'm really interested in the whole designer-bargain hunting on e-bay. Can someone give me pointers on how to do it though because I've never even been to the site. Also, I've heard all those stories about how you'll bid on something and pay for it but never receive it, its fake, or broken, etc. What's a good way to avoid that? Any help would be appreciated http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

[TigerGirl]

OHHHHHHH....I'm all about bargain shopping. I have it down to an art!!! My sisters and I can go to Marshall's or TJ Maxx and spend hours searching for cute stuff.

I have to agree with juniorgrrl...LSU isn't a dressy dressy campus. Don't get me wrong...you see your share of fraternity guys and sorority girls dressing up. But mostly though the girls just go to class in a party shirt and a pair of jeans or shorts.

My personal needs include lipstick or chapstick...anything to keep my lips moist. I hate chapped lips. Then I need my pomade to keep my hair looking as cute as can be all day. And BREATH MINTS!!!!

[Unregistered-]

Originally posted by Turtlegirl:
OK I'm really interested in the whole designer-bargain hunting on e-bay. Can someone give me pointers on how to do it though because I've never even been to the site. Also, I've heard all those stories about how you'll bid on something and pay for it but never receive it, its fake, or broken, etc. What's a good way to avoid that? Any help would be appreciated http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

When determining who I do business with, it's all about the feedback. Generally I tend to stay away from those who are fairly new, and I look for the users that have a lot of feedback. Reading the person's feedback gives me either a positive or negative impression on that person, and from there I decide whether or not to place a bid.

If a person has sold a fake or broken item, then usually they'll get negative feedback from the person who bought it from them. Most of the time the sellers will post pictures up with a description of their item. And usually that helps also. If you know your item, then you can usually tell whether or not it's a phony just by looking at the picture.



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"Talk doesn't cook rice."--Someone smart

Visit Alpha Gamma Delta-Delta Sigma chapter! (http://www2.hawaii.edu/~alphagam)

[prdlocal]

I must say, bucutie, that I hope that your comment about "class" wasn't directed towards me. Because, I would find that just as tasteless and offensive as some of the other posts that you are referring to. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, so lets just leave it at that. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

E-mail me if you have further questions or discussion, please.

thank you

[AlphaChiGirl]

I like ebay, but I've never gotten clothes from there. I'm assuming you all have had good experiences? I've primarily gotten Barbie dolls...

My school, at least within Greeks, is a fairly formal place. I'm sure this is all relative to region, but we have to remember at some schools, people get dressed up. Expensively. All the time.

My whole participation in the 'Sorority Girl Necessities' thread wasn't based on any shallowness...at least, I don't think. Most of the stuff I listed, I told stories about how I got it for less than list price. Also, what I listed was primarily based on observations. I almost thought I HAD to have a Tiffany's bracelet during Rush, since so many of the sisters had them.

[bebe_cHiCk17]

Target has cute bracelets if you are lucky and get there at the right time..! For instance, i got this really cute sparkly bracelet for about $25 from Guess. Then, I bought this bracelet set from Target and i got more compliments on that! So Target is great for cheap really sparkly (if you like that kinda thing) jewlry... and i have a thing for bracelets! o'kay.. and another place to shop for clothes and stuff is Buffalo Exchange! They have clothes from like Urban Out fitters, Abercrombie, and tons of other cute places in there for cheap! I think it's like a used store only the stuff technically isn't "used!" i have only been there once and i got the cutest shirt from 50 bucks down to 11! THANKS FOR PUTTING THIS UP B/C THAT JUST REMINDS ME OF BUFFALO EXCHANGE! YA'LL SHOULD GO THERE IF YA'LL HAVE ONE!

*oh yeah.. sorry about the hole like sorority info question.. i just signed up here so i had no clue that there were a ton of other message topics! sowwies
*dont be so rude next time http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif

[amycat412]

Target--- I am a total fiend for Kate Spade and Prada bags, much to my checkbook's dismay. BUT, I bought this adorable $15 red bag at Target and everytime I use it I get compliments and people asking me if its a Coach bag. I love that! I get such a high from knowing I only paid $15 for it!

[bucutie02]

Originally posted by prdlocal:
I must say, bucutie, that I hope that your comment about "class" wasn't directed towards me. Because, I would find that just as tasteless and offensive as some of the other posts that you are referring to. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, so lets just leave it at that. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

E-mail me if you have further questions or discussion, please.

thank you
Hey there... i am sorry prdlocal if you thought i was referring my comment towards you. I was not referring that to anyone specifically. I was just trying to say that if you find someone's comment shallow or even if you dont- you just need to respect others opinion. I didnt name any names and i wasnt even thinking of any post- just stating that you may think whatever you do from someone that posts on here- just be respectful.

[bucutie02]

one more thing prdlocal- the comment i made about OTW was directed towards her and not anyone else. By that- i dont mean that the other people posting on here dont have class- she had earlier posted something about how she thinks some of the posts on here come off as shallow and was sorry for saying that and i simply stated that she wasnt being disrespectful- that was her own opinion- and then i told her i know she wouldnt ever be disrespectful because she does have class. I dont really know how you got the idea that i was referring to you as not having class! i was simply replying to her message.

[prdlocal]

Please e-mail me if you have anything to say, thank you.

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"For every lie I unlearn I learn something new..." Ani Difranco

[bucutie02]

i pretty much said everything i needed to say

[dzsweetiee]

Um, let's try not to argue and get back to the original topic.I'm sure you both have too much CLASS to do this publicly!

[TemptingNugget]

im sensing some hostility... QUICK! change the subject... LOL

i'm truly madly in love with target... but then again, im most comfortable in a tshirt and jeans.... target has GREAT little boys tshirts that fit like a tight fitting girls T for only about $6 a pop... plus, targets stuff is quality stuff, its owned by marshall fields, and nobody would think to knock them. *shrugs* i just love target....

oh, and somebody said something about Buffalo Exchange... isnt that only in austin, tx? i've never seen it anywhere else and just thought it was independent.. but yeah, its a great store, and the people inside are super friendly... thats Austin for ya!

i digress.... Target. oh, and burlington coat factory. noone has mentioned that yet, but they've got TONS of great stuff in there, not just clothes and jewelry, but Stuff. it's always a good time http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

oh and prdlocal........ ani rocks!

[amycat412]

OOO I got a GREAT peacoat at Burlington last year totally cheap!!

And Buffalo exchange we have em here in L.A. and I've seen them in Las Vegas, Phoenix and Tucson too. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

But..go Target! I love that place!!
http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

[dzsweetiee]

Saks Fifth Ave. Off Fifth! It's basically overruns from Saks, at awesome prices! It's awesome! Kate Spade, Chanel, Prada, Manolo Blahnik.....ahhhhhhh.....I love that place!

[This message has been edited by dzsweetiee (edited April 11, 2001).]

[Unregistered-]

I also forgot to mention that I love the outlet stores! We have an awesome outlet mall on Oahu, and it gets crazy everytime there's a massive sale. That's where I usually get my drastically marked down Guess jeans and my Tommy gear.

Nordstrom's Rack just opened here too. I haven't checked it out yet, but my friends say it's great!

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"Talk doesn't cook rice."--Someone smart

Visit Alpha Gamma Delta-Delta Sigma chapter! (http://www2.hawaii.edu/~alphagam)

[Turtlegirl]

Wow! I pass by a Saks Off Fifth all the time but I never stopped. I always thought the stuff would still be too expensive. Thanks for the tip; I'll check it out.

[shadokat]

I only graduated 5 years ago in May, but we just didn't have Kate Spade bags or Tiffany bracelets or any of that stuff. We went to class in jeans. We dressed up for pin days or for recruitment. When we went out to the bars, it was jeans and a "bar shirt". I'm sorta glad I didn't need all that expensive stuff, or else I wouldn't have afforded to pay dues too! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

As for the sorority necessities, I gave all the necessities (cigarettes, matches, gum, quarter for the phone, and a condom.)

[prdlocal]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Oh! And we have a Buffalo Exchange in our little obscure town of Whitewater, Wisconsin. Did anyone see that Target bought out Mossimo? Isn't that crazy? But I guess I can make the connection now since Marshall Feilds owns target. Is Lord and Taylor owned by the same company as Marshall Feilds? They look so much alike. Personally, I could spend a whole day in a Target, oooh! or a Famous Barr, definately!

Ummm, errr, scatter-brained!

thanks tempting!

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"For every lie I unlearn I learn something new..." Ani Difranco

[volgirl2376]

Ok...I have been reading this thread and sitting on my hands, but decided to comment anyway :)

First off, I want to say that everyone is entitled to their own opinons - thats what maked everyone unique! :)

After saying that, let me give my opinion. I love designer stuff as well as Target, my favorite store. But I keep reading over and over again about stuff like wanting to get a Tiffany bracely or Kate Spade bag bc they liked it AND everyone else had them.
Wouldnt owning something original be more enjoyable? I love to get vintage bags and jewlery because I like the style of them and I dont see everyone else walking around with my stuff! I have 2 Kate Spade bags that just sit at home because everytime I carry it, I see 3 of my friends with the same thing. I would rather get a Tiffany bracelet or earring or whatever that had special meaning behind it (anniversary, graduation, birthday etc) that I can look at in 10 years and say wow, what a special gift that was...than look back and say..wow..I only got this because everyone else had it.

Hehe thats my opinon...but in the end - just do what makes you happy!

[dzsaigirl]

It is a good idea to buy your trendy stuff cheap because then when it is no longer cool and you are sick of it, you can get rid of it without losing on your investment. I usually don't buy tons of expensive stuff but if I do I stick to classics that will probably not go out of style because I know I will get my money's worth. Oh and by the way, my purse is from Target and I have had like 20 people ask me where I got my super-cute purse. It is better to have a cheap purse because think of how many times you have had to put your purse on the ground or you spilled something on it or purfume broke in it etc. You can just get a new one!

[SH80er]

I am anti-bargain. If it dosen't come from Abercromie & Fitch, Gap, Old Navy, Express, or American Eagle I don't want it. IMO discount/sale racks and outlet stores has the UGLIEST clothes!

Both my high school and college campus is pretty dressy, in contrast to some I have been to.

IMHO, if you can afford it, buy descent clothes, don't be a tightwad.

[ErikaXO]

It's funny, a lot of these "sorority girl" necessities.....I am certainly far from the collegiate category now but I pretty much have the list covered.....well, no Kate Spade purse for me but I did get the diaper bag.

In defense of Louis.....those suckers last FOREVER. I have beaten the hell out of mine and it comes back for more. I wish I could say the same for my Coach bags, maybe it is the coated canvas vs. leather thing.

When I was in school, we dressed for class. A typical "sorority" outfit my sophomore year consisted of a big, baggy men's Polo buttondown (had to have the whole rainbow of colors and plaids) with a long, slim denim or khaki skirt. You'd wear argyle socks or the Polo slouch socks, and Bass bucs or loafers. You'd either have the little bob or if your hair was longer you'd slick it back into a tight ponytail, secured with a "bitch bow" (remember those big, fluffy hairbows we used to wear?) and then paint the lips an intense red, wine, or fuschia. We all still wore gold jewelry then, you'd wear your lavaliere or your mascot pendant on a thin chain and sometimes put on the big old thick herringbone too....lots of rings and bracelets....everyone had the fake-n-bake tan and the manicure to match the lips. We also liked to wear baggy shorts, often men's, with huge t-shirts or Polo sweatshirts and K-swiss or Tretorn shoes. Another "sorority" trend was to wear your slightly baggy cutoff jean shorts with a t-shirt and a blazer (weird, huh?) We did the blazer thing a lot, especially the ones with big logo crests on them that looked like a prep school uniform. The purse thing wasn't the same big deal it is now, though everyone wanted a Louis or a Dooney. Cars were a big deal. Everybody knew what everybody drove.

I didn't think people were so label-conscious anymore. Maybe it's coming back. I know for a few years there in the 90s after I was gone it seemed like everyone was trying to look as grungy and UNdone as they could. I hated that!

[AlphaChiGirl]

I think people are still as namebrand-conscious as ever, but the brands aren't as obvious. Like, no one really wears logo sweatshirts or tees as much anymore, and the labels are really small (think Kate Spade).

I wore "bitch bows" throughout middle school and high school. Is it no wonder now that I've cut my hair? :D

Off 5th is awesome, but am I the only person who doesn't think Saks is all that expensive? :o I really like Ann Taylor Loft, too.

I proudly dress up for class. I have like, 2 pairs of jeans, which I don't wear that often. I will wear pearls to class when I feel like it. Yeah, sometimes I get looks, but with the classes I'm taking, it doesn't happen so much.

[ErikaXO]

I too don't think Saks is all that expensive. It just depends on what you are looking at. An Escada blazer is going to cost you upwards of a grand no matter where you buy it. I love Saks and I love Nordstrom too. I could die and be happy in their cosmetics dept. (I am a makeup junkie.)

I like to have a mix of what is trendy (ie the Abercrombie stuff, Gap, etc.) and also some pieces that reflect my own style. I shop at Talbots a lot, some of it is too matronly for me yet but I like most of it. I am a die hard preppy girl so some of this crap that's out there now is just appalling to me. To the typical fan, Britney Spears probably looks really great and cute and modern, but to me she just looks like she raided Michael Jackson's closet from the Thriller days, took her scissors to a lot of it, and put it on. Tube tops, for example. I don't think anyone looks good in them. If your boobs are too big, you look like a cheap slut. If you have small boobs, it just emphasizes that. And I think the super super low cut pants make everybody's butt look big. People say they are so flattering but I don't think so. I like low cut, but just below the belly button. I do like flares a lot though. I dread the inevitable 80s backlash with the maxi-pegged pants. I guess I saw enough of this trendy stuff the first time around, so to me it is like looking at my mom's closet, you know?

What always killed me was my friends would show up in these awesome outfits, Ralph Lauren from head to toe or whatever, and say "I got this for twelve bucks at Gabe's" (Gabriel Bros.) Then I'd go in there and I could look all day and not find anything over a size 2 that didn't have holes in it, a ripped seam, or an ink spot. So it was back to Saks for me.

[AGDLynn]

I love my Brighton handbag. Normally I don't pay that kind of prices for clothes. When I bought it, the store had a sale that if you brought in ANY type of handbag/purse, you got $50 off and the purses were donated to charities.

Also, my hubby had just gotten a leather jacket for his new motorcycle so we both agreed that I was worth the $$ Brighton, lol.


I love getting compliments on my Brighton. Interesting that I use my B bag almost everyday whereas hubby only rides his bike on warn/non-rainy days, lol!! ;)

[LeslieAGD]

I love American Eagle for graphic tees but I am all about Target for everyday clothes and Mervyns for jeans!

My bargain shopping tip is for formal dresses...
Start scoping out dresses around the time of high school homecomings and proms. Right afterwards, the prices drop down to an affordable fractions of the original price! I got my formal dress last year for about $50 at Hudsons and it was amazing! This summer I saw an incredible red dress marked down to $12 ( :eek: ) and if it didn't have a visible and non-fixable snag, I would have grabbed it immediately!!!

[SH80er]

Originally posted by Tibi


That's funny, I tend to think of chain stores as "bargains". I'd rather buy something that I know hardly anyone else is going to have because the store only carries three or four of them (s,m,l) or (2,4,6,8).

Umm, that's not much of a concern for me. I don't care if someone wears the same or similar things that I wear, matter of fact I kind of like it.

Tightwads in general drive me crazy, not just when it comes to clothes. For example, a relative of mine would rather eat fake cheese that won't even melt than to pay a few more cents for Kraft or Gorden's cheese! :mad:

[XO_Princess]

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE Old Navy! They are so cheap! And their clothes are so well made, too. I bought a pea coat there last year for $70-and that was the chepaest I could find. They always have tredny stuff, but classic stuff too, for really great prices. I can't live without that store.

But my cheap necessities include: gum, phone quarters, my wonderful boyfirend, my friends and family, a rubber band to get my hair out of my face, and lip gloss.

[justamom]

I've found a LOT of useful information from you guys. BlueFly is great!
SH80er-I have to say I LOVE a bargain. I DON'T like dressing like everyone else.
When you shop where everyone else shops-
1. They've seen it, tried it on and know exactly what it costs.
2. Formed their opinion on the outfit by how it looks on THEM.
3. You run the risk of showing up in the same outfit (NOOOOO!) as someone else.
4. I believe one should try to develop their own "signature" so jewelry, in my opinion, is perhaps the classiest way to do so.
5. Shopping for "steals" is an art. It actual means you were not dumb enough to pay full price.

I HATE to pay full price only to see it go on sale a few weeks later.
TARGET was the ONLY place to shop when I was in college.
A few years back, I was in the Galleria in Houston. I saw a beautiful pair of shoes for $150.00! On the way home, we stopped at Target in Beaumont. There were the SAME SHOES for well over $100.00 LESS! Now, should I have bought the shoes in the Galleria or was it better to make my purchase at Target?
Here's a tip from my old Steak And Ale days. Expensive or cheap-there is NO difference in Vodka. Many like to profess there is but... So, next time you have a party will you buy the most expensive? Saving money isn't being "cheap" it's actually very smart.

[mmcat]

the major chains like target, kmart and walmart are making a big push to try to class up their merchandise without the large price tag. my favorite is ross, name brands with the labels at cheap prices.
consider shopping as a form of creativity. there's a bunch of good stuff out there -- you just have to look for it and know where to put it when you find it.
mmcat:p

[ladybug1116]

I just have to say I agree with all of the bargain hunters out there :) I love Ross, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshalls, etc. I manage to get cute stuff I want for so much less! Plus since I have more money available to shop I can have more clothes :cool: Yeah it may take a while to find something that's great because, let's be honest, half the stuff on the racks is crap, but it's very satisfying to find the best little Ralph Lauren dress for $15. There is no shame in bargain shopping b/c so many people do it. Not to say that I don't shop other places, but my checkbook and I are usually much happier after a "cheap" shopping day. :)

[ErikaXO]

Well I wouldn't mind "bargain" shopping if I could ever find anything, but I never do. So I gave up. The TJ Maxx in Alexandria, VA was sooooo much better than the ones we have here. I bought a ton there. I have also heard a lot about a place called H&M.....seems like really cute stuff dirt cheap. But we don't have it here. I have seen it a lot in magazines.

[SH80er]

Girls, it's not that anything is wrong with bargain shopping, but it just dosen't float my boat. Not now, at least, I still live with my parents (hint, hint ;)).

[DGPhoney]

Well heres my two cents on "the cheap version"
I like Old Navy, I am they have good stuff and at a good price
American Eagle, Love it, Love it Love it. I love their winter stuff, not so much there spring and summer stuff :(
Express and the Limited another must haves I mean they aren't super cheap but definetly good clothes and worth the money you spend
I am not sure if anyone has a Forever 21 . But they are awesome, good prices, but the clothes don't really always last that long(odd , ya think, maybe thats why theres no refunds or exchanges,lol)
Or oh Aerospotales is good too, it's like a cross between A&F and American Eagle

DGPhoney~

[UMgirl]

I consider Old Navy definately to be bargain shopping, and when youve paid for college on your own and have tons of bills besides that....Anne Taylor, Saks, Nieman, etc are out of the question.

Its all about Rave (G+G depending on where you live), Debs, Old Navy, Target, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Payless, AF, AE, AEO, Gap (sometimes), Rainbow, and even J Crew when i feel like it.

Can I ask what makes something fake? I had a friend once call my tank that looked the same as hers a fake imposture. I bought my for 5.99 at one store and she bought hers for like 20 something at a different one. I mean I can see calling a Kate Spade purse that you bought for 10 of the streets of NYC fake, but still....why pay 170, when you can get it for like 39. they look exactly the same and are? Ad expensive isnt always better. I bought a strapless from Victorias Secret for 40.00, the thing ripped up after about 2 months, meanwhile the target one lasted forever that was 12. I wish I hadnt of tossed it after I bought the VS one. :(

[volgirl2376]

Originally posted by SH80er
I am anti-bargain. If it dosen't come from Abercromie & Fitch, Gap, Old Navy, Express, or American Eagle I don't want it. IMO discount/sale racks and outlet stores has the UGLIEST clothes!


I would have to say that Old Navy is the closest to an outlet store as you can get -

[AOPiLaLa]

I am so glad someone menetioned Old Navy! I love that place, especially there new Old Navy Collection. And when its MARKDOWN MADNESS--watch out! And just my two cents on the whole bargain thing. I LOVE to shop--I could do it all the time. But since I am in the working world, I can't do as much damage as I used too. But something my mom always said is to have some nice quality, classic shoes and a nice quality classic bag and everything else falls into place. Now, I am definately a fan of Target and Payless for trendy shoes(I LOVE my snakeskin black boots!) but my perfect job interview heels came from Saks. And I am a bag nut, but I have about 5 little bags that are non-designer, that I got at different sales and one Kate Spade(it was a graduation gift) that I carry when I want to look professional. I just think everything is relative--if you are going to spend the money, make sure it is something that will last forever. If its a trend or something basic, HELLO TARGET AND OLD NAVY!

[juniorgrrl]

I am the queen of sale shopping. I feel like such an ass when I pay full price for most things, just because I had to have it then and there. With most chain stores though, it seems that the prices are set so that they can mark it down substantially and still make a profit.

My rule of thumb is that if I see it at Gap, wait a few weeks, then it will be on the sale rack. Usually in my size too. The one advantage to being an 8/10 as opposed to something smaller. They usually don't sell out of my size because its not as common :)

Beware of Gap outlet stores, though. Its the previous year's merchandise. For example, I was at the one in Foley, AL this summer and saw lots of clothes that I bought LAST YEAR for sale. Same with winter stuff. Although, if its nondescript stuff like tees and sweats, its mad cheap and worth it.

Anyone ever gotten anything from Old Navy for $1.99? I've gotten two skirts that way, just because they were marked XS, but were not sized correctly. They had gotten overlooked so much they were priced down. Good for me though, I actually tried them on and they fit :)

[UMgirl]

I know someone said they could never find anything at those stores. You seriously have to get there when the season starts and when things first come out. The good stuff always goes quick.

[KarenC725]

I've seen the H&M stuff too. I went to their website, it seems they only have stores in New Jersey and New York.

As for me, I like name brands but can only splurge so often. Most of the time if I have something expensive, it was on clearance.

I just got the cutest "inspired" kate spade. Looks just like my friends real one, no one knows unless I tell them.

Bottom line, if it looks good and looks good on you, it doesn't matter if you spent $15 or $150.

In college, I don't remember wanting something just because my sisters had it. The black pants thing was in place so I got a pair of those but let me tell you that 5 years later I still have them and wear them! THey cost $40 at Nordstom.

[SigkapAlumWSU]

I am a total bargin shopper. I think that I got it from my mom- she always headed straight to the clearance racks when I was a kid, and now I do the same thing!
Target, btw, is owned by Target Corp., formerly Dayton Hudson corp. They own Target, Mervyn's California, Dayton's, Hudson's, and Marshall Fields. (I used to work at Target, and put my employee disount to very good use!)

I always shop at Target, Ross, Old Navy, Payless Shoes (I have too many shoes thanks to them!) I just don't see the point of paying twice the price or more for something just to get a little label sewn on. I just have to laugh at some of the girls on my campus during winter: they put so much effort into getting that perfect designer outfit and boots, and freeze their little tooshies off trying to look cute slogging through the snow! I'd rather have my target sweater and get to class without turning blue!

[UMgirl]

Being the bargain shopper I am, I found out that Greek USA (http://www.greekusa.com) has a bracelet thats the exact "twin" of the Tiffany one for 29.95 with your sorority's charm on it! :)

[Dejajeva]

Are you guys telling me..
that absolutely none of you shop at walmart or meijer?

[ZTAMich]

Originally posted by Dejajeva
Are you guys telling me..
that absolutely none of you shop at walmart or meijer?

I'll admit it...my walmart jeans are the best i own...they are jordache's and i love them to peices! they have some cute sweaters there too...it's all a matter of opinion i suppose but i feel so shame in shopping there every now and then

[KillarneyRose]

Originally posted by Dejajeva
Are you guys telling me..
that absolutely none of you shop at walmart or meijer?

I detest Walmart! I love a bargain as much as anyone but the Walmart near me is just plain gross ! And so are the people wandering around the aisles. I LOVE Target, however! :)

DISCLAIMER: I've heard other Walmarts are nice, but the one near me is in Glen Burnie, MD. DGPhoney, you know what I mean don't you? Redneck hell???

[SH80er]

Originally posted by KillarneyRose




DISCLAIMER: I've heard other Walmarts are nice, but the one near me is in Glen Burnie, MD. DGPhoney, you know what I mean don't you? Redneck hell???

True, true. The Walmarts in the St. Louis area give Walmart a VERY bad rap. When I go there, all I see is people with plaid shirts, broke down pick-ups, sluts standing on the corner, gold teeth, or no teeth at all! :eek:

[ZTAMich]

LOL poor walmart! One of my sisters and I love doing midnight walmart runs up here at school...talk about sketchy people. Usualy on a Saturday the ones I go to at school and home are decent but ya'll are right the crowd can definetly get interesting.

[AOIIAngel]

LOL, I just bought a pair of walmart jeans today!!! They are really cute and look EXACTLY like the Gap ones I have that are too big. But I really prefer Target Clothes, they are absolutly adorable. Yeah, if I could live in Target I sure would!!!

[DGPhoney]

Originally posted by KillarneyRose


I detest Walmart! I love a bargain as much as anyone but the Walmart near me is just plain gross ! And so are the people wandering around the aisles. I LOVE Target, however! :)

DISCLAIMER: I've heard other Walmarts are nice, but the one near me is in Glen Burnie, MD. DGPhoney, you know what I mean don't you? Redneck hell???
lol I am gonna have to Say thumbs up on that one, Killarney, the Glen Burnie Wal*mart (sorry geln burnie people,if I offend ya )
is just crazy it's like Red neck haven with a twist of yokal and a splash of country bumbkin. I mean if I have to go to wal*mart I try my best to go during the day and never to that one at nght (tsk tsk, thats a no no ) and then if need be the One on Route 40. which isn't much better. Hey Killarney have you been to that one??
DGPhoney~

[KillarneyRose]

Originally posted by DGPhoney

if need be the One on Route 40. which isn't much better. Hey Killarney have you been to that one??
DGPhoney~

No, I've never tried that one! I've pretty much avoided WalMart in favor of Target. So much cleaner (the store AND the people!) lol

Hey, we should meet up at Arundel Mills after the holiday rush. I've heard good things about the Saks outlet there (i.e. some good, cheap stuff) :)

[ErikaXO]

I go to Walmart when I have to but around here it is pretty much the whole Clampett Family Outing thing too. We have a saying around here that goes something like this.....you can get pretty much the same kinds of things at Walmart or Target for pretty much the same prices, but Walmart is the blue-collar version and Target is the white-collar. I can't walk out the door of Targt for less than 100 bucks. Can't do it. Believe me, I've tried. Once I pass through that entrance, I am out at lease 100.

[AngelPhiSig]

I feel like such a poor bum reading this. I go to a small school in PA, our weather is bitter here... I also went to a right outside the city, suburb hs... a large hs...

I dont like wearing labels... i go for how things look on me. I wear what I want, and half the time its PJs to class. My sorority dosent really care... we all do it... i love Jeans and cute shirts... and my payless shoes! Plus I shop at kohls for my employee discount!


With walmart clothes, theyre not expensive, so if i only wear it once or twice, I dont feel bad...


just my opinion!
<3

[UMgirl]

Meijer is a midwest chain. Although I have to admitt i loved shopping there when I went to UMich. Especially the check-out yourself lanes.

[Peaches-n-Cream]

I went to Macy's last week and bought two pairs of Calvin Klein pants and one pair of Tommy pants for $60. It was an excellent sale. :D

[DGPhoney]

Originally posted by KillarneyRose


No, I've never tried that one! I've pretty much avoided WalMart in favor of Target. So much cleaner (the store AND the people!) lol

Hey, we should meet up at Arundel Mills after the holiday rush. I've heard good things about the Saks outlet there (i.e. some good, cheap stuff) :)
Anne Arundel Mills is actually pretty good, like it's all outlets but then there not really "Name" outlets. like the Old Navy one is there and Parfume and some other little cute stores. I haven't been there in awhile. Last time I went was the first day it opened last Holiday and it was crazzzzzy there.Being the Holiday and the Grand Opening. The Tommy H outlet is great :D I brought some Tommy Jeans there awhile back for only $25bucks and thats definetly awesome for Tommy H, ya know :)
Ya killarneyrose, just drop me a line, always like going shopping :D
DGPhoney~

[pbpck]

Originally posted by justamom

Here's a tip from my old Steak And Ale days. Expensive or cheap-there is NO difference in Vodka. Many like to profess there is but... So, next time you have a party will you buy the most expensive? Saving money isn't being "cheap" it's actually very smart.

Ummm...Popov and Sky Vodka? You can't tell the difference? That's like not having a preference between McDonald's and In N Out. Or the difference between an OE 40 and a long neck bottle of Budweiser.

[xok85xo]

I have to agree, I can definately tell the difference between good vodka and not good..good vodka is smoother, bad vodka tastes like rubbing alcohol..

[pbpck]

Originally posted by xok85xo
I have to agree, I can definately tell the difference between good vodka and not good..good vodka is smoother, bad vodka tastes like rubbing alcohol..
exactly!:)

[justamom]

Good Vodka-Hey, I've never drunk something that costs less than
a bottle of pop, and the restaurant didn't serve that cheap a brand. So, I will retract my generalization (especially if you are talking about a Vodka Martini) but hold my overall opinion that MOST taste alike.Does that make everyone feel better? Other than a martini, unless you're a street person drinking from a brown bag,in which case what would it matter anyhow, you usually MIX it with something. On the other hand, if you choose to "nick-nick" Jim Beam as compared to Jack Daniels or Crown, then you will pay a much higher price than the cost of the bottle.

[ErikaXO]

Hey, perhaps you Baltimore area gals are familiar with Tisen's, or Tyson's or however you spell it!? I went there when I visited my best friend in DC a month or so ago and I thought I had died and gone straight to heaven!!!!!!!!!!

[ZTAngel]

I can tell the difference between good vodka and bad vodka by the way I feel the next morning. Good vodka- a little tired but that's it. Bad vodka- UGH!....I get ALL the symptoms of being hungover

[justamom]

What is OE 40 and "In N Out"? Or is THAT a loaded queston? Hmmm


Edit-Oh In N Out must be like a 7-11 or Quik Mart. Stil never heard of OE 40.

[ZTAngel]

OE is Old English. It is the cheapest and most vile beer out there.

[AlphaChiGirl]

In N Out is a Cali hamburger joint. They sell like 3 things, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries. It's really basic and really good.

Cheap vodka is baaaaaad. The fraternities here serve bad vodka, but I've become a bit of a liquor snob. If I want to drink rubbing alcohol, I'll go to the drug store. :rolleyes: I've become partial to Absolut and Skyy.

[Optimist Prime]

Originally posted by ZTAngel
OE is Old English. It is the cheapest and most vile beer out there.

OE is not beer. Its malt liqour. There is a difference. The 40 is for fourty ounces, the usually serving amount for malt liqour. Some people call malt liqor liquid crack.

[gammazetagrl]

I liked Forever 21, their clothes are so pretty and cheap, but for some reason, on me, almost all my forever 21 items have been damaged! and i take care of my clothes! like i bought this sheer black shirt with a fur collar and it said "hand wash cold" so i did that, but then when it dried (i hung it up to dry like it said too) the fur collar came out deformed and all crumpled...and no matter how hard i tried to flatten out or straighten it, it wont come back to its original shape. i wanted to iron it but my roomie said that would burn the fur....so i stopped shopping there (even though i still see friends that do and have their stuff be in good condition! ugh).

i like brand name merchandise, but i hate paying full price for it. that's why i shop the sale racks at nordstrom (BP is my fave department :) ), marshall fields and carsons. my size (2) is always on there, hehe. i also like shopping the guess outlet and victoria's secret online, because they have stuff on sale that stores don't have. and the vicky's secret site also has not just lingerie on sale, but cute tops and pants too.

and for makeup...i would buy items from clinique or estee lauder, but only at a time when they offer those "free gift" thingies!

[azalee]

I adore this thread ! So cool !

[AchtungBaby80]

Originally posted by dzsweetiee
Yes, but I'd rather have a warranty on my Tiffany bracelet than some fall apart version that I replace 10 times! I see nothing wrong with a bargain, but there is a quality difference in a genuine Kate Spade and a "fell off the truck" one! Not to mention the service http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

Well...as for the Tiffany bracelet, silver is silver. Mine is a fake, but it has held up well even after all the abuse I've put it through AND if I lost it, I wouldn't be hurting too much, you know?

And while I know it's nice to have a REAL bag or whatever, the fakes are often just as good in quality as the top-name ones. You just have to look closely at what you're buying. It's true--take it from a fashion major! :p

[dzsaigirl]

Just a tip:

If you ever get an article of clothing with the faux fur action going on around the neckline and you plan on handwashing instead of taking it to the dry cleaner, you need to dry the fur part with a hair dryer so that it will fluff back up or else it will look like a wet kitty cat!

[AOPiTerp]

Another tip:
Always save receipts, stores like Express and Abercrombie will refund the difference if an item you bought goes on sale within two weeks to a month of when you purchased it and you still have the receipt. For example, I saw a sweater at Abercrombie that was originally $150. A month later, it was $100, so I bought it. When I went back 2 weeks later, it was $70. Since I had the receipt, I got $30 back, and was able to buy something else. I hope this helps.
Also, I've seen professional women dressed impeccably buying knock off bags on the street in DuPont Circle. You can look like a million bucks without spending that much.

[lovelyivy84]

I never buy the bags off of the street- EVERYONE has them so I don't wnat it.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Marshall's! I always find nice stuff for so much less. I got a $350 CK long coat there for $150 last year. I think I skipped all the way home, lol. FOr anyone in the NYC area though, if you want to shop for professional clothing then Lord & Taylor's in Scarsdale is a must! They have the most amaaaaaazing sales and the people there are really awesome.

I am not big into jewelry, I have a couple of high quality pieces that I always wear.

And I have to admit I have never even seen this Tiffany bracelet that everyone is talking about.

My one thing of course is colors. I, like most of my Sorors and Sister Sorors did the neo thing when I crossed and I came out of it with an obscene amount of pink and green in my closet, lol. I swear, for like a full year I felt nervous buying anything red, lol.

[twinstars]

I don't know about the whole "knock-off" thing. Doesn't it seem like someone who owned a real Kate Spade (or whatever brand) or a real Tiffany heart bracelet would be able to tell that yours is a fake? It just seems kind of tacky to be that obsessed with brand names you can't really afford... like you're trying too hard. Why not just buy something of good quality that you can afford?

[AllyCat728]

I am all about sales. I usually get really lucky in stores like the Gap, AE, Express, Old Navy etc- I'm really petite so my size is always left. Pittsburghers here will be familiar with Kaufmann's, wher you NEVER pay full price for anything and always shop with your newspaper coupons :)

My big splurges tend to be accessories- particularly purses and jewelry. Though I get lucky with that stuff, too. I recently snagged a Kate Spade claire in a liquidation sale for $80. Last summer, I got a cute coach bag at an Off Fifth for $70. I like to say I get blessed by the shopping gods :)

[Glitter650]

Ladies Ladies Ladies ...The necessities thread WHAT IS UP????!!! Did we learn nothing from doing philanthropy ?? WE are soo lucky to be able to be able to attend college. Many people can't pay for it. AND to be able to afford dues to belong to wonderful organizations that do so much for us. I think the only sorority girl necessities should be a love for your organization and a smile for anyone you see on campus who needs it. My soror isn't very "image" conscious, we all like to look nice, but we don't have to flaunt designer clothes all the time or anything like that. We have a soror. on campus like that and I declined their bid becuase of it.

[Peaches-n-Cream]

I think this thread is a way to see what trends are popular at different schools around the country.

[TrojanGirl]

I agree with you, Glitter. I accepted a bid from Pi Phi because of who they were and the fact that I didn't have to fit some sort of fashion mold. I am not a traditional soroity girl by any means. I work a lot and am only able to afford school because of that and working my butt off to keep a scholarship. You want to know what MY needs are?

My Cell Phone - a little expensive, but worth it for safety
Good Lip gloss
a sturdy backpack (my history book weighs about 10 pounds!)
a good supply of clips and hairbands
and most important :
a great attitude!:D

TG

[texas*princess]

Originally posted by Glitter650
Ladies Ladies Ladies ...The necessities thread WHAT IS UP????!!! Did we learn nothing from doing philanthropy ?? WE are soo lucky to be able to be able to attend college. Many people can't pay for it. AND to be able to afford dues to belong to wonderful organizations that do so much for us. I think the only sorority girl necessities should be a love for your organization and a smile for anyone you see on campus who needs it. My soror isn't very "image" conscious, we all like to look nice, but we don't have to flaunt designer clothes all the time or anything like that. We have a soror. on campus like that and I declined their bid becuase of it.

Beautiful statement.

[leilanimoon]

i think it would be interesting to start a thread on the different styles of dress(sorority or otherwise, for the different parts of the US . I can say, however, that most people on my campus at UCSB tend to be VERY trendy, although as far as sororities, you can generally (and im not trying to stereotype so much as differentiate) detect a sorority girl on my campus by the year round, impeccably manicured feet, usually french tip and probably with decals, etc; a tiffanys or bebe chain necklace, and a charm bracelet...thats as far as accessories go..as far as labels, there is a lot of Coach, Gucci, Abercrombie, Bebe, Kate Spade, and Dior. But, UCSanta Barbara is comprised of middle to upper middle class students who have the means to project this certain "image".. I find it fascinating, as I, too, am a lover of fashion but it is crazy now when I compare SB fashion to my old hometown in Lancaster where Express and Rave are more the norm for college age women.

[valkyrie]

Originally posted by leilanimoon
i think it would be interesting to start a thread on the different styles of dress(sorority or otherwise, for the different parts of the US .

You're right, that would be very interesting! I love hearing about what people in different places are wearing, and I am really fascinated by fashion in the south, because it's so different from here. Cool!