So I am a label snob. Not intentionally....I just find that I like things more or they fit better or they last longer when I buy something name brand.

Nine times out of ten I am GAP girl before I am a Prada girl, but I have been watching the Saks clearance page for ages trying to find that perfect pair of Dolce & Gabbana pants.

Where do ya'll shop online to get your favorite things at a price that doesn't cause your bank account to commit suicide?

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2001

Answers

What prompted my asking was two things:

1) the email I got this morning from Price Control advertising that all of their Kate Spade, Fendi, Gucci, Burberry, etc. bags were on sale.

2) the catalog I received in the mail last night from Diamond.com that included an advertisement for World of Watches that had my $450.00 Gucci watch on sale for $351.00.

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2001

What about bluefly? I have found many pretty purchases there.

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2001

OT, Chadwicks of Boston called me at work today. This pisses me off for a multitude of reasons, but the main two are that:

1. I have never ordered from Chadwicks of Boston. Anything.

2. They left a long sales spiel on my work voice mail. A recording.

Big hate. They will never see a penny of my money.

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2001

Good thing, Robyn, cos their clothes are ugly, too.

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2001

And cheap. I learned from experience. Never will I order from them again.

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2001

Not exactly "designer" shopping, but you can find big name labels at places like Marshall's and TJ Maxx. (I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here.)

I rarely buy clothes there, but they're great for linens and bags.

Also, don't forget resale. A friend found a great pair of Gucci jeans at a resale store.

-- Anonymous, November 09, 2001

TJMax is good for shoes, too.

I'm going to tell you all a secret now: every year, my mother and I go to Marshalls and buy a few pieces of Mikasa crystal, wrap them up, and keep them around as spare gifts. You never know who's going to give you something, and crystal candle holders or vases are pretty near always appropriate.

-- Anonymous, November 09, 2001

I am a mother of three girls, the oldest being 17. Need I say more about being an expert shopper? The younger ones and I can still get away with shopping at Marshall's and TJ Maxx and neither of those can be beat for designer shoes and handbags...oh and pajamas - do not buy your PJ's anywhere else! (also, for you fellow Yankees, Burlington Coat Factory has amazing deals on designer bags, hosiery and Sheets).

Now being a 17 year old, clothes-horse, high school senior, with incredibly expensive (and good, thanks to her mother - ME) taste, is a whole other story. Basics at Target (great underwear, bras, socks,etc). All those "racks in the back" of Abercrombie, Banana Republic, Gap, Wet Seal (junk clothes, but THE BEST white tee shirt ever!), Tommy, and the rest of those you-have-to-be-17-and-a-size-five-to-shop-here-stores are incredible places to find tons of awesome stuff for really cheap. Spend a bit more on good shoes, jeans, khakis, a great pair of black slacks, and skirt.

She still loves to shop with me because I can squeeze a whole season's worth of clothes out of the hundred bucks it took her two weeks to earn at her job.

And me, because I'm OLD, Love, Love, Love, Ann Taylor Clearance racks for work clothes and "special" occasion stuff. They have the most amazing sales and always have in-season clothes on sale.

Geez, a bit wordy. think I like to shop much?

-- Anonymous, November 09, 2001

Wow, barb! Lot's of great information there. I had no idea TJMaxx was good for that stuff. And since I'm OLD too, (!) the Ann Taylor information is helpful. I've been shopping Coldwater Creek catalogs, but they're pricey. There's finally a Coldwater Creek store opening nearby, I'm hoping they have a clearance section. Oh yeah, their website has an outlet section.

-- Anonymous, November 09, 2001

We FINALLY have a Neiman's Last Call in Atlanta. PRAISES!!!

I don't find too many bargains online (although, my sister has had good luck with kate spade and Vera Bradley - she's a Chi O - on ebay). BUT. If you are lucky enough to have a Loehmann's, stake it out every so often. I have found much Nicole Miller and Shelli Segal goodness by keeping tabs on their back room.

-- Anonymous, November 09, 2001

T - Be careful in Neiman's Last Call...lots of junk there, though I did get an Armani Suit for $209!! Marked over $1,000...It's amazing. Lucky me that my sister-in-law owns a really cool shop and gives me Vera Bradley for every occasion.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001

This is not re: online shopping, per se, but:

I can't believe noone has mentioned the Mart of Stein. They have TJMaxx, Marshall's, all those types, just beat to hell and back. I'd rather go to Stein Mart than our Neiman's Last Call here, which sucks inventory-wise and is about 25 minutes away.

Back in the olden days, the third floor of the Neiman's at Town & Country in Houston had later-season stuff. It was the clearinghouse for all the stores in the country - where they sent everything for proper inventory and marking before sending it out to Last Calls and Stein Marts, etc. Everything was at least 50% off. It was the secret guilty pleasure of every woman in the county.

Now, I think it's become a regular Last Call, and not the Narnia of shopping that it once was. Sigh.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001

The Mart of Stein is mighty fine.

It is a particular obsession of JoLo's.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001

as hannah, t and i found out, if you're in search of burberry (and quite frankly, who isn't), then look no further than spain.

yeah, sure airfare is super pricey, vacation time is limited these days... but if you are in europe, or are planning a trip to europe, be sure to drop in on le corte englias. there were several in madrid and barcelona, and i remember seeing one in paris when i was there a few years ago. honestly, the burberry there was so cheap i wish i'd bought more. and i bought quite a bit...

i'm not sure how other brand names priced out at le corte englais, or how the euro will affect any of it, but check it out. and let me know if you're going so i can give you my burberry wish list...

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001

Call me clueless, but what is Burberry and why do ya'll love it so? I seem to be missing out on a good thing here.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001

Melissa! Damn, girl. It's the loveliest of lovely plaid scarves, clothing, bags, everything.

Burberry.com, is all I have to say.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001

Ah, Burberry!

Have ya'll seen the Burberry Barbie? I am not so much about Barbie's, but her outfit! I'd give up a lot for that Burberry skirt, overcoat, scarf & bag in my size!

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

quote:but if you are in europe, or are planning a trip to europe, be sure to drop in on le corte englias. there were several in madrid and barcelona, and i remember seeing one in paris when i was there a few years ago. honestly, the burberry there was so cheap i wish i'd bought more. and i bought quite a bit...

So, is there any way to order online and have it shipped over and still have it be cost-effective? Does anyone have any contacts in Spain (or elsewhere) that could ship to us? I have a friend in France and one in Italy, but have never thought to ask them.

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

my most prized burberry possession is my burberry purse. but i'd give my car up for a burberry bikini. not that my car is worth too much, but hey...

i've searched online (and i mean searched - i spent about half a day online at work and am amazed that my boss didn't catch me) for a le corte englias website and couldn't find one. since my spanish is pretty bad (i can say fuego, though, which i found to be quite helpful when in spain and lacking a lighter) it was hard to do any real searching on yahoo spain. if you know spanish, you might have more luck than i had.

if you have friends abroad, i'd ask them to try to hook you up. i think that le corte englais is only in major cities... but i could be wrong. and i'd assume that burberry is pretty pricey in england.

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

Sorry if this is OT, but what places do people use to buy CDs online? The store I used to use has gone under.

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

WG - if I don't care if the CD is brand-new, and don't care about waiting two weeks, I buy it off eBay.

Otherwise, I either buy it directly off the artist's site, or from Wate rloo Records (they are a non-chain store, which I like, and have the most comprehensive selection I've ever seen).

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

PG, is it complete coincidence that their welcome page prominently displays a certain singer-songwriter with the initials R.E.K.?

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

Um, no. Really.

Hee. They carry a very big selection of Texas-based music, and the new REK album is one of their top-sellers this week, so I guess they are just promoting.

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

I can't believe it took me so long to find GirlShop. Go there now. Soooo much cool stuff.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

Hannah Beth, you're going to pay for that one.

I don't need and cannot afford a black Cynthia Rowley party dress. Not even at more than a hundred dollars off. Now I'm going to go pout.

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2002

Hate Girlshop! I know, it's the cutest concept evah, but, basically this girl that I went to college with (and utterly despise because she's a wannabe who ganks everyone else's style, and speak, and small business concepts too -- not that I'm bitter at all, folks) features them as a hot style tip link on her website. She totally poached their conversation girl-talk site design for her own, and I can't even see that naked girl with the purse without thinking of her.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2002

I have seen that there are many people exited about Burrberry Clothing and "el corte ingles". El corte ingles is a department store found around all spain in the largest cities. You can't not only find Burberry, but Ralph Lauren, Armani Jeans, Armani le colezionii, versace classic, etc...... And for you girls.. the're also Escada, chanel, and so on.... Buying during sales is a real bargain (they start the 10 january and finish the 28 from February) - in february there are discounts over 50%!!!!!!!!!! in almost every brand. There are also sales on august- september (just before the winter season).

I must also say that Burberry is so chip at spain, in general, because there is a big Factory in Barcelona!! That's why....

El Corte ingles does also have a webpage, but it doesn't offer any clothes for online-shoping. I f you're planning a vacation to spain.... there are corte ingles in Madrid, and barcelona, but also in Las palmas Gran Canaria (where i live), Tenerife, Valencia, murcia........ and in many other cities. Just chack at www. elcorteingles.es Juan.

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2002

Cough, cough!

Scroll down - 25% off all Prada at Bluefly.

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2002

Juan! Hannah Beth and I hit the El Corte Ingles in Madrid (and the one in Barcelona) a year ago - where can we find the Burberry page on the El Corte Ingles website??

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2002

Who wants a Jamin Puech bag like I do? Nobody. Can't find them for sale online. Will I actually need to go to NYC for one? Not that I find that unreasonable, no sir.

-- Anonymous, March 05, 2002

Just to let everyone know that Esprit is having its death-throes sale.

-- Anonymous, March 15, 2002

I was living in Madrid, Spain in the beginning of this year and I think El Corte Ingles SUCKS!!! As far as Burberry being cheap there...? You DO NOT see people walking around with Burberry, Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabanna! If you do, they're of Asian decent. The clothes aren't very cheap there, it's relatively the same! The only difference is that they pay what seems to be drastically less because they don't have to pay import/export taxes, etc. Let me break it down! This is for someone who purpose is to do some personal shopping. If you are buying in bulk for a business, this doesn't apply. Cost of Prada shoes in Spain: $200+ Cost of flight to Spain: $1300+ (can be cheaper for students and b/c of 9-11) Cost of lodging: $50+ a night Cost of food: $? (the same as you pay here) Cost of transportation: $5 a day (if you take the train) Cost of passport: $65

Not including food and staying only one day: That a ROUGH (not in your favor) estimate of $1,620.00+

You may as well pay the $400 or $500 here in the U.S.

-- Anonymous, May 31, 2002

Damn, I shoulda gotten that ticket to Spain as fully-refundable.

-- Anonymous, May 31, 2002

Does anyone know of a shop in San Sebastian, Spain with deals on Prada?

-- Anonymous, June 03, 2002

Hey everyone! I am such the label snob and I am desperately wanting a REAL kate spade bag for cheap. Anything really, I just need one. I have 2 fake-o's from ebay, a sam and a pia, but I have to have the real thing. I have sat all evening searching and searching for good stuff, but if anyone has a very helpful website or link or ANYTHING, I'd be more than happy to listen to ya. I have been lately obsessed with Sex and the City and being a midwest girl, I don't get any good styles until the style is out of fashion. So, if anyone can help me out I would greatly appreciate it! Have a wonderful day!

-- Anonymous, June 03, 2002

Hi can you help me. How do you tell the real Burberry handbag from the fake ones.

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2002

I am going to Barcelona and Madrid (and Milan) for two weeks and will be bringing a lot of designer stuff back with me.....so stay tuned!! If there are any special requests, email me at mereillen@hotmail.com. - Mereille

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2002

I don't know if this is helpful but I buy quite a few of my designer stuff from ebay. I live in Australia, and most of the designer items I want are located overseas (sorry to say this, but Australia isn't precisely the fashion capital of the world! Most people I know don't even know what's Fendi, Burberry or Tiffany & Co.!) Thus I spend days researching online & on ebay before I decide on a reputable seller, and item, then I watch it and bid on it, and win it. (Nothing beats a good fast link!). Here are a few tips on buying designer goods on ebay:

BUYING AUTHENTIC DESIGNER GOODS ON EBAY: 1) Ask the seller lots of questions before you buy *anything* from them. Ask them if they're willing to tell a little white lie on the custom forms - marking the purchase as gift, and declaring a lower amount than what you paid. (Else customs are gonna make you pay heaps extra $$$$$$$$$ - which is equivalent to not worth it!!!!!) If the seller is helpful etc. You know you're going to get great service throughout. If the seller is unresponsive.. I usually steer clear, unless they have real great stuff! 2) Check the seller's feedback. Read ALL the negatives..you'll soon be able to see what faults the seller has. If it's overpriced delivery charges, I can live with that.. but if it's buyers giving NEGATIVE feedback about fake products and trying to pass off as real... STEER CLEAR!!! 3) Beware of sellers from Hong Kong, Asia - hope I'm not hurting anyone's feelings here, but I've purchased supposedly 'authentic' designer goods from them..and EVERYTIME..been burnt! And the price isn't all that cheap either! Guess fakes are in abundance there.. :( 4) Research on ebay the usual price of the product. Decide the maximum you're willing to pay.. if the auction goes over there.. There's always another one. Wait. Don't get emotional bidding and end up paying more than twice what you were willing to pay in the first place. (I'm speaking from experience here :( ) 5) Always ask for insurance/tracking for all your purchases. That way, you'll know that you *will* receive your purchase, even if you live on the other side of the planet :) Things do get lost in the mail unfortunately, better to pay the 'extra' to get that extra assurance.. It can be cheaper in the long run. 6) If you have your heart set on this particular model/brand.. do some research online and see whether it's a REAL model/brand. Check as many pictures as you can. If you can't find it anywhere else.. I would advise caution...If the seller says "It's a Vintage, BRAND NEW WITH TAG" I would also be careful. Vintages are always in Used condition! Unless of course, they made some fake ones that look like the vintages! 7) I remember reading here somewhere someone asking how to tell Real from fake Burberry. Well, I did abit of research on this, and I can tell you this - there is a Burberry Blue Label that is from Japan. It is *not* the ORIGINAL burberry. It's a company in Japan that is allowed to use the label, and do whatever they want. Styles etc. will be different from Burberry of London. They're legitimate, but the quality is not as good, in my humble opinion. But of course, they're cheaper, soo..if you are willing to sacrifice quality for something that's cheaper, then yeah..go ahead. They're legitimate.. NOT fakes/knockoffs, as some people may put it. Just view them as a 'different label' I guess :)

Hope this helps! Cheers..

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2002