Hi Guys!
In order to curate more focused content, I like to check in from time to time to get an idea of your spending habits and what you consider a splurge or a steal!
Today I thought I’d ask a few questions, just for fun, to see how much you shop it up. If you have a few extra minutes, please humor me;)
Thanks for your answers;)
If you have anything to add, please leave it in the comments. Also let me know your favorite places to shop!
Smootches!
I probably spend less than 200 per month on clothes/shoes/etc. but since I am all about the deals, the clothes “cost” more. And, speaking of deals, Claire can you get DemesticksNewYork to hook your readers up with a discount by way of an etsy promocode? I’ve been eyeing a couple of his pieces and would not have known about him if it were not for you and FBD. And if not, that’s okay.
I probably spend 400-500 dollars a month including makeup (makeup junkie here).I work near a TJ Maxx and Marshalls in an upscale neighborhood that tends to carry designer/high end items (gucci, prada, YSL, tory burch, jimmy choo and ocassionally i see Celine).. So this makes a dent in my pockets. I usually make one or two large purchases a year, designer shoe or handbag but I generally stalk discount sites to get the best deal before taking the plunge on those items.
No matter the store/site, I ALWAYS go to/click on the sale section. *Nene BLOOP*
This is such a great post! I am always looking for new places to get high quality clothing and accessories but not always having to pay full price. My favorite places to shop are:
Shopbop
Rachel Roy
Laquan Smith
Net-A-Porter
The Outnet
Nordstrom
Saks Fifth Avenue
Bergdorf Goodman
Neiman Marcus
M.A.C. Cosmetics
Sephora
But I still started from the bottom!!!
I like places like Marshals
@LOL I just spoke to the designer. He said starting tomorrow he can offer 10% off orders of $100 or more with a code. I’ll make a proper announcement tomorrow! C
Claire you are gold. I can’t believe you really got us that discount! You love us! And we love you back!
Also, I see that we have a lot of frugal people on here based on these results. Lots of smart shoppers! Kudos to the fashion bombers!
Blessings
Zara, Nordstrom, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, consigment shops.
I’m also digging a lot of boutique shops I’m seeing on instagram. No the ones that sell the flea market clothes, but the awesome jewelry. Glamorous Plain Jane, Leslie Arnelle, Adorned Jewels places like that.
My favorite places to shop now that I’ve relocated to Austin, TX from the wonderful shopping city of Chicago…
H&M
ASOS
Nordstrom & TopShop in Nordstrom
Macy’s Shoe Clearance Rack
Target Capsule Collections
Basics from Forever21
NastyGal for clubwear
I need some more online options, so I’ll be stalking these comments. lol
I love a deal/sale! My fav shop’s are…
ASOS
H&M
Bloomingdale’s
Zara
Express
Nordstrom
Aldo
Nine West
Lulu’s
Nasy gal
New York & Co
Macys
Zara
H&M
JcPenny
DSW
Shoe Dazzle
Just Fab
Aldo
Thrift Stores
Online vintage stores
Yes I am a young woman who is still in Grad school. I haven’t reached the place where I can comfortably buy Louboutins or Giuseppes. I am a coupon stacker I got a pair of BCBG pumps for like $30 buy stacking coupons. Aldo made a mistake on their email so I called them and of course they had to honor me :0).
I Love a deal! Fav places are:
Zara
Nordy’s
H&M
Nasty Gal
While I have a monthly budget I like to stay in ($250) I always shop sales and look for discount codes wherever possible.
I am working hard to focus on not buying so much fast fashion and really thinking about my purchases. So far in 2014 I have spent exactly $0 on clothes/shoes/accessories and I have another week left in my shopping ban. Trying to focus on my long term goals and kill that urge to shop every single week. Hopefully by the end of the year I will have enough money saved to make my dream purchase, a vintage Chanel Jumbo.
But back on topic, I tend to save for my big purchases (bags) and buy my shoes off season (Saks has great shoe sales). Some of my favorite stores are ASOS, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, H&M and Saks. I used to love Zara before everyone in DC started wearing it.
Ted Baker.com
outnet.com
nordstrom
shopbob
zara
Saks
after 6
After seeing that I spent 4x my budget in 2013 shopping mindlessly, I made a budget this year. I try to stick to $250/mo and I always shop sales and look for discount codes wherever possible.
I am working hard to focus on not buying so much fast fashion and really thinking about my purchases. So far in 2014 I have spent exactly $0 on clothes/shoes/accessories and I have another week left in my shopping ban. Trying to focus on my long term goals and kill that urge to shop every single week. Hopefully by the end of the year I will have enough money saved to make my dream purchase, a vintage Chanel Jumbo.
But back on topic, I tend to save for my big purchases (bags) and buy my shoes off season (Saks has great shoe sales). Some of my favorite stores are ASOS, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, H&M and Saks. I used to love Zara before everyone in DC started wearing it.
Hi Claire,
I want to see your list since
you have such great taste:)
My favorite place to shop? http://shoplioness.com/ !
@Erica Ok!
My absolute favorite place to shop is Net-a-Porter! Just because of the range of items and the super quick delivery + stellar customer service. I also love sister site The Outnet. You can find great sales on either.
The rest of the best, in no particular order:
Shopbop
Topshop
Saks Off Fifth
Bergforf Goodman
Intermix
Ebay (you’d be surprised what you can find)
Zara
xx
Saks and JCPenny I love love, I love Ronson. for some reason I keep checking her collection
I’ve actually spent between $1000-2000 on classic pieces (though that range was not an option). However, I feel that anything over that amount is just ridiculous personally, because style evolves and my personal taste definitely changes. More often than not, when you spend too much money on something, soon after YOU’RE the only one that thinks the item is SO AMAZING (due to your investment), while others have moved on!!
Zara
Target
H&M
ASOS
Macy’s
JC Penny’s
Fab’rik
Marshall’s
TJ Maxx (I’m a Maxxonista)
Ross
I shop maybe at the most twice a month unless I need a specific outfit for an event. I personally don’t like spending more than $20 on a single item of clothing so I shop end of season sales at stores like Zara and go to clearance racks in other stores. Anything $50-$120 including shoes is a splurge to me. Although I know that is chump change to others. the only time I have spent $120+ on a single item is as a gift for my bf or mother.
@Jeda xoxo I’m thinking I should have something like Lucky Shops where you get discounts on certain retailers. Werking on a few business moves. It’s hard to balance with everything else, but give me a few months.xoxo
I am going to second what LOL said being that my items also “cost” much more than I tend to pay. Sales, coupons and discounts are my best friends! I am more into quality items and styles I like moreso than just being all about names and labels. I will shop high end and low end until I get the mix I want.
I am just leaving an explanation because I don’t want The Fashion Bomb to start catering to cheapness because I answered less than $100!! LOL Actually, I think the site does a very good job offering selections and inspirations for everyone’s budget.
I love Ebay!!! I find something, then go look it up on ebay first to see whats the price range I can get it for, then proceed!
TJMaxx
Nordstroms—- LOVE THEM!!
Zara
H&M
And anywhere I see a good thing!
missguided
A few people mentioned what I am about to say but I’ll say it again. My clothing costs more than what I spend so my answers to the survey aren’t that accurate.
I shop TJMAXX, ShopBop, Neiman Marcus (Last Call), Nordstrom and the list goes on.
I also shop flash sales. I just got a pair of Olcays for $199 from HauteLook and a ton of cute jewelry by Amrita Singh from GILT, but they tend to be overpriced. (I recently found a TJMaxx near my job that carries high end designer jewelry so I’m done with GILT).
Work for Nordstrom so of course I spend a ridiculous amount ofmoneg there. Love that employee discount though. It allows me to vet amazing designer prices at great prices. Especially during designer clearance. Honestly though if I love it I will spend the money on a pair if shoes or a handbag.
I used to get myself in trouble by impulse shopping many years ago. I’m definitely a girly-girl, but this girly-girl had to “chillax” on the credit cards. So, I too like to find great bargains. Where I like to shop and the prices I’m willing to spend is kinda all over the place. My motto: If I see, like it and can handle the price, it’s mine. SMILES………
Macy’s
TJ Maxx
DSW
Nordstrom’s The Rack
Banana Republic
Dillards Outlet (hella crazy price cuts)
Saks
The Gap
Zappos
Consignment shops in my area
Ebay (from time to time)
Hi Claire,
I absolutely love your site and I’m an avid daily reader. However, I do think the content seems to lean towards high end, out of reach pieces that the majority of your readers cannot financially obtain, but rather look to as inspiration. Is this post an inclination that you will begin posting more content that is affordable attainable to the masses?
By the way, I love to shop these places:
Zara
H&M
Topshop
ASOS
Forever 21
Juicy Couture
Dillards
I agree with the majority. I love a good sale on quality clothes. These comments have been really helpful in my finding new places to shop. Thanks FBD! I’m really into knitwear right now (since it’s so cold!). Can anyone recommend a place to get good quality sweaters (i.e. they keep well, and are both stylish and comfortable) at discounted prices?
Does this mean there will be more post that are financially obtain able to the majority of your readers? Xoxo
Attainable*
@Joey because we write a lot about celebs and they tend to splurge, it will have zero effect upon those, unfortunately…but it is good insight for when we’re doing Style Inspirations and Bomb Products of the day. x
Bargain shopper because I am a PROUD HOME OWNER.
Fav places to shop:
JCP- SERIOUSLY
Sears
Ebay- the Chinese merchants have all the “trends” much cheaper than Zara H&M & Forever 21, J Crew and Banana Republic
I shop the clearance sales online for : Ann Taylor for my work wear.
I spent a couple of years on WallStreet so my shoe, bags, suits, and coats are all investments pieces. I will however get basics from Zara, and Tagert designer collection.
Loehmanns, and Daffys were my go to places for designer on a budget before they both closed. Century 21… Wallstreet location, and Barney’s Warehouse sales are great as well. If I like a designer my rule of thumb is to shop their second collection: ie There’s Michael Kors, then there’s Michael Michael Kors.. Which is cheaper by a few hundreds. I scope out net-a-porter so I can price and budget investment pieces I want. I do not invest in party/ wedding/ social event dresses… I use rent the runway… FB has officially killed a repeat dress.
Hope this helps Claire. Keep up the good work.
I love designer labels like everyone else, but I am also a “Frugal Fashionista”. I live by the Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall so I shop at the Nieman’s (Last Call), Sak’s (Off Fifth) and The Lord & Taylor Outlet which has the best deals. Just this past weekend I picked up a Catherine Malandrino dress that ws $295 for $12.99 and a Z Spoke by Zac Posen dress that was $180.00 marked down to $6.99 and 2 DKNY silk ruffled skirts $335 and $225 marked down to $15.99 & $9.99 at the Lord and Taylor Outlet. I also shop samples. The best site to sign up to for all the samples sales is http://www.ny.racked.com. I went to the Monica Chiang sample sale yesterday and everything was 80% off. I picked up a pair of funky orange platform sandals that retailed for $450 and paid $65.00 and a envelope snakeskin embossed clutch in hot pink that was $385.00 for $50.00. I am a high/low shopper who likes to pay low prices for everything! LOL
I spent a couple of years on WallStreet so my shoe, bags, suits, and coats are all investments pieces. I will however get basics from Zara, and Tagert designer collection.
Loehmanns, and Daffys were my go to places for designer on a budget before they both closed. Century 21… Wallstreet location, and Barney’s Warehouse sales are great as well. If I like a designer my rule of thumb is to shop their second collection: ie There’s Micheal Kors, then there’s Micheal Micheal Kors.. Which is cheaper and you can find at Saks. I use net-a-porter to price investment pieces and budget. I no longer purchase social events dresses: wedding/ sweet16/ anything with a snail mail invite I use rent the runway as Facebook has killed a repeat outfit.
Vintage/thrift stores
Flea Markets
Zaraa
TJ Maxx
Nordstrom Rack
Outlet malls
My shopping money is spent more on shoes than clothes.
Claire, can you PLEASE do a post on shoes. I have big feet (::closes eyes:: size 12) and would like to know where to go to buy nice (not ugly and chunky shoes) heels. I already spend a lot on my shoes because of my size and wouldn’t mind spending more.
I don’t shop often, however, when I do I manage to spend a considerable amount of money. The clothes and accessories I purchase are always high quality regardless of the price. I tend to shop at the following places:
Barneys New York
Neiman Marcus
Bergdorf Goodman
Nordstrom
Anthropologie
Bloomingdale’s
Boutiques
JC Pennys
mom and pop shops
These have been some helpful comments and I like this discussion because 1. I realize I’m not the only one that loves to shop and do so regularly 2. finding out shopping on a budget is a realistic goal to have… LOL….
Anyhow, I don’t discriminate when it comes to my shopping. I shop anywhere where I can find reasonably priced clothes and a few splurges now and then at Shopbop or Net-a-Porter. Yes, these are splurges for me.
I just want to add that Ebates is the bomb and Retailmenot. There are an online shoppers dream!!! I always check these sites for coupon codes, promotion, sales and etc…
A few stores that I didn’t see mentioned are:
J Crew Factory
Mango
Dorthy Perkins
Choies
Madewell
DSW
The Limited (work)
French Connection (sales only)
MyHabit
HauteLook
I visit these sites regularly…
Def shows that the items you put on the site are over priced for the majority of your viewers. I do however care to dream alongside them and enjoy the site so continue you your splurges +$1000 and steals -$100! ;)
Core Wardrobe Stores:
Jcrew
Banana Republic
Ann Taylor
Nordstroms
EBay
I add trendier pieces from the following stores:
Zara
Asos
Forever 21
ShopBop
Quality is a big deal to me, and I’m willing to pay for pieces that will last me years to come, and flatter my shape.
I spend anywhere between $200-$300 a month. That includes clothing, makeup, and hygiene/beauty products. I shop at Century 21, t.j. maxx, marshalls, thrift stores and I shop the sale sections on Shopbop. I refuse to pay full price!
I shop daily. The places I frequent most often are Zara, H &M, Solestruck, Karmaloop, Thrifttown, Goodwill, Shopbop, Gojane, ShopAkira, Urban Outfitters, Dnafootwear, Hautelook, Nordstrom flagship as well as The Rack and Macy’s every month or so. I’m a huge fan of vintage and thrift shops, so I get a good amount of clothes from those places. However, I would say that I spend the largest amounts on my shoes. I shoe shop every week and mostly online. I’m not going to disclose the amount but I will say that my shoe purchases amounts can cover bills.
Claire,
Can you do a piece on clothing for petite women or body types in general. I am 4’10 and 120 lbs. My sleeves are always too long, and I constantly have to cuff my jeans. I want to wear my clothes and not have my clothes wear me.
I just wanted to reiterate what a tremendous resource Ebay can be, since I see so few few of you use it. I own about 20 pairs of JBrand jeans, which start upwards of $130 per pair, yet I’ve only paid full price 2 or 3 must have pairs. The rest were all purchased on Ebay, NWT (new with tags) for less than $100. I own several Kate Spade dresses, which retail for $400+, but got them all on Ebay brand new for about half that. Same with my DVF wrap dresses, and Tibi skirts. Invaluable Resource ladies.
*Oh and to Cyndi, you need to find a good tailor or learn to sew because you definitely need alterations. Nothing will fit you well off the rack. It’s not you, it’s the clothes.
While I am blessed to make a very good salary, I am frugal and HATE to pay full price for anything (although I will pay when I have to/need to). I personally get a kick out of a bargin; but quality is important as well. So while my beloved Loehmann’s has closed, I tend to shop online alot at the flash sale sites. I am really not a fan of the Mall, but love Marshall’s/TJ MAXX/etc.. escpecially for my workout clothes. Century 21 of course and I love Woodbury Commons and all other outlet malls. I suspect I am bit older than your average reader but still love fashion. Keep up the great work!
Because of my school schedule I simply don’t have time to shop as much as I used to. However I still seem to spend a minimum of $400/on average. I like quality & would prefer to spend a little more to get what I want in a classic cut & good fabric that will last so there are months where I’ll spend more, followed by months of spending less. I will splurge a couple of times a year on a designer bag or shoe & that can around $2k. I’m also a makeup & beauty junkie (thank god I’m a cosmetologist & get product wholesale!) I like shop the following stores regularly:
Nordstrom
Neiman Marcus Last Call
Saks Off Fifth
Cache’
JC Penny
Salon Centric
Sephora
Ulta
Boston Proper
Zara
White House/Black Market
Michael Kors
BeBe
Louis Vuitton
I really enjoyed this post, I gained a lot of new information. Definitely will be checking out retailmenot because I’m very cheap lol No seriously I am and I’m in undergrad. Not sure if anyone has ever heard of Rue 21, but I shop there. I recently bought a super cute black leather peplum top from there for $10 you can’t beat that! To me that was a major steal! I’m a Targe'(Target) girl, I wanted to sound French lol I love me some JcPenny’s, Macy’s, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Wet Seal, Charlotte Russe, and thrift stores. Love Goodwill, and Value Village!!!
So funny to actually sit and think about this. Spending 200 here, 50 there really adds up! I’m probably at about 5k per month. In my defense I’m a fashion blogger. However, I have enough clothes to style without having to purchase anything new for at least 3 months. I truly know I’m addicted. It could be worse things to be addicted to though. I love Polyvore, The Outnet, Zara, ASOS, Neiman Marcus, Netaporter ect. I love waiting for the postal deliveries lol!
Hi Claire, I have a very eclectic style, so I thumb around in many places but find cute pieces at the Discovery Mills Outlet in Duluth, Ga where they have Half off Saks and Last Call Neiman Marcus. I also stop in Nordstrom Rack at Mall of Ga.
I frequent a lot of thrift and vintage stores up here in Gwinnett too that are pretty awesome and I’ve found some really great items even designer pieces! It depends on the item though that I like but I won’t go over $1,000 for really great luxury good. xoxo
Wow I never realized that I have a shopping problem lol. I spend close to 2k a month. But its so hard working in luxury retail with a employee discount. Everything looks so good. I do invest in quality classic pieces so I tend to spend more. But they last a long time.
40-50% spend $100 or less on shoes & handbags? no wonder i never agree w/ most of the commenters.
Great post! I am a high end designer girl and have gotten spoiled with the quality and attention to detail of those types of items BUT I rarely pay full price. I shop everywhere. I find high end discount retailers and eBay (if you are savvy) you can find some amazing deals and when your tired of them you can sell them back.
I calmed down on the shopping in September, cause i realized i need to start wearing the stuff that i have first. Then, i will continue again. I’ve been known to buy 13 shoes in a week, during seasonal sales.
Favorite Flagship Department stores:
Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman’s, Dillard’s
Favorite Fast Fashion discount stores:
Zara, Forever 21
Favorite Shoe Department:
Nordstrom
Favorite Fragrance Department:
Saks
Favorite Section within a Department store:
Cusp at Neiman Marcus
Favorite Clothing department at a one stop shop Superstore:
Target
Favorite small chain stores:
Ann Taylor/Loft, Anthropologie
Biggest fashion purchase:
YSL muse bag at $1200 discounted from $1700
Best amount of usage per dollar spent purchase:
Tory Burch flats
Favorite brands:
J Brand, AG jeans, Joie, Vince, DVF, BCBG
One of the questions could have included online shopping or the amount willing to pay for shipping, duties, handling etc. (I’m Canadian, all that matters)!
Also, another question could have been about vintage clothing (umm, like Shrimpton Couture not Salvation Army).
I live in Dallas, very near to a slew of outlets and Factory stores – The Shops at Allen. I LOVE it there. Such great deals. I love the Banana Republic factory store, Kenneth Cole outlet, Adidas Outlet. Zara, Target and H&M. I mostly shop for my 3-year old, mommy gets very little, but I like to go places where there’s availability for both of us, even if he’s the only one walking away with anything. He is an Osh Kosh, Zara and H&M bred little man. I agree with you on Ebay. For my fast fashion, I refuse to spend a lot of money so I frequent some great local Asian boutiques here (Frenzi boutique and Upscale for less. They have a host of awesome indie designers from the L.A. market like “jealous tomato” etc, and they don’t hurt your pockets. Everything is about $40 or less. But all very trendy, and a lot of it is actually well-made. Kind of a grown and sexier version of Forever 21. They are my saving grace for fashion and trends.
Most expensive item I’ve bought to date is my wedding dress I love shopping and fashion but I don’t think I could ever spend that much at once again… no buyers remorse though… F21, Nordstrom’s, BCBG, Loft and The Limited are my go to shops fro trendy pieces and classic staples and work pieces!
I’m surprised that most of your readers shop at bargain stores. Would’ve never thought. My favorite places to shop are shopbop, Bloomingdales(bags) ebay, use to go to Barney’s (balenciaga bags) love Zara and asos and of course net a porter. Keep it up Claire and oh was that a fashion bomb in the first pic? I love her boots…inquiring mind wants to know the brand. Thanks
Love this post!I never keep track of what I spend per month on clothes and stuff, but after this post I probably should. However, I probably spend less than 200 if I had to say. I love shopping at the thrift store, zara sales, h&m sales, any place that has sales.
Love this post!I never keep track of what I spend per month on clothes and stuff, but after this post I probably should. However, I probably spend like $200/month if I had to say. I love shopping at the thrift store, zara sales, h&m sales, any place that has sales.
When I was a kid, back when you could buy Gucci in Macy’s back when Macy’s was called Jordan Marsh, buying a designer item meant you got a quality item. Now buying a designer item means you are buying the name, only the quality of the item is no better and might even be of lesser quality than other brands. With that thought in mind I buy what I like regardless of the name. Since expensive stuff is poor quality and cheap stuff is poor quality, I feel like I should just shop at H&M and Forever 21 because at the end of the day I am getting the same or similar product.
I’m so late :-( But I’m clearly in the minority as a reader of this blog. I “read” it purely for inspiration as I thrift 90% of my clothes (and wear and resale them) This blog inspires my look for less outfits. Although I don’t skimp on quality. I thrift quality items, lots that are BNWT. I think the most I have paid for any single item were probably my raybans for $160
Thanks so much for this survey. I find that fashion blogs with more affordable fashions and really good steals online are AMAZING to find things. I can spend money on clothes, but would rather work with a budget. Love when I find people wearing nice and super affordable clothing online.
Very good post. I absolutely appreciate this site.
Keep writing!