Archive for March, 2008

Shopping Tips Another Preference Part 2

Discount stores sell at low prices

Discount stores sell some good quality merchandise at affordable prices and some lower quality merchandise at very low prices. If you are not looking for the latest fashions, or the famous brands, or the best quality, you can find some very inexpensive merchandise at a discount store. Some national discount chains with stores across the US are K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Target and Caldor. Read the rest of this entry »

Shopping Tips Another Preference

Many tourists look for bargains in the US

Many tourists visiting the USA on vacation enjoy shopping for bargains. American whiskey, fashion jeans, children’s clothing, plush bath towels and fine bed linens are all popular items for shoppers from other countries. You can find many bargains in the US if you know where to shop and how to take advantage of the competitive sales.

The big shopping malls are in the suburbs

There are still some departement store and downtown shopping areas in most US cities, but the big shopping malls and discount stores are usually located out in the suburban communities. Some of the major outlet centers are located in the countryside miles from the nearest major city. It is best to have an automobile if you want to do any serious bargain shopping. Read the rest of this entry »

Mind Your Manners: Dasha Zhukova snubs Italian fashion

Michele Obi on August 18, 2008

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Are you thinking Dasha who? If so, we’ll explain. She’s 26, one of the founders of the label Kova&T (loved by many a fashionista for its wet look leggings) oh and she’s also the girlfriend of super rich, Roman Abramovich.

Well it looks like Dasha has some explaining to do, the entrepreneur recently opened a boutique in Moscow under the name Kova&T and has been very clear that there will be no Italian fashion on sale. According to the Russian socialite,

“People sometimes want to wear just a T-shirt and a pair of jeans rather than buying the entire Gucci collection.”

If it was anyone else we have no doubt that such a comment would have gone un-noticed but as she’s Abramovich’s girlfriend, tact and diplomacy are in order. Read the rest of this entry »

Vintage Fashion Shopping Tips

Pointers for Purchasing Great Retro Clothes and Accessories.

Vintage clothes and accessories are a fun and inexpensive way to spice up your wardrobe. Keep these shopping tips in mind before buying cool retro vintage threads.

Vintage clothes and accessories can be a fun, inexpensive, and eco-friendly way to spice up your wardrobe. Even though vintage clothes and accessories tend to be made better than current fashions, some vintage clothes may be hard to alter, repair, or clean. Be sure to keep these tips in mind while shopping for those cool vintage threads.

Pass up Stained Clothes Many shoppers think that a stain on a vintage garment can just be removed with a stain removal stick or by dry cleaning. But, the previous owner probably tried to get rid of the stain before they sold or donated it. Avoid stained clothing and be sure to check the underarm area of vintage clothes for stains caused by perspiration.

Only Buy Clothes That Fit or Can be Altered Vintage clothes tend to run small and shoppers are sometimes drawn to clothes that do not fit. Be realistic about which clothes actually flatter your figure and do not fill your closet with clothes you may be able to wear one day if you just dropped 10 extra pounds. Alterations may be expensive and it is generally easier to take clothes in than it is to let them out.

Consider the Cost of Cleaning Cotton, polyester, lycra, and nylon fabrics can be machine washed and are generally more durable. Silk, rayon, and lace can be hand washed with a mild detergent. However, suede, wool, acetate velvet, and any vintage garment that has a decorative embellishment should be dry cleaned. When a care tag says “dry clean only,” is it not a recommendation.

Test Accessories and Zippers on Clothes When buying purses, be sure to check zippers, snaps and fasteners to make sure they are in good working order. Inspect the clasps on jewelry to make sure they are secure. Try on all vintage clothes to make sure the zipper stays up and does not get stuck.

Check Leather Products for Wear and Flaking Leather products such as belts, handbags, and shoes should be checked for wear and flaking. Cracked and flaking leather cannot be restored.

Beware of Beads Vintage beaded sweaters and purses are popular and beautiful. A vintage sweater that is missing a few beads might seem like a bargain but missing antique beads may be hard to find and match.

Avoid Vintage Fur Both faux and real fur has become popular over the past few years, especially with so many celebrities sporting it to red carpet events. But the care of a fur jacket can be expensive. Fur should be cleaned and repaired by a professional furrier, not a dry cleaner or a tailor.

Vintage shopping should be a fun experience. But keep in mind that dry cleaning costs and expensive repairs may drive the cost of a vintage bargain up. So, remember these tips next time you are out vintage shopping.

10 Secrets of Highly Successful Plus-Size Shoppers

  1. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to buy plus size clothes!
  2. Shop year round for plus size clothing. You’ll find more choices and save money.
  3. Allow plenty of time when you shop in stores that carry plus size clothing for women and teens. Never shop for plus size fashions on or off line if you’re rushed, hungry or tired.
  4. Accessorize: Details do make a difference especially for real head-to-toe glamour and can quickly update your look on the cheap! .
  5. Conquer Closet Clutter: Every month weed out plus size clothes for cleaners, repair, giveaway, out of season storage or the trash.
  6. Know your measurements: On the back of a business card write down your bust, waist and hip measurements then tuck the card in your wallet.
  7. Never buy any plus size clothing that is more than one size too big
  8. Never buy any plus size clothing so small you must lose weight for a perfect fit
  9. Buy classic plus size fashions and always have something to wear. Must-have essentials: little black dress, great white shirt, perfect pair of jeans and black or brown high styled boots.
  10. Keep a file of magazine clips and printouts from the Web of styles and resources you know and love.