Quality Bargains at Saks Off 5th

I purchase my share of discount fashion from stores like Target, Old Navy and Kohl's. I love these places for trendy items that I will likely only wear for a few seasons or staples, like basic t-shirts and tanks. Although I do have quite a few items from these stores that have held up for several years, the quality isn't the same as higher end designers and department stores. I've changed my way of thinking over the years. A $20 pair of shoes from a discount store isn't a bargain if they fall apart after a few wears. But a $60 pair of shoes that were purchased during a sale (originally $100) and last for years are a much better deal. They may have cost $40 more but if you are able to wear them for years, the cost per wear makes the extra cost worth the money. My favorite stores for high quality bargains are department store outlets, like Saks Off 5th.

The newly remodeled Saks Off 5th store opened on Thursday at Potomac Mills Mall. I was fortunate enough to attend a blogger preview event just prior to the grand opening. We got a tour of the store, a chance to see the great merchandise and do a little shopping.

Left to Right - Blogger friends Kristin of Handbags Hair and Heels and Katie of  Kurvy Katie

This store will serve as the model for other Saks Off 5th stores. It's larger than the previous store and has a more open floor plan. There is lots of great fashion to be had. I found a fantastic tweed and leather Ellen Tracy jacket and a fun color block sweater, that will be a perfect fall transition piece.

I was really disappointed that this store does not have a plus size section (like the previous store). I spoke with the store manager about this fact and expressed my disappointment. Regular Saks stores have Salon Z which contains great plus size fashion. I'll be writing to Saks corporate and expressing my disappointment to them as well. The Ellen Tracy jacket is so me. It was originally $169. I paid $65. My color block sweater was originally $89. I snagged it for only $21! Great deals on quality designer duds. The bag I'm carrying in these photos is the Rebecca Minkoff MAB (full size not mini) bag. I purchased it several years ago at Saks Off 5th for about $200, which at the time was better than half price. It's a quality bag that still looks fantastic and has stood the test of time. It was worth the investment. I choose quality over low cost, when the item is one I will wear over and over. I'm sure a similar low quality bag would have already been donated to Goodwill.

The shoe, accessory and handbag sections are stellar!

Chanel and Valentino

Hopefully, you live close enough to Potomac Mills to take advantage of the fantastic deals in person. live close to a Saks Off 5th, you can now shop online! In addition to the amazing fashion previews at bloggers events, another perk is the gifts we often receive. At this event, we were given a store gift card as well as a beauty box containing, Saks' BLACK line of cosmetics and beauty products (lip gloss, nail polish, body wash and perfume).

Costume for a New Year

I'm finally back.  I took a much needed break over the holidays.  Using some of my vacation time, I spent time with family and friends, made Christmas presents and rested. Work and wedding planning have been my focus this week but I'm back in the swing now. We hosted a New Year's Eve party at our house for a few friends.  This year we decided to have an 80's themed party.  Everyone dressed as their favorite 80's icon.  We listened to a fantastic 80's playlist, compiled by my friend and music maestro Carl and even drank Bartles and James wine coolers. I decided to dress as Madonna.  I knew I had a few pieces I could use but I wanted to buy some new ones that I could wear after the party and into 2013.

1) Contrast Moto Jacket - F21, Leggings - Torrid, Rhinestone Necklace - F21 (no longer available online), Bangle Sets - Nordstrom Rack and Bloomingdales, Sam Edelman Peyton (no longer available, similar here) - Nordstrom Rack

 
My friends at Potomac Mills Mall invited me to come to the mall and shop in the Fashion District.  They have great stores like Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Forever 21, Torrid, Bloomingdales, and TJ Maxx. They gave me a gift certificate to use during my shopping adventure.  I was thrilled to shop in some of my favorite stores.  You've read about my amazing finds from Nordstrom Rack and NM Last Call. It was so hard to choose my items. It was sensory overload and I kept finding all sorts of other great items. Staying focused was hard. I knew I wanted to get some great pieces that I could wear over and over and I had to keep my eye on the goal.

This is a photo heavy post. You can see and read more after the jump.