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).

Frugal Fashion Friday - Ode to Goodwill (and a Grand Opening!)

Thrift store shopping is an important part of my fashion strategy. I love finding great fashion bargains and items for DIY projects. There are lots of thrift stores in the DC area but at the top of my list are some of the area Goodwill stores. On Saturday (tomorrow, September 7th) DC Goodwill will be opening its 15th area store. I thought I'd share a few (just a few) of my favorite Goodwill finds and DIY projects.

From the top...

• Holiday Decorations - using candlesticks from Goodwill, some were DIY'd with paint and glitter.
• Cargo Vest - I cut the sleeves off of a camouflage shirt jacket for this DIY vest.
• Vintage Coach Bag - This red bag (vintage Berkeley Reverse Suede Saddle Bag no longer available) is just one of the Coach bags that I scored at Goodwill. This one only cost me $19 (they are selling for over $100 on ebay and etsy) and it was in perfect condition.
• Vintage Rock T and Pants - I scored this rock t-shirt and great raspberry colored pants at a Goodwill in Florida.
• Neon Jewelry - I bought bracelets and a necklace from Goodwill and spray painted them with neon paint. Fun new jewelry!
• Chain Detail Jacket - Adding chain to this boucle jacket took it from ladies who lunch to ladies who rock.
• Chinese Guardian Lions - All I needed to update these cool bookends was some gold spray paint.
• Mercury Glass Candle Holders - We created over 200 mercury glass candle holders for our wedding using glasses from Goodwill and special paint.
• Mint Sunglasses - Using sunglasses from Goodwill and nail polish, I created these designer inspired sunnies.
• DIY Collar - A blouse from Goodwill and some scissors were used to create this fun collar.

These are just a few of my favorite Goodwill DIYs and finds. There are many more to come. On Saturday I will be helping out at the DIY table at the grand opening of the newest Goodwill store in the DMV.  Come out and see me!  The store opens at 10am and there will be lots of grand opening activities from 10am - 12 noon. Details below.

DALE CITY GOODWILL STORE (#15)

 

Where: Ashdale Shopping Center
2950 Dale Boulevard, Dale City, VA 22193

 

When: September 7th, 2013

 

What: Sales, savings, back-to-school activities,and good merchandise at great prices

I hope you'll join us for the fun.  See you there!  I'm sure there will be some amazing finds.