|
 As a former New Yorker, I consider bargain hunting for fashions a sport. Century 21, Filene's Basement, Daffy's, Sym's, Zara, H&M, Woodbury Commons, Barney's Warehouse Sale, St. Mark's Place, and Williamsburg are among my many shopping haunts. There is no better satisfaction than finding the perfect little black dress for half the price.
Therefore, when Filene's Basement opened up a store in Cleveland, fashionistas from all over Northeast Ohio flocked. The Basement carries designer brands such as Armani, Gucci, Fendi, Missoni, Isda & Co., ABS, Versace, 7 For All Mankind, Tahari, Ben Sherman, and many more. The selection is not as wide as we would like, but it is passable. The store needs to expand its junior's section with edgier brands with more variety but the higher-end women's line is pretty much satisfactory.
Finally, this section will not be complete without a mention of the legendary Bridal Event where gowns ranging from $900-$10,000 can be purchased for as low as $249-$649. Some brides travel great distances to take advantage of the huge discounts. This One-Day Sale comes to Northeast Ohio on October 17, 2008. It is advisable to get there early and bring a girlfriend or a female relative because it can get chaotic and frenzied and has been compared to the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain.
Filene's Basement is at:
Harvard Park Shopping Center
4045 Richmond Rd
Warrensville Heights, OH 44122
216-593-0009
Let's move on to shoes:
Other than diamonds, I believe that any girl will consider shoes to be her best friend. As evidenced by the cult following of Carrie Bradshaw and her Manolos, shoes became more than just an accessory. It has become an integral part of the ensemble. Shoes are such a central factor in the psyche of the fashionable female. Even the notorious former First Lady and infamous shoe collector, Imelda Marcos, left the Philippine Presidential palace with over 5,400 pairs of shoes by Ferragamo, Givenchy, Dior, and Chanel.
Shoe fanatics in Northeast Ohio can fulfill their addiction at DSW Shoes. With three branches in the Metropolitan area, east siders and west siders can shop without having to drive across town. Just to give you an idea of how much you will save, check out these discounts from DSW:
Givenchy T-Strap Platform Sandal List Price $350.00
DSW $299.95 Prada Leather Kitten Heel List Price $540.00 DSW $399.95 GUESS Kersty List Price $110.00
DSW $69.95
Givenchy, Prada, Celine, Ettiene Aigler, Charles David, Ben Sherman, Nicole Miller, Marc Jacobs, MAXSTUDIO, Steve Madden, Chinese Laundry, BCBG, GUESS, Carlos by Carlos Santana, and Zigi Soho are just a few of the brands they carry.
DSW-Chagrin Highlands
4039 Richmond Rd
Warrensville Heights, OH 44122
216-593-3400
Sun 11am-6pm, Mon-Sat 9:30am-9pm
DSW
25877 Brookpark Rd.
North Olmsted, OH 44070
440-801-1141
Sun 11am-6pm, Mon-Sat 10am-9pm
DSW-W.Market Plaza
3889 Medina Rd.
Akron, OH 44333
330-666-1702
Sun 11am-6pm, Mon-Sat 9:30am-9pm
Now if online shopping is more your style, I found a clothing company from Beverly Hills called Heavenly Couture (http://www.getheavenly.com/index.php) where all items are $17.95 or less. The website carries trendy outerwear, dresses, tops, bottoms basics, swim wear, and shoes. The styles are basic but you cannot beat the price. Another California company, Pink Ice (http://www.pinkicestore.com/) carries more edgy styles. It recalls the styles of Christian Audigier's 2008 Couture Dress Collection. They have a huge selection of clothing so you will not be caught dead wearing the same Maxi dress every other girl is wearing.
If you have any tips you would like to share with the Frugal Fashionista, please send me an email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. |
