Can haz help shopping? Updated w/ PIP in follow-up post

dwest2201

Okay Ladies, I need help!   I am a fulltime employee, fulltime student (on a much need few week break), and a mom to a 4 year old.  I got a bonus at work and I'm finally doing something for myself!  I've alloted $200 towards this but have shceduled a hot towel, cold stone facial for next week which will take a little under half (even after the "deal" discount certificate that I bought) of it after tip. 

So, I'm heading to Kenwood Mall (not that most, if any of you know where that is) tonight, which has a ton of stores: Macy's, Dillards, Nordstrom, H&M, Forever21, Express, Limited, GAP, etc.  There is also a brand new Target that is even closer than the mall.  I'm looking to get as much bang for my buck and in need of some new tops, sweaters, maybe a scarf for fall. 

I'd really love some suggestions if anyone has some time!

A little about me...

I'm 5'5"ish, 130ish and pretty slim, I also have very small boobs, which effects shirts...like if I wear a scoop neck shirt when I bend over instead of seeing cleavage you'll see my bell button! 



TIA

csousa1

Is there an Old Navy there? They always have crazy sales and I actually really like their clothing.

dwest2201

There is an ON in the plaza directly across from the mall...I can totally go there as well.  I have all night as the boy is at his Dads and BF is hanging with his brother tonight!

peekaboo2011

H&M...I usually walk past and check out the sale rack.  But if you do some searching, you'll get great deals.

Also, I second the Old Navy thing.  They usually have crazy sales.

What about Kohls?

paintgirl

There's an Ann Taylor Loft in that mall too. They are having a 40% off everything sale through Saturday. I'd look online at Old Navy to see what deals they have right now, then check AT Loft. Loft's clothes are slightly better quality so if you can get them cheap, I'd go that route. Otherwise, you could probably get a ton of stuff at ON! (And there's one across the street from that mall.) And check out GAP online too.

(I'm big in to looking online before I go. Otherwise I don't know if it's a good deal or not.)

Ana_2985

Go to Target. You will definitely get the most bang for your buck there. The quality of their clothes has really improved over the last few years/seasons. I buy A LOT of my tanks, tops, and sweaters there. It holds up as good if not better than clothes from other mall stores. Plus, they have sales all the time.

Ana_2985

I like Old Navy and Loft, but I'm getting really annoyed with them. I feel like their clothes get weird after one wear/wash. You have to be really careful about the fabrics. I never know which ones will hold up and which ones will shrink or lose their shape. And I always hang dry my clothes. Initially the clothes seem like a good deal, but then I have to replace them frequently so it adds up.

dwest2201

Thanks ladies, so far I think I'll swing into Target on my way home I haven't looked at anything but the grocery and toy aisles since they opened it a few weeks ago and have been wanting to go look at the clothes!  Then I'll eat something and regroup before heading to the Mall  or Old Navy. 

I do like Gap and Loft so if they have sales, that is a good place to stop.  I've found a few good things at Forever21, but I don't think I've ever bought anything at H & M.  I will have to do some website checks later to see what is on sale where.

Peek, closest Kohls is about 20 minutes from the mall area that I'm planning to go to, which isn't far, but the mall is literally about 3 minutes from my apartment.  I have a TJMaxx within walking distance and a Target a little over a mile from my apartment too!

thelamarrs

You should see if you have a Plato's Closet somewhere around where you live. They have all namebrand clothes from the stores you named but for so cheap! 

CCO2012

I'd suggest if you have a TJMaxx near you. Stop in there too... You have to take some time to really look, but they can have some amazing deals!

dwest2201

Thanks everyone!  I actually went to TJMaxx the other day and all I found was one shirt, but they do get new things in all the time so if I don't find enough lovely things to spend my money on I will stop back in. 

lennonkdc

I was just in our local H&M yesterday, and they have some awesome sweaters that look very 'trendy' (but in a good way), but I would say as far as bang for your buck goes- ON or Target is a good call. 

Have fun shoping and please AW a few of your new things Also, that facial sounds awesome!!!

lunarsongbird

I googled some sales at the mall for you.

Get 15% off at JCrew for showing your student ID.
http://www.kenwoodtownecentre.com/sales/jcrew-loves-college-students-teachers

Buy 1 shirt or sweater and get one half off at Johnston Murphy.
http://www.kenwoodtownecentre.com/sales/shirt-sweater-sale-at-johnston-murphy

dwest2201

Oh J Crew, I usually only buy things that are on sale there...wonder if the student discount still applies?  I haz student ID!

lunarsongbird

I bet it does! It says it goes until 12/31/2011.

dwest2201

Okay, I went shopping.  It took a long time to got to all those stores, and there was some dissapointment, but here is what found...

Old Navy (I printed off a 25% off coupon that was good even on clearance stuff right before I left work).

2 waffle knit thermals after sale price + coupon = $7.87 each
"Super Soft" pj pants clearance + coupon = $2.61
I also got my son 5 pairs of socks for $0.75 each

Total spent after tax $23.55 and I got a $10 certificate to use between 11/17 and 11/22...I wish I would have found more that I liked/fit me, but none the less great deals!


XXI
Lightweight crew neck sweater $11.50
L/S striped shirt $6.80
Grabbed some nail files to stash in my desk drawer for $1.00 too

Total spent after tax was $20.55


Target
L/S black and white striped shirt (clearance) $9.08
Grey long leggings (on sale) $5.00
Multi-colored stripped scarf $14.99

Total spent was $30.96


I stopped into Limited and looked all over Macy's too...tired on a few things at both, but nothing jumped out at me. 

So total spent on me was just over $70....I'm most excited about the super comfy pj pants and the scarf, even though shirts are what I needed...haha.  The good news is that I didn't spend a ton so can still get somehting else if I come across something later.  I'd like to get a new boyfriend style sweater because I sit by the door at work and it gets chilly when people are coming and going a lot.

Elle1036

Cute stuff.  Good job.  Ughh I really want to go shopping.

I could just borrow your stuff, though.  Apparently we're about the same size.

paintgirl

Wow you did great!!!!

dwest2201

THAT is pretty much exactly what I'm looking for...when I first read it was from Target I was like 'WTF I didn't see any sweaters like that?!"  Then I saw not in stores and was like oh okay I'm not an idiot. 

Perhaps once the little man is asleep I will scour the internet for some boyfriend sweaters.

dwest2201

Oh...and thanks everyone!

Also, I'm realizing that I look super cheap by what I purchased, haha!  I totally would have spend the same amount on just 2 items if I really liked them, but I didn't really fall in love with anything (exept the scarf, which I adore)...the shirts are mostly just alright and plain jane, but I needed them and they were inexpensive, so I'm happy.