August 29, 2013
Marcellas Reynolds :: The Way to Shop Wisely
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 4 MIN.
As a personal shopper and a boy with a mean blazer and shoe addiction, I know how important it is to shop smart. Seriously, I know how to score a deal on any and everything. We all want to look good... Actually, amazing.
Yet, one has to be smart. That mortgage has to be paid. Who wants to spend a month on ramen just to get that new Billy Reid bag? Below, I'm going to show you how to shop like a true style star and give you tips to get the most bang from your buck.
STYLE NOTE: Never pay full price; find a piece you want and stalk it! Go to local stores and chat up the salespeople. Ask to be added to their clientele book and to be notified about upcoming sales or promotions. I have insiders all over L.A. who know my size and the brands I covet. If a sale is near, they call and set aside the things they think I might like!
Outlet Stores
Saks Off 5th
Started as a clearinghouse for Saks Fifth Avenue, "Off 5th," as it is colloquially known, has quickly become a major national retailer in its own right -- highest of end to be sure -- prices can�t be beat.
The Buy: Nicholas Kirkwood Erdem-print ankle boot.
Regular price $1595, Off 5th price $478.50
Nordstrom Rack
"The Rack," as devotees refer to it, first opened in the basement of their Seattle store in the '70s. Now, 40 years later, there are over 100 locations all over the U.S.! By joining their rewards program you get points for every dollar you spend, the points becoming notes that you can redeem for merchandise!
The Buy: Volcom Darmody slim chinos.
Regular price $70. Rack price $24.50
STYLE NOTE: Some say that the advent of the on-line retailer has killed the brick and mortar clothing store. It has definitely impacted how retailers do business but there will always be a place for human interaction and the salesperson.
ONLINE RETAILERS
Gilt raves that they have "the best designers at 60 percnet off." Like most high-end websites you must sign up, but the deals on designer clothes are often worth it!
The Buy: Mr. Brown by Duckie Brown check sport coat.
Regular price $695. Gilt.com price $169. WOW!
MASS-MARKET RETAILERS
H&M
Otherwise known as Hennes & Mauritz AB, H&M is a Swedish retail-clothing company, known for its fast-fashion for the entire family. Though H&M is the �go to� for the latest trends, I shop them for the coveted designer collaborations.
Favorite past collaborations include, Viktor & Rolf, Karl Lagerfeld, Versace and Lanvin!
The Buy: This is the perfect trench for fall and one "must keep" forever.
It's under $200!
Forever 21
Forever 21 is the American take on H&M, with the trendiest clothes at bargain prices. They also have a chain of accessory-only stores, For Love 21, which is also amazing for super affordable "of the moment" fashion.
The Buy: The printed shirt has taken menswear by storm, and this one from Forever 21 is $19.80! C'mon... You spend more on lunch.
STYLE NOTE: Mass-market retailers are getting more fashion-forward, taking the trends right off the runways and quickly turning them around at affordable prices. The quality may not always be the highest from stores such as Wet Seal or Forever 21, but if you shop stores like Zara, H&M, or Topshop, the quality and prices go up!
HIGH-END DEPARTMENT STORES
Neiman Marcus
Make sure to shop Neiman Marcus' "Last Call Sale" for the best designers in the world at 40 to 75 percent off original prices! It�s the perfect place to find that super expensive trendy piece. They also have brick and mortar Last Call Stores, or you can shop lastcall.com for amazing deals on high-end designer goodies
The Buy: Hickey Freeman Lindsey navy cashmere suit.
Regular Price $1495. Sale $599
Macy's
Macy's does more deals and promotions than any other department store out there. In fact, if you go to macys.com there�s a section that�s named Deals and Promotions where you can sign up for their emails and texts to receive mark-down coupons! And if you make a purchase with your Macy's credit card, you can get even more off!
The Buy: Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes.
Regular price: $85 to $95. Sale: $69.99 -- less 15 percent off coupon, $59.49
There you have it, my fantastic readers, the "Marcellas Method" regarding how to shop smart with a few fab recommendations on perfect pieces that will take you into Fall 2013 handsomely, super-stylishly and inexpensively.
Marcellas Reynolds is an American actor, fashion stylist, entertainment reporter, and TV host. His television appearances include World Report, The Tyra Banks Show, Style Network's How Do I Look, E! News, Fox News' Geraldo At Large, and Big Brother.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
