My New Happy: Don't Ever Pay Retail

Friday, August 15, 2014

Don't Ever Pay Retail


In my former life, pre-children, I was an assistant buyer for a large department store chain.  I know what retailers pay for clothes, and their markup is huge.   I remember purchasing bathing suits for $2.00 that hit the sales floor for $70.00 or more.  Knowing this, I can never bring myself to pay retail for anything.

I do love to shop.  Going to the outlet mall and browsing for hours is my idea of a great time. However, lately I haven't had the opportunity to go out and look for the best bargains. Instead, I've found some great websites to satisfy my shopping urge while staying in my budget.  

Hautelook is my number one favorite online store.  This site is owned by Nordstrom, so you can use your store card for purchases, and returns can be made to any Nordstrom Rack location. Hautelook carries Women's, Men's and Children's apparel, shoes and accessories, as well as Home and Beauty items.  New sales start every day at 9am, and feature prices up to 80% off retail.  For example, I found these Bucco Riding Boots recently for $25.00, regularly $110.00. Score.




MyHabit is very similar to Hautelook, but it is run by Amazon.com.  Their prices are actually a little bit better, but they tend to run out of sizes sooner, so you've got to shop them in the morning for the best deals.  This Faux Leather Jacket would be a great addition to a fall wardrobe, and MyHabit has it for $69.00, regularly $242.00.



If you love to shop thrift stores or have some items in your closet that you don't wear anymore, then ThredUp is the online site for you.  There are thousands of like-new clothing items for women and children here, and you can filter what you are shopping for by size, style, or brand. Their CleanOut program is so easy if you have clothes you'd like to sell.  Simply order a bag through their site, fill it up and mail it back to them for free. ThredUp processes your items and pays you for the clothes they can resell.  The rest are donated to charity.  Love it!


It seems that everyone is in full "back to school shopping" mode, but neither of my boys are interested in shopping with me.  C wears a uniform everyday, and T only cares about running apparel and shoes.  Sigh.  Guess I'll just have to hit up my favorite online sites and get some "back to fall" items for myself.  I can promise I will not be paying retail!

Do you have a favorite online site I should be checking out?

22 comments:

  1. Wow! I didn't realize there was such a high mark up. Love those boots! :)

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    1. You would be shocked at how much things are marked up. I love the boots too!

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  2. Yeah that's how I fee too Lana.....never worked in retail but I just know that these retailers do make a killing! Loving me a pair of those boots!!!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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    1. I'm not looking forward the end of summer, but I love to wear boots!

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  3. I've never heard of Haute Look or My Habit and will check them out! Thanks for the suggestions!

    Jill
    dousedinpink.blogspot.com

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    1. Jill, you are such an amazing bargain shopper, I know you will love these sites!

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  4. I'm definitely going to check these out! Not a shopper. I need all the help I can get! :)

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  5. Great sites, thank you.

    I shop a lot at Kohls and Gymboree. Only during sales, that is.

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    Replies
    1. I love Kohl's, and my boys had so much Gymboree when they were little. I always loved the colors.

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  6. Thanks for this info on shopping Lana! Have a nice weekend.
    Julie

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  7. In a former life, pre-children I was a Buyer for a large discount retail chain. Small world.
    When my boys were little I loved buying them clothes. Now, of course, they clothes shop without their mom (just her credit card).
    I tend not to clothes shop online, but now I'm going to check out these sites.

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    1. So funny that you were a buyer too! Yep, my boys only want me for my money too.

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  8. Thanks for the tip. You got some GREAT deals there!!!

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    1. Thanks Marcia! I know how much you love to shop ;)

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  9. I get emails from Hautelook but i'm always worried to order because I can't return (too much of a pain to return when you're buying from Canada) and I never know what size. *sigh*

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    1. I heard you were getting a Nordstrom soon, so maybe returns will be easier?

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  10. I had never even heard of the on-line shopping options you mentioned! I especially like the clean-out option! Great tips!

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    1. I'm going to be sending some clothes to them soon. I'll let you know how it goes!

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  11. Thanks for this Lana. With mom it's hard to get out and shop much so I will definitely be checking these out!

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    1. I can imagine it's had to get much shopping done. Hope these websites help a little.

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