The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

10 Places to Shop for Budget Fashion Offline

In the blogging world, online retailers get all the attention because let's face it, if you can't click-to-buy, why tease a product? But of course, there are a number of great sources for budget fashion offline that deserve some press, too. So here's a round-up of 10 brick-and-mortar chains you should check out even if you can't shop for their merchandise on the web (at least, not yet!). Let me know what I missed in the comments.

1. Marshalls: This off-price retailer's unique business model makes it difficult to run an effective e-commerce gig, but that hasn't hurt Marshalls' bottom line in the least. I'm willing to shop in person if it helps keep prices low. Find a store

2. TJ Maxx: Like Marshalls (its sister company), TJ Maxx offers department store brands without the department store prices on everything from home goods to designer shoes. If you have the patience and know your style, you're guaranteed to score some amazing deals at TJ's. Find a store

3. Strawberry: I've only been to Strawberry once on N Broadway in Chicago (although according to a review on Yelp.com, that store has since closed) but it seemed like a good place for super cheap trendy basics. If you live in the NYC area, hit up Strawberry for inexpensive tees, flip-flops and other juniors apparel. Find a store

4. Stein Mart: Before you head to Macy's, check out Stein Mart, another chain that carries department store brands at a discount. I don't live near a Stein Mart but I have friends who shop there all the time. They also have great coupons, so sign up for their email newsletters for the latest deals, sales and printable coupons. Find a store

5. Joyce Leslie: This store serves up hot and trendy juniors fashions to residents of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut. Since we didn't have these back in Chicago, Joyce Leslie is on my short list of places to check out soon. Find a store

6. Rainbow: The selective fashionista will find a treasure-trove of cute and trendy pieces at this nation-wide chain, with most items under $20. Look past the hoochie club gear and you'll do fine. Find a store

7. Dressbarn: To be honest, I've never shopped at Dressbarn because I don't like the name: A barn is the last place I want to shop for fashion. However, a friend of mine recently told me they've upped their styles and she found a beautiful LBD to wear to a wedding for $30, so I promise to shop there soon! Find a store

8. Dots: In addition to juniors, misses and plus size apparel, Dots carries accessories and work appropriate attire. If you have an eye for style, and live in the northeastern, southern or midwestern U.S., you'll find some gems at Dots, especially in the dress department. Just about everything's under $20. Find a store

9. Bob's Stores: Here's another chain that serves states in the northeast. I'll admit the name kinda makes me cringe (who wants to buy fashion at a place called "Bob's"??) but if you want cheap athletic wear or some work boots, you'll find it at Bob's. Find a store

10: Discovery: Aw. Discovery holds a special place in my heart, and if you grew up in Chicago you'd know why because Discovery just keeps it real. It is not high fashion by any means, but it's a place to find fun and oftentimes outrageous fashions under $20. Find a store

Comments
Love, love, love TJ Maxx.Yeah it is usually hit or miss, but I have found some awesome designer deals there. For example I just bought a Kensie white strapless dress that retails for $115 for $30!!!

Great post, I always love shpping for deals :-)
#1 Lindsay on 2009-07-10 18:03 (Reply)
Awww we don't have any of these in Canada. Well we have Winners, which IS TJ Maxx, and I have found some rad stuff there before! Nice list BB
#2 Wanderlusting (Homepage) on 2009-07-10 18:51 (Reply)
Love this post! I haven't heard of some of these places before...definitely need to check those out soon!

Marshalls is pretty fun sometimes, though. You just have to look around. They usually have good shoes, too.
#3 Hals (Homepage) on 2009-07-10 19:56 (Reply)
I LOVE Rainbow stores! They do carry lots of hoochie clothes but they also have lots of other cute stuff! Some of the Rainbow stores in Philadelphia have really cute plus sized clothing. Joyce Leslie has wonderful clothes but the clothes are not true to size which sucks.
#4 Veronica on 2009-07-10 20:21 (Reply)
Don't forget about Burlington Coat Factory! I work there. :-)
#5 Chrissy on 2009-07-10 21:50 (Reply)
YES! We used to shop there all the time when we were kids. I gotta check them out soon...
#5.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-07-11 11:47 (Reply)
We have been trying to bring in better quality merch. The maxi dresses this summer were awesome. Michael Kors is also a new brand, some stores have the purses! I haven't found them yet.
#5.1.1 Chrissy on 2009-07-12 11:14 (Reply)
Two words:GABRIEL BROTHERS!! I moved to Nebraska from the mid-Atlantic and I am still hunting to find an equivalent out here.

I recently went back east and got four dresses at Gabe's - for less than $13 each. Also picked up some footless tights for a dollar, some brand name tops for 6 bucks (they had a big Ann Taylor buyout). I'm getting nostalgic just thinking about it!!
#6 Maria on 2009-07-10 21:50 (Reply)
I love your blog, I am a budget girl too! Always look for good deals ;-)
#7 Kelly (Homepage) on 2009-07-10 22:58 (Reply)
discovery..WOW
i have found so many pieces of clothing there that have lasted me AGES!! you just gotta look well within the store..TJ MAXX & marshalls are in my list too i have found coach & guess shoes here, (nice ones better looking than there outlets)..
#8 vero on 2009-07-11 02:33 (Reply)
and ROSS!! i luv tj maxx and marshalls^_^
#9 p-ham (Homepage) on 2009-07-11 04:17 (Reply)
A lot of my fellow fashion bloggers love Ross, I think they're found in the western and southern U.S.. They need to open in CT so I can shop there too! :-)
#9.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-07-11 11:49 (Reply)
I've shopped at Dress Barn and also found very cute LBD. And I scored a nice basic cream cardigan there to wear over it.

It's funny because I'm 22, and most of the people in there when I go are elderly. Haha. I love hidden treasures.
#10 Joann on 2009-07-11 09:05 (Reply)
i have to also say i looove ross and nordstrom rack ;o)

i really need to get to marshalls or tjmaxx... they're so close to me but i NEVER go! :o(
#11 couture on 2009-07-11 12:37 (Reply)
I love that you're blogging about Marshalls. So many of my friends over look it as just a discount store but I find the best pieces there at great prices with just a little hunting.

They are a great spot for random home accessories as well as is the sister store Home Goods. LOVE your blog!

Please check out mine if you have time! TrimmedandTaylored.blogspot.com. Just got started.
#12 Taylor (Homepage) on 2009-07-11 14:39 (Reply)
I've gotten amazing deals at TJ Maxx, Steinmart and Marshall's. Although sometimes if it's not on sale at Steinmart things can be overpriced IMHO. But when you do catch something, it's great! Like a gorg dress for an upcoming wedding that I got - $30, down from original $170.

Loehmann's is another great one in my neck of the woods (southern California). Kind of like a Nordstrom Rack. :-)
#13 Trude (Homepage) on 2009-07-13 12:16 (Reply)
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