Bargain Shopping for Designer Clothes in Raleigh-Durham, NC

These days, it’s expensive to keep up with all the hot celebrity styles. If you want Jessica Simpson’s slouchy Gucci hobo, it’s gonna cost you about $1050. Michael Kors slouchy suede boots, $700. For those who love to have the look without paying full price, there are some places in the Raleigh-Durham area that you can get some killer deals on some of the hottest fashion.

The first is Rugged Warehouse. This is a national chain that carries overstock or “mistakes” from manufacturers ranging from Juicy Couture to Paper Denim and Cloth. When you first walk in, it is very minimal looking. Yes, you have to dig. But thankfully, they make it a little easier by posting signs above each rack notating the designer. Their stock changes weekly, but some of the regular shipments that they get in are Juicy Couture, Paper Denim and Cloth, Sweetees, C&C; California, and many more. To convince you that yes, there are good clothes there, I can attest that I have bought a pair of Paper Denim and Cloth jeans for $30.00, an entire Juicy Couture velour track suit for $40.00, as well as Seven Jeans for $35.00. Thay carry mens, womens, and children’s clothing and accessories. There is one located in Durham, Mapquest for specific area, Cary at South Hills Mall, and Raleigh off of Capital Blvd.

If you live in the Raleigh-Durham area, then you known that Triangle Town Center has a Saks Fifth Avenue.

Now, I am not solely a bargain, I will go and purchase a Louis Vuitton at their in-store boutique. However, what most people don’t know is that out near the RDU Airport, is an outlet mall which has Off 5th, the outlet for Saks, as its’ anchor store. So you can go and gawk at all of the beautiful designer pieces at Saks, but go to Off 5th and you will find the same brands that have been marked down several times. They get large shipments in every month, and weekly smaller shipments in on Tuesdays. Within the most recent merchandise, you can find handbags from Fendi, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Longchamp, Coach, and many many more. They also offer mens designer suits from Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Burberry, Hugo Boss, and the occasional Valentino. Mens and womens contemporary clothing are what makes this store. For women, there is a great denim selection, including, Seven For All Mankind, Blue Cult, Antik Denim, etc. Just to give you an example, Antik Denim jeans for women start at $300. At Off 5th, they are marked at $150.00. And most of the time, they will have stickers marking tags that allow you to take an extra percentage off. To attest to this, I bought a Burberry motorcycle jacket that retailed for $800 originally, and I got it for $150. These are the kinds of deals that are available at this store. The shoe department is one to drool over. Designers such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Dior, all for under $200. Currently, they have a huge selection of Marc Jacobs clothing, as well as Missoni, Diane VonFurstenburg, ect. Also, if you get on their mailing list, you will get coupons in the mail offering 30%-50% additional discounts. Off 5th is located off of Airport Blvd. in the Prime Outlets Mall.

Durham boasts one of the best kept secrets of the triangle area. It’s called Loehmanns. Similar to the merchandise at Off 5th, they have this lovely room called “The Back Room”. There is where you will find Marc Jacobs, Adrienne Vittidini, Chloe, and more. Sorry guys, but this Loehmanns only carries womens clothing and accessories. They have a small selection of shoes, that won’t disappoint; boasting Ugg, BCBG, and more. They also carry more casual brands such as Juicy Couture and Three Dots. Once again, my testament to this bargain store is this; I bought a pair of Marc Jacobs jeans for only $40! They retailed originally for $189. This might be a little out of the way, located near Duke Hospital in Durham.

The best bargain spot for accessories and trendy pieces is tucked away in a corner on the second floor of Nordstrom; Brass Plum, or BP as it is more commonly called. They have the best selection of quality jewelry, hands down. There is no necklace over $22. Necklaces are their best items, followed by bracelets. They have a deep selection of all different kinds of jewelry. Bohemian styled necklaces and bracelets are plentiful as well as this season’s newest trend, baroque. Baroque is a throw back to the more luxe time in fashion. When it comes to jewelry, this means rich toned jewels, bright gold colored metals and generally more “fancy”. The jewelry is this department is phenomenal as well as affordable. I guarantee you will find the perfect necklace and bracelet to offset your favorite outfit. Nordstrom is located at The Streets at Southpoint in Durham, right off of 40 west.

The only way to tell if these are a bargain to you is if you check it out for yourself. Remember if it’s inexpensive and you are not crazy about it, then don’t buy it! Also, do not compromise fit for a good deal. If it doesn’t fit you, then you won’t wear it, and you just threw that money away. One more departing tip, do not wear all of your bargain buys together, instead, mix them in with some of your more unique pieces. This will definitely give you a look of your own. Good luck and happy bargain shopping!