As an experienced shopper (a bit of sarcasm here- after all, every girl is one, yeah? lol but in any case… since I get asked a lot on where I get the stuff I wear), I would like to share some tips on where to shop for specific items to help make your shopping experience a productive and efficient one- oh, and also to prevent you from wasting money on the things that are not worthy.
1. Let’s start with Jackets:
H&M
While you have to do some search, they usually offer a great selection and very well-tailored jackets at an affordable price. As for other things, I’ve never really had luck with their accessories nor tops unless they are made in Europe with high quality material. Their leggings are made of cheap materials which make them become unwearable after a wash, and their pants just don’t fit right. Sometimes they offer high quality dresses which is very rare- and even when that happens, you’d better run because they will be gone before you know it.
*Note: They also offer very nice fitted button-up shirts for men for under $40. Try them once and you will be hooked.
2. Practical and durable Coats, Jackets, Cardigans, & Sandals:
Zara
While their products are not top notch, they offer trendy products at a reasonable price. definitely more expensive than H&M or Forever21, but it’s a great place to pick up a trendy jacket or coat, and sometimes accessories such as sandals and handbags as well. While I find a lot of their bags cute, I prefer real leather which they usually do not carry- so that explains why I don’t own any of their bags. I do own a pair of their gladiator sandals however, which I absolutely love. <3
3. Artsy Graphic T-shirts & Skinny Jeans:
Mango
They have really cute casual tops to pair with jeans or leggings. I love their graphic artsy print tees. I also like their stretchy skinny jeans because they fit very nicely.
4. Dresses, Sweaters, Jackets, Skinny Jeans, Blouses, and everything else:
Miss Sixty
If you’ve been reading my blog, you know I’m a loyal fan. I absolutely love their creativity and quality of the products. Everything in the store fits very well, ranging from dresses to jeans to shoes. love. I just don’t dig their bags… no comment there. :P
5. Dresses, Dressy Tops (for work or parties), Coats, Jackets, & Ties for Men:
Ted Baker
Extremely well-made, high quality products ($$$). You get what you pay for. lol
6. Shoes:
Politix (Beverly Center):
If you are not from Socal, the name probably sounds foreign, but it’s a boutique specializing in Italian fashion ranging from shoes to premium jeans. I travel to LA once a while for their amazing collection of shoes that cannot be found elsewhere. I’m a huge fan of Italian shoes that are unique and high quality and they offer just that.
7. Men’s Dress Shoes & Ladies’ Hand Bags:
Bally
Every man should have a nice pair of dress shoes and this is where they can be found. Bally is known for comfortable, durable, yet stylish shoes- No further explanation needed. As for bags, the black shoulder bag I carry everywhere (literally) that I get asked about all the time is from Bally. I really have no idea what I’m going to do when it falls apart. :(
8. Watches:
Cartier
Aside from the fact that I’ve been brainwashed by my sister who’s been working for the company for quite some time, I’ve come to a conclusion that what I’ve been taught may indeed be true- that Cartier makes one of the best & stylish watches. If I had a choice, I’d pick up this Santos for those casual days and for more dressy occasions, a Rolex with diamonds all over (you know what? that’d actually work for the casual days as well now that I think about it.. but I digress). lol Out of all the watches I’ve seen, Cartier makes the best looking leather strap watches. My blessed sister gets to wear the watch of my dreams for marketing purposes but yeah, if I could just live for the present, I’d definitely get one, like TODAY. ahhh…
9. Work Pants:
Express
This is the ONLY thing I buy from this store. The Editor Pants are the best thing Express has ever made.
10. Leather Bracelets:
Kitson
Everything is way over priced so don’t even try unless you got a sugar daddy or have money coming out of ears or somethin’ (not that bracelets are an exception but they are just so cute I cannot resist them).
11. Suits, Blouses, Coats for both men & women, Men’s Sweater, Cardigan, & Fitted Casual Button-down Shirts
Club Monaco
Why is it that this place is ALWAYS packed with Korean people? Could it be that they carry cute suits and blouses; cute coats and endless collection of cute stuff for men? If you haven’t been here, you are totally missing out. Yes, it’s a bit pricey but I’ve never regretted shopping here. besides, more men need to shop here! :D**
I hope the list helps. I need your help now- I have yet to find a store that offers cute cotton-based undies (no, not Victoria’s Secret or Frederick’s, pls!). As usual, I want quality and style with an affordable price tag. Let me know!
Image Source: Google Images- various
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