Recession Friendly Shopping - Seattle Style

Vintage designer goods at a fraction of the designer price. Though very small (I’d prefer to say it’s intimate) the assortment changes often and ranges from campy to couture. You can’t go wrong with a stop at Le Frock – still to this day I’m swooning over my $40 never worn Prada loafers!

Fantastic fashions: check. Bargain prices: check. Benefitting a good cause: check. The Lifelong Aids Alliance Thriftstore is a must when bargain hunting through Seattle. With weekly discounts and everything from clothes to furniture and all things in between, you’d be silly not to stop here. I myself scored a YSL button up for only $10! Be forewarned, you may need to wash your new purchases once (or even twice) before you wear them.

Buffalo Exchange in Seattle is always hit or miss. Located on the Ave (learn about the UDistrict here), this location tends to have clothing more appealing to the collegiate masses. Considered a little bit pricier than most second hand stores (but considerably better quality) you’ll more than likely be able to find something fantastic if you look hard enough. Case in point: my $30 cowboy boots.

If you’re seriously strapped for cash and looking to sell some of your duds, my first recommendation would be here. Not as strict as other re-sellers and often offering a better price, you’ll definitely get more bang for your buck. If you’ve come to shop, enjoy! The selection varies and delicious gems are often easily to spot. One downfall to Crossroads: many fake designer pieces make their way to the racks, so unless you’re a pro at spotting out the knockoffs, be cautious before spending $50 on a pair of (F)ucci pants.

Quite possibly the largest Value Village ever imagined, just about anything can be found here. If you can brave the smell of rubber (having been an old tire store) you just might find yourself some amazing bargain pieces.

The largest H&M in our area, H&M often carries affordable workwear while also keeping you updated on current everyday fashions. Check back often as styles tend to rotate fairly quickly. Spend $200 here and you’ll essentially be outfitted with enough duds to last through the season.

Little known fact, F21 actually carries menswear! If you’re coming to shop be sure mentally prepare yourself. The sea of rounders filled with patterns and prints mixed together with loud music and pre-pubescent teens might completely overwhelm you. If your faint at heart, possibly come during the week in the early morning when all the kiddies are still at school.

Take note, this actual address leads you to Nordstrom RACK – need I say more? The downtown location houses the designer collections which didn’t sell at the regular stores. I’d suggest signing up for email notifications on upcoming sales in order to scope out the best stuff first. If you’re REALLY serious about getting a good deal, I’d find a sales associate at the Downtown Nordstrom to keep you in the loop on sales. Often times pieces are marked UP when going from the regular store to the rack.