Recently I started to focus more and more on the fashion side of my blog. After all, I did get a degree in fashion design. Why not put it to use and not go to waste. Fashion was always something that got my attention and captured my interest. Most of it I would have to say came from my mom and her friends. Back in the old days living in Russia, we didn’t have fancy boutiques; Vogue magazine wasn’t for sale. Therefore, most of the population dressed plain. Everything in our life was planned out four pairs of shoes for each season two pairs of jeans if you got lucky, a school uniform to blend in, well you get the gist of where I’m going with this. To stand out my mom and her friends would sew outfits themselves, even my grandpa knows how to stitch. Pretty much most of the cute outfits I got growing up were a remake of an old curtain into a cute dress. Now occurs people shop differently, and so do I.
Living in a country with the opportunity to buy anything and everything can get overwhelming. This shoppers guide is a way to share my favorite stores, boutiques and large retailers around New York and Massachusetts.
My go-to department store in New York & Brooklyn:
Century 21: A large retailer that carries pretty much everything and anything the heart desires. Here you can find past season brand names for less. It’s like shopping at Nordstrom rack, expect its bigger and better. In the clothing department, they carry an array of designers; it’s hard to name them all. For example Dolce and Gabbana, Hermes, Prada, Chloé, Levis, Ralph Loren and many more. What you will find depends on the month, and the season you’re shopping. The shoe department is no exception; here you can find great shoes. For my birthday I purchased a Dior sneaker/sandal pair for less than three hundred dollars (compared to one thousand it seemed like a bargain.)
Side Notes:
-I love purchasing here my La Perla and Stella Mccartney undergarments, and stockings from Waldorf.
-It can get hectic and overwhelming, I mean the store is huge with multiple levels. Be prepared to move quickly.
– The New York location is also knowing for hosting sample sales for brands such as Nicholas Kirkwood, Chloé , and others. Make sure to read up on the upcoming sample sales to find out if you can score a great find for less.
European Fast Fashion Brands:
Location Everywhere:
ZARA: This Spanish based brand has become a powerhouse and a multi-billion dollar fashion outlet. Able to provide runway styles at an affordable price. Whether you are a young professional or an adorable tot, ZARA will have something for you to wear. But be mind full of what you purchase, fashion here changes fast and to be exact large retailers like ZARA and let’s say H&M receive up to three shipments a week. That means the demand is high and to keep up with consumers; the retailer must mass-produce a variety of streetwear. If you like something buy it, don’t wait until a sale, because it might not be there.
P.S ZARA is an amazing retailer, however quality isn’t always at it’s best.
Calzedonia: It’s an Italian based brand that specializes in adorable and comfortable socks as well as tights and leggings. As well recently I noticed that they have an assortment of swimwear (I never bought a set but I will for the summer).
Side Notes: All thought these brands you most likely have heard of and have seen, here is the best location (in my opinion) to shop them:
-ZARA Soho. In my opinion, this is the best location in New York. Here they carrie, kids clothing, womenswear, and menswear. As well as its a new location and it’s huge, to be exact three floors. Love an excellent shopping experience.
-Calzedonia I love the Natick Mall in Massachusettes, it might not be the largest location, but it certainly has the friendliest staff. They are willing to go over and beyond to help a girl out with size, color, and suggestions.
Lingerie Band I recently discovered:
Intimissimi: Is an Italian brand, known for creating comfortable and sexy undergarments for women. Men don’t fell left out, because Intimissimi has designed sleepwear for you too. Feeling great and comfy for everyone. The funny part is I discover this brand while visiting Russia in November, who knew that negative twenty degrees, was going to promote me to buy bars. However recently I have been disappointed with Victoria Secret. The quality, the price, and the choices or lack of it, made me eager to find something cute at a reasonable price. Intimissimi is a bit expensive; however shopping during sale season when everything is half off, and the choices are limitless is fantastic.
Side Note:
Here is an online store, just in case if they don’t have your size in stock, the online boutique usually has more options.
-Unfortunately, Intimissimi only has stores around New York or New Jersey; no in Massachusetts. The best location is in Soho. The store is for both men and woman and combined with Calzedonia.
That’s my quick guide to shopping around and where to find great outfits at a reasonable price. More coming up on where to buy the price items, like the Helmut Lang sweater I’m wearing. With tips and tricks on how to save money. What to buy: dress to impress.
