Women's Fashion WalMart and Kohl's
Shop for Women's Clothing at These Discounted Department Stores
A review of shopping for women's clothing at discount department stores WalMart, Target, K-Mart, and Kohl's. How to shop well and look good for not a lot of money.
Frugal Fashion: How to shop in suburbia
If you live in a rural or suburban area, your shopping choices may be limited to the giant and controversial department stores created in the wake of the death of east coast dinosaurs The Hecht Company, Hochschild Kohn, Wanamaker’s, Strawbridge and Clothier, and Stewart’s.
While some fashionistas may look down their noses at the discount nature of the giant department store, what they don't know is that there are nice looking and well made fashion staples to be had for not a lot of money.
WalMart carries some nice workout clothes, including a line that emulates Under Armour. These workout clothes are stretchy and have a tailored cut to them, making them perfect for exercising and looking good. WalMart also carries a nice variation on the yoga pant, complete with a wide waistband and flared legs. For the hippie chick, there are always some great 100% India cotton blouses, pants, and skirts to be had at bargain prices.
Target boasts Isaac Mizrahi as one of their women’s clothing designers but their clothing materials are unimpressive. The tailoring of the various pieces by Mizrahi and others just does not flatter the shape of the average woman. However, the men’s clothing at Target is under-rated with very good shirts and pants made from quality fabrics and a collection of witty, faux vintage t-shirts that will make all of your friends say, “Where did you get that?”, in a good way.
K-Mart clothing for women is just disappointing on all levels. Polyester fabrics with labels from celebrities whose names we barely remember. Shop here only if you must for Martha Stewart bedding and kitchen items, but never clothing.
Kohl’s is by far the best department store to come along in awhile. Their unique selling point is that they offer brand names for less and carry Nine & Co. (Nine West’s discount brand), Dockers, Levi’s, Lee, Gloria Vanderbilt, Chaps, daisy fuentes, and New Balance.
Don't expect a lot of customer service at these stores, and don't expect fabulous dressing rooms. All of the department stores above have frequent and regular sales on much of their merchandise.
So even if you live in shopping mecca don’t be a fashion snob and discount WalMart, Target, and Kohl’s just because their prices are discounted. These department stores can be great places for clothes horses to grab clothing staples and to add to your main collection.
