FASHION WITH ERICA -- EVEN THE STARS DO IT

Today’s post could just as well have been written by our money guru Sheila Conway, but assistant fashion editor Erica Milano beat her to it. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. Most working women can’t afford to shop designer boutiques and high end department stores. We’re on tight budgets. We dream of stepping out in Versace or Dior, but we dress from Macy’s sales racks or Target.

Did it ever occur to you that you can afford to dress in designer duds if you just know where to shop? Think thrift stores and consignment shops. And don’t think such places are just for people having trouble making ends meet.

Recently, none other than Drew Barrymore walked the red carpet in a $25 dress she picked up at a thrift shop in Austen, Texas. And she looked ab-fab! True, she did pair the dress with Yves St. Laurent tribute pumps that cost more than 30 times what the dress cost, but who cares? You can look just as ab-fab with a pair of pumps from DSW.

The trick to thrift store shopping is to target thrift shops in or near upscale communities. Many women who live a certain lifestyle will wear an outfit once, then give it away for fear of being seen twice in the same outfit. These shops are constantly receiving bags and boxes of hardly worn or never worn garments. Check them out. You might just become a regular customer. Apparently, Drew is.


Great idea, Erica! Any of you ever shop at thrift stores? What treasures have you found? Let’s hear from you. Post a comment to be entered into the drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author.-- AP