Best Places for Buys under $100

I love what I call cheap thrills. For those not familiar with the term (or just wondering what my interpretation of it is) its basically cute clothing items I find for under $100. Keeping in mind we are talking about full RRP price here, not awesome 75% off the marked price cheap thrills here. Now, this doesn’t always mean its crappy quality either – see my post of my cheap thrills long line cardi as an example of a cheap thrill that has become a wardrobe staple for me and lasted the test of time.

There are many reasons why cheap thrills are fun. They don’t break the bank, which is always good. They allow you to play with new trends without really worrying about if it will still be ‘in’ next season or does it really suit you. They can help you out when its Saturday, you’ve got a last minute invite for that night and just don’t have the dollars to splurge on a new designr top/dress etc.

Now a few notes on cheap thrills, and these are just personal preferences. I rarely buy cheap thrills in pants. This is only because I’ve never found any cheap thrills pants that are a great fit (If you have, please tell me which brands so I can try them please). Shoes I tend to go a half size up, since plether doesn’t stretch and if you don’t wear them because they hurt, they are not much of a cheap thrill. I also find it easier to cheap thrill in summer for some reason, but it doesn’t mean with winter its worth not looking anymore

Finally, I read a great comment in Harpers Bazaar US which I think applies to cheap thrills – ‘If it looks like it should be more expensive that what it is, then it’s a bargain’.

So my top places for cheap thrills are…

Australian Online Stores

From left to right: Mejikuhibiniu Navy/Gold Panel Silk Dress, $AU85 from Frock You , Looking Glass Button Dress from Gosh Celebrity  Fashion , Mink Pink Rickety Rack Pussy Bow Blouse from Freez Clothing and Chiffon Tea Dress $AU19.95 at Ally Fashion

My two absolute favourites are Frock You and Freez Clothing . Both have great customer service in my experience and fast shipping. And you know what? As a Never Shopped Out Member you also can receive exclusive ongoing discounts at both stores (15% off at Frock You and 10% off at Freez).

Others I recommend….

Valley Girl – You’ve gotta search through a lot of junk (and I would probably try it on beforehand instore) but I’ve scored some bargains in Valley Girl. The one that comes to mind is a summer sun-dress that I get compliments on every single time I wear it. Price? It was 29.95

Supre – Brave teen central and think long and hard about the price – personally I think a lot of their stuff is overpriced but my love of the cardi I got has gone a long way to changing my opinion of Supre

Ally Fashion – There are lots of cute items here (and they have stores in QLD and NSW, like the printed tea dress shown above like $14.95. I’ve yet to order from here but I often find things I like.

Gosh Celebrity Fashion – Brings you celeb inspired pieces at a more affordable price.

Frockstar – With brands such as Sunny Girl, I Love Billy and Just Add Sugar.

International Online Stores

From left to right:  Anna Top, $US24.50 from Delias, Isaac Mizrahi Black Cocktail Dress $US49.95 from Target and Chiffon Shift Dress US$14.80 from Forever 21

Whilst I’m sure there are heaps more I have three particular favourites from international stores.

The first is Delia’s which is a Juniors (teen) store in the US. They have a huge range, and I can always find somthing to buy. BUT a word on their sizing charts – before my first order my research suggested that the sizing charts where correct when they told me I was XL in Delias. “Okay, I’m not a teenager so maybe its possible” I thought, and ordered away. And all my stuff was WAY WAY too big. I’ve found I tend to be the same size I am in Australian sizing. So if your doing your first order and are concerned I recommend shooting them an email and asking some questions. I ended up nabbing a few pieces on eBay dirt cheap to get my sizing sorted, and they have become wardrobe staples. Delia’s will ship to Australia for $30US.

Number 2 on my list is Target US . My god I love Target in America. When we were in the US, husband I managed to rack up $150US of goods in Target. The quality is really good, the sale section is awesome (my best buy? An Isaac Mizrahi strapless black dress for $7.49US) and always worth checking out, and they do lots of collaborations with big designers, such as the current Botkier for Target, and their designer collaborations rarely top the $50US price point. Me = Target Whore. Sadly, they don’t ship internationally but you can order online and get them sent to a Mail Forwarder (and usually you get free US shipping over $50 too)

Finally, Forever 21 . Beloved by some, loathed my many, I sit in the middle with Forever 21. As I’ve said in the past , I’ve yet to have a quality issue with anything I’ve bought, but I am conscious when browsing that many items might not look as good in real life. Still its cheap thrills at its best and I can always find something I like. They also have Twelve by Twelve and more grown up version of F21 and Forever Love 21 which is the new accessories store. Forever 21 will ship to Australia for around $30US

An added bonus with the international stores is that they are heading out of summer, so its starting to go on sale!