It's so cliché: "get the look for less." But really, isn't that what we all want to do? Look as amazing as possible without spending a fortune?Sometimes, getting the look for less means getting a less expensive (and sometimes lower quality) brand, or getting an "inspired" look. But sometimes, you can get the exact same great bag, shoes or outfit for less money. Before you make a savings withdrawal for a piece that's worth the splurge, check stores that offer quality merchandise for less investment and see if you can save.Love Nordstrom at Kenwood Towne Center? You can find on-trend, quality pieces but you'll often pay full price. Of course, you can watch for the Anniversary Sale and Half-Yearly Sales as well as other special events to save, or check the regular sale items online and in stores. But go to Nordstrom Rack, the retailer's off-price division located at Rookwood Commons, and you'll find an entire store of these great buys everyday - the exact same brands, the same great quality - but lower prices.I found an entire Betsey Johnson section - and we all know how much I heart Betsey J - at Nordstrom Rack and thought I'd died and gone to Heaven.
What's your favorite brand? While merchandise changes frequently, you can find lots of great stuff. During my last trip, I saw Burberry, Not Your Daughter's Jeans, Juicy Couture, 7 For All Mankind, Calvin Klein, MAXSTUDIO and many more. With as much as 70 percent savings."Shopping the Rack is a treasure hunt and we're very focused on offering customers fantastic savings on many of the same top brands they'll find at our full-line Nordstrom stores," says Colin Johnson from Nordstrom. "The merchandise mix changes with every truck, so it's a good idea to stop in often to check out the newest arrivals."Here are my favorite Shopping With Beth tips to making the most of stores like Nordstrom Rack where you can get great brand name and quality items for less:* Going out for a special night and want a dress that you'll probably wear once or twice? Why spend hundreds for a single wearing? You'd be amazed how many awesome special occasion looks you can find for less at Nordstrom Rack.
* Want the hottest new purse that's flying off the shelves? You'll probably need to pay full price unless you can stick it out a season.
* Want to try a new silhouette or trend out before investing in the full-price version? Look at an off-price retailer to see if they have something you're looking for or similar. If you love it as much as you expected, you can indulge in the full-price item without worrying that it's not worth the cost. If you don't, you haven't wasted a ton of money.
* Every wardrobe has great staples, like jeans, a nice suit for work or interviews, a nice black bag. While items you use again and again can be good investment pieces, these are also items that you can save on at off-price retailers without looking like you're wearing last year's line. Will most people know the difference between the extra 7 For All Mankind jeans that Nordstrom Rack has picked up versus the ones you'd pay more than $150 for at Nordstrom? Probably not.
* Nordstrom Rack and other off-price retailers aren't just for clothes. During my last trip, I not only picked up three of the aforementioned Betsey bags, but also some great Stila makeup. Awesome coverage and quality, but for less money.
* There are also great accessories - the store is chock full of fun sunglasses, watches, jewelry, wallets purses and more. If you love accessories, you'll have a blast checking out the brand names they have to offer.
* Make sure you go often. If you're shopping at an off-price retail store, the selection will be constantly changing - just like in the stores, if not more frequently. This can be great because it feels like an entirely new store every time you visit (but can also be dangerous - you'll want to keep going back and you may run out of closet space).While I checked out Nordstrom Rack, you can also find deals with other off-price or outlet type stores like those at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls or Cincinnati Premium Outlets (where you'll find Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th), but be careful - not all off-price and outlet stores are created equal. Some of these stores give you the same items as at full price but for less, but others manufacturer items specifically for the outlets - which means they're cheaper but also often lesser quality.Have you found a great deal lately at Nordstrom Rack or another store? Share it in our comments!Until next time, happy shopping -