Shopping in the USA?

[KiKiFrance]

Hi all

I'm off to the states next week for the first time. We're going to an area with loads of shopping malls and outlet centres, so I'm definitely going to be fitting in a spot of retail therapy.

Which American clothes shops are good? I'm not really into designer gear and just wear high street clothes normally.

In my experience the only things really worth buying in the us now are beauty products, so I'd hit sephora pretty hard. Enjoy!

loads of thread on this in archives

Old navy for basics. Aeropostale have some nice casual stuff. American eagle. All casual wear.
My sister likes torrid. That's for plus size though.

Ralph Lauren seems a lot cheaper and victoria secrets for underwear. The knickers they sell individually and usually have a multi buy offer on are good.

If you're buying for babies and children I highly recommend Janie & Jack. They are the best childrens wear designers ever in my opinion. Sweet, quite traditional and great quality.

Depends on your style: the UK high st is excellent at interpreting high end fashion cheaply. However, for good quality cotton basics, Gap tends to be the same price unless they've got a good sale on (and sales in the US are way better than here), Old navy is in the same group but a cheaper version, with Banana Republic a smarter more expensive version.

Similar to banana republic is Loft, J crew (more expensive again).

A more casual version is American Eagle, Aeropostale, Express.

Abercrombie and holister are cheaper there, and often have promotions on.

In the outlets I find it can be hit and miss, although I always pick up a couple of Ralph Lauren polo tops for my son (wash and wear brilliantly), DKNY cosies are super cheap, and checking out some of the big department stores' outlets can throw up some great jeans, but it's a case of careful looking and seeing what happens.

I buy most of my jeans at Lucky Brand as I find their fits work well on me.

Enjoy!

I really really like Madewell at the moment (look online, gorgeous clothes) and look out for TJ Maxx (same as TK Maxx but USA brands). You might also find outlet stores for department stores like Neiman Marcus Last Call and Nordstrom Rack (discounted and end of line items so big brands at high street prices, google them). I also like Target for one-season tshirts and surprisingly their jeans are a perfect for my pear shape!

Anthropologie is another favourite, bit quirky, and athleata and Lululemon for workout gear.

Are you looking for kids clothes too? Gymboree is adorable for 8 years and under.

I could go on.....

PS most states add sales tax at the till, don't forget! It's 8% where I live but varies from state to state.

We've just got back.

We bought a fair bit in Abercrombie (the quality! I'd never been in before) and t-shirts were about $30 each, which I'll assume is lots cheaper than here.

Came back with 5 pairs of Converse and, ironically, Birkenstocks which were far more expensive there .

I love Osh Kosh for little ones, especially their swimmers. DS is 12, but a very slight one, so their age 10 stuff fits him perfectly and is very cheap.