Why I Went Hunting for Cheap and Designer Clothes in 2007
Back in early 2007, I was flat broke but needed decent threads for job interviews. My buddy said I either looked like a hobo or tried too hard with fake designer crap. So I grabbed my last $200 and hit the streets to find the real deals.
Cheap Stuff First – Thrift Stores and Discount Spots
Started at Goodwill downtown. Holy hell – smelled like mothballs and defeat. Dug through piles for hours. Found some okay button-ups for $3 each, but collars were all bent. Then hit Marshalls near the bus stop. Got lucky with a $15 pair of Levis that barely fit. Had to suck my gut in all day, but whatever worked.
Designer Quest Got Weird Fast
Took the bus to the fancy mall thinking I’d find deals. Walked into Neiman Marcus like I belonged. Sales lady took one look at my Marshalls bag and turned to ice. Saw an Armani blazer – tag said $695! Nearly choked. Same blazer was $50 at Buffalo Exchange thrift shop later, but had elbow patches sewn on crooked.
The Magic Spot I Found
My cousin told me about this discount warehouse behind the old tire factory. Place looked shady – broken windows, flickering lights. Inside? Goldmine. Racks of Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, even real Hugo Boss with tags still on. Got a slightly torn Marc Jacobs shirt for $20. Sales dude whispered “fell off a truck” and winked. Didn’t ask questions.
What Actually Worked
By trial and error, here’s what stuck:
- Thrift stores: Good for basics if you dig for hours
- Department stores: Rip-offs unless clearance racks
- Factory outlets: Mostly overpriced junk with fancy labels
- “Irregular” shops: Wonky stitching but real brands at 90% off
Ended up with two decent outfits: A Banana Republic suit jacket (thrift store) paired with H&M pants (clearance bin) and those Frankenstein Hugo Boss shoes.
Why I Still Remember This Mess
Wore the thrift store suit to my first real job interview. Got the gig! But three months later, the shoulder pad started crawling out like a shy turtle during a client meeting. Boss laughed so hard he gave me a raise to “buy clothes that don’t molt.” Still shop at that sketchy warehouse – just checked the stitching first now.
