Hi everyone,
I need some tips on smart and frugal shopping in the Bay Area in California. I am going to Mountain View, CA for a week for a conference in Mid-May and I want to do some ‘smart’ shopping. Usually clothes are cheaper in the US and I like to buy some necessities whenever I go. The Bay area is not the cheapest place to do that but I’d like to at least try.
What I’d be interested in:
- Women Shoes:
o A pair of boots; I’ve been looking for one for three years, I want something that’ll last for years, preferably knee-length leather boots.
o Flats usually Toms, maybe I'll try something cheaper but they Do last.
o Running shoes at Adidas or Nike outlets.
o I want dress shoes as well, maybe Aldo, I want something that’ll last but not necessarily brands.
- Women clothes:
o I mostly shop at Express, Gap, Old Navy or Forever 21. I like their style and I usually wear either pants with blouses and jackets or sweaters or dresses with leggings and sweaters. In an effort to adapt a capsule wardrobe, I’m thinking of having more dresses now. Nothing fancy; but classic and stylish (IMO :)), either casual or business casual, occasionally business.
- Men Shoes:
o MrGeek is a fan of Timberland, I sometimes find them at Burlington, otherwise at Timberland outlets.
- Kids’ clothes:
o This is where I have no idea where to start, I did not have kids when I lived in the US. I want summer clothes for a 2 years old boy and a 6 year girl. Also some baskets and other shoes for the boy.
- Underwear (men & women):
o I get mine at Victoria Secret because I don’t know another place where they come cheap and stylish but I’m open to suggestions.
o Any pointer on a store specialized on men’s underwear? Nothing fancy just good quality at an affordable price.
Places I know:
I will be in the Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Santa Clara area; I’ve identified some malls I went to last year:
- Great Mall: it was cheap but not a lot of choices
- Westgate Mall: it was so empty and I didn’t buy anything
- Westfield Valley Fair: I really liked it and it had everything I was looking for, but a bit expensive.
- I’ve also heard about the Stanford Shopping Center but I thought that would be too expensive so I never went.
So any feedback on those malls / stores or suggestion of other places and stores where I could find good deals would be welcome. Thanks in advance.