Uh, I need help shopping

Do you have a Marshals, TJ Maxx or Ross near by? It may be worth checking there! Also if you want a suit to look great on you, you cannot just grab it off the rack, you need to take it to a tailor and get it fit for you! It will look 1000% better! Other options: Thrift stores. Yes I am serious. I have bought Talbots, Banana Republic, and many other high end brands that look brand new (some still with tags on!) for $1 or $2 a piece! 

Other options include keeping an eye out for sales from Jcrew, Banana Republic, and Express.

I agree with thrift stores! I buy a majority of my clothes there, and when people find out that my outfit is from a thrift store they are always so surprised. I started shopping there when I was a student, and even though I am now working full time, I still prefer to shop at thrift stores because I know the good gems you can find there. What's good too, if you find a nice piece there and it a bit too big, you can simply bring it to a tailor. So you get a nice fit for a low price! Happy shopping!! 

 

I got the cutest black skirt suit at Ross at few years ago. I forget what manufacture it was, but the original price was $78 and I got it for $19.99. It was a steal! It takes some digging in those types of stores but if you have the time, it's worth it. I know what it's like to be a poor college student. Now I'm a poor college graduate 20 years later  .

 

Also, I second the Thrift stores (goodwill, second hand stores, etc). When we get our tax return I'm taking $100 for clothes and the first store I'm hitting is Goodwill. I've gotten a lot of great clothes there, some with still tags on them. I know I've donated a lot of clothes that were only worn a few times or not at all. I know what it's like to be a 
 

 

A higher-end consignment shop would cost more than a thrift store, but you'd have a better chance of finding something great, and the salespeople are generally helpful. JJill is also a pretty good store and not overly expensive (though not cheap either). Ann Taylor Loft is less expensive as well, and I found a lot of nice stuff on clearance.

another tip for thrift stores: go to ones in higher class neighborhoods. Chances are they will have more up-to-date fashions and more designer brands, but may be a little more expensive. I also hit the one right next to the University of TN campus right after the semesters end! You will find a lot of stuff that the kids just didnt want to have to try to move back home

I agree about shopping at resale stores! Even the big ones can have beautiful clothes if you have the time to look through all the awful stuff. 

 

If you wear a smaller size (I think I read that somewhere?), there are real finds out there, most women don't wear S or XS it seems. Shopping and selection are terrible here on the island, and we've been looking for a jacket/coat for our daughter (she's slim and tall) for two months - something she likes and will wear - and had no luck in stores. We went to a few resale shops and she found a gorgeous tailored leather/suede jacket that she absolutely loves. It's like new and was $35, but would easily cost $200 - $250 at the Danier store. 

 

I don't usually find much at resale stores because I'm a popular size and I think the best stuff never makes it to the sales floor, but one time I found 3 blouses, 2 jackets, and 3 skirts all in my size and taste for about $100! Somebody lost or gained weight or something, but her rejects fit me great and it was an awesome boost to my wardrobe and budget.

 

Check out some resale stores and talk to the owners about what you are looking for, they might even call you when suitable items come in. If you check back every few days, you have a good chance of getting some real finds.

 

Congrats and good luck on your internship!