Where Do I Find...?: The Mall Survival Cheat Sheet

You've got a mission to find [INSERT ITEM HERE- i.e. a hot date outfit, interview suit] problem is you've got one hour. You certainly don't have time to idly drop by every store looking for the item. Don't worry, smart girls have a plan and you're smart (at least that's what your mother told you).

Where Do I Find...?

TRENDY STUFF

Urban Outfitters -Look no further for on the edge urban looks. You can find the hottest casual dresses, jumpsuits, hats and affordable costume jewelry here. (photo right: Kimchi onesie $68)

H&M -Find hot off the runway looks with prices for the real world. They house anything from a date night dress to the coolest tops.

Zara -Stop here for of the moment designs and designer replicas. The price point is a little higher here than ($60-$80 for a average dress) H & M but I think they offer casual as well as high style dressier items (and interesting shoes).

CLASSIC STYLES

J. Crew -A safe haven for sweater sets, sheath dresses, and statement jewelry fit for a first lady.

Banana Republic-You can always find a great pair of slacks, a classic dress or merino wool sweater.

BASICS

The GAP -You can't go wrong for t-shirts, sweats, and basic denim.

Old Navy-Go here for the same (but cheaper) t-shirts, sweats, and basic denim (I do prefer GAP when I comes to the favorites like the denim jacket).

H & M- This trendmaster also is the place you can always find a basic v-neck sweater, endless t-shirts, accessories and good lingerie.

Abercrombie & Fitch- Not just for teens. There's always a supply of well made tanks, tees, and cargo pants if you can get past the overwhelming smell of the cologne in every store (I personally can't get past the smell without the start of an allergy attack).

WORK ESSENTIALS

Banana Republic - You can't lose shopping for the last minute interview suit. They offer all the essentials: great button down shirts, and endless pant and skirt suit options that add a little more style than your basic suit. (photo right:

Sleek suit: blazer $150, pants: $79, satin blouse $69)

J. Crew - J. Crew is always worth a visit when shopping for work. You can always find great business casual options (button downs, cashmere sweater sets), and a couple of suit options (I always find a better selection of suits offered online).

EVENING/SPECIAL OCCASION WEAR

Macy's- When in a rush for special occasion wear it's best to rely on a better department store. They usually have a section dedicated to solely to dresses. You also have a better chance of catching it on sale (Macy's has it's sale of the year about once a week).

Bloomingdale's- Ditto. (photo right: Cynthia Steffe "Stephanie" Dress $247.50)

AFFORDABLE SWIMWEAR

Victoria's Secret- The secret is out, you can now get swimwear in the stores (they already offer a huge variety of suits online). Short on time? You can run in and get a cute, well made suit for 60 bucks (online deals are even better).

Target- Anyone who knows me know I can't get enough of Target. While they offer a large supply of swimsuits suits, I usually count on them for cute (and cheap) cover ups.

Did I miss anything?