Article & Photography by Ana Bunger | Owl Staff
As I make my way through department stores, I tend to window shop for the amazing dresses and Valentino purses I could maybe afford if I saved up all year. Being a college student, my budget can make me see red by the lack of green in my wallet. As a savvy shopper, I’m always looking for the latest deals and bargains while still looking chic and maintaining a budget.
I swapped department stores for the Gabriel Brothers located in Abingdon to see what styles they had for spring. Among the many brands like Urban Outfitters, Ann Taylor Loft, and Merona, I found a bright green and grey dress that screams “happy spring!” for only $12.99 when the full retail price was well over $30.00.
Of course, what girl can wear a dress without sporting a great bag to match? For only $16.99 I bought a great pink bag that can be used as a tote or simply as a plain purse that adds a pop of color to any outfit.
However, the best accessory to any outfit is a well-dressed man. I know that shopping for a boyfriend can be a bit of a hassle. You never know how much is too much for men’s clothing. Gabriel Brothers has plenty of clothes to choose from. I found a great H&M blueberry blue button-down shirt for $9.99, and a pair of dark was jeans for $14.99.
With spring break right around the corner, Gabriel Brothers is definitely a place to shop for all the necessities a girl might need. Bikinis and beach bags for under $20.00 are much better than the $79.00 price tags for the same designers at the department stores.
“Being a college student, my budget can make me see red by the lack of green in my wallet. As a savvy shopper, I’m always looking for the latest deals and bargains while still looking chic and maintaining a budget.”
If it’s shoes you’re looking for, Gabriel Brothers has both men and women’s shoes, flip flops, sandals, and sneakers all for a reasonable price, usually under $20.00.
Although my dream of a Valentino purse is still just a dream, my dream of cheap, stylish clothing is a reality. With dresses, sandals, handbags, and even racks of button-down shirts for men, how can I go wrong? Come and step out of the department stores, fashionistas! Great buys and great looks with the same designer names are available if we just shop around.
After all, what’s in a name? Any designer brand at a lesser price would still look just as chic.
