FashBlog.com

It can be safely assumed that wherever you live here in the U.S., you aren’t too far away from one of those stores that sell everything priced at one dollar. C’mon now, fess up-don’t you just love those places?

I wish I could remember to visit more often, or plan trips into my agenda, but I usually end up running to a local drug store and paying more for the same item. But yesterday I got a shock: a beauty product I had purchased two previous times at a chain discounter for $10 was displayed at a dollar store for, you guessed it-a mere buck. It stopped me cold. I looked, looked again, and picked it up. I examined the package, and yes, it was a name brand, not a knock off with similar packaging. There was no expiration date, and nothing to reflect any damage or prior use. Looking at the display case, there were many, so it wasn’t as if they were trying to get rid of a few leftover stock items. Hmmm…

I approached the sales lady and mentioned my surprise. She looked at me like I was crazy to have paid 10 times the price. So, I ran into the grocery store next door to see if perhaps the product was discontinued or greatly reduced, but it hung proudly on its rack, with a good, firm price of $9.99, not even marked down as one of the weekly bargains. Hmmm again….

How does this happen? Almost everyone knows that, if you can wait two weeks before purchasing something, it will be probably marked down, or there will be some kind of coupon available. Dollar stores cut through all of that nonsense, and that’s why they’re popular.

In any event, I was able to get everything I needed at the dollar store, from famous name chocolate chips to major brand toothbrushes. It got me to wondering if a woman could purchase items there that could be considered “fashion”. I think, if a person searches hard enough, they can find a few whimsical items to spice up their accessory collection.

Some dollar stores have a pretty good variety of hair ornaments, just like mall outlet stores: Clips, barrettes, hair bands, scrunchies-even famous name brushes and curlers. Now, women probably won’t find too much when it comes to cosmetics or nail polish, but there may be a few such items. As far as jewelry is concerned, unless one is looking for fun or seasonal pieces, the pickings will probably be slim. However, a person may get lucky and find some great beads that they can restring with others for a unique necklace or bracelet. Plus, they always have basic chains or pendants that a person’s own beads or charms can be strung onto, saving a few dollars over similar ones in craft stores.

Occasionally, dollar stores will even carry sunglasses-at least those stores that carry items at prices higher than a dollar-but it’s important to check the styles carefully. Many are priced around $5, but probably won’t have the UV protection ratings of sunglasses in the $10-$20 range of drugstores. Yet, if you’re looking for a fun pair to wear just once or twice, you may be in luck.

Most dollar stores carry some socks and gloves, many of which are actually cute. But don’t expect them to last past the season; again, they may not be durable, but they may help co-ordinate a few outfits in a light-hearted way. You probably won’t find too many packages of pantyhose, tights, or underwear at most dollar stores, but you can find body lotions and powders, shower gels and bath products that may even be matched as sets. The stores may also have, on occasion, seasonal or sports articles, such as scarves or caps. Obviously, the quality is not excellent, but if you’re looking to change a look, or wear an attention-getting conversation piece, you may find something at a dollar store that inexpensively fits your needs.

These outlets allow the average person to try out different looks without breaking the bank. It may not be “high” fashion, but it can be a positive experience nonetheless!