A single shopping trip to the mall, 5 things in your bag and you’re broke for the week.
For those of us who don’t have deep pockets, and a laissez-faire finance structure at home, there are some great alternatives to outfits and accessories for daily use – a lot more affordable and durable than mall-bought stuff.
The best part? No one will notice.
Splurge on designer stuff where you need to. Besides, if Lady Gaga has taught us anything, it’s that you can wear a garbage bag with confidence and pull it off.
For the rest, where your month’s savings are skimpy and you need a new outfit, try these [thrift-shop style]:
1. Brands for Less
With various store locations across the UAE, this chain of retail stores is known to carry big labels like Michael Kors, INC, Adidas and Kenneth Cole – all with considerable mark-downs. Bags, dresses, shoes, toys, men’s wear – they have the whole nine yards.
Heads up: You’ll have to dig for what you like.
Location: Various
Timings: 10am – 11pm, all week
Phone: 04 3962434 [Oud Metha Branch]
Can you haggle: No
Tip: Go with a set budget in mind or you’ll spend more than planned [thus defeating the purpose].
2. The Dragon Mart:
The fashion district of the mall gives you a variety of bags, shoes and clothes to choose from that are durable, trendy [yes, trendy] and affordable. If you’re looking for a formal dress or gown, they have that too [You’ll be surprised].
We suggest you get your daily-wear shoes and accessories from here – No one will be able to tell.
Heads up: You’ll have to haggle to get a good bargain though.
Location: Al Awir Road, Dubai International City
Timings: 10am – 10pm
Phone: 04 453 4282
Can you haggle: Yes
Tip: Park in the Fashion Parking Avenue. Also, ensure that you have your whole day open since you can wander here for hours!
Want to change your wardrobe? Find what you’re looking for on the Shedd App – a fashion community where you can buy second-hand designer items at a bargain.
3. Labels or Love
Do you know where all the stuff from labels goes if it hasn’t been sold? Here, you’ll find short shorts, basics, formal dresses, tops, cardigans, jackets, jeans, gym wear all ranging from AED 15-150. It’s a fantastic deal if you know where to look.
Don’t expect high-end designer wear, but this is the place for casuals.
Heads up: The one in Bur Dubai has a faster chaining collection while the one in Jumeirah carries some great party steals [with a larger dress collection]
Location: Near Burjuman, Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai & Jumeirah Beach Road[opposite Hudaiba Awards Building]
Timings: 10am – 10:30pm
Phone: 04 3863536
Can you haggle: No
Tip: They have very few fitting rooms, so you want to gather all your items and go in all at once.
4. Zabeel Flea Market
The flea market is the perfect place for people to buy and sell old items. If you don’t mind some perfectly good-looking second-hand garments, then hit this joint. It’ll take some looking around, but it’s a good place to find some steals.
Location: Zabeel Park
Timings: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (for visitors)
Date: Check on [website] for the schedule
Entrance fee: AED 5
Phone: 04 398 6888
Can you haggle: Yes
Tips: Since it is outdoors and in a park, wear comfortable shoes and plenty of sunblock.
5. Naif Souq Markets
The Naif Souq market is hidden away in old Deira. We’d recommend giving it a shot if you don’t mind the chatter, a bit of traffic and a traditional ‘marketplace’ shopping experience. You’ll find charming Arabic and Indian wear here – especially great if you’re looking for textiles.
Check out the variety of kaftans, dupattas (shawls) and jutii’s (Indian shoes) in the market. It’ll be an exotic night out.
Location: Deira
Timings: 8:30am – 11:30pm
Phone: N/A
Can you haggle: Yes
Tips: Avoid going into lonely or secluded parts of the market, travel in a group if you can and always keep an eye on your purse!
6. Al Attar Center
This basic shopping center is very popular with the expat Filipino community in Dubai. Alongside Filipino products, Al Attar Centre has stalls selling a range of affordable watches, mobile phones and accessories, and boasts stores that sell plenty of fashion and beauty products.
You can also get Ukay Ukay, which means second hand clothing at an affordable price. Think around AED 20 for a skirt; AED 40 for a jumpsuit and AED 15 for a top [and of course, quite a few wraparounds].
Location: Karama
Can you haggle: Yes
Tips: It’s a 10 minute walk from ADCB metro station, and if you have any friends that are great at haggling, make sure to bring them along!
Apart from the its above, there is a great pop-ups for seconds: http://www.myexwardrobe.com
If you’ve been somewhere where in the city where you can get great fashionable bargains and we’ve missed it out, don’t forget to comment below.
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