Although I shopped hard I also shopped smart.  This meant buying brands which cost far less than at home.

Brands to buy in the US

I think it is fair to say I have spent a substantial time in the US recently and while there I got to know the shops pretty well!  Although I shopped hard I also shopped smart.  This meant buying brands which cost far less than at home.

So, I thought it only fair to share some of the best places and brands to buy in the US.

All the below prices are based off the brand’s own website, a stockist or what I personally paid for them.  Please bear in mind savings can vary due to fluctuating exchange rates.  Although I hope this will give you a good overview as to the savings which can be made.

Tiffany

I sadly didn’t purchase anything from Tiffany but while my mum was visiting she treated herself to something gorgeous; the rather stunning Tiffany T bangle and yes, I am very jealous! In America she paid $975, in the UK the same bracelet it £795.  That is £150+ saving.

Here are a few other examples:

Return to Tiffany Mini Double Heart with Tag Pendant in Silver with Enamel – $125/ £100 (Approx saving = £20)

Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Band Ring in Sterling Silver – $200/ £165 (Approx saving = £36)

Elsa Peretti Colour Ring by the Yard Ring in Sterling Silver with Aquamarine – $150/ £130 (Approx saving = £33)

Tiffany 1937 Round Cufflink in Titanium – $425/ £345 (Approx saving = £275)

Alice and Olivia

Azaria Drape Front with Fur – $660/ £575 (Approx saving = £148)

Clarabelle Sleeveless Flare Gown – $698/ £660 (Approx savings = £208)

Bay Pearl and Rhinestone Sweater – $440/ £380 (Approx saving = £95)

BCBG

We all know I went mad in BCBG and practically treated myself to a whole new wardrobe but the prices are so exceptionally different I figured I was actually saving a ton! If you missed my BCBG Haul you can catch it HERE and HERE.

Lotti Faux Suede Fringe Miniskirt – $198/ £188 (Approx saving = £62)

Remmie Crisscross Halter Top – $198/ £188 (Approx saving = £62)

Kamara Deep V Lace Draped Gown – $448/ £426 (Approx saving = £136)

Lululemon

This is my gym wear of choice and whenever I am Stateside I always try and stock up on a few pieces.  Whoever said gym wear wasn’t stylish, didn’t shop at Lululemon!

All Meshed Up 7/8 Tight – $98/£88 (Approx saving = £25)

Cool Racer Back Tank – $42/£38 (Approx saving = £11)

Twist Bra Long Time – $52/£45 (Approx saving = £12)

I’m also a massive fan of Stella McCartney’s sports line for Adidas which is also cheaper in the US.

Trainers

I went a little trainer mad in the US because the majority of the brands are so much less.  Here are some examples:

Nike Air Max Thea Premium $115/ £95 (Approx saving = £21)

Converse Comme de Garcon Converse Low Tops $110/ £79.99 (Approx saving = £8.99)

Adidas Superstars $80/ £67 (Approx saving = £16)

CK Underwear

Modern Cotton Bralette – $28/ £28 (Approx saving = £10)

Modern Cotton Bikini – $20/ £18 (Approx saving = £6)

Apple

The prices between the Apple products in the US and at home are pretty shocking.  They are so different I even considered a new laptop just because it was so much cheaper (in the end I realised that was ridiculous).  Although I did treat myself to a new phone.

iPhone 6s 16GB $649/ £539 (Approx saving = £119)

iPhone 6s Plus 64GB $849/ £699 (Approx Saving = £149)

Macbook (with smaller storage) $1299/ £1049 (Approx saving = £208)

J Crew

J Crew is hands down the place for gorgeous and unique jewellery pieces.  Whenever I’m in a J Crew I always head straight to the accessory department.  They have the starkest differences when comparing the US and GBP prices.

Sparkle Chunky Link Bracelet – $138/ £138 (Approx saving = £89)

Crystal Cluster Necklace – $148/ £148 (Approx saving = £53)

Blooming Sequin Paillette Necklace – $148/ £168 (Approx saving = £73)

3.1 Philip Lim

The Pashli Mini Textured Leather Trapeze Bag – $695/ £545 (Approx saving = £95)

Old Navy

I don’t think we have any Old Navy stores in the UK yet but I am mentioning it because I love the clothes and it is insanely good value.  It is the younger, cheaper sister of Gap and Banana Republic.  It is definitely worth a visit if you pass one during your travels.

Other brands which I didn’t shop in but know there is a significant price difference include:

Abercombie & Fitch | Forever 21 | American Eagle Outfitters | Marc Jacobs | DKNY | Banana Republic | Vince | James Perse | Juicy Couture | SONY | Ralph Lauren | American Apparel | Urban Outfitters | 7 For All Mankind | Billionaire Boys Club| Levi | Ella Moss | Milly | GANT | Victoria’s Secret | Hollister | Proenza Schouler | Rag & Bone | Kate Spade

This is by no means an exhaustive list, there are plenty of others but hopefully this will give you a good idea of the variety!!

FYI a quick heads up about sales tax.  Sales tax differs from State to State.  In California it is around 8% which is about quite high. However, if you’re able to head to Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon it is nothing.  Alaska, Hawaii and Wisconsin have the lowest in the country with Tennessee, Arkansas and Alabama having the highest.  If you’re making a big purchase then saving on sales tax can make a real difference.

Finally if these savings weren’t good enough it is also worth knowing American retail is very promotion led.  This means stores often have additional, pop up discounts lasting only a few days.  It is always worth looking out for these sales and asking in store what the current promotion is.  You’ll be making savings on savings!

More you'll enjoy

Share this post

Don’t forget you can also keep up with me on Instagram @thatnewdress, Twitter @thatnewdress, Bloglovin That New Dress and Snapchat thatnewdress.

Please note this post contains affiliate links. This does not affect you, the consumer, in the slightest. It simply means the retailer provides a small percentage of the sale to the individual who influenced the sale. As always views remain wholly my own.

Previous post Next post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Close