Boutiques and bargains: Giana’s finds from Hawaii, ZARA, and Urban Outfitters

On another typical Saturday night, I found myself craving pizza. My friend indulged me in a visit to Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights. While we waited for our burrata and strawberries appetizer, I checked the crowded brew house for chic looks.

Perched at a nearby table, a young woman clad with eclectic accessories looked carefree and confident. She wore a pink corduroy baker boy hat and sparkly shoes I could spot from where I sat. I interrupted her mid-sipping a pint to ask about her style.

Giana, a 34-year-old flight attendant from Little Italy, found her hat at Scotch & Soda on sale for around $50. She also wore cut-off boyfriend jeans from Urban Outfitters (around $40-$50) and a dark tee from Brandy Melville (also around $50). When asked what made her pick black glittery Vans ($59.99) on this particular night, she proudly stated “I love sparkles!”

She bought her handmade set of shell charm bangle bracelets while in Hawaii ($40-$70). Giana explained that she likes to shop at boutiques when she travels, but she tries to look for bargains at ZARA or Urban Outfitters. “I find it therapeutic!” she said resolutely.

I resumed my night, but as I later packed up my leftover pizza, a pair of searsucker jeans with zipper detail called to me. Before I left the busy beer tavern, I stopped to meet Taylor, 23, from Pacific Beach.

Her trendy outfit included a black ribbed bodysuit and chunky ankle-strap heels from Payless. She provided an inside tip, “They were $34, but because Payless is going out of business they were $17.”

She revealed that the pants were actually a giveaway from a friend, so they didn’t quite fit her lengthy legs, but thankfully the zipper calf allowed her to crop them and still rock them. Usually, she buys jeans only from Abercrombie & Fitch. “Jeans I find important to buy, so I’ll spend a lot of money on jeans from Abercombie because they’re built for my body. The frame and everything is for tall people; they actually have a Long. A lot of jeans don’t fit me!”

Still, Taylor embraces her height: “I’m 5’10 and I don’t own a pair of flat shoes... I only wear heels!”