Bargain Hunting

I’ve never really been much of a brand snob, and while I might pay a lot for something I really love, I get just as excited when I find something cute at a discount place. The way I see it, the less things cost, the more I can get!

So in the interest of bargain hunting, my aunt and I often check out some of Cape Town’s hot-spots for cheap (yet rather awesome) finds. Here are some of my favourite bargain hunting places:

China Town

Ever since I discovered China Town in December last year, this has been one of my favourite places to shop. The layout is much like Access Park, and while it gets pretty crazy (especially on the weekend after payday!), there are many, many great shops here selling a huge range of things.

Look out for…

* Dresses of all styles, lengths and colours
* Coats during winter time at R200-R300
* Make-up, leggings and other accessories
* Awesome handbags at R60-R100
* Cute cardigans, shrugs and mini cardis

China Town is in Ottery, opposite the Ottery Hypermarket on Ottery Road and is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. Get there early if you go on a Saturday, and be prepared for crowds.

Woodstock Main Road

Woodstock Main Road is home to some of the oldest and best factory shops in Cape Town, and has a number of better known brand name shops thrown in amidst the Chinese shops and cheap retail factory shops. The best bet is to park somewhere in the middle, and do a few blocks.

Look out for…

* Shoe HQ – this is one of the nicest branches in Cape Town, with parking outside and PLENTY of shoes!
* Queenspark – while this is a bit hit and miss, they often have great coloured jeans, cardis and cute sandals.
* Plum – great prices and great shoes.
* Habits – all the discount stuff that’s sold in Claremont.

Vintage Shops

Because I have a huge love for vintage as it is, vintage or second hand clothing is a great way to find amazing clothes, bags and shoes at great prices. Vintage shoes are especially hard for me to resist, and with so many great places in Cape Town to choose from, it’s not at all hard to find a great find.

Look out for…

* Second Time Around (Long Street, near Zula) – while they’re not the cheapest place, the coats, shoes and jewelry here is amazing!
* Never on a Sunday (212 Long Street) – this was always my favourite place, with gorgeous shoes, retro dresses and all sorts of awesome.
* Stock Exchange (55 Kloof Street) – no idea if this place is still around, but used to be one of my fave places when I lived near the top of Kloof.
* Hello Again (44 Bloem Street) – just around the corner from me, this place stocks young designers as well as vintage finds.