Ballin' Chain: Kmart Shopping

The oft-forgotten store harbors surprising style finds.

By Andrea Kasprzak
Published: April 28th, 2010 | 4:30pm

Thrift store shopping is one of the most satisfyingly guilt-free ways to spend an afternoon. It can also be one of the most frustrating. Sometimes you’re just not in the mood to navigate the teeny aisles in between rack-happy grandmothers, guestimate if a belt can successfully resurrect the sartorial worth of a plus-size kilt, or deal with discovering used tissue wads in the pocket of a blazer. But, a cheap thrill is a cheap thrill. You just have to know how, and where, to look.

Welcome to a world of hidden gems sans staples and colored tags—the chain store. First up, Kmart. Browsing online in our pajamas on a Saturday afternoon, we came up with some surprisingly on-trend pieces in unlikely departments.

Little Boys Department

In addition to great graphic tees and perfectly fitted flannels, Kmart's boys department stocks great fitted oxfords. Browse the uniform section for preppy blue shirts to tuck into feminine skirts or high-waisted shorts this season.

French Toast oxford, Kmart, $9.90; Lucca Couture sailor short, Urban Outfitters, $48; Rachel Comey flats, Gargyle, $305

The Girls Department

These shorts are stretchy, size up to a 16, and cost roughly as much as your morning latte. Come summer, rescue indecent hemlines by sporting these under the tiniest minis. Or, pair with an oversized, filmy tee and stacked wedge heel for a playful, casual update.

Sugar Girls shorts, Kmart, $5.98; Helmut Lang tee, Shopbop, $80; Jeffrey Campbell wedge, Need Supply, $135

Women’s Swimwear

Tropical Escape one piece, Kmart, $37.99; Forever 21 skirt, Forever21, $9.99; Alexander Wang heel, Barney's, $490

Tip: Use one-pieces as bodysuits and tuck into short shorts or skirts for a streamlined look. We like the retro-inspired ones best.

Comments

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kathryn (over 2 years)
AK, your trend pieces are normally spot on & this is no exception, but I feel it's worth nothing that those girls shorts size up to a 16 in girls--a waist equivalent to a women's 12 and hips of a size 4. Further, although the shorts and swimsuit are available on Kmart.com, they aren't available in store as they're sold through Kmart's parent co., Sears.

mhayati (over 2 years)
Umm, why would I pass up a thrift store where i can find something similar looking to those kmart finds? Buying at a thrift store would be reusing something instead of creating more waste. I would rather do that than buy a poorly made Kmart shirt or shorts that were made via child labor in some other country and sell in some store that doesn't pay their workers fairly or offer enough benefits. Boo on this article Venus. Also, if I can afford Alexander Wang heels I have no idea why I would by going through the racks of Kmart hoping for a 3 dollar tee. This is ridiculous.