SEARCHING FOR BRA BARGAINS

I’ve been frustrated with underwear prices recently. To understand why, you’ll need a Seyi-shopping education.

I don’t believe in paying full price for clothing; in fact, I’m an extreme bargain shopper, meaning I generally purchase items that are 50% or more off the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. I can’t even remember the last time I paid full price for something. I was about to bite the MSRP-bullet for an evening gown in March 2005, but when I got to the register, it was 30% off. It's just smarter to pay less.

I go to your usual deal-hunter stores, such as Ross and Filene’s Basement, but I also hit more upscale places such as Bloomingdale’s or Lord & Taylor, because, as all good bargain shoppers know, when those stores clear clothing, it can be up to 80% off. Also, their evening gowns are reasonably priced. I don’t hit really-upscale stores such as Saks, because I can’t afford 50% off $2,000. I also don’t do used clothing stores—even consignment shops (which are not always bargain anyway), because, face it, someone I don't know has worn it (and more than just to try it on). To me, that's not cool. Perhaps there's some Dateline/20-20/48 Hours/Fox Investigates Special out there about how purchasing new clothes is actually like purchasing used clothes, but I'm going to trust that what's labeled "new" is actually so. Friends who do that kind of shopping always say I’m missing out on high-quality clothing, but I guess it will always be my loss.

Despite my love of “cheapy” (but nice) clothing shopping, I think I’m about to forgo it for one important item: the bra. I unfortunately have one of the most popular bra sizes—actually, my real size is rarer and also never available at retail stores—so I go for the next-best thing. It’s especially hard to find at bargain stores. I always seem to end up at their underwear racks when only the really small or really large bras are left—neither of which fit me. You basically have to get to the racks the day the shipment comes in, which I’ve only been able to do by-the-way one time. Just yesterday, I saw the most adorable pink satin bra for $5.99 (MSRP $26.99), but it was, of course, an A cup. I guess I could go bigger, but I definitely can’t squeeze into something smaller. The only exception to the scarcity of my bra size is those mega-padded wonder bras, which always seem to be in abundance in every size. However, I believe in wearing mine, so I pass on those.

I guess I could shop online for bras—but I like to carefully inspect clothing before purchasing it—even if I don’t get to try it on. You can’t always determine the quality or comfort of a clothing item by looking at it on a computer screen. Plus, my online-shopping track record is abysmal—I don’t have the patience to find the good, quality cheap stuff on sites such as E-bay (that’s the domain of a relative of mine whom I won’t name because I don’t know if he/she keeps it a secret)…

Or maybe I just need to expand my already extensive shopping-venue selection. I think this week I’ll cross over into the God-forsaken state of Virginia, because I will concede they have great outlet shopping. If I have no luck, I guess I can stick with the less-than-50-percent off sales at the local Macy’s. Those prices aren’t so bad. It’s also some solace that I get everything else cheap. I’m fresh off a deal-seeker high after purchasing a Calvin Klein suit for interview season at $69.99. MSRP? $300. With that in perspective, what’s an extra $10-$15 for a cute bra?