I hate saying this in public, but I love Macy's. A lot. To the point I'm sad there aren't any in Canada. They have a very surprising range of prices, styles and sizes available. I used to think "eew Macy's" but now it's like "ooh, Macy's!"

I know you're in NYC. Hit Century 21!

no way I'm telling you wear I buy my skirts. I know we're not the same size, so there should be no threat there, but I likes 'em tiight.

What kinds of skirts, gaspode?

I don't really have any secrets, but I like clothes and especially skirts and tanks and things like that a lot. I'm really fickle, and don't care much for classics, so my MO is to not spend a lot of money. I'd rather have a ton of cute inexpensive clothes than a few classic key pieces, if you know what I mean. I'm not a blazer and khakis kind of person, and don't care much for timeless pieces that never go out of style. I don't mind if my boho skirt goes out of style next year if I only paid 29.99 for it.

I don't like clothes that look cheap, just clothes that are cheap!

I like to sew my own and buy things at thrift shops sometimes. I also like Target, Forever 21, Hollister, H & M, and my daughter's closet. I do buy more expensive once in a while (Ann Taylor and Chloe mostly) but only when things are on sale.

iconomy: umm.... cute skirts that the women in new york wear?

Yeah, I dunno. I'm supremely unhelpful. This is why I like winter better: I can wear my (oft-mentioned) uniform of jeans, sneakers, tshirt, hoodie.

But those places are a good start. I don't think you can look at H&M online, right? I forgot about the existence of Forever 21 and Target (see? impaired!) And I believe I walk past an Ann Taylor on the way home, so I'll have a look in.

hellbient? I can see you in a micro mini. Please wear to upcoming meetup.

New York & Company has a few cute ones on sale right now, gaspode.

Any (upscale) consignment shops in your area? Indie designer labels?

sorry gaspode, i don't know the lingo (micro mini), I just know what feels right.

I bought a really cute, longish skirt at Target (I know!) the other day - and I'm biggish too.

This is the one. So far it goes with everything.

except mine is a sort of dark lavender, not blue.

Are there any art/fashion schools around you?
I have known a few seamstresses and/or fashion students that are usually looking for projects like this to get hands on experience and gain exposure. I don't know the cost comparison between handmade and store bought though. Just an idea.

what about Scoop?

oooh that's cute, muddgirl. Thanks for the ideas, everyone.

iconomy: umm.... cute skirts that the women in new york wear?

I don't know what the women in NY wear, or what you consider cute. Target has tons of those nice boho peasanty-type skirts right now. In sooooo many colors.

Yeah they do, cool. I've never been into a Target before. They have a pretty good website though.

Anthropologie has nice things, although they are a little expensive. One place that is also a little expensive but very indie is Red Dress Shoppe. And Bluefly has discount designer clothes.

Anthropologie is run by the Urban Outfitters people.