Gargi Bansod & Jaina Kumar prowl the streets of Colaba and Bandra to check out the clothes on offer and put together a few looks that are stylish and easy on the pocket. Also, we bring you a few bargaining tricks that you can use...
The blazing sun, the yelling, the bargaining, the piles of clothes, the checking for flaws… street shopping is quite a grueling task. But, Mumbaikars love a good bargain and that’s why we keep going back for more. But, to make the experience a less tiresome one, we track down the best deals our streets have to offer. And even we were surprised at the goodies you’ll find if you look hard enough.
We strolled through Colaba Causeway and Hill Road in Bandra and came across many fashionable clothes and accessories. Most stalls sell women’s clothes, so the men might have to hunt a little harder. But, we recommend Hill Road and Linking Road for the guys. It’s got a lot more to offer than Colaba Causeway.
Also, here’s another little secret we picked up along the way. You will find similar things on Colaba Causeway and Hill Road, but the vendors at Colaba will not let you bargain post a certain amount. That is to say, if you pick an outfit from Colaba, you will find the same outfit in Bandra which you will get for `50 less. So, make sure you do a quick scan before purchasing. We’ve put together two cool outfits for you as well as give you a guide so that you can mix and match on your own. And the best part is that all the clothes are under `500! While the quality might not be as good as some high-end stores, you’ll get great clothes and even better prices and if you’re in luck, you’ll find some funky picks like we did. So, let’s shop!
How to bargain
Bargaining is a must whenever you street shop. Never pay vendors the amount they ask for, even though it might be a minimal amount for you. Here are a few handy tips:
• Always quote half the price. If he says `200 you say `100, if he says `80 you say `40 and stick to it, maybe a little over that's all.
• If he doesn’t agree, walk away. This just makes them to give in and you will eventually get it at the rate you want.
• An easier way to get the lowest prices is to choose all items you want to purchase from the vendor and then bargain on the total sum rather than individual things.
For the girls Here’s a casual outfit for girls that will suit any body type.
Cotton top
Available in various prints at the stall outside Sagar, Hill Road
Price: `200
Blue shorts
Available in many colours at Trendsetter, Colaba
Price: `250
Contact petitefaux@gmail.com
Open-boots
Available in brown, blue, hot pink, maroon and black
Price: `250
Backless green dress
Where: Stall outside Adidas, Colaba
Price: `200
Dhoti pants
Where: Hill Road and Colaba
Price: `200
Coloured pumps
Where: Anupam Chappals, Colaba
Price: `200
Black dress
Where: Stall outside Enrich salon, Hill Road
Price: `250
For the boys
This look is classic and won’t go out of style.
Blue shirt
Available in many colours at the stall next to Elco, Hill Road
Price: `450
Grey trousers
Available outside Bata, Hill Road
Price: `300
Chappals
Available in black and brown and in few other designs
Price: `300
Shorts for guys
Where: Stall outside Bata showroom, Hill Road
Price: `200
Kolhapuri’s
Where: Stall outside Leopold’s Cafe, Colaba
Price: `450
T-shirts
Where: Stall outside Adidas showroom, Colaba
Price: `250
Checked shirt with hoodie
Where: Stall before Archies, Hill Road
Price: `250
Accessories:
Funky print bags
Where: Stall next to Outfits, Hill Road
Price: `250
Gandhi glasses
Where: Vira Gift Centre, Colaba
Price: `250
Sling bags
Where: Colaba
Price: `250
Unisex hats
Where: Hill Road and Colaba
Price: `200
Neon glasses
Where: Vira Gift Centre, Colaba
Price: `150