Saturday style

A few weeks ago I found a simple polyester dress that will be my go-to summer frock and basic layering piece for spring. While it looks blue, the material is a deep purple that isn’t included in my usual wardrobe palette.

Who knows? It may be 70 on Friday, in which case I could get away with something so thin (and short)… in February. Crazy DC weather.
Dress: F21, $22.95. Jacket: F21. Scarf: World Market, $5. Purse: TJ Maxx, $20. Boots: Franco Sarto.

Aside from the price, I love that this purse has a detachable shoulder strap. In clutch form, this studded bag serves as a wonderful defensive device. Ah, what a beautiful weekend.

Thanks for reading!

-J

a pop of pink

There are three things I need want.

1) a colorful portfolio clutch – snakeskin or ostrich (faux of course)

2) a practical yet stylish work bag

3) cropped pants. In multiple colors.

While short, this list has been much more challenging than I originally had expected. Being on a budget, I can’t just pick up any bag at (insert expensive retailer here). With the goal of spending less than $40, I headed to a local mall on a mission. Inevitably, I ended up at Forever. While I don’t usually buy purses there, this pink purse was great for two reasons: tassles and removable shoulder strap. GENIUS.

Just watch how many ways it can be worn.. As a clutch. As a shoulder bag.As a “hide all evidence that I ate nachos at HH” bag. Sweater: H&M, $15. Dress: H&M, <$20. Purse: F21, $29.50.

I decided to sport quite a hodge podge of clothing items this particular Sunday afternoon (you are probably wondering why you read this blog). But seriously, comfort trumps style on Sunday’s. And if you couldn’t tell from the photos, these were taken at Giant. Not exactly a fashion hub.

Aside from it’s uber pinkness, this bag has been extremely useful with its multiple compartments and the possible strap variations. It magically becomes a work bag, HH bag, going out bag, all in one. And all for $30.

Thanks for reading. Next up: cropped pants!

color coordinated

First paycheck means… SHOPPING (just kidding Mom). As most of you know, if anything is going to come before  clothing its food.

However, I couldn’t turn a blind eye to some (long-awaited) retail therapy, and a quick trip to Forever 21 gave my wardrobe a much needed boost of color. According to the Pantone experts, blood orange is supposedly the “it” color for spring, and I have every intent of hopping on that bandwagon. Until then, I started with some basic color blocking pieces that are DC weather appropriate: essentially, I can wear them in both 20 degree and 60 degree weather.
Do I need a pair of spotted harem pants? Nope. Did I immediately pick them up and decide I was buying them? Yep.

Pants: F21, $19. Top: J Crew, $6 (second hand AND it’s 100% cashmere). Tote: Saks 5th Ave., $2 (second hand). Shoes: Zara, $50.

These pants + tan Vincent Camuto wedges + white blouse = my everyday spring work outfit.

While I have attempted to make my own scarves, I will gladly pay the two dollars for the above Hanes scarf. Who knew that Hanes even made scarves back in the day?
The Zara color block shoes were the finishing touch to my already colorful outfit. But who said anything about being uber-color coordinated? As the experts would say, too much matching is passé.

How are you brightening up your wardrobe this spring?

$ for one outfit < $ for one metro ride

It is possible.

Even though it wasn’t “50 percent off day” during my recent trip to Salvation Army, I still managed to score pants and a top for three dollars. Can you imagine paying three dollars for a pair of Express or Gap pants AND a cute lace top? That’s less money than my average metro ride.Yet another black bottoms/white top outfit. Pants: Gap, $1.50. Top: no brand, $1.50. Scarf: F21, $10. Shoes: Nine West.You know clothing is old when there is no sign of tags and/or the labels look like they’re from the 80′s. Good thing black pants never seem to go out of style.With this crazy “winter” weather, it can’t hurt to have a couple of versatile pieces on hand. Black pants can always be worn with sheer, flowy tops or short-sleeved shirts, and this lace top might be fun with denim shorts for summer.

Can it be summer yet?

cheap coat #1

Midway through the winter season, I came to the conclusion that I was not going to survive the somewhat mild DC winters in a trench coat or sweater. The frugal being that I am, I purchased two thrifted coats for less than $15 before realizing: a coat less than $15 was not quite going to do the trick.

During a recent trip to TJ Maxx I was able to find this fairly attractive winter garment for $40. Reduced from $90, I bought immediately. While I have never heard of the brand (Hawke & Co.?) and I am pretty sure down feathers have been substituted with a cheap, synthetic stuffing, it has gotten me through the last few chilly days. Who said coats have to be super expensive?
Coat: Hawke & Co., $40. Boots: Coach.So, if you are in the market for a new outer-layer, try one of your local thrift stores before dropping major cash. I found a similar style jacket at Salvation Army (in army green) that was maybe $12. While it may not be necessary to own more than one winter jacket, I certainly enjoy having both casual and nicer options.

Enjoy your weekend, and check back Monday for my latest thrifted finds.

-J

winter wonderland

This past weekend I ventured home for the finishing touches of my never-ending dental saga. While I was upstate for less than 48 hours, I managed to squeeze in an impromptu trip to Rochester, pick up a few items at the local Salvation Army, trade in some clothes at Trader K’s, and eat multiple breakfast sandwiches. Not to mention, it was cold. Freezing. Undeniably winter coat / gloves / no bare skin showing kind of cold.
One of the great things about second hand shopping is coming across things you never thought you would buy/need. I had forgotten about this lace poncho I picked up at the Meeps launch party a few months ago, and I’d like to think it was a nice addition to my fairly consistent wardrobe.

Poncho: vintage. Top: Alternative, $19. Leggings: F21, $14. Ring: gifted (thanks Jess, I have such stylish friends)
Not only did this poncho allow me to blend into my surroundings, it provided absolutely no warmth. Perhaps a good piece for the following fall.

Please note the following photo blemish that I did not feel like editing. A snowflake gives the illusion that I have fang. I do not.
And finally, “Lizzie” and I enjoying the wintry wonderland.

Next up: winter coats for less than $50.

pleated shorts

This past weekend was awesome for many reasons. The weather, for one, made everything that much better. And brighter. And beautiful! I don’t remember the last time I ate lunch outside in a t-shirt in January.

So thanks to global warming, I was able to don a pair of new shorts that I recently bought at Loehmann’s (which I was planning on saving for spring). However, I can’t help buying off season when things are on super sale. Proof: these shorts were only $12.
A perfect day: pick-up soccer, shopping (my new home decor courtesy of TJ Maxx), good dark coffee, and napping outside.
Top (which is actually a dress): American Apparel, $35. Shorts: Romeo and Juliet via Loehmann’s, $12. Tights: DKNY. Boots: vintage. Jacket: The Gap, $15 (on sale). Hope you all had a great weekend outdoors. Fingers crossed for another heat wave.

-J

a NYE dress for less

Like last year, my New Year’s resolutions address my shopping, eating, and spending habits. So for NYE, I decided to skip out on buying a new dress for the occasion and pulled out a sequined number from Value Village that had yet to be worn.
With Tina’s help, I shortened the knee-length piece to a proper NYE-dress: short and sequined. For only $9, this dress was definitely worth wearing for the big night out. After all, when else would I wear this?Hope everyone had an awesome NYE. May 2012 bring you happiness, success, and smart shopping.

-J

sequins and spots

If I had to choose one store to shop at from the Pyramid Mall (Ithaca, NY), it would be Old Navy.

Growing up I had very limited options: Abercrombie and Fitch, Old Navy, The Gap, American Eagle, and The Bon-Ton (you may have to Google that last one). Like I said, limited. Today, A&F is now a tractor display room.

However, in recent years I have been very happy with my Old Navy purchases. The head designer should probably get a raise. While I refuse to pay $50 for any top/dress or pair of shoes from Old Navy, they have great, great sales (like shirts for $5).

So, combined with the constant supply of cheap wonders from F21, I made a sequined/spotted outfit happen for a grand total of $35.
Sweater: Old Navy, $15. Skirt: Forever21, $20.

Shout out to my little brother for being my stand-in photographer and photo editor.

Next up: a little bit more Old Navy. I wouldn’t dream of passing up on five dollar shirts.

 

Petrune shoot cntd.

As promised, I have a few more pictures from our shoot with Ithaca-based vintage store, Petrune. We opted for a red/black/white theme where Allie was ready for work and I was ready for… spring?
On Allie: Jacket/shoes/top: her own. Skirt: $16. On me: Top: Old Navy, $6. Scarf, $16. Pants: Argentinian leather, $24. Shoes: Charles Jourdan, $22.

Winter trend prediction? Leather pants. Warm, sexy, and simple. Only downside? Don’t expect to boogie around in these pants, the leather can be a tad restricting.Scarves are an understated accessory that every woman should own.
Colorful clutches took our black dress outfits up a notch. Suede or snakeskin detail? Even better.Dress: Steppin’ Out, $36. Shoes: Allure, $16.
This was just a tiny selection of the shoes Petrune has in store. Every color, style, and material you could possibly want. Best part? Shoes were in great condition and most pairs were between $20 and $40.My favorite shoes by far. If someone doesn’t get to them first, they will be mine.
This dress was one of my favorite pieces at Petrune. The beading and design make this a unique piece that no one else will be wearing on NYE. So what are you waiting for? Who will be wearing vintage sequins with me on New Years?

Lastly, big thanks to Lucy at Petrune for all her vintage expertise. Allie and I must have tried on at least twenty different things, and we could not have put together our outfits without her help! Make sure you check out Petrune’s website, they have a great blog going and are constantly putting out new pieces for sale.

Check back later for some awesome deals from (yes, believe it or not) Old Navy.

-J