CheapJAP

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Target Limited Edition makes ____ for GO International Irrelevant

I recently had the pleasure of trying on some Target Limited Edition stuff. My first thought? This is SO MUCH BETTER than any of those designer X for GO International lines!

The risks of mixing alcohol and anything strapless include but are not limited to: Double-boobage; Multiple re-adjustment trips to the loo; Inability to raise one’s arms over one’s head while dancing; Regrettable hook-ups with regrettable people; Nipple-gate. I was particularly impressed by the Strapless Dress pictured ($39.99) because it succeeded where 98% of its kin fail: It actually stayed in place. This feat was achieved by a nifty, adjustable, built-in bandeau with which to secure your, ahem, goods before zipping up the dress.

This super-cute, well-constructed strapless number affirms that Target’s in-house designs have come a loooong way. At this point, the only foreseeable reason for the megastore to continue its collabs is to keep high-end designers in business, and that’s very nice of them. Let’s hope said high-end designers are grateful enough to stop slapping their names on cheap crap, and start producing stuff commensurate with Target’s own lines.

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Staple This: Black Pants

I’m usually sooo not a fan of black pants, in part because they bore the hell out of me, in part because I associate them with something really icky: WAITRESSING.

These High Rise Trousers, ($24.80 at Forever 21) are the only pair I actually wear outside of work. They’re as classy as they are comfortable, the high-waist/wide-leg is uber flattering, they’re a worthy counterpart to that Ruffled Blouse from Beacon’s; in short, I’m effing nuts about them.

The Little Grey Book of BS would likely deem black pants a splurge-worthy item. I’ve owned Theory and Tahari versions of this staple; I genuinely like the Forever 21 trousers more. That this dressy item is machine-washable is the cream cheese icing on the red velvet cupcake. (Still, wash inside out on COLD and HANG DRY to preserve lifespan).

And sorry bout the bitchface. I was obvs on my way to work at the time.

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Oh Don’t EVEN! More Marshalls.

What, you think Theory was the only gem uncovered at Marshalls? Puh-lease!

BCBG Sweater, originally $70. At Marshalls? $34.99. Niiiiiice.

This red, Calvin Klein dress - originally $120, found on Marshalls’ Clearance rack for $43 - is what my mom would call a Schmata (I think it’s Yiddish for sack). Yes, the dress itself is shapeless, but the sleeves are all kinds of awesome; add a belt (in this case, the BCBG sweater belt due to a lack of dressing room options) and Ta-da!

Think you can’t find BCBG and/or Calvin Klein at Marshalls?

Oh Don’t EVEN!

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Camis at Mandee

I spent my middle school years in Blue Asphalt low-rider jeans which - as I’m sure my fellow teens of the nineties know - also means I spent them with my thongs semi-exposed. NOT okay. I don’t wear low-riders anymore, but I’m still paranoid to the point that I wear long camisoles ALL THE TIME to combat buttcrack exposure.

Before my uber frugal days, I was a fan of Anthropologie’s Eloise Seamless Camisoles, $24 each. When you wear camis everyday, that adds up. So I opted for these Mandee Basic Tank Tops instead. They’re $8.99 each, or two for $12.

WORD.

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Oh Don’t EVEN! Marshalls.

Oh Don’t EVEN! is a feature intended to disprove preconceived notions about certain retail outlets. Our current assumption: Marshalls’ brands suck.

Oh REALLY. Let’s see what I found, shall we?

Take a good, hard look at that pricetag. This shirt was originally $150. One hundred and fifty dollars for an effing button-down shirt. Yes, it’s Theory, yes, it’s fab, but COME ON! Marshalls priced it at $49.99. Better. Me likey. I found it on the Clearance rack for $39 because I’m all kinds of awesome at this shiznat (and/or just lucky).

Some might consider it a sacrilege that I didn’t buy this shirt - I say bollacks to that. This was a research trip only. It’s not the first time I’ve passed up a score of this caliber, and it won’t be the last. Bygones.

The retail price of this cranberry number was even more offensive. $315 for…what, the buttons? Are they made of rare red elephant ivory or something? When I think of all the stuff I could buy with $315, it kind of makes me want to hurl that Theory thinks so highly of itself.

I think the dress is still a rip off at $99, but that’s not the point. The point is that if this brand’s at my local Brooklyn Marshalls, there’s gotta be some equally solid brands at yours.

In closing: Think you can’t find Theory at Marshalls?

Oh Don’t EVEN!

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Forever 21 Knocks It Outta the Park

No one I know has enough apartment space to even throw a Holiday party, so I don’t have the pleasure of attending many. This doesn’t mean I’m immune to wanting to dress up for Holiday parties (even imaginary ones), so I did some reconnaissance at my local Forever 21s. Read: I have either seen in person or tried on every dress below, and can henceforth vouch for their respective awesomenesses. You’re welcome.

I did about nine double takes when I first saw this Strapless Brocade Dress. It’s $29.80, and it looks like $298. I’ll probs wear it to my boarding school’s Holiday Party and look chicer (is that a word?) than the Nanette Lepore-clad alumni, as per usual. The Embroidered Satin Dress is also a winner, ($27.80).

Hark! Black lace that’s not at all trashy - who knew?! (Lace Yoke Dress, $22.80). No one wears hot pink flowers in winter. And that is precisely why you should. (Rose Print Dress, $24.80).

I heart this Bow Front Darling Dress ($34) and this Dana Bubble Hem Tunic ($24.80) because of their - to use a phrase likely coined from Lucky - casual versatility, their dress-’em-up-or-downness. They’re also forgiving enough that you can eat whatever the eff you want and still feel cute. Yaay.

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Functional AND Fab: More Uniqlo

In addition to the uber-practical Heat Tech Tops, Uniqlo boasts some kickass outerwear too. I took advantage of their All-Fleeces-For-$20 Promo, and snagged a reversible zip-up number as cute as the Patagonias once coveted by my boarding school besties.

I also picked up a pair of gray skinny jeans ($50) and a hooded down puffy vest ($69.99).

Did I spend more than I intended to? Obvs. Thankfully, I was armed with $300 in Amex gift cards; a sum which MIGHT have gotten me one item had I spent it at Lucky Shops. The four Heat Tech tops, reversible fleece, puffy vest and grey pants - that’s SEVEN items, all of which I’ll wear all winter long - cost me $180 and change at Uniqlo.

It’s not just Uniqlo’s prices that won me over; it’s their ability to produce well-made, body-conscious clothes at those prices (like, wait till you see the gray skinny jeans on…I’m kvelling).

I’ve always subscribed the the Fashion-Not-Function school of thought. But sometimes, a girl’s gotta get real and accept that it’s not okay to shiver for the sake of style…

and that it’s more than okay to stay warm in Uniqlo!

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Ga Ga For Uniqlo

I wasn’t initially on board with the whole Uniqlo thang; their stuff always seemed a little too minimalist/classic for my slightly ridiculous taste. But when my uber-fashion-forward pal Ellie went nutso for their Heat Tech Tops, I decided to give the brand another whirl.
Weather-wise, I’m not the most practical of shoppers. I loathe wool sweaters, bulky coats and Uggs; I think cashmere’s played out and overrated. This means I’m perpetually cold. Uniqlo’s Heat Tech Top doesn’t just take the edge off the chill - the rayon-blend “efficiently absorbs water vapor from the body and converts it to heat,” i.e. it kinda makes you sweat a little, but in a good way. It’s thin enough that it can be worn under anything, cute enough to stand alone, and awesome enough that it’s turned me into an advertising whore. And it’s a mere $10.35. I bought four; I have a feeling I’ll be back for more.

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Over the Moon for Overalls

When I happened upon the Silence & Noise Skinny Overall, I’d been searching for a pair for approximately six months. These overalls weren’t just uber-cute - they were on SALE for $39.99 (reduced from $88). This was all a few weeks ago, yet I’m only posting about them now. Why? Because it took me that long to figure out how to wear the effing things.
It wasn’t until I tried on the overalls at home that I noticed the problematic waistline. Direct your attention to Exhibit A; you’ll notice that even the model looks pear-shaped. Serious adjustment was called for, but with what?! I tried scarves and thick belts, all of which exacerbated the situation. I needed to go smaller and subtler, not draw more attention to the problem.

Finally, I unbuttoned the back and realized that shoelaces could be looped through the button holes, then tied around front to cinch the waist. Crisis averted. Phew.
Paired with a cashmere shrug scored at the Scarehouse Sale and Mom’s Frye Boots, these trendy overalls are a far cry from their farmer-chick inspiration.

While the trial and error process of fitting these to my bod kept them from being a total waste, there’s a lesson to be learned here. Thirty seconds is not an adequate amount of dressing room time to assess whether or not your fab find is worth buying. Wiggle around in it, strike a pose, and make sure it doesn’t make you look like a bloated piece of fruit before you commit, mmkay? Mmkay.

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Xhilarated By Xhilaration

When you’re as big of a label whore as I am (or was, I should say), certain brands take some getting used to. I never had a problem with Target’s GO International line because I subscribed to the notion that - as long as it was sanctioned by some designer and/or had slightly higher prices than the rest of the superstore’s wares - it wasn’t really Target. I like to blame this rich-bitch perspective on years of fashion mag-induced brainwashing; really, I came to the conclusion that totally Target brands like Merona and Mossimo were materialistically unacceptable all by myself. I’m that much of an effing snob. But I’m working on unraveling that.

That I purchased (and have already worn) this Xhilaration dress speaks volumes to my personal growth. (Wait…shopping isn’t a synonym for therapy?) It cost a whopping $16. With gray tights, my trusty black boots and that Ann Taylor blouse snagged at Goodwill for $12.99, it’s all kinds of awesome. Note: Cheapie dresses of this ilk rarely fit perfectly, so they’re tough to wear sans layering. Button down shirts are the answer. A BDS doesn’t just accessorize this dress; when cinched tightly at the waist, it keeps the flowy garment from looking like a muumuu.

(Clarification: I’m rolling up my sleeves to rinse out wine glasses, NOT to cook… in case any of you’d given me the benefit of the doubt or something :P).

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American Apparel, and the Magic of Elastaan

I saw and became interested in American Apparel’s Shiny Leggings awhile ago. I initially avoided trying them on for two reasons: They looked like they might cut off my circulation and I knew I’d probably buy them anyway. They certainly compromise the blood flow to my legs, and I did buy them anyway. Why? Because these leggings are today’s answer to Sandra Dee’s post-makeover stirrups. Grease really IS the word!

These leggings exemplify the magic of elastaan (or elastane - it wouldn’t be trendy if AA didn’t eff with the spelling), which is basically Spandex on speed. My denim leggings are 5% elastaan; these are 20%. This makes them 15% harder to squeeze into and 15% sexier.

When you’re having a day where everything you try on makes you feel fugly, just muster the strength to pull on these leggings and Poof! Suddenly, everything around you proclaims to you your hotness. That makes the pain more than worth the gain, yes?

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I. Heart. Outlets.

During this time of year, I head home to Jersey for two reasons: 1) To sift through my storage closet of fall/winter clothes, and bring the most choice items back to Brooklyn. And 2) To mooch off of - err, I mean visit - my parents.
Now, my Mom is very generous where shopping’s concerned. Sometimes she’s a little too generous and said generosity results in Dad huffing and puffing when the credit card bill arrives. So whilst shopping with Mom, I try to season my label whore-ish need for new stuff with a dash of Jewish guilt.

When we hit Atlantic City’s BCBG Outlet, we didn’t just find fabulous stuff. We found an almost guilt-free shopping experience! The multi-patterned Kimono wrap-top, in addition to having the most interesting sleeves ever, was originally $175. At the outlet? A whopping $39. The teal cami fits like a Theory tank and further enables my layering addiction. Originally around $78, snagged for $19.

When I tried on this silk dress, Mom initially had no words. “It looks so…” I finished her sentence: “So freaking expensive, that’s what it looks like.” For serious, this is one of the most beautifully made dresses I’ve seen in a looooong time. It’s kind of Old Hollywood and all kinds of awesome. That it was on sale for $49 just boggles my mind. Actually it doesn’t, because I’m damn good at this biznass. But I digress.

Outfits to follow, that is, as soon as I complete the oh-so-icky task of transferring my summer stuff out and my winter stuff into my teensy studio apt closets. Gotta love New York.

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A Ubiquitous Dress…With a Twist

I hit Forever 21 recently, just for kicks (Does one ever really need a reason to shop? Don’t answer that). As I waited patiently in line to try on this Gingham Tunic/Dress ($19.80), I noticed nine or so girls waiting to try on the same dress. Not shocking at F21, but not the norm either, what with the massive selection to sift through and all. At the register, I saw two more girls purchase the dress. Come to think of it, I’d seen it on a passerby on my way to the store. Only once I had it on did I realize what all the fuss was about. This is one of those fluke garments - think Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - that fits and flatters just about everyone. That’s all well and good, if you don’t mind wearing the same thing as everyone else. I mind. Obvs.

I bought the Gingham Tunic/Dress anyway, and - whilst trying it on at home - realized the sleeves were a bit too puffy. When you’re 5′2″, a puffy sleeve often results in your looking like a twelve-year-old, and a short one at that.

I hacked off the puff, layered the newly-sleeveless dress over a white American Apparel tee, added a thrift store scarf and Mom’s RL Riding Boots, and BAM! Urban Cowgirl. Fab.

Even if everyone and their Mom (literally) is wearing the same F21 dress, don’t think you can’t do the same. Just wear it in a way that sets you apart from the masses - permanent marker it, layer it, cut it up, whatever. It’s a twenty dollar dress, so have fun with it.

Now excuse me, I have an old t-shirt to Sharpie.

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Pink or Blue? Umm, Both!

In Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, the little fairies argued at length over whether the princess should wear pink or blue. Well, this princess had the same dilemma when she hit LF Stores’ 60% off Sale and found this Emma & Sam Kimono Sleeve Tee in both colors. She initially chose pink. But - as the shirt was a mere $23.20 (reduced from $58) - she figured it couldn’t hurt to buy it in blue too. Then she put on her most ridiculous pseudo-model face and took some pictures.

These tees taper at the waist, so they’re easily tucked into or worn over whatever they’re paired with. Their loose-fit also has the added bonus of neutralizing potentially racey garments (read: uber-tight American Apparel denim leggings, uber-mini Forever 21 shorts).

At left: I-heart-this-outfit-face. At right: I-don’t-want-to-go-to-work-face.

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Sooo, Intermix is having a sample sale today. As their Top 10 Fall/Winter Checklist is an assortment of $200-plus items, their idea of a “sale” is probs $600 dresses reduced to $300. Sometimes half-off still means ludicrously priced. I’m not expecting to find much, but I’m going anyway. Why? ‘Cause it’s, like, the most JAPtastic store everrrrr.

What: Intermix
Why: Because I like to pretend that “up to 70% off” means something other than “fugly shit no one wants up to 70% off.”
When: Today through Thursday, 9a.m. to 8p.m.
Where: 110 W. 19th (between 6th and 7th Ave). Thankfully it’s near Loehmann’s.

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Stealing from Children ……………….. (Old Navy’s Kids Department)

Is it cheating to shop the kids’ department? Probably. I initially wandered through Old Navy’s to see if Girls’ apparel was cheaper than Women’s. It wasn’t, but Old Navy’s cheap to begin with - no biggie. Some of the Girls’ stuff was, however, cuter. Much, much cuter.

Cardigans are like, so hot for fall, particularly those of the lengthier, torso-skimming ilk. This Girls Short-Sleeve Knit Cardigan, $19.50, hits the mark, bigtime. Provided you can fit your boobs into it, as it’s not originally intended for anything beyond training bras.

This Girls Long Prepster Cardigan, also $19.50, affirms that Gossip Girl has reached America’s youth (barf). It’s adorable AND not nearly as costly as Serena’s uniform. Yaay!

I believe the cardies I tried were Girls XL so if you’re a B/C cup, do that. A/B cups can go L; C/D’s can go XXL. And don’t freak about the big sizes. Remember, this shit is for ten-year-olds. Now it’s for Cheap JAPs too!

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Cheap JAP Challenge: Charlotte Russe

During my stay in South Jersey, I explored some choice, trashtastic stores at the local mall and discovered Charlotte Russe. Charlotte Russe is kind of like Forever 21’s naughty little sister; 75% of the stuff isn’t just slutty; it’s made from stiff, icky material, and made poorly at that - most of the zippers catch mid-zip, most of the buttons are already loose. But this is a Cheap JAP challenge, goddammit, and we’ve got to find something that doesn’t look like it belongs in Jersey!

As it happens, I found a few relatively decent items at very decent prices. The waistline of the sheer, black button-down shirt makes it uber flattering, and the sleeves, material and color make it a $20 way of experimenting with that neo-goth trend that’s like, soooo In for Fall omg.

The mod Colorblock and oh-so-Autumn Houndstooth dresses are $28.99 each (ditch the belt on the Houndstooth fyi - it’s pleather in the worst way - and add your own instead). The Buffalo Plaid top is $19.99, if you wanna jump on the celebrity trendwagon.

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Converse One Star: A Better Buy Than Chai

On the hanger and online, this Converse One Star Double Layer Sweater Vest doesn’t look like much. Fully buttoned, it’s still kinda stiff. But a little unbuttoning, unzipping and creativity make it a fab, transitional piece.

One of the things I actually like about Lucky mag is their “Wear It Now, Wear It Later” feature (in a nutshell, how to wear summery items into fall). And this vest is sooo money for that: Paired with a polka dot sundress (Beacon’s, circa last summer) and Steve Madden boots (I spent $190 on these, but that was two years ago and they STILL look decent. This helps me to not think of them as $200 shoes), it makes a warm-weather item totally fall-appropriate.

The vest retails for $29.99 - around the same price as Richard Chai’s BS - and MUST be worn half-buttoned so as to not mar the uber cute navy satin layer. Belt it for shape, obvs.

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Making the Most of Macy’s

Say hello to the only department store continually available to me throughout my childhood: Macy’s. Where Coach and Dooney & Bourke bags - the interlocking “C” and “DB” print kind, not the leather kind - reign supreme. Where Nine West pumps actually sell out. Where the makeup gals look befuddled when you ask after the Stila lipgloss. Welcome to South Jersey.

I’ve always been JAPpy, but I wasn’t too good for Macy’s till I skipped town. As I spend less now than I did then, one would think I’d appreciate the fact that their prices aren’t as ridiculous as Saks and/or Bloomies. Oh, the irony. In an attempt to de-snobbify myself (if only temporarily) I decided to give Macy’s another chance. This French Connection tie-front, pinstriped, menswear-esque shirt was on sale for $64, reduced from $106. Not terrible - if I didn’t know I could probs find its twin at a thrift store, I might have considered buying it.

Resisting this Kenzie lightweight coat was significantly more difficult. I’m a sucker for popped collars, and this one stays up effortlessly. The tie in front cinches the waist nicely too. It was on sale for $76.50, reduced from $126.50 - totally reasonable for a coat. And if Mommy hadn’t splurged for a Manoush trench on my behalf a few months ago, I could have rationalized the purchase. Sigh.

Thankfully, my nostalgic Macy’s experience wasn’t a total loss. I ended up with a fabulously versatile Kenzie top, on sale for $30, reduced from $64, which will be revealed in outfit form shortly.

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Targeting Suburbia

I’m on vacay this week, and by vacay, I mean I’m dogsitting in South Jersey while my parents are out of town. Sigh. Anyhoo, no trip home would be complete without a visit to my local Target. This is because suburban Targets put urban Targets to shame. The selection of GO International stuff isn’t just more varied - it’s even cheaper than usual!

This high-waisted, satin-esque (it’s Target, let’s not kid ourselves) bubble skirt - from the store’s in-house Go International line - was originally priced at $34.99. Not bad to begin with, obvs. I, however, got it on sale for $8.74.

Paired with a Theory tank (on loan from my friend Lucy) and Via Spiga pumps it looks fairly high-end, which makes the fact that it was less than ten bucks kind of ludicrous.

And kind of awesome.

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Cheap JAP Challenge: Mandee

Most of the stores at Brooklyn’s Atlantic Center conjure icky memories of my local South Jersey Mall, what with The Body Shop, Victoria’s Secret, Payless, Mandee et. al. I’ve browsed Mandee and left in disgust on three separate occasions. Perhaps it was the abundance of rhinestones, sequins, neon and dominatrix-esque garb that triggered my gag reflex, I don’t know.

This past weekend, I finally bit the bullet and challenged myself to find something - anything - that was more JAPtastic than trash-tastic. This pastel, floral sundress totally fit the bill. I’m well aware that, at first glance, the number looks like something a 1950s housewife might wear while adoringly preparing a roast for her hard-at-work husband (gag me with a mixing spoon).

However, the dress had two things that set it apart from almost everything else on Mandee’s rack: It fit fabulously, and didn’t look slutty. Que surprise!

This outfit proves that a few, kickass accessories are all one needs to take a simple, potentially dowdy item from snooze to ooh! The embroidered, floral belt (Molly B.) was a gift from my uber-preppy BFFs; the gold stiletto sandals are Cole Haan Collection (price upon request… yup, it’s that bad).

Both the belt and the shoes are seriously under-worn, and this dress - fine, I’ll say it, this Mandee dress - gives me a new excuse to break them out. Not that it matters, (because really, what isn’t cheap at Mandee?) but the sundress was $11.99, reduced from $23.99.

Hold your applause.

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Cheap JAP Challenge (A Primer)

My shopping standbys are cheap, but I wouldn’t call them trashy - it’s socially acceptable to patronize stores like F21 and H&M because they’re more low-cost than low-class (…most of the time).

What about stores that actually are as trashy as they are cheap? If you’re unfamiliar with shops of this ilk, take a gander down 14th Street from University Place to Seventh Avenue - you’ll see what I mean. Foxy Lady. Mandee. Wet Seal. Places that even the cheapest of JAPs wouldn’t set foot in. Stores I’ve turned up my nose at for years. Retail establishments I thought were beneath me…until I was broke.

I’ve gotten a little too good at shopping my standbys, so - as a means of continually improving on my fashion prowess - I’ve decided to challenge myself to find, buy and wear non-trashy items from uber-trashy stores. Why? Because shopping is growing, people. Write that down.

Stay tuned for the results of the first official Cheap JAP Challenge. I obvs rocked it.

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Sampling Urban’s Summer Stock

Urban’s sale racks often bother me; the stuff up for grabs is always cheap, but mostly fugly. Twice a year though, Urban cleans house and slashes the prices on the good stuff, and it’s happening right now at their Upper West Side location. Photographic evidence below.

The turquoise silky top is $29.99, reduced from its originally offensive price of $68. I’m not really a dressy top person, but this one’s pretty damn sexy.

The gray piece is still a bit of a splurge at $99 (reduced from $240) but as it’s one of the most JAPtastic things I’ve ever seen at Urban, I had to try it on (the shitty iPhone pic doesn’t do it justice - just trust me). It’s technically a top (the Eros Brooke Top, specifically….online, its “sale” price is still $179, don’t be a suckaaaa) but when you’re short a la moi, it’s fair game as a minidress.

(Pair with spandex mini-shorts to prevent thong-ogling on subway stairs, FYI).

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Twelve By Twelve, Pretty Swell

Not all Forever 21s are created equal, and I’ve become seriously disenchanted with the one in Union Square as of late - if I see one more rack with nylon/rayon blend, bold-colored, babydoll tunics, I’m going to spew. Thankfully, the Soho outpost has a more varied selection of styles (NOT nine thousand duplicates of the same item in different colors…grrrrr).

I expected to be pissed off by the amount of Twelve by Twelve on the downstairs racks of Soho’s F21. Not because some of the stuff isn’t totally cute, but because I initially thought it was overpriced - if I wanted to pay $40 bucks for a t-shirt, I’d hit the Bloomies “sale” rack. As I perused the section, I was pleased to discover that F21 actually hadn’t jacked their prices just to legitimize their “high-end line.” Most of the Twelve by Twelve stuff wasn’t just adorable, well-made and trendy; it was still relatively cheap. I’m heading back today to try the goods on for size - here’s what I’m hoping to find.

The fab, sweater thang pictured above is technically a long cardigan, but it can def double as a dress. Lace Sleeve Cardigan, $34.

From the front, it’s an ideal layering piece. From the back, it’s a subtly sexy statement. (Did I just channel a Lucky mag editor in that description? Apologies.) Sheer-Back Cardigan, $28.
Continue reading →

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Tar-jay Lives Up To Petname

Mmkay, so I got down to biznass yesterday afternoon with my Target GO International Private Label loot and came up with some decent outfits. And by decent, I mean fabulous; false modesty’s a crock. I was more concerned than usual with making sure each combo boasted at least one loaded, JAPtastic ingredient. This is probably because I have never, ever worn Tar-jay in public, and needed my old brandbyes to make the idea more palatable. Anyhoo, here we go. Let’s break it down.

Tar-jay Outfit No. 1: Office JAP

Working in an office environment is one of the better excuses for donning new outfits. Even if you hate your job, you can still love what you’re wearing! I paired a black cami with a Forever 21 Pencil Skirt, and knotted the Tar-jay Button-Front Ruffle Top over it to give the look some shape. Not only is sheer fabric like, sooo hot right now; a thin, transparent blouse can be shaped in varying degrees of awesomeness depending on how it’s buttoned or tied. It’s almost as versatile as the silver Manolos that complete the look. As for what they cost: They were a gift, and I’d prefer to wear them in blissful ignorance.

Tar-jay Outfit No. 2: Summer JAP

I tend not to fool around with multiple patterns at once - I’m not that kind of girl That being said, when I was looking for something more interesting than a gray t-shirt to pair with my Tar-jay Jacquard Floral Ruffle Miniskirt, this Scoop top (purchased last summer for the ludicrous price of $150) caught my eye. When I’ve tried to wear this top in the past, I’ve paired it with jeans, found myself bored to tears and changed outfits immediately. The floral mini updates it and rejuvenates its cool factor without a color clash. (Note: Mixing patterns/prints is fine, provided they have something to talk about - the navy and silver top picks up the blues and grays in the skirt, and therefore works. Obvs.). Same Manolos here too - man, am I a snoot.

Tar-jay Outfit No. 3: Cocktail JAP

I didn’t mention this Tar-jay Kimono Dress yesterday because it’s a satin muumuu sans waist accessory. With a belt or a scarf, however, it’s a fab take on a style superfood: The little black dress. I used my grandmother’s vintage Louis Vuitton scarf to give it some shape, (oh, and to make it scream CLASS :P). And you already know those Michael Kors pumps were sooo not full price; $21.95 at Beacon’s for those not in the know.

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Bottoms Up at Forever 21

Shopping cheap can be really freeing sometimes - at least that’s what I tell myself when I forgo Bikram yoga for field research, which is often.

Had I seen these suspender-jeans in a pricey boutique, I would have looked at them longingly, convinced myself of their impracticality and left empty-handed. But in the blinding florescence of Forever 21, I saw the notion of suspender-jeans in a new light (and one that only cost $29.80 ;)). They were so unlike anything I owned, borderline ridiculous even. I was obvs buying them immediately.

(Note: Suspender-jeans should fit loosely around the waist and butt area, otherwise, there’d be no need for the suspenders to hold up the jeans (duh). Don’t go a size down or they’ll really look silly.)

Life’s all about balance, so I paired the loose, wide-leg suspender-jeans with an old, fitted Theory top (fine, and a push up bra…no one’s are that perky). Heels are also a must for this look, particularly for shorties like me.

I don’t know if suspender-jeans incur wrath or merit praise from the fashion gods. I do know I don’t give a shit. Continue reading →

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The Top Five Reasons to Endure Century 21

Yesterday, after extensive iPhone camera-snapping and note-taking, I came to the following conclusion: Century 21 is a Cheap JAP’s dream…provided she has the shoppers’ stamina to survive the experience (and I thought I wasn’t an athlete!). The Top Five Reasons that make this store worth your while - read on.

1. The Denim
After observing the dynamic selection of denim styles and brands, I see no reason to pay full price for JAPtastic jeans ever again. I’m not effing kidding. Joe’s, AG’s, Paper Denim, Hudson, J Brand - you name it, it’s there. And it’s usually at least half of what you’d normally pay. Eek!

3. The OMFG Shoe Section

The shoes at Century 21 are the shit. The big cheese. The holy grail of discount designer shopping. The cheaper stuff and new arrivals are upstairs - while I usually don’t have a problem ponying up a Benjamin for some hot Stevens, it’s nice to know they can be had for $60 or less. But the downstairs is truly where it’s at. I’m talking Chloe, Giuseppe Zanotti, Celine, Marc Jacobs - the best of the best. Did I want to kick myself for buying $115 Dolce Vitas after I saw their high-end Chloe inspiration on sale for $119? You bet.

Continue reading →

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No Pain, No Gain (Century 21)

I’ll say it. I spent two hours in Century 21 and all I got was this lousy t-shirt. Siiiike, it’s a C&C California Striped Classic Tank which usually retails for $48, which is disgusting. Mine was $15.97. Word.

It’s okay that I only ended up with one item after two exhausting hours of trekking and scouring. Because this heinous psychotic bitch of a store and I had it out, and ultimately reached an understanding. Continue reading →

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Math: Not My Best Subject

After I posted about the potentially dire state of TopShop’s prices, I received the following from Emi:

“While it’s true that the dollar is worth a bit LESS than 1/2 a pound, that does not mean that exported goods are twice the price here in the states. For example, if you go to a gap in London, you would pay 30 pounds for a tee shirt. I think we would all agree that no one would buy gap t-shirt in the us for $70. Nor do we pay $70 for a T at H&M. So, you can’t just use the conversion rate and the top shop website to predict the price. Love your blog- I can’t wait to hear what you think about top shop!”
From Making TopShop Your Bitch, Part 1, 2008/06/13 at 12:32 PM

Girlfriend’s making a lot of sense. Thank you, Emi, for further motivating us Cheap JAPs across the pond to check out TopShop. We can’t wait!

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Making TopShop Your Bitch, Part 1

TopShop’s coming, TopShop’s COMING!!! I’m uber psyched. Mostly because they refer to jumpers as Playsuits, which I find totally endearing.

These Playsuits each retail for forty-five pounds. While I doubt they’ll be among TopShop’s Fall Collection, that’s not the point. The point is that forty-five pounds is not forty-five dollars. This brings us to Part 1.

Making TopShop Your Bitch, Part 1 - Pounds Do Not Equal Dollars
It seems more than obvs, I know. But if you’re going to brave the hordes of frenzied fashionistas at their Soho opening, you must first understand and accept that forty-five pounds is the equivalent of eighty-seven American dollars and forty-seven American cents. Again, 45 lbs (what, I don’t have a pound sign) = $87.47. That’s right, friends - almost double.

The only Topshop I’ve ever seen up close were crappy leftovers from the Kate Moss line at Barney’s Scarehouse Sale, so I can’t honestly comment on whether or not the posh quality and design is worth its cost. But you can bet your tush that I’ll be at the store on the day it opens to find out. Stay tuned.