Savvy Cheap: March 2013

Friday, March 29, 2013

FF:ON

I'll make it short and sweet on this Good Friday [first time I haven't had it off as a firm holiday = bitter]. Old Navy currently has their entire website at 30% off with code THANKYOU. Treat yourself, especially on this beautiful weekend.

Side note: I didn't say anything before because I don't like to talk about the bad times [and it was mostly bad times], but I gave up shopping for lent. I've never been such a dramatic, full blown diva before this [debatable, but if it applies to something you and I have been through, just be quiet]. I slipped up once, this week at J.Crew with their sale, but other than that I've been purchase free and it's shed a big ol', bright light on how impulsive I can be. Therefore, I am happy that it happened, but ready to peruse all of my regular stomping grounds, just with a more critical eye.

My favorites:

Thursday, March 28, 2013

look4less: chambray v. chambray?

Well, this is awkward. I'm doing a look4less on these items solely because it pays to look at all of a company's online retailers. In this case, we're discussing my retail love J.Crew and its counterpart J.Crew Factory. If you're unfamiliar with how J.Crew runs its Factory stores, they actually manufacture items specifically for these outposts. Unlike a stereotypical "outlet" that sells outdated/last season merch, J.Crew creates new items [usually based on their regular store gems and popular prints/fabrics] specifically for their Factory inventory. SO, it's rare that they actually have the exact same item on sale at both, instead of a variation of the original.

Pay Attention People: Factory Chambray Popover v. Faded Chambray Popover. They didn't even bother to change the name. Love it. Poor planning on their part = win/win for everyone.

J.Crew Faded Chambray Popover [$78]

J.Crew Factory Chambray Popover [$31.15 after 30% discount with code MOREPLEASE]

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

look4less:minty goodness

I know, I've had an abnormal amount of look4less posts lately, but don't complain because deep down inside, everyone loves a discount. For awhile now, I've been keeping my eye on Eliza J's green shift from Nordstrom, but like a lot of things, couldn't commit to spending $140 on a dress that I knew I'd wear, just wasn't sure how often [and there are many, many other things I want].

Eliza J Split Cuff Boatneck Shift

So, I was delightfully surprised and excited when I saw Tinley Road's version for half the price! I think I prefer the Eliza J sleeves, but you can't win them all. At least it's the same great green and a cut that is perfect for accessorizing.

Tinley Road A Line Mini

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

a sandal that will last

First off, I took a "body works" class on Saturday at the gym and haven't been able to feel my body since. I work out a good bit during the week, but I'm pretty sure the majority of the muscles that ache are ones I didn't even know existed until now. I want to punch the girl in the back of the class that spoke up and said we should "focus on arms." What a clown...

So anyways, sandals that will last...sounds too good to be true doesn't it? Well, I think I've found the sandal to prove us all wrong. Isola's Adelina sandal is both visually appealing and durable. The detailing is simple, but so expensive looking. The leather and heel make them built for a good ol' drunk weekend on my feet that requires extreme quality. I first spotted them in the Nordstrom catalog and then saw then in person a couple of weeks ago. These babies are for real, and the reviews so far are great. I just can't decide what color I want...HELP!

Monday, March 25, 2013

look4less:denim up top

It's pretty much an every day occurrence that I find a picture of Olivia Palermo and want to be her and own her outfit. It doesn't help that she looks good in everything, which makes me think it will look just as good on me [wishful thinking...]. I've been eyeing the Bella Dahl denim shirt she wears around town for months now, but refuse to pay $128 for something that I'm pretty sure will look mediocre, at best, on me.

Seriously, how does she do it? The pictures of her wearing this shirt make it look so amazingly chic and versatile and then the model makes it look like Old Navy. What the heck. You just witnessed my constant internal debate regarding said shirt. I love the tunic style though, with the shorter sleeves, so I decided to try to find a cheaper version. It took awhile, but I found two that I actually like just as much. Now I just need to see them in person and try them on! Oh, and get OP's hair, body, and closet. No biggie, it's Monday.

Anthropologie Pindot Chambray Shirt [$88]

Forever 21 Distressed Denim Tunic [$27.80]

I can't decide which one I like better and I probably won't until I see them in person, but I'm going on a hunt to track these down and try them out! Knowing me I'll probably go for the Anthro one...

Friday, March 22, 2013

look4less:scalloped

I've got another look4less post for all you savvy shoppers out there [or if you're just cheap like me]. I'm a total sucker for bows and scallops [the cut not the seafood, bleh]...and lots of other things, but definitely those two things.

Bows have been around for awhile now, but scallops seem to be making a slightly heavier appearance than usual and I'm completely on board. I have scalloped skirts and shorts from a few years ago that I just can't part with because they're so dang cute and I get compliments every time I wear them [just in case I had to justify why I hoard things for years].

Needless to say, when I saw this J.Crew Scalloped dress in a magazine a month ago I went crazy. Such cute detailing, but still a basic enough silhouette to wear for all different events. The one thing stopping me was the $170 price tag. I know that that price isn't a complete deal breaker, but I have NO REASON to buy this dress other than it's cute, scalloped, and I want it [all reasons should be considered].

So naturally, I wanted to see what else was out there and I'm glad I did because I found a cute version on Piperlime from brand Pim + Larkin. Not as much of the scallop, but the exact same color options and a third of the price. What to do??????????? It doesn't help that J.Crew has 25% off a purchase of $150 or more right now with code LOVEJCREW, making that beautiful dress only double the Pim + Larkin one.

The culprit:

The deal:

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Saturday

As in Kate Spade's new, more affordable line, not the day. Although, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow and just relaxing. The line has finally launched and the pieces are awesome. A bit more fun, with the same bright colors and great cuts that come with the usual Kate Spade clothing.

Everything seems to stay under $180 outside of the Custom Weekenders [totally dying for]. It's online only though, so don't try to find these in the store. Thankfully, there's free shipping and returns on every order, so no need to be scared to try some of these great pieces out! They add new pieces every Saturday, so stay posted. What I'm currently coveting:

[this dress has the greatest back...makes it totally unexpected and awesome]

[i'm a fan of classy cutouts]

[perfect print for Spring/Summer]

[um, the bottom snaps off to turn the dress into a top....say whaaaaat?? genius.]

[unique neckline to an everyday shirt to spice it up]

[perfect for Spring/Summer festivities]

[fun pattern that goes with anything]

[separate compartment on the bottom? check.]

[these look like the Karen Walker sunglasses I've been wanting]

Monday, March 18, 2013

Spring Forward

After this weekend, I'm officially ready for Spring. Maybe not full blown Summer, but definitely Spring. I want light layers, wedges, and trouser jeans for days. Those are the things creeping onto my wanted list. I have a couple pairs of trouser jeans and every time I wear them, I kick myself for not doing it more often. I guess it's because I prefer to wear them with wedges [closed and sandal varieties] instead of heels and most of those styles are more Spring than Winter in my closet.

Well, here they come because all I want to pair them with are light, flowy layers and cardigans/jackets. Perfect combination and it pulls the look together. Another trend I've been dying to try, but seem to be too lazy to put it together when I'm getting ready in the morning? Monochromatic looks. This bright red just looks awesome. And you all know I can't get enough of green...especially this bright, minty one from J. Crew. Well, that's set. Now I just need the warmer weather to stick around!