Savvy Cheap: July 2013

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Easy Breezy Summer

Since I've been traveling a lot this month (i.e. every weekend) and packing overnight bags to stay at a friend's house due to my car being in the shop (i.e. I hit a pole in a parking lot), I've been grabbing easy, versatile pieces. I own variations of everything below, if not the actual item, and find that I live in them because of their comfort.

The best part about these pieces is that they look pulled together without the annoyance of layers and special undergarments. Slip them on as easily as a cotton shirt, but look 10x more presentable. That's my game and it hasn't failed me yet.

Side note...is it already the last day of July?!

Easy Breezy Summer by savvycheap featuring petite tops

J Crew petite top
jcrew.com

Silk dress shirt
factory.jcrew.com

J Crew racer back camisole
jcrew.com

Long skirt
factory.jcrew.com

J.Crew chino shorts
jcrew.com

Tory Burch crocs shoes
shopbop.com

Dv by dolce vita
piperlime.gap.com

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

I'm a pretty skilled shopper when it comes to most stores. Nordstrom is definitely one of them. Being raised in Seattle, I grew up shopping at Nordstrom and eventually worked there while I was in college. From these experiences, I've become quite familiar and devoted to their Anniversary Sale. If you're unfamiliar with this sale, it is one of two they have: the Half-Yearly sale and the Anniversary Sale. While the H-Y sale is your typical discounts, the anniversary sale contains all NEW and exclusive items that will go back up to their full price after the sale is over. Therefore, if you don't get them during the sale, you tend to miss out because there is no re-stocking of the items. There are lots of items exclusive to Nordstrom and things that brands make specifically for this sale. I tend to stock up on a lot of beauty items during this time because they never get discounted anywhere else.

Below are my top picks from this year's sale. I purchased the majority of these items during a previous sale, or at this year's sale and love each and every one. Sunglasses are always a great buy at this time, especially these Kate Spade ones. The Voluspa candle set is a great deal. I usually burn some and give some as presents. I own all three clothing items and live in the jeans and blouse. The skirt was a new addition this year and I can't wait to wear it dressed up and with tights come fall. These Cole Haan boots have always been on my radar and I loved their version of a riding boot. As for the Nike Frees, I wear mine almost every day at the gym and couldn't be happier, especially with the price! This Clarisonic set is such a great deal. I've never heard of anyone buying this device and being upset. My two beauty staples are two of the best deals in the sale: Clinique Moisture Surge (my nightly moisturizer) and Philosophy Purity face wash (great on any skin type). These both last me over a year, until the next sale comes around. Hurry before it ends though, because prices go up August 5th.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks by savvycheap featuring a rose crown

Pleione rose crown
nordstrom.com

J Brand slim jeans
nordstrom.com

Devlin pleated skirt
nordstrom.com

Cole haan
nordstrom.com

NIKE pink athletic shoes
nordstrom.com

Kate Spade oversized glasses
nordstrom.com

Clarisonic face cleanser
nordstrom.com

Clinique face moisturizer
nordstrom.com

Philosophy face wash
nordstrom.com

Voluspa Two-Wick Tin Candle Trio
nordstrom.com

Monday, July 29, 2013

Parisian Chic

I saw this top last week and fell in love. From far away it looks like an elegant, printed blouse, but if you look closely, there are women sitting at a table drinking on it [it's called the "wine & dine" top]. HELLO, stuff like this speaks to me. I immediately wanted to pair it with my go to J. Crew Cafe Capris [aka, the perfect ankle pant] and a pop of color.

I crave these types of outfits, a feminine blouse with a sleek pair of pants, and wear them a good bit in the time period where summer fades to fall. When the weather gets colder, I simply throw on an extra layer. Usually, a cardigan or blazer of some sort.

Parisian Chic by savvycheap featuring bowling bags

J Crew cropped trousers
jcrew.com

Louche
modcloth.com

Ankle strap high heel pumps
modcloth.com

Slippers shoes
$15 - newlook.com

Zara bowling bag
zara.com

Asos watch
asos.com

Friday, July 26, 2013

Frugal Friday:Good as Gold

If you buy anything today, let it be this shirt. I forced my lovely local J. Crew lady to do a nationwide search for this beauty about a month ago and have worn it at least once a week every since. I love stripes and usually have a white, navy, or green combo of them, but this gold version is even better.

First of all, it goes with everything. Second, the gold is just visible enough that it doesn't take away from an outfit. Third, everyone tells me how much they love this top when I wear it. Therefore, fourth, go get it. Not to mention it is currently $29.99 online with an additional 40% off, making it $18. Try your local J. Crew if online doesn't have your size because, trust me, you won't regret it!

J. Crew Engineered Stripe Shirt

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Savvy Cheap:Summer Savings

Just by glancing at this picture, you can tell that I went a little overboard at all of the summer sales. With that being said, I would like you all to know that I purchased everything below at MAJOR discounts. Whether it was through promotions or store sales, all of these items were a fraction of the original prices. I just had to say that little disclaimer because some of the prices registered on Polyvore were not what I paid and this is not a place for judgment, even if I had paid full price.

First off, J. Crew's items are usually cheaper in stores and the promotions are usually a bigger discount - FYI. I scored the white cafe capris [I have 4 colors and LOVE them] for $17 and am so excited because I had them in my cart when they were $70.

As you can see from this picture, I chose the Target espadrilles over the J.Crew look-a-likes because they were $20. My Lilly store here in Atlanta debuted the endless summer sale earlier than online, so I grabbed some items I'd been admiring.

I have yet to feature Sail to Sable on the blog, but I've loved them for quite some time and finally purchased the one below at a boutique when I was home in Florida [on sale, I promise]. The Piperlime goodies were purchased this weekend when they were offering an additional 20% off sale items. I'm not sure if they'll work out, but everything was finally discounted enough to at least try them!

Lastly, and the most near and dear to my heart, the items I purchased at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I didn't buy much this year, but I was trying to save the little bit of self control I had left. I've looked at this Marc Jacobs bag for years and finally had a reason to buy it [and in the color I wanted!] when it was discounted $150. The leggings I bought have a control lining in them = total comfort for traveling.

I'm quite obsessed with all of the items and can't wait to wear them over the next few months. Maybe I'll post a pic or two since I'll be busy busy with more trips!

Savvy Cheap:Summer Savings by savvycheap featuring wedge shoes

Pink dress
tnuck.com

Dress
lillypulitzer.com

J Crew j crew
jcrew.com

J Crew striped shirt
jcrew.com

J Crew graphic design t shirt
jcrew.com

J.Crew stretchy pants
jcrew.com

Lyssé Leggings legging
nordstrom.com

Steve Madden wedge shoes
piperlime.gap.com

Wedge shoes
target.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs leather hobo shoulder bag
nordstrom.com

Pim Larkin multi colored jewelry
piperlime.gap.com

Steel necklace
factory.jcrew.com

Steel jewelry
factory.jcrew.com

Elsa Top - Lilly Pulitzer
lillypulitzer.com

Darla Top - Lilly Pulitzer
lillypulitzer.com

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

day + night

I thought I'd give y'all examples of my "day and night" outfits. These obviously vary a little, but for the most part, my versions tend to stay similar to the outfits below. I am one of the lucky people that doesn't have a dress code at work. I've mentioned before that our 2 restrictions are 1) no pajamas and 2) no workout clothing. You would think it's a no-brainer to stay clear of these two choices, but obviously someone in our offices has decided their bedroom attire is fit for clients to view.

With that being said, I'm usually a mix of dressy casual, aka something on me is usually cotton and I wear flats or sandals most days. In the summer temps I live in easy skirts or pants and basic tops. Like today, I am wearing white skinny jeans, a chambray top, and my trusty TB rain flats [I had my hunter boots on, but the rain had yet to pour]. This nasty, annoying rain has forced us Atlantans, and basically any others living in the South, to alter their summer 'drobes for the time being, but on a typical sunny day I'll be in a skirt. Specifically, the one below. I wear it A LOT and plan on wearing it even more with my new pineapple top and statement necklaces.

When it comes to night time attire, you'll find me in a cute, but comfortable dress, heels [usually wedges], and fun, simple jewelry. That's my uniform and it works every time.