free the beast

I've long been a fan of fun sneaks.  I used to wear all sorts of them in high school and college, but lately haven't sported much exciting footwear outside of the gym.  The resurgence of fun, colorful, and mostly old school versions have my emotions bubbling up again.  Although, I don't mind the wedge sneaker, I feel like it's overplayed, so I've been searching for the perfect [comeback] pair to get me back in the game.    

Not to mention, lately whenever I'm traveling, I always think I would be most comfortable walking around cities in actual sneakers, but usually just shut up and pack my flats.  Not horrible, but definitely easier on the eyes.  Wouldn't it be nice if there was an awesome combination of both style and comfort, and not in a "Velcro makes life easier way?"  I kind of gave up on my search until I saw Mindy Kaling's Instagram and freaked.  My favorite Nike Frees in leopard?!  Done.  I just can't decide if I want the black/peach combo or the bring navy/pink.  What should I get??

free the beast by savvycheap featuring black athletic shoes

NIKE black athletic shoes
nordstrom.com

NIKE black athletic shoes
nordstrom.com

NIKE black athletic shoes
nordstrom.com

Monogrammed:Travel Tote

I travel a good bit, as you all have probably noticed, and am always looking for a heavy-duty carry-all that holds my purse items, magazines, books, and anything else I'll need while flying the friendly skies or driving the open roads.  

I've had my eye on GiGi New York's Python Embossed totes (ranging from $320 - $475 with monogramming) for awhile.  Mostly because they are the perfect combination of beauty and versatility (and because I can't afford this yet).  SO, when I was browsing C. Wonder yesterday, I couldn't believe they had a near identical tote in an even better color: coral.  This thing is that perfect blend of orange and red, mixed with a little neon.  Not only was the color great, but monogramming is only $10.  Sold.  I immediately ordered the tote with gold thread and am now just patiently waiting it's arrival.  Side note - the coral and cobalt colors are not online, but if you go to a local store/call most of them carry all three color options.

Monogrammed:Travel Tote by savvycheap featuring a pink shopping bag

GiGi New York leather coin purse
giginewyork.com

C Wonder pink shopping bag
cwonder.com

Falling for Factory

I think it is fair to say that I'm officially ready for fall.  I noticed someone had pinned the highly covetable, but quickly unavailable, J.Crew herringbone puffer vest the other day and I immediately checked to see if it was, in fact, back in stock for fall.  Nice little surprise?  It's back, but at J.Crew Factory.  

The thing I appreciate the most about J.Crew Factory curating their own line specifically for the outlet stores is the fact that they are good about bringing back popular pieces from the regular store at LOWER prices.  

This time around, I snagged the herringbone vest [I have the dark green version from a few years back and wear it religiously] and spotted a TON more that I want to get my hands on.  The wool mini I own in every color, but this camel...I figured I should round out the spectrum.  I love their sweaters and own the gray one below, discussed here.  As far as the other outerwear goes, I've come to realize that I love a good jacket.  The one thing I'm missing is a bright color though.  Problem solved with this gorgeous blue (and at a fraction of the J.Crew price).

Falling for Factory by savvycheap featuring beige tops

best bags around

I will flat out tell you all that in high school and college I had an insane obsession with designer handbags [granted, this time is also the time when I couldn't afford many of these items].  I still have that collection to this day, but find that I don't use them anymore.  The bags I continue to use are my J. Crew leather handbags.  These babies are in it for the long haul and have held up against my crazy lifestyle for years.  They're also the bags I ALWAYS get compliments about.

It may seem like the J. Crew handbags are a pretty penny, but judging from their track records, it has been a smart investment on my part.  Unlike, say, the designer ones I've had for just as long and have started to fall apart...

The one thing most people don't know about J. Crew handbags though is that they use the same Italian leather mills as Prada aka the same leather is used on both J. Crew's handbags and Prada's.  Side note, and another leather fact, the leather used in Lexus cars is Coach.  Okay, now back to the reason I posted.  

I was scanning J. Crew's sale [additional 30% off with code SHOP30] and noticed two bags I've loved for a very long time included and in the most neutral, versatile colors offered.  Snag them now.  I'm seriously obsessed with my biennial hobo.  You will not regret this decision.  Both bags are $182 after the discount.  

Tartine Satchel

Biennial Hobo

Frugal Friday:Strap Happy

Over the weekend, I did my ritual of swinging by the Kohl's by my parents' house.  I always wait to go to this one whenever I'm home because it puts the one in Atlanta to shame.  Clean and usually a great inventory.  

One of the steals I got while there were these Candie's nude strappy heels.  I'd been looking for months for a pair exactly like these that aren't too tall and I had actually seen these featured in a magazine ad, but could never locate them.  I have become obsessed with this style.  The simplicity of it works with everything.  Luckily, the fashion gods were looking out for me [or my mom?] because they had my size and they ended up being $20 with my mom's coupons.  

They come in a variety of colors and "finishes."  I'm currently wearing the nude patent pair and they have proven to be more than comfortable and very walkable [I say this because I have a black pair similar to these and they are TOO high to the point where I feel like I'm on stilts - not a good look].   At this price though, with or without coupons, you can get one or two, or even three, without breaking the bank.  That's what I like to see.

strap happy by savvycheap featuring candie shoes

Candie's low heel dress sandals
kohls.com

Candie's evening shoes
kohls.com

Candie's evening shoes
kohls.com

Candie's evening shoes
kohls.com

Candie's candie shoes
kohls.com

Candie's candie shoes
kohls.com

fall pants: leopard

I saw these leopard pants on pinterest and immediately traced the link.  Thankfully, they were Banana Republic and not some crazy, overpriced brand because I HAD. TO. HAVE. THEM.  Not to mention, all week BR's been doing 40% off promos on full-price items.  Perfect. 

I can't wait to wear these with sweaters, blouses, and basically anything else in my closet.  For shoes, I plan on pairing them with basic pumps or sleek black booties.  Speaking of shoes...how awesome are these two pairs from Target?!  I was not expecting those when I went searching!  The one thing I've realized after this purchase was that I can never have too much leopard in my life.  Nothing over the top, but I just can't say no.

fall pants: leopard by savvycheap featuring a red sweater

fall flats

My shoe collection includes numerous flats.  I love them.  They add to my outfits without killing my feet.  Come fall, I'm usually in them at least 5 times a week.  With them being such a big part of my life, I pretty much have every neutral color you could imagine, with a few prints and colors dispersed throughout the collection, but I always find myself wanting some color.  

So, needless to say, I've been searching for the missing colors to add to the spectrum.  In this search, I found the cutest flats that still remain simple enough to be versatile.  The details are right up my alley and remind me of Kate Spade's little touches.  Thankfully, unlike my neutral collection, they are budget friendly and come in colors I need (subjective term)!

Sole Society Elma Flats

put a collar on it

Speaking of ladylike details in yesterday's post, I can't seem to get enough of detailed collars.  I'm kind of over the basic collars (i.e. peter pan on everything) that were everywhere last year, and I'm really over the collar necklaces (mostly because they just never look right to me), but the ones I've seen lately have grabbed my attention.  

These collars, and their partnered tops, offer a little more and I can't get enough.  I own the J.Crew sweatshirt with the chiffon collar from last year and wear it to death.  This time, I wanted something more, like the ones below.  They look perfectly feminine tucked into a skirt, or a little bit of tomboy meets girl-next-door with skinnies and flats.  Either way, I'll definitely be buying one of these to add to my collection.

put a collar on it by savvycheap featuring embroidery tops

Lace Details

In all of the fall launches, I've noticed lace detailed sweatshirts everywhere.  I guess it's the mix and balance of ladylike details and comfort that reels everyone in, including me.  I have a comfortable, somewhat tailored sweatshirt from J. Crew that I love, but I always feel a little too casual wearing it to work or trying to put layers with it.  There is just something about a plain sweatshirt that needs more if you want to wear it out of the house.  

The lace details of the sweatshirts below add just enough to make it seem more appropriate for multiple occasions, while still staying in the comfort zone.  I love the look of these tops with boyfriend jeans and heels.  Balance all around.  I'd also live in these on the weekends with shorts or skinnies and flats, or to travel in come cooler weather.  Well,  I guess that sums it up - I'd wear these anywhere.

Lace Detail by savvycheap featuring lace tops

Frugal Friday:Neon Whales

I'm currently on my way to the beach for the weekend and could not be more ready to relax and soak up some sun.  Work has been crazy, so in my tiny bit of downtime yesterday I headed on over to the mall to find a new hat for the upcoming sunshine.  Maybe it was the rain, maybe it my love for neons, but when I stepped into Vineyard Vines and saw these hats I went crazy.  I spent the next 10 minutes talking myself in and out of all of the colors, finally deciding on green.  

I adore simple, timeless hats like these that don't tell someone exactly where you were during one part of some year.  Don't get me wrong, I have these too, but try to wear them strictly for sporting events, or not at all.  These are the hats I'll throw on for a weekend, the beach, and anytime I want to hide my hair.  If you're not into the neons (whaaaaa?!), they have more colors to choose from.  You can't really go wrong, and who doesn't love a whale?

Issa for Banana

The latest Banana Republic collaboration launches today, and it's with the label the Duchess of Cambridge made famous, ISSA London.  A version of the dress Kate Middleton wore in the engagement photos is included in the collection, as well as other fun, bright prints.  I don't know if I'm dying over anything yet, but I do have my eye on the black kimono print dress in the bottom line.  

ISSA's usual price range is in the upper hundreds (a price I'm definitely not willing to pay), but BR's seem to be a smidge more reasonable.  I say smidge because I'm still not sure if the price point is appropriate for BR customers, since most of the collabs that have been priced that high don't sell like crazy (i.e. Trina Turk and Milly).  We shall see, and try on, and possibly purchase.

Battle of the Rockstud

If you follow any of the more prominent bloggers these days, you've seen the Valentino Rockstud in all its variations.  I've been obsessed with the nude pair for sometime, but that price tag stops me dead in my tracks.  I'm not sure if I could ever drop that much money on a pair of shoes, but maybe in the future I'll have that luxury.  

Until then, I'll rely on others to make cheaper versions!  This bright pink pair from Torrid [don't ask me how I found this site] is the closest I've found to the Valentino pair.  Granted, they're a shocking pink and won't go with as much as a nude or black, but for the price it would be a fun shoe to have in your closet!  They seem to restock the sizes somewhat often, so keep looking if you don't see yours available.

Battle of the Rockstud by savvycheap featuring pointy-toe pumps

Valentino pointy-toe pumps
nordstrom.com

Pointed-toe pumps
torrid.com