Entries Tagged as 'Fiscally Feasible Fashion'
From Left, Enzo Angiolini Katira Sandals ($60) // Adrianna Papell Fit & flare Dress ($95) // Nike Miler Top ($23) // Hinge Tweed Jacket ($70) // IIIBeca Hudson Street Crossbody ($88)
When it comes to shopping the half-yearly sale at Nordstrom, my strategy for getting the best deal has evolved over the years. I used to look for deep discounts on designer items, but now I’m looking for pieces that are stylish, seasonal and under-$100. Here are some of the things that I am looking for this year.
Summer Sandals. If you have your basics covered but want to pick up a pair of sandals that are more fashion forward, but won’t break the bank, the Nordy’s sale is a great place to look. I love the mix of textures on the sandals above, it’s very fresh. I also liked these neon-accented Vera Wang Sandals ($89) and these Report sandals in tan and brown ($34).
Party Dresses. Attending a lot of summer events? The sale has a number of stylish dresses to keep you stocked up. This white one is lovely, but if you’re looking for wedding attire, out of the question (unless you’re the bride). I also like this printed Karen Kane sheath ($76), this dot-printed Isaac Mizrahi ($59) or this simple cotton dress ($53).
Plus-size? This lace dress is great ($79) and this crepe dress is lovely and bright ($84). Petite? This bright yellow dress is really fun ($64).
Activewear. I’ve been working out more recently, and so I need to beef up my gym wardrobe. Nothing is more frustrating than being psyched up to go to the gym, only to discover you don’t have shorts or a top or a sports bra to wear. It’s practically permission to sit on the couch.
I bought the top above, this underwire sports bra (goes up to 40DDD) and this DriFit jacket ($36).
Blazer Separates. If I can pick up an inexpensive jacket that will turn one of my pencil skirts or my grey trousers into a semi-suit, I will. This collarless tweed number has a melange of blue and orange and would look great with white, navy or grey. I also like this cropped tuxedo blazer ($58) and, if you’re a size 14, this bright yellow Anne Klein would look great with a navy skirt or over a white dress.
Handbags. I own a IIIBeca tote, and I love it. Wears like iron and the removable liner is great for keeping things tidy or carrying home shoes. I also like this slouchy black tote with metal accents ($30) and this perforated bucket tote ($57) that comes in several colors. As for smaller goods, this brightly colored clutch is great ($58) and this patent leather wristlet/wallet is fun.
Lastly, if you don’t care so much about being seasonal, now is a great time to stock up on black tights. And I always cruise the beauty section to see what makeup bags, palettes or tools are on sale.
Today, we’ll be covering the 15 pieces that you can use to build a professional wardrobe. These are the foundation of a wardrobe that is versatile, feminine and chic.
Tomorrow, I’ll turn these pieces into outfits. So if you already have your wardrobe together, you can get some ideas for how to mix in accessories to create different looks. But let’s start here, shall we?
1. The Suit. (J.Crew Stretch Wool Blazer $288, Skirt $118)
Even though I’m not as in love with the new J.Crew suits as I was with the old ones, I still think they’re the best suit for the money if you’re looking to make an investment. This is especially true if you can catch them on sale. Other stores to check for suiting include: Limited, Dillard’s, Nordstrom and Banana Republic. I recommend buying navy if you’re interning or starting work in the spring/summer and black if you start in the fall/winter.
2. Two Skirts. (J.Crew Telegraph Skirt $138, Topshop Pleated Skirt $96)
If you like pants, feel free to sub-in a pair of grey pants for the grey pencil (I like these), but I prefer skirts. A longer pencil skirt, like this Telegraph skirt, is a sleek way to bring a hint of vintage into your wardrobe. I chose the second skirt because I wanted to bring in a more relaxed, printed piece. If you’re anti-print, you could try a colored pencil or a solid pleated skirt.
3. Three Pairs of Shoes. (J.Crew Miri Pump $198, Nine West Andriana $79, Edelman Patent Flats $100)
You can make it the entire summer with just three pairs of work shoes: a black pair, a “nude” pair and a pair of colored flats. You should also add a pair of commute flats if you’ll be in a city where you walk a lot. If you’re not crazy about red, feel free to choose another color (like coral or green), but red is my go to.
4. Three Dresses. (Lace Inset Dress $97, Mint Pleated Sheath $55, Faux-Wrap Dress $25)
My wardrobe is heavily dress-dependent. They’re the easiest summer outfit imaginable. You just pick a dress, choose the shoes, add a couple of pieces of jewelry and you’re off. I like sheath dresses like this lace inset dress and this cap-sleeve mint dress because they can be dressed up or down. And wrap dresses are great for casual Mondays or days when you need to be in the office but don’t have meetings.
If you’re looking for a few more dresses, I like the Antonio Melani line at Dillard’s. I’m also a huge fan of hitting Nordstrom Rack online and Neiman Marcus Last Call. And if you’ll be working during the August recess, you might want to invest in some casual dresses like this printed shirt dress and this short sleeve jersey dress. I highly recommend stripe jersey for recess attire.
More pieces after the jump…
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1. Completely Bare Numbing and Cooling Spray ($10) // 2. Conair Infinity Cord Keeper Dryer ($34) // 3. Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush ($6) // 4. L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Fairest Nude ($6) // 5. Frizz Ease Serum ($10) // 6. Say Yes Blueberries Wipes ($8) // 7. TreSemme Climate Control Mousse ($5) // 8. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara ($8) // 9. Instant Age Rewind Concealer ($9) // 10. Aztec Secret Healing Clay ($7) // 11. Seche Vite Topcoat ($5)
Last week, I shared some of my favorite Sephora products. This week, I thought I’d post about some of my favorite drugstore items, including some news ones that I just purchased this week.
One. If you wax or use depilatories to remove hair, you know how painful and irritating it can be. This spray from Completely Bare numbs and cools the skin pre- and post-hair removal to ease the pain.
Two. Last year, I picked up a T3 Blow Dryer for a song and quickly fell in love. That is until the thing blew up in my hand 12-months later. It was then that I decided that it was time to go back to the drugstore blow dryers. This Conair is a great choice, and I also like this John Frieda Volume Hair Dryer ($43).
Three. I decided to try this blush on another blogger’s recommendation. I like it for days when I don’t want to wear much more than foundation, blush and mascara. But it’s important to apply a little at a time and blend as you go, since it dries so quickly.
Four. I’m one of those rare women who really likes my natural lip color, so I don’t wear a lot of lip color. I do like this lipstick in Fairest Nude, it gives a natural look with just a hint of pink.
Five. D.C. humidity is nothing to sneer at, even those of us with stick-straight hair end up with frizz on damp days. And boy, is that annoying. Frizz Ease Serum helps fight the follicle-lifting power of humid weather, and their styling cream helps keep my coif smooth.
Six. I love Say Yes to Blueberries Makeup Removing Towelettes. They remove most of my makeup (waterproof mascara needs special care), and unlike most makeup removing wipes, they don’t strip my skin.
Seven. My hairstyle lives and dies by a good can of mousse. I’ve tried every pricey salon brand imaginable, but I always go back to the drugstore. There is very little difference between a $30 mousse and a $5 one. I also like Pantene Maximum Hold Volume Mousse ($4).
Eight. I’m addicted to MaxFactor 2000 Calorie Mascara, but since you can’t buy it in the States, this Cover Girl LashBlast Volume Mascara is my backup choice. IT makes my lashes fuller and darker without clumping.
Nine. If you struggle with under-eye circles, this oscillating concealer covers darkness with very little effort. It also treats with goji berry extract and haloxyl to reduce puffiness and fight wrinkles.
Ten. Expensive clay masks abound on beauty department counters. And while I like Glam Glow and Fresh’s Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar, this $10 wonder last forever and produces nearly identical results.
Eleven. Need a fast drying top coat that helps your polish hold for days? Then, this Seche Vite top coat is for you. It dries in a flash and has virtually no smell.
One day, while standing in a jewelry store, staring into a case of shiny baubles, I pointed out a pair of diamond, bezel set earrings to my Father. Just a few weeks shy of finishing graduate school, I was hoping to subtly drop a hint that these sparkly studs would make a fine celebratory gift. My Father, ever the wordsmith and humanitarian, leaned over and whispered in my ear, “If you want diamonds, find yourself a husband.”*
Luckily for me, a proud member of the Past-30 Spinster’s Club, Capitol Hill Chapter, there are many under-$50 fashion jewelry pieces for sale this spring that are sure to adorn and delight.
From Left, C. Wonder Tortoise Bracelet ($48) // Kate Spade Party Drops ($47) // Blu Bijoux Statement Necklace ($32) // Sku Braided Ring ($35) // Bird on a Wire Necklace ($19) // Berry Reversible Drops ($24) // Hammered Turquoise Bangles ($18) // Charles Albert Kyanite Ring ($ 50)// Mint Multi-Lens Necklace ($28) // Beaded Hoop Earrings ($24) // Sabine Flower Bracelet ($18)
One. Tortoise is making an appearance on store shelves this spring, and I for one am thankful. Take one look at these sweet tortoise drop earrings or this long chain necklace and tell me you couldn’t work this rich brown material into your wardrobe?
Two. I just thought these pretty drops would be perfect for weddings, holiday parties or dinner dates. I love the slightly-art deco feel and the neutral color palette. And on the topic of deco, I also love these half-moon dangly earrings for just $13.
Three. This jewel-toned statement necklace is a versatile choice. I also like the mirror-like quality of this ABS necklace and the simplicity of this burgundy-hued necklace from JC Penney for $14.
Four. I’ve featured this lovely braided ring before, but I liked it so much that it deserved another showing. This braided jade ring is also very interesting, and I love the braided detail on this pricey pearl ring from Konstantino.
Five. I have a bit of a thing for jewelry with birds on it, so this necklace is right up my alley. If the avian theme appeals to you as well, try this love bird necklace, this inexpensive little ring or these cute earrings.
Six. The best part about these berry drops–aside from their rich hue, of course–is that they’re reversible. Raspberry on the front, jet black on the back. Two for the price of one.
Seven. These stylish bangles come in the pretty turquoise above, grey and white and red. I also love this thin hammered bangle from Lisa Stewart and this enormous hammered cuff.
Eight. I love the vibrant blue hue of lapis lazuli, so this Kyanite ring (same effect, lower price) is right in my wheel house. This bib laced with layers of the stone is to.die.for, and these simple drop earrings are only $30.
Nine. Long beaded and station necklaces are a chic way to add a hint of color and shine to an outfit. This multi-strand sand dollar necklace is fabulous, and the mix of shapes and textures in this Tory Burch necklace is sophisticated and modern.
Ten. While my good friend Miss M loves a generous hoop earring, I prefer mine on the small side. In addition to the beaded hoops above, I love these twisted Tom Binns hoops and these rose gold ones.
Eleven. This is a bracelet that just catches your eye–the floral detail, the metal work, the sheen in the stones–how could you miss it? That is a lot of style for less than-$20.
Jewelry is an inexpensive way to perk up an outfit or buy something new to wear without breaking the bank. If you’ve discovered any fiscally feasible jewelry finds recently, feel free to share them in the comments.
*You mustn’t judge my Father too harshly. Most of his friend’s children were married with children before they were of eligible age to run for the House of Representatives, such is the way in small, rural towns.
1. Double Cloth Symphony Coat ($139 + 30% off) // 2. Tissue V-Neck Tee ($14.99 + 30% off) // 3. Lia Mid-heel Sandal ($119 + 30% off) // 4. Dodo Case for iPad ($59 + 30% off) // 5. Biennial Satchel ($238 + 30% off)
Today, we’re having a bit of J.CREW overkill, but it’s one of the few mid-price retailers that sells stylish, professional pieces. And having made a few regrettable mistakes over the years while shopping their famous 30%-off Final Sale, I wanted to share my strategy for getting the most bang for your buck because no one wants to feel the sharp sting of final sale regret.
One. In my opinion, coats and outerwear are the best buy. Well-made coats that are usually priced at over-$300 can be had for just over $100 in some cases. And since it’s January, you can still get a few weeks of wear before you pack it away for next season.
The coat above is lovely, but if you are in need of a warm, basic winter coat, I own this Lady Coat with Thinsulate and it can be yours for around $160. A great deal.
If you need a short coat, this Majesty Peacoat is around $150. And if your basics are already covered, this bright pink coat with a bow and this belted wool coat in mint, lavender, red and black is also fabulous.
Two. I sleep in cotton t-shirts. I wear them to work out, and just lounging around on the weekend. So if I can pick up a few in neutral colors for around $10 per shirt, I stock up.
Three. If you know your size in J.CREW shoes, you can pick up some lovely things on sale. The strappy sandals above would be great for the springtime. These printed flats would be adorable with jeans, and these double strap Mary Janes would be fantastic for work.
Four. I have a Dodo Case for my iPad, and I love it. It provides a bit of electronic camouflage and makes your device look like any other old notebook, so you can carry it in public without drawing unwanted attention. And whether you like bright colors or neutrals there is a case for you.
Five. Handbags are great because you don’t have to worry about them fitting properly. I own this satchel in red and it is fantastic. The pockets are perfect for organizing all of the things you need to carry to work, and it has a simple, clean look to it. The sale also includes a to.die.for handbag with a leopard flap.
Shopping the J.CREW final sale is an art form, but if I could leave you with one final piece of advice: Don’t buy anything that you are not 90-percent sure will fit. If you need to, go to the store and try it on. Otherwise, you might get stuck with a lemon.
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