I'm all for looking good and living well. I MUST be, it's right up there on my logo, and those aren't just empty words. What I am NOT into is maxing out your credit card(s) to do so. So, I don't tend to be dressed in the "must-haves" of each and every season. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE fashion. Almost nothing makes my heart pitter-patter faster than dreaming about sitting front-row in Paris during Fashion Week, and one of my preferred activities is strolling through my favourite boutiques. But the fact is, a girl could go broke trying to keep up with all of what the magazines say is the latest and greatest...a girl often does go broke...just not this girl. Because, and here's a tip...you don't have to.
I don't know if you are on as many mailing lists from boutiques (online and bricks-and-mortar) as I am...I need to be in the know, so I do tend to have an inbox that is chock-full of those notices. ALL of those that I have been getting from stores during the past two weeks are highlighting end-of-summer sales. Yippee!
There are sales galore right now, my friends...and not just on summery things that you'll only be able to wear for a few more weeks (sorry to say) but on items that can carry you through to the fall and further, if you just wear them right. The best buys are dresses and tops, because as long as they're not too summery in their cut, colour or fabric you can get away with them. And really, even if they're summer-weight you can throw on a cardigan or jacket over top, and wear them on through.
Let me show you what I've picked up this week, and point out a few other things that have been priced down, that I think would be perfect for a transition to cooler weather.
I just ordered this cute denim dress from Delia's - it's a super cheap $29.99, down from $44.50. I have never seen or bought anything from this store before, but it's all pretty youthful. I think this would be awfully cute with a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath, maybe a long cardi over top, maybe my new red scarf or my favourite grey cashmere Club Monaco one, with tights, and boots. Possibly a belt. Definitely a Gerard Darel handbag. I'm just saying.
Loeffler Randall Emmy Belted Boot in Taupe
$679.00 (hey, just dreaming here!)
Gerard Darel 24 Heures bagI also ordered this Banded Collar Shirtdress from Garnet Hill - again a place I've never ordered anything from, but an item I'd been eyeing up since the beginning of summer when it was $118. I waited and it went down to $49.99, and then when it went to $29.99, I decided it was time to order. I got it in this colour and I think I'd wear it just like this, with the low-slung belt, skinny jeans and ballet flats (or those boots above), into the fall.
ROXY Brooks Womens Skinny Jeans - Raw
ROXY Brooks Womens Skinny Jeans - Raw
I think both of these would have been a bit heavy for a So. Cal summer, so I'm glad that I was patient enough not to snap them up at full price and not been able to have worn them anyway. Now I got them on sale, and maybe I won't have to let them languish in the closet for quite as long. I also love that both pieces aren't an identifiable Summer of 2008 trend, too...that's easier when you're dealing with basic colours, or darker jewel tones - a lot of dark greens and purples will be seen into fall.
Here are some dresses and tops things I think are just awesome to save $ on now, and be able to wear for another season or two. Pair a nice jacket or sweater over top of any of these babies and a pair of jeans or tights, and you're set.
From Pink Mascara
Nu Collective Silk Chiffon Top
Was $167, Sale $83.50
Rory Beca Ruffle Top in Almond
Was $253, Sale $75.90
Theory Ava Bow Front Top
Was $209, Sale $104.50
From activeendeavors.com
Lips Like Sugar blouse, by Joie
Was $185, Sale $93
From FashionChateau.com
Was $282, Sale $141
Ya Ya Bone Silk Damsel Top
Tracy Reese Watered Berry Wrap Cardigan
Was $224, Sale $112
Tracy Reese Black Scooped Blouson
Was $255, Sale $204
Twelfth Street Black Tie Dolman Dress
Was $275, Sale $192.50
LaROK Atlantic Girls Tunic
Was $136, Sale $95.20
From IvyBlue.com
Laila Azhar Peter Pan Blouse
Was $275, Sale $150
Park Vogel Crew in Black
Was $79, Sale $40
From Tobi
Reyes Cotton Jacket
Was $594, Sale $297
Rachel Comey Quilt Little Jacket
Was $407, Sale $284
So what if your really snotty and stylish friend who is always decked out in the most trendy items of the season looks at you in the middle of fall with that, "OMG...that is SO SUMMER '08..." expression? Then you're hanging out with the wrong person, my friend. Tell her to turn off The Hills, stick her maxed-out credit card in the freezer, and get a (real) life.
1 comment:
(remember that I have a :::cough::: few more years on the planet that you...)
I have for a long time now relied upon a core set of timeless basics; the simple black dress, the simple cotton tee (long and short sleeves) and the classic blue jean. As you well know, add the accessories, or the trendy bits, and then it doesn't hurt your finances near as much coming into or going out of your closet - I don't mind donating away something that I didn't spend the world on in the first place.
I also learned to sew a long time ago. Those basic bits - the simple black dress, or a basic tunic - can be sewn quickly and easily, in whatever fabric I wish. Even choosing some of the most expensive and exotic fabrics, I still save money compared to the same item in the stores.
The last little "trick" is to buy what you like wherever you find it, and then alter it - a subset of sewing, of course - and either tailor it to your specific figure (take in hems, add darts, etc.) or add embellishments. (change buttons, add decorations, etc.)
But that's just me. Some people don't have the luxury of owning a sewing machine, and so they must rely upon store-bought clothing. In that case, check the closeout stores - NBC or Ross come to mind - but also haunt your local thrift stores. You'll soon find where the best clothes get donated to, and that's where you shop. For Twinks formal last year, we found a $500 formal gown (with the tag still on - meaning it was never worn!) on the rack at the thrift store for $8.00.
But that's just me - an average American Mom out in the middle 9/10ths of the country.
Post a Comment