CheapJAP

I Love A Good Story

Sometimes You Can’t Take the Princess Out of J-A-P

When Krip (a childhood bestie) recently asked that I take her shopping, I had visions of transforming her into a fellow Cheap JAP. In addition to the Fendi shades, diamond earrings, and Charriol watch pictured at left, Krip donned a Francesco Biasia Tote - “It wasn’t that bad, like $200 or something” - for our shopping excursion.

Granted, $200 for a Biasia isn’t tragic, and Krip makes enough moolah to afford it and not blink. But I wondered… Could a JAP who didn’t have to shop cheap still enjoy doing so?
The day initially looked promising; at Forever 21, we found a Twelve by Twelve cocktail dress that actually made me re-think my animosity toward the line. Krip was positively gleeful to pay $59.99 for it, understandably so - the dress looks uber pricey, and the zipper detail is totally fab.
Alas, things took a nasty turn in Williamsburg. After ten minutes in Beacon’s Closet, Krip wasn’t wowed by the pricetags or wooed by the designer labels hiding in the racks. She was utterly weirded out. She placated my enthusiasm by trying on a few things, and ended up purchasing a turquoise, silky wrap top and crazy blue aviators, but admitted that the thrifty environment made her feel “dirty.” I told her she was an effing snob, she concurred, and we had a nice chuckle.
Vowing to end the day on a high note, (and ignoring my compadre’s eyerolls) I suggested we check out Williamsburg’s weekend fleamarket, Artists and Fleas. Krip might be a bonafide JAP, but she’s also a kickass painter and appreciator of all things handmade. She lingered at one of the jewelry booths for about a half hour before buying the necklace pictured (the gal hammered K-R-I-P onto the pendent ($45) in mere minutes, very cool).
Fine, I didn’t convert my friend into a full-blown Cheap JAP. But even when Krip doesn’t like something, be it a thrift store or a method of shopping, she always manages to appreciate it on behalf of someone else. JAPs aren’t often thought of as genuine, supportive friends, and Krip breaks the mold. This is probs why we’re buds.
When we parted ways in Union Square, I took the N home to Park Slope. Krip took the 4/5 to Saks.