Mmkay, so projects related to my new apartment have taken over my life as of late. The creative genius (term used loosely) that is Cheap JAP cannot fully flourish in a half-finished workspace, so I’m busting my ass to get it doneskies. I hope, for the time being, you’ll forgive me my degenerate blogging. Today [...]

Here’s how the above question usually gets asked:
Girl 1: Oooh! I looove this!
Girl 2: Don’t you have something just like that?
Girl 1: No… wait… do I?
Girl 2: That blue top you wear 24/7 is, like, almost identical to that.
Girl 1: You’re right. I so don’t need this.
WRONG. So effing wrong. To examine why, we’re gonna [...]

Combat Boots are one of those items that prompt an immediate, almost involuntary reaction: Either they drive you nuts, or you’re nuts about ‘em. Back in the nineties, I wore Doc Martens religiously in hopes that Eddie Vedder and/or Johnny Depp would – in all their plaid-clad glory – rescue me from the adolescent [...]

In honor of Earth Day, let’s talk about what happens when you cave for a $6 Tri-Blend Tank from a decidedly un-eco-friendly corporate chain. Whilst strolling with Krip the other day, we passed an American Apparel (home of the $18 Tri-Blend Tank); the following conversation ensued:
Krip: I bought three Tri-Blend Tanks from there the other [...]

Last night, while hammering ruched strips of cotton and hemp canvas onto my bedroom wall in an attempt to mimic a technique seen at Urban Outfitters, I left the tv on for entertainment purposes and ended up listening to The Devil Wears Prada on FX. In addition to showing the film, FX aired some original [...]

When earlier today we discussed Monk, I omitted the fact that the hunting portion of my trip took a solid hour. The time spent paid off (and BIG), but that’s not always the case. If you can’t immediately size up the kind of secondhand store you’re in, your chances of leaving empty-handed increase exponentially. This [...]

This past weekend, while assessing the eyeroll-inducing Vintage in my new hood, I happened upon a friendly face. I’d been to Monk Thrift Shop in Brooklyn; the Park Slope merch, while cheap, was ultimately kind of Meh. Apparently, the good stuff gets left in the city.
The only plausible explanation for the awesomeness you’re about to [...]

The abundance of April Showers have made NYC a dreary place these past few weeks. For me, rainy days are often the difference between Super and Meh, (possibly because they continually derail my hair-straightening efforts). I figured some bright, waterproof footwear might snap me out of my funk, so earlier this week, I hit the [...]

Yesterday afternoon, I stopped by (drumroll please…) the only British import coveted by American twentysomething women even more than the King of Dignified Badasses himself (Clive Owen, obvs). Having previously viewed their supposedly budget-friendly merch online, I entered TopShop with low expectations; I subsequently witnessed individual acts of perversion SO profound and disgusting that [...]

A few weeks ago, I snagged this uber classy, Ralph Lauren striped tank at Buffalo Exchange. Not POLO Ralph Lauren, not LAUREN Ralph Lauren – just Ralph Lauren.
Its tag bears striking similarity to the brand’s current high-end line, Black Label, so I’m going to give myself the benefit of the doubt and assess [...]

One of the perks of being a writer (fine, blogger. Pfft.) is being able to wear whatever the eff you want to work. Inherent in your oft-unlucrative profession is a penchant for schleppiness. My subject matter of choice means I like to push the schlep envelope – anything comfortable that can be made to [...]

Firstly, let’s discuss what constitutes a headpiece. In its unbastardized form, it’s a piece of material one wraps around one’s head. Headpieces might seem purposeless, but when I was at boarding school and sidled with the task of getting my two best friends to class on time, this accessory saved all of our respective [...]

I know most designer’s price points by memory, but I actually had to google Marc Jacobs, as the bulk of his clothes are too fugly for my radar. Once in a while, however, he comes up with something decent. Case-in-point: This jersey-knit drapey top.

As MARC by Marc Jacobs Tops retail for $150 or so, [...]

Today, we embark on the arduous task of culling the many oh-so-hip secondhand-esque stores in my new hood for bullshit. Today, we pledge to adhere to our Brooklyn-learned standards for thrift; today, we vow to reject any gently-worn merch that fails to meet them. Today, we separate the men from the boys.
It’s fitting that Zachary’s [...]

I’m internet-less until Friday because I’m the kind of jackhole who forgets to make the pre-moving call to her cable company. I’m poaching the free WiFi at Aroma Espresso Bar, but my POS iBook is being a little beotch and not letting me upload pics. So, as I’m effed in the posting-actual-content capacity, here’s a [...]

So, I’ve been in between apartments as of late, which is to say I’ve been spending a lot o’ time in La Jerz. Possibly too much, as it prompted the following exchange between me and one of my movers last week:
Mover Dude: Where’s that accent from?
Me: What accent? What the EFF are you talking about?
Mover [...]

Mmkay beotches, here’s the dilly. I’m in the midst of moving to a new apt which means this week, I’ll be posting erratically at best. Also, my writing will probs be shit. Quality and quantity will commence in full force by next Monday, scout’s honor. Eternal gratitude to all in advance for your understanding. MWAH.

Mmkay, so like, the Sporting Goods Trend is all-the-rage for Spring according to Vah-Vah-Vogue. This is assumedly because people can no longer afford to get dressed. When women take to wearing their gym clothes during office hours, Fashion can’t help but go apeshit. What girl in her right mind would rather pay for kickboxing than [...]

Subject: Bless you Cheap JAP
I’ve been reading your blog for inspiration in these tough financial times, and I’ve already started scoring! On a recent trip, I picked up a BCBGMAXAZRIA dress/top for $20. While looking for a black wrap top as you suggested, I found the world’s most perfect one (Rachel Pally!) for under [...]