CheapJAP

Navigatrix

Cheap JAP Challenge (A Primer)

My shopping standbys are cheap, but I wouldn’t call them trashy - it’s socially acceptable to patronize stores like F21 and H&M because they’re more low-cost than low-class (…most of the time).

What about stores that actually are as trashy as they are cheap? If you’re unfamiliar with shops of this ilk, take a gander down 14th Street from University Place to Seventh Avenue - you’ll see what I mean. Foxy Lady. Mandee. Wet Seal. Places that even the cheapest of JAPs wouldn’t set foot in. Stores I’ve turned up my nose at for years. Retail establishments I thought were beneath me…until I was broke.

I’ve gotten a little too good at shopping my standbys, so - as a means of continually improving on my fashion prowess - I’ve decided to challenge myself to find, buy and wear non-trashy items from uber-trashy stores. Why? Because shopping is growing, people. Write that down.

Stay tuned for the results of the first official Cheap JAP Challenge. I obvs rocked it.

Navigatrix

Sampling Urban’s Summer Stock

Urban’s sale racks often bother me; the stuff up for grabs is always cheap, but mostly fugly. Twice a year though, Urban cleans house and slashes the prices on the good stuff, and it’s happening right now at their Upper West Side location. Photographic evidence below.

The turquoise silky top is $29.99, reduced from its originally offensive price of $68. I’m not really a dressy top person, but this one’s pretty damn sexy.

The gray piece is still a bit of a splurge at $99 (reduced from $240) but as it’s one of the most JAPtastic things I’ve ever seen at Urban, I had to try it on (the shitty iPhone pic doesn’t do it justice - just trust me). It’s technically a top (the Eros Brooke Top, specifically….online, its “sale” price is still $179, don’t be a suckaaaa) but when you’re short a la moi, it’s fair game as a minidress.

(Pair with spandex mini-shorts to prevent thong-ogling on subway stairs, FYI).

Navigatrix

Twelve By Twelve, Pretty Swell

Not all Forever 21s are created equal, and I’ve become seriously disenchanted with the one in Union Square as of late - if I see one more rack with nylon/rayon blend, bold-colored, babydoll tunics, I’m going to spew. Thankfully, the Soho outpost has a more varied selection of styles (NOT nine thousand duplicates of the same item in different colors…grrrrr).

I expected to be pissed off by the amount of Twelve by Twelve on the downstairs racks of Soho’s F21. Not because some of the stuff isn’t totally cute, but because I initially thought it was overpriced - if I wanted to pay $40 bucks for a t-shirt, I’d hit the Bloomies “sale” rack. As I perused the section, I was pleased to discover that F21 actually hadn’t jacked their prices just to legitimize their “high-end line.” Most of the Twelve by Twelve stuff wasn’t just adorable, well-made and trendy; it was still relatively cheap. I’m heading back today to try the goods on for size - here’s what I’m hoping to find.

The fab, sweater thang pictured above is technically a long cardigan, but it can def double as a dress. Lace Sleeve Cardigan, $34.

From the front, it’s an ideal layering piece. From the back, it’s a subtly sexy statement. (Did I just channel a Lucky mag editor in that description? Apologies.) Sheer-Back Cardigan, $28.
Continue reading →

Navigatrix

Tar-jay Lives Up To Petname

Mmkay, so I got down to biznass yesterday afternoon with my Target GO International Private Label loot and came up with some decent outfits. And by decent, I mean fabulous; false modesty’s a crock. I was more concerned than usual with making sure each combo boasted at least one loaded, JAPtastic ingredient. This is probably because I have never, ever worn Tar-jay in public, and needed my old brandbyes to make the idea more palatable. Anyhoo, here we go. Let’s break it down.

Tar-jay Outfit No. 1: Office JAP

Working in an office environment is one of the better excuses for donning new outfits. Even if you hate your job, you can still love what you’re wearing! I paired a black cami with a Forever 21 Pencil Skirt, and knotted the Tar-jay Button-Front Ruffle Top over it to give the look some shape. Not only is sheer fabric like, sooo hot right now; a thin, transparent blouse can be shaped in varying degrees of awesomeness depending on how it’s buttoned or tied. It’s almost as versatile as the silver Manolos that complete the look. As for what they cost: They were a gift, and I’d prefer to wear them in blissful ignorance.

Tar-jay Outfit No. 2: Summer JAP

I tend not to fool around with multiple patterns at once - I’m not that kind of girl That being said, when I was looking for something more interesting than a gray t-shirt to pair with my Tar-jay Jacquard Floral Ruffle Miniskirt, this Scoop top (purchased last summer for the ludicrous price of $150) caught my eye. When I’ve tried to wear this top in the past, I’ve paired it with jeans, found myself bored to tears and changed outfits immediately. The floral mini updates it and rejuvenates its cool factor without a color clash. (Note: Mixing patterns/prints is fine, provided they have something to talk about - the navy and silver top picks up the blues and grays in the skirt, and therefore works. Obvs.). Same Manolos here too - man, am I a snoot.

Tar-jay Outfit No. 3: Cocktail JAP

I didn’t mention this Tar-jay Kimono Dress yesterday because it’s a satin muumuu sans waist accessory. With a belt or a scarf, however, it’s a fab take on a style superfood: The little black dress. I used my grandmother’s vintage Louis Vuitton scarf to give it some shape, (oh, and to make it scream CLASS :P). And you already know those Michael Kors pumps were sooo not full price; $21.95 at Beacon’s for those not in the know.

Navigatrix

Bottoms Up at Forever 21

Shopping cheap can be really freeing sometimes - at least that’s what I tell myself when I forgo Bikram yoga for field research, which is often.

Had I seen these suspender-jeans in a pricey boutique, I would have looked at them longingly, convinced myself of their impracticality and left empty-handed. But in the blinding florescence of Forever 21, I saw the notion of suspender-jeans in a new light (and one that only cost $29.80 ;)). They were so unlike anything I owned, borderline ridiculous even. I was obvs buying them immediately.

(Note: Suspender-jeans should fit loosely around the waist and butt area, otherwise, there’d be no need for the suspenders to hold up the jeans (duh). Don’t go a size down or they’ll really look silly.)

Life’s all about balance, so I paired the loose, wide-leg suspender-jeans with an old, fitted Theory top (fine, and a push up bra…no one’s are that perky). Heels are also a must for this look, particularly for shorties like me.

I don’t know if suspender-jeans incur wrath or merit praise from the fashion gods. I do know I don’t give a shit. Continue reading →

Navigatrix

The Top Five Reasons to Endure Century 21

Yesterday, after extensive iPhone camera-snapping and note-taking, I came to the following conclusion: Century 21 is a Cheap JAP’s dream…provided she has the shoppers’ stamina to survive the experience (and I thought I wasn’t an athlete!). The Top Five Reasons that make this store worth your while - read on.

1. The Denim
After observing the dynamic selection of denim styles and brands, I see no reason to pay full price for JAPtastic jeans ever again. I’m not effing kidding. Joe’s, AG’s, Paper Denim, Hudson, J Brand - you name it, it’s there. And it’s usually at least half of what you’d normally pay. Eek!

3. The OMFG Shoe Section

The shoes at Century 21 are the shit. The big cheese. The holy grail of discount designer shopping. The cheaper stuff and new arrivals are upstairs - while I usually don’t have a problem ponying up a Benjamin for some hot Stevens, it’s nice to know they can be had for $60 or less. But the downstairs is truly where it’s at. I’m talking Chloe, Giuseppe Zanotti, Celine, Marc Jacobs - the best of the best. Did I want to kick myself for buying $115 Dolce Vitas after I saw their high-end Chloe inspiration on sale for $119? You bet.

Continue reading →

Navigatrix

No Pain, No Gain (Century 21)

I’ll say it. I spent two hours in Century 21 and all I got was this lousy t-shirt. Siiiike, it’s a C&C California Striped Classic Tank which usually retails for $48, which is disgusting. Mine was $15.97. Word.

It’s okay that I only ended up with one item after two exhausting hours of trekking and scouring. Because this heinous psychotic bitch of a store and I had it out, and ultimately reached an understanding. Continue reading →

Navigatrix

Math: Not My Best Subject

After I posted about the potentially dire state of TopShop’s prices, I received the following from Emi:

“While it’s true that the dollar is worth a bit LESS than 1/2 a pound, that does not mean that exported goods are twice the price here in the states. For example, if you go to a gap in London, you would pay 30 pounds for a tee shirt. I think we would all agree that no one would buy gap t-shirt in the us for $70. Nor do we pay $70 for a T at H&M. So, you can’t just use the conversion rate and the top shop website to predict the price. Love your blog- I can’t wait to hear what you think about top shop!”
From Making TopShop Your Bitch, Part 1, 2008/06/13 at 12:32 PM

Girlfriend’s making a lot of sense. Thank you, Emi, for further motivating us Cheap JAPs across the pond to check out TopShop. We can’t wait!

Navigatrix

Making TopShop Your Bitch, Part 1

TopShop’s coming, TopShop’s COMING!!! I’m uber psyched. Mostly because they refer to jumpers as Playsuits, which I find totally endearing.

These Playsuits each retail for forty-five pounds. While I doubt they’ll be among TopShop’s Fall Collection, that’s not the point. The point is that forty-five pounds is not forty-five dollars. This brings us to Part 1.

Making TopShop Your Bitch, Part 1 - Pounds Do Not Equal Dollars
It seems more than obvs, I know. But if you’re going to brave the hordes of frenzied fashionistas at their Soho opening, you must first understand and accept that forty-five pounds is the equivalent of eighty-seven American dollars and forty-seven American cents. Again, 45 lbs (what, I don’t have a pound sign) = $87.47. That’s right, friends - almost double.

The only Topshop I’ve ever seen up close were crappy leftovers from the Kate Moss line at Barney’s Scarehouse Sale, so I can’t honestly comment on whether or not the posh quality and design is worth its cost. But you can bet your tush that I’ll be at the store on the day it opens to find out. Stay tuned.

Navigatrix

Shorts for All Hours

Mmkay, so now that I’ve indulged my impulse to make fashion meaningful (just scroll down), let’s discuss both the white shorts pictured and the High Waisted Luxe Shorts to which I previously referred (both Forever 21, $24.80 and $19.80, respectively). The white jean shorts are a bit too bootylicious for heels or wedges, but with flats and a tucked in button-down, they’re uber cute daytime garb. The color and material of the luxe shorts makes them evening-appropriate despite their slightly scandalous length - they’re hot by themselves, smokin’ with wedges but slutty when paired with a tight top. Tread carefully.

I purchased both pairs of shorts on a Saturday, which is one of the more idiotic things I’ve done. Why, you ask? Because - on Saturdays - every single European and Midwestern tourist makes a pilgrimage from Times Square to Forever 21. Continue reading →

Navigatrix

Shopper’s Lust - Resistance is Futile

I do the bulk of my shopping in person, so it’s rare that a JPEG alone inspires that want-it-need-it-have-to-have-it-feeling that inevitably results in the purchase of a particular item. But after last week’s Designer Slumdown, I couldn’t shake my shopper’s lust for the H&M + Marimekko dress. I had to see it. I had to touch it. I had to try it on. I have to stop equating shopping with sex if I ever want to get laid. Anyway.

Not all H&M’s are created equal; in my experience, the one on 59th and Lex puts its counterparts to shame. My Marimekko was as good as its photo promised, albeit missing a price tag. I assumed it was around $50 - not so. $69.95. Oy vey.

I generally loathe the idea of spending more than $50 on one item. But when it’s something you can’t stop thinking about, the frustration of not having it is infinitely more agonizing than shelling out an extra $20.

Yes, we’re still talking about a dress.

Navigatrix

Runway Funway (Safari Garb)

Sooo, Safari Garb is - for the moment - utterly In. When I play with trends, I ask myself the following questions, in this order: What’s in my closet? and What trend should I try? Asking these questions in this order forces you to integrate an old item into a new outfit, with the added bonus of halving the cost of trend experimentation. As I recently switched waitressing gigs, what’s in my closet is an excess of white, button-down shirts. Is there a trend that can transform my WBDs from ho-hum to oh, yum? Hark! It’s Safari Garb!
Forever 21’s South Beach Short($17.80, btw) isn’t just fab Safari Garb; it’s a new item that revitalizes my old WBDs (H&M, obvs). Were the wedges as free as my Mom’s belt, or as cheap as the rest of the ensemble? Hells no. But nobody’s perfekt.

Navigatrix

To Bite or Not To Bite

According to Sarah Jessica, “Fashion is not a luxury, it’s a right.” The fact that BITTEN by SJP seems to embody this idea almost makes me forgive Carrie Bradshaw for fucking with feminism. Almost. But I digress.
Based on the online collection, I wouldn’t call BITTEN high fashion. I would call it incredibly, ridiculously and thrillingly low-priced. It looks as though almost everything, including this little trench pictured, is $8.98. I know, I don’t buy it either. Hence the reason I’m heading to Steve and Barry’s today to get BITTEN in person.
I love inexpensive stuff, obvs. But in my experience, mass-marketed apparel that’s this cheap has the fit and feel of a potato sack. We’ll see if SJP’s manifesto holds any water; look for a post-game analysis later today.

Navigatrix

Making Forever 21 Your Bitch, Part 5

When I check out at Forever 21, I’m often exhausted, irritated, hungry and, subsequently, in dire need of a cigarette. Still, I wait patiently behind throngs of squealing middle schoolers, tell the mom who hip checks me with her Coach bag not to worry about it, and refrain from rolling my eyes at the girl ahead of me counting out exact change. I don’t do this because I’m a good person. I do it because I know that the moment I see how little I’ve spent continually brings me inner peace. Om.
At least, this was the case before Forever 21 created the evil spawn that is Twelve by Twelve. Continue reading →

Navigatrix

Leggings, Why I’m Still Wearing Them

A note on the In/Out factor of leggings - the jury’s still out on whether they’re officially acceptable or oh-so-over. I’d never, ever wear leggings and a tunic-esque top and call it dressing up. I’d also never be caught dead in baggy sweatpants (save those times when I roll into my deli at 7am in dire need of the club soda and apple juice with which I make my hangover fizz). I believe leggings to be the difference between looking like shit and looking like you give a shit. If your weekend garb still consists of a Juicy Couture tracksuit, perhaps you should take my advice.
Leggings are kind of like socks. I don’t care how much you spend - after a certain amount of wears, they start to look like shit. So if I ever bust you in a pair of So Lows, there will be hell to pay. Continue reading →