CheapJAP

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: A Clutching Conundrum

[Note: MAILBAG is copied and pasted directly from cheapjap@gmail.com’s inbox and is therefore exempt from any and all grammatical, capitalization and/or spelling errors.]

Subject: Question for CheapJAP
Dear CheapJap,
Sarah P. introduced me on to your funny blog. Our senses of style are very different (I kind of dress like Charlotte York and have never been in Forever 21, though I like finding Theory and Lilly Pulitzer on sale at Filene’s Basement!) but I thought I would write to you because you come up with great ideas an how to pull off somewhat odd clothing. So here is my style connundrum (sp?): I purchased this bag in black thinking it would be so cute and spruce up a black winter coat or tan trench….

It says “medium fabric” but if you read the fine print (which I didn’t) its actually straw. The patent leather and bronze channel-ish chain strap comes off and its like a perfect size not too big but not too small clutch but its F-ing STRAW and Animal print and has patent leather trim! Do I return it? Do I wear it with neutral/black outfits to be a little sexy during the day? Can I wear a straw bag at night? I kind of love it but I also think its the strangest thing.

Any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Emily

Subject: Re: Question for CheapJAP
emily,
filene’s sells theory?! um, OMFG. thanks for the tip. now, to address your conundrum:

do NOT kick your own ass about this purchase; i literally had to zoom in nine times on the pic to determine what the material was. you’re right about one thing - it is effing STRAW, and straw ain’t easy to pull off. but there is a way. there is always a way.
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Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: Sleeveless in Seattle

[Note: MAILBAG is copied and pasted directly from cheapjap@gmail.com’s inbox and is therefore exempt from any and all grammatical, capitalization and/or spelling errors.]

Subject: question about taming an inner label whore
I moved from Florida to Seattle, WA. So all of my summer wear has been shut up and no longer in style since last summer. Your east coast but I was wondering if you’d heard anything about shopping in the Emerald City without having to sell your soul. I found your blog on stumbleupon.com and have been cracking up while my boyfriend remains glued to the tv with some kind of killing game, because what other kind is there? Thanks for the laughs, and hopefully you may know of some hidden gem in this big freaking city.
Teresa

Subject: Re: question about taming an inner label whore
hey teresa,
the closest i’ve been to seattle is portland, oregon - a city whose thrift stores put nyc’s to shame - so fear not! fabulous shopping does exist outside of the tri-state area. i did a bit of research; it appears your new city boasts a Forever 21, an outlet shopping mall that includes j.crew, banana and burberry (and fine, coldwater creek and eddie bauer - ICK - but hey, i guess it’s chilly out there), and - according to yelp.com - a “TON of vintage stores,” with Sugartown Vintage being the heavy fave among them. shopping in your new hometown seems like it requires a car - i’m hoping you have one. if gas prices are getting you down, sell your boyfriend’s xbox and killing games - you’ll get at least a few tanks out of it, and he won’t mind because vehicular access will help you to look and dress awesome 24/7. Continue reading →