Cheap JAP » boots http://cheapjap.com shop cheap. look loaded. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:38:41 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Witchy Woman Style http://cheapjap.com/style/witchy-woman-style http://cheapjap.com/style/witchy-woman-style#comments Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:52:26 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=10507 my thriftique was a shitshow of pink. I figured I’d temper the girly vibe/commiserate with uncoupled shoppers by donning an all-black ensemble. It wasn’t until a customer commented on my outfit that I realized the true source of its inspiration.
- You know

...keep reading Witchy Woman Style

]]> my thriftique was a shitshow of pink. I figured I’d temper the girly vibe/commiserate with uncoupled shoppers by donning an all-black ensemble. It wasn’t until a customer commented on my outfit that I realized the true source of its inspiration.

- You know that movie The Craft?
- Know it? I was OBSESSED with it for most of middle school!
- Me too, and your outfit kinda has that early-nineties witch vibe going on. Love the nod to goth!

If ever you find yourself chanting Earth-Air-Fire-Water in your head and feel the need to express your inner witch, a nod to goth can be achieved via the following:

A little black dress. Mine’s from H&M: I resisted scissoring it into a minidress for four solid years, leaving it knee-length for classy occasions, synagogue and/or funerals, but I’m happy I finally gave in. The lining started shredding as soon as I’d cut it, so I want with the raw thang and hemmed it with a loop stitch to keep the hem in tact.

Note: Loop stitch is not a technical term – it’s what happens when you poke a needle and thread through the inside of the garment close to the interior edge, then loop it around the exterior edge in lieu of poking it through the outside of the garment. If that makes any sense.
A black blazer (a vintage Goodwill Outlet Center find, in this case). In its original form, the four-button blazer had two visible copper buttons and two hidden heinous plastic buttons. It looked fine buttoned up; unbuttoned, it was a decidedly not-hot mess.

A blazer that cannot be worn both open and closed is a blazer undeserving of a place in my wardrobe – clearly, the situation had to be remedied. Luckily, the blazer had two matching copper buttons on its sleeves. I snipped them off, and trimmed the fabric shielding the heinous plastic buttons. Then I snipped those buttons from the garment, and sewed the copper ones onto the vacant button space. If it looks unfinished, GOOD. It’s SUPPOSED to. We have a raw, badass witchy theme going on here!
The shoes are a no-brainer, as black, lace-up, combat-inspired boots epitomize the nod-to-goth look. These are Miz Moos, and Mommy got them for me at Marshalls because she is awesome.

Chokers are a staple nineties accessory, so I threw a vintage Jewish star charm onto a long silver chain and wrapped it around my neck three times. I also added a killer vintage wrist cuff, and topped the whole thang off with ripped black tights.

“We are the weirdos, mister.” Bah!
]]> http://cheapjap.com/style/witchy-woman-style/feed 1 Cold Weather Boots, Sans Fugliness http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/womens-cold-weather-boots http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/womens-cold-weather-boots#comments Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:45:38 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=10280 ...keep reading Cold Weather Boots, Sans Fugliness

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Insulated, cold weather boots. Because they’re fucking ugly.

When I realized maintaining my protest against fugly footwear meant sprinting around town to stay warm, I cut my losses; I hate cold weather boots, but I really fucking hate exercise. So I sucked it up, hit Century 21, and spent money I didn’t have on shoes I didn’t want to wear. The shoes in question are faux shearling-lined, rubber-tipped, lace-up snowboots by Khombu. Utterly and totally meh. Also under forty bucks, so whatevs.

Here’s a few moderately attractive cold weather boot alternatives to my subpar Khombus, for those of you suffering similar predicaments.

Buzz Front Lace Sport Boot, Pajar, $136.50; Sorelli Tall Boot, Sorel, $140.00.

Moola Ankle Boot, Cougar, $119.95; Bobcat Knee High Boot, Annie Shoes, $56.96.

Kia-2 Boot, Miss Me, $59.95; Firenzy Plaid Boot, Sorel, $120.00.
]]> http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/womens-cold-weather-boots/feed 2 Vintage Riding Boots http://cheapjap.com/vintage/riding-boots http://cheapjap.com/vintage/riding-boots#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:14:19 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=5655 ...keep reading Vintage Riding Boots

]]> A month or so ago, I popped into Hamlet’s Vintage – purveyor of the offensive $15 beat-up tee – on a mission: I needed tall, black, flat boots. Again.

In the past year alone, I have gone through not one, not two, but THREE PAIRS of tall flat black boots. When I say “gone through” I don’t mean I’ve lost them or damaged them: I’ve simply worn them out.

Maybe today’s footwear isn’t tough enough for the city’s mean streets; maybe I tend to stomp aggressively instead of tread lightly; maybe I have a slight Napoleon complex. Whatever. I was cast as the elephant in a childhood zoo-themed ballet production. I’m not morphing into some dainty graceful creature anytime soon.

It’s not like I haven’t tried to extend the lifespan of my last three pairs of tall black flat boots. All Dr. Cobbler does is prolong the inevitable: There is no chocolate coated miracle pill for bringing dead shoes back to life. At least, not after I’ve worn them.

When my last pair expired, I vowed to do things differently. THIS TIME, I would purchase boots constructed to withstand destruction; boots that looked at the subway grime and grey clotted snow and toxic puddles and scoffed ‘BRING IT ON.’

So I popped into Hamlet’s Vintage, discovered they were having a sale, zeroed in on a pair of tall flat black riding boots, paid their $110 sale price (not great, not awful) and thought it’d be smooth sailing from there. The boots have been kicking my ass ever since.

The issue isn’t strength or durability – old school riding boots are built for post-apocalyptic conditions.

The problem is that they’re designed to “follow your body’s contours” i.e. suffocate the lower halves of your legs so you look as though you’re one with the horse or whatever.

Well WHAT IF THERE IS NO FUCKING HORSE?

Then you wear them out for an hour and realize your feet are numb and your ankles are blistered because leather of this thickness and stiffness doesn’t even exist anymore and your entire lower legs, from knee to big toe are screaming in shock and protest.

Then you go get Toughstrips Band-AIDs and they don’t work, so you try moleskin, except instead of putting it on your feet, you use it to line the interior of the boot for permanent padding. This makes wearing the riding boots bearable, and after three weeks of continuous battle, they finally start to soften and give.

Then, and ONLY THEN, can you be pleased with the purchase you made one month ago. This is where I find myself today.

So, how’d my mother beat me at my own game? Check this Sharesies! courtesy of Mom herself: Dear Cheap JAP, I couldn’t resist sharing my fabulous good fortune with you.

Found these custom “Made in England” gems at my local shoe repair for $25.00!!!

They’d been sitting there for 3 weeks waiting patiently for their rightful new owner; yet unfortunately, every lady who tried to slip into them was immediately met with the sore disappointment of an unforgiving narrow leg. The couple who own the shoe repair aptly named them the “Cinderella” boot.

And so, in my fifty-first year the heady OOMF I received, when pray-tell they exclaimed, “you’re ‘Cinderella!’” led me straight to the decision to dress up as Betty Draper at the Mad Men Soiree I would attend on Saturday night.

And she lived, happily ever after.

Best Always, Mother

Too cute. So cute in fact, that I’m almost not bitter at her snagging a pair identical to my $110.00 riding boots for $25.00. Almost.

Just kidding. She got me into riding boots to begin with; I got her into shopping cheap. That makes it a fair trade, methinks. Way to go, Mom. Thanks for sharing. :)
]]> http://cheapjap.com/vintage/riding-boots/feed 11 Old School Workout Tee + Sparkly Jeans http://cheapjap.com/style/workout-tee-sparkly-jeans http://cheapjap.com/style/workout-tee-sparkly-jeans#comments Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:36:59 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=5276 ...keep reading Old School Workout Tee + Sparkly Jeans

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Also: Many of you have asked after the origin of the stunning, buttery, over-the-knee boots pictured a few days ago.

The brand: Tashkent by Cheyenne

Retail value: $600.00+

What I paid: $145.00



For full deets on this epic score, see Resale Realizes a Buttery Boot Dream.
]]> http://cheapjap.com/style/workout-tee-sparkly-jeans/feed 1 The Non-Straight Leg Jean Boot Tuck http://cheapjap.com/diy-fashion/jean-boot-tuck http://cheapjap.com/diy-fashion/jean-boot-tuck#comments Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:38:55 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=5228 ...keep reading The Non-Straight Leg Jean Boot Tuck

]]> Dear Cheap JAP,

I am a legging whore but when I’m not wearing leggings, I go for the skinny jeans tucked into boots. The problem is, my jeans bunch up and are all uncomfortable tucked into the boots. A friend of mine told me a while back, that she heard about a new invention that kept the jeans in place–no bunching or anything. Of course, now I can’t find it because I don’t know what it’s called. Do you know? Or do you have any other recommendations? Maybe use the clasps that hold my sheets onto my mattress?

HELP!

Thanks!

This is a common problem, fo sho. The solution requires the magic of an old pair of tights. Bust out the scissors, grab some old and/or damaged hosiery you’d otherwise trash, and cut off the legs a few inches above the knee. Observe:



Don the rebellious denim, smooth it as best you can over your calf, and tuck it into the legs of the tights-turned-spandex socks like so:

Pull on boots. Doneskies. :) (If you find your old tights’ elasticity has expired, a pair of stockings or knee-highs from any drug store is an excellent alternative. That is all.)
]]> http://cheapjap.com/diy-fashion/jean-boot-tuck/feed 6 Rag & Bone Shoe Boo Boo http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/rag-and-bone-shoe http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/rag-and-bone-shoe#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:03:53 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=4013 Cardinal Rule of Rip-Offs, which goes like this: When imitating a given designer, don’t name the copycat after its inspiration. It appears Rag & Bone

...keep reading Rag & Bone Shoe Boo Boo

]]> Cardinal Rule of Rip-Offs, which goes like this:
When imitating a given designer, don’t name the copycat after its inspiration.
It appears Rag & Bone didn’t get the memo when it decided construction boots were like-so-hot-right-now. Its footwear’s striking similarity to Danner‘s aesthetic could have been framed as coincidence.

Unfortunately, Rag & Bone christened its copycat the ‘Danner Boot‘. That’s called asking for a lawsuit (also shit-for-brains).



The inspiration for Rag & Bone’s party foul (see right) is Danner’s Recon Insulated Uniform Boot (see left) – an expertly-crafted shoe with the following features:

- 100% waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® lining for the ultimate in comfortable, breathable waterproof protection.

- Vibram® Kletterlift outsole is specifically designed for comfort and durability. The heel provides lightweight comfort as well as superb shock absorption. The compound guarantees great traction and stability on both wet and dry surfaces.

- 200 grams of Thinsulateâ„¢ Insulation offer lightweight warmth for those needing protection in cold climates.

- Made in the USA.


The Recon boots cost $265.00, and appear to be built for an environmental apocalypse. When we eff up the earth to the point of no longer being able to walk barefoot on its surface, at least we’ll have shoes for the occasion. Good to know.

A detailed description of Rag & Bone’s Danner boot is no longer available, as Barney’s and Saks don’t like it when controversy pollutes their inventories – tres DRAG. For the sake of comparison, let’s take a looksee at the “features” of a similar shoe: Rag & Bone’s Lace Up Combat Boot ($495.00):

- These lace-up leather booties feature seams and a pull tab.

- 3.25″ stacked heel and 6″ shaft. Leather sole.

- Imported.
Combat my ass.

This leads me to conclude that the Rag & Bone’s Danner Boot is also crafted in “imported leather” (read: sweatshops) and is also the Recon boot’s inferior in strength and durability.

It clearly costs less to produce the brandtastic rip-off. Yet – somehow – the copycat costs a whopping $525.00. None of the features, none of the craftsmanship, double the price.

Maybe the soles of Rag & Bone’s Danner Boots are actually secret mini-rocket boosters, and their numerical absurdity accounts for the cost of fuel.

Oh wait, that actually requires neurons. Nevermind.
]]> http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/rag-and-bone-shoe/feed 2 Runway No Way: Stiletto Boots http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/stiletto-boots http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/stiletto-boots#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:36:44 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=3547 ...keep reading Runway No Way: Stiletto Boots

]]> Century 21 is a beacon of hope; a place that affirms you never have to pay full price for your fave shoes again.

Enter the premium designer section of the store, and something else becomes clear: All those $700-$1500 shoes seen on the runway don’t do so hot with the average consumer. Century 21 is where what’s In goes to die once it’s Out.

Let’s have a looksee at some high-end heinousness, shall we?

marc jacobs metallic boot This heel-disconnected-from-boot optical illusion trend scares the shit out of me. I’m sure the metal ring adhering the two parts of this Marc Jacobs debacle is reinforced with diamond-flaked glue and Italian cashmere thread or whatever, but I still don’t trust the thing. Have you seen this style on models’ feet, but never on a real, live woman? That’s because MJ doesn’t know jack about designing for them. No one bought it at $750, but perhaps someone will at Century 21′s price of $299.95…NOT!

marc jacobs patent leather boot Ah, the mod trend. Another ludicrously overpriced effort from MJ; another straight-to-the-discount-store result. The decision to rock orange/pink patent leather’s a personal choice. I’m just not that into spending three hundred bucks for something inspired by the color and texture of the designer’s spray-tanned face.

victor and rolf metallic lace-up oxford stiletto boot Viktor & Rolf: Leprechaun season is March. Get it together.

century 21 purple fur stiletto bootcentury 21 neon fur stiletto boot This study in fluffy neon was concocted by some Italian designer I couldn’t pronounce, and the rumored origins of the purple and orange furs are true:

Gonzo and Elmo were sacrificed in the making of $1500 boots.

High fashion kills puppets. Sad.
]]> http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/stiletto-boots/feed 3 Fabulous Ferragamo Boots http://cheapjap.com/resale/ferragamo-boot http://cheapjap.com/resale/ferragamo-boot#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:33:52 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=3517 Beacon’s Closet that’s both aesthetically superior and more cost-friendly than any of its non-leather counterparts you don’t say no.
That

...keep reading Fabulous Ferragamo Boots

]]> Beacon’s Closet that’s both aesthetically superior and more cost-friendly than any of its non-leather counterparts you don’t say no.

That shopping secondhand is always more eco-friendly than buying new REGARDLESS of whether or not the new item in question is manufactured responsibly should go without saying. But I digress.

Ferragamo shoes are pricey for a reason – they’re expertly crafted, and built to last fo EVA. Hence the reason they can be shopped re-sale. The boot portion of these were in stellar condition. The leather laces were another story – they were so gnarled that lacing up the boot proved nearly impossible. The situation was easily remedied with a trip to my local shoe repair shop: New leather laces cost me all of nine bucks. Doneskies.

What do I heart most about these boots? Firstly, they’re an ideal counterpart to patterned tights. Hello badass.

Nextly, they’re thin enough that they can be worn under straight leg jeans.

This does wonders for elongating shrimpy legs, FYI.

Loves it!
]]> http://cheapjap.com/resale/ferragamo-boot/feed 2 Vegan Ankle Boots Not As Heinous As They Sound http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/vegan-ankle-boots http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/vegan-ankle-boots#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:26:33 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=3411 ...keep reading Vegan Ankle Boots Not As Heinous As They Sound

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Most of the Under-$100 options were so offensive, decorum prevents mentioning them here. While I eventually found a selection of super synthetic footwear under $200, doing so was a massive pain in the ass. Check ‘em out below so you don’t have to go through the same tedious process.

The J-41 Pacific Boot’s a little casual for what I’m looking for, but it’s still pretty badass ($122.63). The Coconuts Boulder Wedge, at $79.00, achieves the most style bang for its buck methinks.

The Cri de Coeur Alexa Open-Toe Bootie is a study in overpriced awesomeness ($294.95). Can I afford it? No. Does that make me want it any less? Also no. Re: the most fabulous boot of the bunch: Surprising, rich blue hue? Check. Trendy peep-toe? Check. Walkable heel? Check. Over $200? Of course it is. BALLS. Olsen Haus Charm Boot, $205.00.

So, why am I in the market for vegan ankle boots, when I could probs get a non-vegan pair for cheaper? Last year, I snagged a pair of Olsen Haus pumps at Beacon’s Closet for $24.95. I’d never heard of the brand, nor had I ever given a rat’s ass about the merits of vegan footwear.

These pumps eventually proved their worth (i.e. their retail price of over $200) in two ways: They’ve worn better than the bulk of their authentic leather counterparts, and they’re the most comfortable pair of heels I own to date. My hunch is that vegan shoe brands of similar quality will wear equally well, and not kill my feet.

Word. To. That.
]]> http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/vegan-ankle-boots/feed 3 Resale Realizes a Buttery Boot Dream http://cheapjap.com/resale/buttery-boot-dream http://cheapjap.com/resale/buttery-boot-dream#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:47:05 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=3146 ...keep reading Resale Realizes a Buttery Boot Dream

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I hit Buffalo Exchange yesterday intending on purchasing a gently-worn replacement on the cheap. I tried on a pair of chocolate brown Cole Haans (flat, obvs – I don’t do cabs), priced at a very reasonable $45. Then I saw these:

The leather was so buttery, so soft, that I kind of wanted to rub it all over my face. I settled on petting it for a bit, checked the size, and tried one of the boots on. The quality was so stellar that the thing molded to my foot almost instantly. These puppies weren’t just made for walking – they were flat, OVER-THE-KNEE boots made for walking.

They were also the most expensive thing in the store. Granted, in the world of over-the-knee boots, $145 isn’t all that bad. But it’s not a number you see too often at a Buffalo Exchange either. I was unfamiliar with the brand of my find, so I asked an uber faahhbulous staffer after its retail price.

Me: These are effing amazing.
Buff Ex Staffer: They ARE amazing.
Me: I’m not questioning the pricetag – I know you guys are usually right on with that stuff. I’ve just never heard of Tashkent by Cheyenne.
Buff Ex Staffer: Yeah, I don’t think it’s that well-known, but I’m pretty sure these retailed for around $400.

I decided to put the boots on hold after I almost had a heart attack watching another girl try them on. Would buying them on the spot have been a no-brainer? Heck yeah. But, seeing as they cost more than I’d planned on spending, I figured waiting a day couldn’t hurt. I also wanted to know exactly how high-end Tashkent by Cheyenne was before I fully committed. Five minutes of Googling yielded the following results:

Who What Wear drooled over the line last August, calling it “unfussy, unostentatious, and thoroughly unique.” Tashkent by Cheyenne’s also been featured in every magazine from ELLE to WWD to Time Out New York. Why the eff hadn’t I heard of it?

When the gal at Buff Ex said my boots retailed for “around $400,” she was only partially accurate. Yes, a few Tashkent by Cheyenne flat sandals start at that amount. But the numbers attached to the boots are even more ludicrous: We’re talkin’ $600 a pair, people. No wonder the brand wasn’t on my radar.

I don’t just heart resale because it’s cheap: I heart resale because it gives me access to things I could otherwise never EVER afford. Even if I could – $600 for SHOES?! That’s nucking futs. Paying $145 for a pair of $600 shoes, however, is another story… one with a much happier ending.

I’m buying these today with ZERO reservations.

Viva la Buy-Sell-Trade.
]]> http://cheapjap.com/resale/buttery-boot-dream/feed 4 Toms Shoes Vegan Wrap Boot: Yummy! http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/toms-shoes-boot http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/toms-shoes-boot#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:04:24 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=3087
Legend has it, the dude behind Toms Shoes came up with the idea for the Vegan Wrap Boot whilst attending a polo match

...keep reading Toms Shoes Vegan Wrap Boot: Yummy!

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Legend has it, the dude behind Toms Shoes came up with the idea for the Vegan Wrap Boot whilst attending a polo match in Argentina, when he realized the delicate footwear donned by wives of the players prevented them from spectating outdoors.

Enter the wrap boot: a shoe cute enough for flirting and tough enough to engage in said flirting on a muddy field. The bandage-esque styling is a tribute to a wrap on a polo pony’s leg. He thought it might help the ladies “get more attention from their polo-playing husbands.” How noble.

A muddy field is one thing; New York public transit is quite another. Stay tuned for how these hold up on the subway.

I heart this boot for its aesthetics – the green factor’s just a bonus. For a slew of eco-chic shopping tips (and fun tidbits about the people behind the brands), full-blown green devotees might want to check out Style, Naturally – a book by model and eco advocate Summer Rayne Oakes (with a name like that, it’s not like she had a choice :P ).
]]> http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/toms-shoes-boot/feed 6 Cowgrrrl Cool http://cheapjap.com/resale/cowboy-boots http://cheapjap.com/resale/cowboy-boots#comments Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:19:11 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=2652 So, what did you do in school today?
Cher: Well, I broke in my purple clogs.
What did I do at work today? I broke in my periwinkle boots.

During said boots’ inaugural jaunt, I got some serious snaps from a rodeo enthusiast in the East

...keep reading Cowgrrrl Cool

]]> Mel: So, what did you do in school today?
Cher: Well, I broke in my purple clogs.

What did I do at work today? I broke in my periwinkle boots.

During said boots’ inaugural jaunt, I got some serious snaps from a rodeo enthusiast in the East Village. From him I learned that I’d purchased a form of footwear known as Ranchers (i.e. Cowgirl Workboots, which retail for around $150). I paid all of $20 for mine at Buffalo Exchange’s Philly shop. I know for a fact that they’re barely worn because the leather’s still stiff.

(Why does ‘stiff’ always sound dirty, even out of context? Same deal with ‘balls,’ another word I can’t type without chuckling to myself. Is this true in general or am I just that immature? Don’t answer that.)

Umm, right, we were talking about boots. In spite of their stiffness (har har) these periwinkle puppies aren’t nearly as uncomfortable as anticipated – a nice little bonus, fo sho.

Stay tuned for the full review of Buff Ex, PA. (I say this specifically for my bestie SP, who lives in Philadelphia and refers to her city’s thrift scene as “total shit.” ERRONEOUS. The next time I visit, we’re going…even if I have to drag her by the straps of her Giuseppe Zanotti sandals. :P )
]]> http://cheapjap.com/resale/cowboy-boots/feed 4 Wardrobe Pickles http://cheapjap.com/style/wardrobe-pickles http://cheapjap.com/style/wardrobe-pickles#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:57:43 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=2471 ...keep reading Wardrobe Pickles

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Ankle Boot Angst (Did I really just write that? You know you’ve read too many issues of Lucky when…)
i was wondering what your thoughts are on leather boots in the summer/what to wear with them in general. i have these (frye tina shorty cuff boots).

i love them but i don’t know what to do with them because i’m the least fashionable person ever. i read your blog because the only reason i will ever go shopping is if things are on sale/at the outlets and so i love it/you.

-alyssa A Vintage Query
I have a question about how to style a vintage dress. I bought it awhile ago on Etsy.com and I just absolutely love it. However, I have no idea how to style it.

If you have any suggestions on how to make it look more acceptable for everyday wear, please let me know. I’m also in my mid-20s, and I fear looking too matronly. My ideal balance is classy, but still sexy. The length of the dress falls right to my mid-knee. I’m hesitant for it to go any shorter…

 -Deland

Ankle Booties, meet Vintage Dress. Vintage Dress, meet Ankle Booties. Play nice.

I don’t like to play stylist, because I’m of the mind that you gals can and should wear whatever the eff you want to wear as long as you feel great wearing it. There’s my disclaimer. Alas, your emailing efforts require a non-half-assed response, so here we go.

First off, Alyssa: Those booties are KILLER, so enough of this crap about you being the least fashionable person ever. The point of ankle booties, methinks, is to add a degree of badass to whatever you’re wearing. As long as you’re cool with the bare legs and boots combo, I’d def pair ‘em with jean shorts and/or dresses (vintage, or otherwise) in summer. If you’re a shorty like me, keep the hemlines high to avoid any midgetizing effects. And if you’re worried about the slut-factor, opaque, dark tights are an excellent buffer. Straight leg jeans and/or leggings plus ankle booties also equals awesome. If you can embrace the weirdness of this pump/boot fusion and not stress over whether or not you’re stylish enough to pull it off (you are, and anyone who thinks otherwise can go eff off), you’ll eventually come to see these booties as one of the more versatile things you own.

Onto the vintage pickle: Deland, this dress is totally gorge, so well done you. IMHO, hemline surgery is the most effective means of making something more youthful. If you hacked a few inches off this thing, you could go bare legs and flats in summer and/or opaque tights and pumps in winter and never have to worry about the looking-like-a-mom factor. The top part of the dress provides enough coverage to pull off a shorter hem; if the classy/sexy balance is what you seek, I think this is the way to go. (If you’re convinced, get this professionally shortened – it looks waaay too nice to scissor yourself).

If you’re still hesitant, I respect your modesty. Knee-high boots and/or ankle booties are an excellent alternative for modernizing an uber feminine dresses of this ilk. A thick leather belt at the waist might be nice too.

Ladies, best o’ luck with your finds. And thanks mucho for the queries – keep ‘em coming.

MWAH!
Cheap JAP
]]> http://cheapjap.com/style/wardrobe-pickles/feed 3 Ridiculously Fun Party, Ridiculously Fun Outfit http://cheapjap.com/diy-fashion/vintage-ralph-lauren-dress http://cheapjap.com/diy-fashion/vintage-ralph-lauren-dress#comments Fri, 22 May 2009 15:19:30 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=1919 ...keep reading Ridiculously Fun Party, Ridiculously Fun Outfit

]]> Not Giving a Shit). Said outfit ended up being a big hit with my inebriated (albeit potentially beer-goggled) compadres, so I figure it merits a post.

Let’s start with the fact that when my Mom sees this hacked-up version of her formerly ankle-length Ralph Lauren sundress, she’s going to Kick. My. Ass. (Then again, I performed hemline surgery on the dress sans permission, so I probs deserve it. Mommy – I’m sorry? :) . My rational for gettin’ snippy with it was this: The dress hasn’t been worn since 1989 and anything ankle-length midgetizes a 5’2″ frame, so if it was going to be worn por moi, it HAD to be cut. At least now it’s getting used and abused, err, enjoyed. And isn’t that the point of clothes to begin with?

Scissoring a wrap dress is a fairly advanced DIY project; it must be done on the body and as such, involves a series of spinal twists.

The upside is you get to check your work along the way and make the necessary adjustments (like leaving some length in the back for the sake of butt coverage).

After I’d hacked to my heart’s content, I paired the dress with those recently-acquired Twenty-Three Dollar Etienne Aigner Boots from Burlington Coat Factory.

I liked the overall look, but there was one problem: I felt naked.

This dress is almost entirely open-backed, so a tank would have provided the necessary coverage up top. But it was a windy night, and not pulling an insert-name-of-celeb-hot-mess-here meant I needed something more substantial than a Hanky Panky under the skirt. Spandex mini-shorts were a maybe, but a tank tucked into them caused unsightly bunching at the waist.

I needed a one-piece, leotard-esque thing; something that could solve my coverage crisis in one fell swoop. Something like a Spanx Unitard.

I busted out the scissors once more, snipped the legs of the unitard into shorts and BAM! Outfit accomplished.

Thanks to my buds for their continual support of my sartorial risks. This outfit’s cheap. But good friends are priceless.

You can go throw up now. ;)
]]> http://cheapjap.com/diy-fashion/vintage-ralph-lauren-dress/feed 8 Killer Boots, Courtesy Burlington Coat Factory http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/boots-burlington-coat-factory http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/boots-burlington-coat-factory#comments Fri, 08 May 2009 15:30:04 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=1879 ...keep reading Killer Boots, Courtesy Burlington Coat Factory

]]> Burlington Coat Factory, and found these Etienne Aigner knee-high black boots in the clearance section.

At an average cost of $70, Etienne Aigner isn’t offensively priced to begin with, but snagging a pair for $22.99 is still pretty effing awesome. (I also snagged a scarf for $7.99, hence the final total.)

I wear boots all year round, rain or shine, so much so that every pair I’ve poached from Mom is now more busted up than broken in. Wearing these new leather boots without spraying them with some sort of weather-proofing element on a day that called for scattered thunderstorms might be considered a dumbass move. Stupider still, I left my apt in this outfit, sans umbrella.

By the time I exited the subway on the Upper West, the sky was doing some serious wizzing. I was all kinds of effed.

My inner monologue at the time went something like this:

Four blocks from my destination, already running late, and cannot, will not, buy ANOTHER five dollar shitty umbrella. I need to haul some serious ass. I HATE exercise. FUCK.

So I bit the bullet and broke into a full sprint, anticipating blisters resulting from the inaugural wearing of new shoes and water damage resulting from my failure to weatherproof their leather. By the time I got to my appointment, I looked like Finkle/Einhorn after her fight with Ace down at the docks, which is to say, a runny-mascaraed version of Hell. I was a lost cause, but what of my boots?!

Shockingly enough, my feet were still mostly dry. There wasn’t even a hint of a cut or blister – it was like I’d run those four blocks in cross trainers. Not that I’d know. The best part? The pissing sky had zero effect on my boots; post-storm, they looked as new as they were.

I figured a shot of me looking like a drowned rat was the least I could do in their honor.
]]> http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/boots-burlington-coat-factory/feed 1 Combat Boots Bring Forth the Inner Badass http://cheapjap.com/style/combat-boots http://cheapjap.com/style/combat-boots#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:13:25 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=1856 ...keep reading Combat Boots Bring Forth the Inner Badass

]]>
This pegs me as a fashion flip-flopper, but whatevs. Change is growth (or something).

I recently reconnected with my inner badass whilst poking around in my parents’ attic via the Combat Boots pictured. They aren’t Doc Martens – they’re better: They’re an old pair of Mom’s. I found them an ideal complement to my penchant for tights and cut-offs, and have spent the past few weeks in versions of this very outfit.

If Combat Boots are In at all, the jury’s still out as to what trend they substantiate. They’ve been associated with everything from goth, punk, grunge, heavy metal, industrial, skinhead, and BDSM subcultures to last year’s Menswear craze. They’re eternally and ubiquitously badass. Loves it!
]]> http://cheapjap.com/style/combat-boots/feed 2 Salvaged Leather Goodies http://cheapjap.com/style/leather-goodies http://cheapjap.com/style/leather-goodies#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:01:12 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=1224 ...keep reading Salvaged Leather Goodies

]]> Dr. Cobbler didn’t just fix the strap on my broken Botkier. He reinforced every loose thread on the thing. He also re-heeled my gnarled Aldo motorcycle boots, like whoa. They’re totally good as new! The salvation of my Botkier and boots cost me $25 and $35, respectively. So basically, I got a $550 handbag and a $120 pair of shoes for the bargain price of $60. It just doesn’t get much better than that.
]]> http://cheapjap.com/style/leather-goodies/feed 4 Take it to the Cobbler http://cheapjap.com/style/cobbler-leather-repair http://cheapjap.com/style/cobbler-leather-repair#comments Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:24:28 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=1054 ...keep reading Take it to the Cobbler

]]> too much.



When the strap on my Botkier broke, I initially allowed my preoccupation with my Abaco to distract me from the pain of loss. Alas, no handbag worth its monetary and emotional investment is easily gotten over. Said bag was, after all, the original reason behind my waiting tables in college; I sacrificed sleep, time and dignity to pay for the thing in 20s, 10s and 1s, and it served me well for five whole years. The least I can do is give it another shot. So I’m taking this sick puppy to the leather doc today to see if he can bring it back to life.

That leather cobbling is a dying art totally speaks to our constant need to buy new crap. When our old stuff starts to wear and tear, we don’t think about how to prolong its lifespan; we think of it as an excuse to spend on things we want under the guise of need. When the worn-out stuff in question is a fugly dress or an old t-shirt, tossing the old and buying the new ain’t no thang. When it’s a $550 handbag, you best think twice.

While I’m at it, I might as well give my oh-so-broken-in Aldo motorcycle boots another shot before officially writing them off.



I got these for $110ish last year (reduced from $150). While they weren’t quite as much as an investment as the Botkier, they’ve become the most comfortable heel I own (via a long, arduous breaking-in process). And when you’re 5’2″, you can’t put a price on a comfortable heel. I’m hoping they’ll look less gnarled post-makeover.

Stay tuned for reports on what my local cobbler dude charges me, and – hopefully – for “after” shots too.
]]> http://cheapjap.com/style/cobbler-leather-repair/feed 6 Boot Blues http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/womens-boots http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/womens-boots#comments Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:54:54 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=599 ...keep reading Boot Blues

]]> Subject: I need these boots

Hi, I need your help. I need these boots. I don’t have $500 and even if I did shopbop is already sold out of size 7. I am a shoe lady to your handbag lady, I’m going to think about these and dream of them and covet the bitches who wear them until they, or something very like them, are mine. Any ideas?

Thank you!

Jennie

Subject: Re: I need these boots

jennie, dollface – i feel your pain. let’s not pretend that you wouldn’t have dropped $500 you don’t have on those gorgeous joie boots if only shopbop hadn’t been sold out of your size – they’re effing gorgeous, and if i was a shoe gal, resistance might have been futile. alas, any $500 item – be it a boot, bag or otherwise – is a serious splurge and as such, requires some thought. if you splurge on impulse, you’ll not only be out $500, but also resent the goddamn things for hindering your ability to pay your rent. a splurge should be enjoyed! if boots are your thang, start saving some moolah now and do some research. some ideas to get you started:



Chinese Laundry Turbo Suede Wedge Boot, $99.95 – $109. STEVEN by Steve Madden Reins Boot, $259.95.



Elie Tahari Acorn Suede Juliana Flat Boot, $357 (originally $595). Frye Jane Cuff Boot, $348.

i know your over-the-moon for the joie over-the-knees (ooh i’m so clevaah), but jpegs can’t tell you whether or not you’ll be able to walk in those boots. ya gotta try ‘em on.

cheers to the hunt – keep me posted!

mwah!

Cheap JAP
]]> http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/womens-boots/feed 2 Serious Success at LFS! http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/serious-success-at-lfs http://cheapjap.com/retail-fare/serious-success-at-lfs#comments Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:00:21 +0000 Cheap JAP http://cheapjap.com/?p=588 ...keep reading Serious Success at LFS!

]]> Okay, so I spent a teeeeeeensy bit more at LFS yesterday than was ideal.

As this is a store I can only afford to shop in twice a year when they have their 60% off sale, I had to make up for lost time, right?

The peach, batwing top was $23.50, reduced from $58. Not buying this top in every single color took all the self-control I could muster; I’m already living in it. (For serious – I’m wearing it right now).

Alas, tops were not what I came for. I came for trendy, unique finds. Per esempio: These Canvas Western Wide Leg Slouch Boots by 80%20, ($105 online).



LF initially had them marked up to $125 (jerks); I got them for a whopping $50. I can’t even conceive of a cooler pair of casual boots to wear with skinny jeans or tights.

More finds to follow. I heart Shopping.
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