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I Love A Good Story

Dressed Up to Get Lucky - Outfit #1

Mmkay, here’s one of my possible entries for Lucky Mag’s My Denim Transformation Contest. I’ve dressed up my fabulously cheap Forever 21 jeans ($24.99) not only to keep my outfit Cheap JAPtastic, but also because these totally budget thangs continually snag me more compliments than any of my brand name pairs. The components of the outfit include the following:

Diane von Furstenberg top, (purchased years ago, in honor of my 21st birthday party; worn once since then i.e. I’m an ass), price upon request; Bebe fur-collared cardigan, Beacon’s Closet, $10.95.

Celine peep-toe platform pumps, (purchased five-plus years ago, suffered broken heel two years ago, salvaged by heroic cobbler one year ago), over $400 - Dad almost cut up the gold card in front of my face; beaded necklace, P.S. 321 Flea Market, $3.

And now, I bring you…

Dressed-up denim entry numero uno!

A heinously expensive blouse and a pair of overpriced pumps could transform any pair of under-$30 jeans. What’s so impressive about these F21’s is that they don’t even look cheap to begin with.

I wonder if I’ll lose points for having my hair in my face/ trying to look really, really cool. I’m thinking probs.

More potential entries en route!

Nifty Thrifty

A Scissor-Happy Skirt

Remember that stonewashed skirt I snagged at the P.S. 321 Flea Market? Turns out that, when worn in its original form, it’s entirely unmemorable.

You know my stance on totally-blah garments: When in doubt, slut ‘em out (within reason, obvs).
After a bit o’ hemline surgery, this dowdy, shapeless blob of a skirt became a hot little mini.

I left the back a little longer for the sake of butt coverage. The result is definitely ’80s, and definitely fun.

I Love A Good Story

Intermix Sample Sale: Full Report

If I had to choose one item to buy in every single color, it would be a Theory, One-Size-Fits-All, Nylon/Elastane blend Tank. I own a beige one that’s seen better days. I wear it layered during the day and by itself at night; it manages to be both the sexiest and the most versatile article of clothing I own. I found a few variations of said Theory tank at the Intermix Sample Sale and knew immediately what I’d be spending my dough on. What I didn’t know was how little I’d ultimately spend.

The bodysuit pictured was originally $120. Its sample sale price was $49 - more than reasonable for something fab, body-conscious and Theory. I also snagged a Theory black tank, figuring it’d be far less than its $90 retail price as it was marked “damaged” (i.e. one thread was out of place), and a pair of Intermix leggings in the $9 bin (originally priced at $68, what the eff were they thinking).

I stepped up to the register expecting to be out at least a hundred bucks. So you can imagine my shock when the salesgirl chirped, “Your total is twenty-seven dollars.”
Huh?
I needed an explanation.
“The leggings were $9, oh, and all Theory tanks are $9 too…”
Right. But what about the $49 bodysuit?
She smiled, and shrugged. “Looks like a tank top to me.”
I thanked the shopping gods for shedding a little light, and bolted for the door.

Bodysuit, Theory, $9; Skirt, Go International for Target, $8.71; Necklace, P.S. 321 Flea Market $3. This might just be the cheapest outfit I own. Not that it looks it.

Nifty Thrifty

My Flea Finds

What I scored at the P.S. 321 Flea Market: An uber-versatile gray dress, an eighties, stonewashed denim skirt, a black and white beaded necklace and a sweet elastic/leather belt. Let’s tally up what I spent, for kicks.

Dress - $15
Skirt - $10
Necklace - $3
Belt - $5

= A grand total of $33 for four fab things! I’m inspired to make flea markets a regular weekend excursion.

Nifty Thrifty

How To Shop a Flea Market

This past weekend, I hit the P.S. 321 Flea Market in my hood. Shopping a flea market is similar to shopping a thrift store in that it requires a discerning eye and a ruthless intolerance for bullshit. Alas, fleas offer a surplus of junk; finding anything decent can be an exhausting endeavor. To ensure that I always score something, I rely on the following techniques.

Pre-Flea Preparations
Have some moolah on you - fleas don’t take debit cards, doy. I’d recommend $100 in cash; while jewelry and clothes run uber cheap, $50 can often net you a legit JAPtastic bags and/or pair of shoes. The time it takes you to run to the ATM is the difference between these Bruno Magli and/or Miu Miu shoes being yours or someone else’s. Also, wear something thin/skimpy enough so you can try things on over your clothes - dressing rooms not included.

Reconnaissance First
Survey the flea scene before blowing your load on anything you have lukewarm feelings about. Do a lap, reassess, then go back for whatever you can’t stop thinking about. Conversely, if you see something you absolutely must must have, buy it on the spot. I found a kickass black, woven leather belt ($25) I intended on buying post-browsing. When I returned to the vendor ten minutes later, some hippie chick had already snagged it. Bollacks!

Be Picky…Very Picky
The organized vendors are the best vendors; if a table is a hodgepodge of books, teacups, sunglasses and pins, it’s not worth your time. Slowly back away, and move on to the spaces that are easier on the eyes. Unless you happen to have seven hours to kill, in which case, dawdle away.
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