CheapJAP

Cheap JAP 101

How To Order from Uniqlo

Here’s the Heat-Tech Top layered under the Puffer Vest for a truly Uniqlo-riffic (ooh, that was rough) combo.

…it’s a snowbunny…it’s a frigid bitch…it’s…WINTER JAP! And she’s here to rescue you ladies from Uniqlo deprivation.

“What’s the story with Uniqlo and online shopping? I’m in TX (howdy!) and no where close to an actual store.”
From Functional AND Fab: More Uniqlo, 2008/11/13 at 5:41 PM

An excellent question, cowgirl. I was initially perplexed by this myself: While you obvs shouldn’t need to live in NYC to feel the Uniq-love too (okay, this is getting out of hand), the online shopping situation is more than sketchy. Unless you’re fluent in Japanese, in which case, have fun converting yens to dollars.

This took me a solid half hour to figure out, but that might just be because I’m technologically ’special.’ You’re welcome. Here’s the deal: Uniqlo doesn’t use played-out verbs like “Shop” or verbose phrases like “Browse Apparel.” They’re cutting edge, people. To see the goods is to explore the untapped world of well-made clothes at reasonable prices. Hence the EXPLORER button. (Located under the Product & Style tab on the upper left side of the homepage, url: http://www.uniqlo.com/us/).

After you’ve officially entered the labyrinth, you’ll likely be looking for a means to itemize and consolidate your choices; something commonly referred to as a “Shopping Cart.” There is none. In the spirit of elusiveness there is, instead, a “List” to which you add your potential purchases. After making your selections, you’ll likely be looking for a “Checkout” button. There is none. To purchase your goodies, you have to do something kind of awkward and icky and antiquated. You have to pick up the phone, dial (877) 4-UNIQLO (toll-free) and talk to a real, live human being. Soooo old school, right?!

The toll-free number goes directly to their Soho store. Uniqlo suggests confirming the availability and pricing of your intended purchases via email before you order (customer.orders@uniqlo-usa.com), but I was told this was an unnecessary step when I spoke with a salesperson earlier today. Just give ‘em a ring, and be ready to recite the names/colors/sizes of what you’re ordering (I knew that list had a purpose!)

Enjoy your Uniq-clothes (Oops. I did it again).

Navigatrix

Functional AND Fab: More Uniqlo

In addition to the uber-practical Heat Tech Tops, Uniqlo boasts some kickass outerwear too. I took advantage of their All-Fleeces-For-$20 Promo, and snagged a reversible zip-up number as cute as the Patagonias once coveted by my boarding school besties.

I also picked up a pair of gray skinny jeans ($50) and a hooded down puffy vest ($69.99).

Did I spend more than I intended to? Obvs. Thankfully, I was armed with $300 in Amex gift cards; a sum which MIGHT have gotten me one item had I spent it at Lucky Shops. The four Heat Tech tops, reversible fleece, puffy vest and grey pants - that’s SEVEN items, all of which I’ll wear all winter long - cost me $180 and change at Uniqlo.

It’s not just Uniqlo’s prices that won me over; it’s their ability to produce well-made, body-conscious clothes at those prices (like, wait till you see the gray skinny jeans on…I’m kvelling).

I’ve always subscribed the the Fashion-Not-Function school of thought. But sometimes, a girl’s gotta get real and accept that it’s not okay to shiver for the sake of style…

and that it’s more than okay to stay warm in Uniqlo!

Navigatrix

Ga Ga For Uniqlo

I wasn’t initially on board with the whole Uniqlo thang; their stuff always seemed a little too minimalist/classic for my slightly ridiculous taste. But when my uber-fashion-forward pal Ellie went nutso for their Heat Tech Tops, I decided to give the brand another whirl.
Weather-wise, I’m not the most practical of shoppers. I loathe wool sweaters, bulky coats and Uggs; I think cashmere’s played out and overrated. This means I’m perpetually cold. Uniqlo’s Heat Tech Top doesn’t just take the edge off the chill - the rayon-blend “efficiently absorbs water vapor from the body and converts it to heat,” i.e. it kinda makes you sweat a little, but in a good way. It’s thin enough that it can be worn under anything, cute enough to stand alone, and awesome enough that it’s turned me into an advertising whore. And it’s a mere $10.35. I bought four; I have a feeling I’ll be back for more.