CheapJAP

Label Whore

One Shirt, Endless Options

Okay, so as previously mentioned, I was a bad girl and hit LF Stores’ 60% Off Sale not once, but twice. Paying more than $30 for a shirt normally irks me, but when it’s as chic, unique and versatile as this Millau Tunic, I make exceptions. Especially when said Millau Tunic was originally $156 and on sale for $62.40.

Now, this tunic is seriously see-through (because transparent is, like, soooo Now). So whether you’re wearing it as a shirt or as a dress, layering is key.

I threw it on over a Theory cami and Intermix leggings ($9 EACH at the Intermix sample sale…it’s okay, I’d hate me too), used a green Gucci purse strap from Mommy’s Closet as a belt, and added Tory Burch Pony flats that I obvs didn’t pay for. What, it was Chanukah.

The result is an outfit that makes me look a whole lot classier than I am (read: WASP ;)).

For the slightly more, ahem, provocative look, I kept the Theory cami, added textured tights from Urban ($10 as part of their two-for-$20 deal), my little brother’s GAP belt (clearly I have a thing for robbing family members of belts), and my fave black heels.

I’m also wearing spandex biker shorts over the tights, not visible to the naked eye. Why? Because Biker shorts create the illusion that the garment is less see-through than it actually is. I don’t know how or why - it’s one of those glorious fashion truths that just is.

Or maybe it’s just something I dupe myself into believing so that I can wear see-through clothing. Whatevs.

Navigatrix

Pink or Blue? Umm, Both!

In Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, the little fairies argued at length over whether the princess should wear pink or blue. Well, this princess had the same dilemma when she hit LF Stores’ 60% off Sale and found this Emma & Sam Kimono Sleeve Tee in both colors. She initially chose pink. But - as the shirt was a mere $23.20 (reduced from $58) - she figured it couldn’t hurt to buy it in blue too. Then she put on her most ridiculous pseudo-model face and took some pictures.

These tees taper at the waist, so they’re easily tucked into or worn over whatever they’re paired with. Their loose-fit also has the added bonus of neutralizing potentially racey garments (read: uber-tight American Apparel denim leggings, uber-mini Forever 21 shorts).

At left: I-heart-this-outfit-face. At right: I-don’t-want-to-go-to-work-face.

Splurgy Poo

Success at LFS: Two Key Pieces

Okay, full disclosure re: my 60% Off LFS Experience. The denim suspender-skirt was $72; the shirt minidress was $75.20. Yes friends, these are the SALE prices. While significantly less nauseating than the original numbers ($180 and $188), the fact that $147.20 only bought me two things kind of annoys the shit out of me. Said things are, however, extremely well-made and uber-cool (and, all told, still less than a pair of JAPtastic jeans at retail price).

Suspender Skirt, Era of Chaos; Shirt, Theory; Boots, Mommy’s Closet.

Shirt Minidress, n-e-a-t; Tights, Scoop; Boots, Steve Madden.

Splurgy Poo

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.

Coolier Than Thou

A Rip Off Gets Real. Like, 60% Off Real.

LFstores are the trendmama of contemporary fashion. They’re also notoriously overpriced; every time I step into one, I see everything I want and nothing I can afford. We’re talking $70 t-shirts, people. Gag me. Thankfully, I browse more than I buy, so I checked out their Brooklyn location yesterday for inspiration purposes. I was immediately greeted by a fabulously dressed and uber friendly salesgal.

“Just so you know, everything in the store is 60% off.”
EVERYTHING????!!!!
“Everything. Shoes, accessories, clothing, the works.”

I poked around, found myself overwhelmed by awesomeness, and knew I needed more time than the 15 minutes I had to spare on my way to work yesterday. So I’m going back today. And I’m so. effing. psyched.

[FYI - the LFstores’ Boerum Hill location isn’t listed online. Take the F train to Bergen and Smith, walk up to Court, and take a left; I don’t know the exact cross street, but it’s three or four blocks in that direction. Go ASAP. But not before I get there ;)]