CheapJAP

I Love A Good Story

Dressed Up to Get Lucky - Outfit #3

Before we discuss my third - and possibly best - entry for Lucky’s “My Denim Transformation” Stylist Challenge, let’s talk about this blazer. Last January on my birthday, my uber fab mother and I hit Fisch for the Hip, where she immediately zeroed in on this Marc Jacobs number. Originally priced at $600 or so, it was still a splurge at its re-sale price. While I can’t recall the exact number, it had to have been offensive enough that Mom had to physically force me out of my coat and into the garment. I pretended not to want it; she pretended not to hear me.

“It’s your birthday,” she hissed at the time, “You will thank me later.” Of course, she was right. So thank you Mommy, for forcing this MJ blazer upon me on my 24th birthday. (If I wasn’t a stereotype before that last sentence…)

To my label whore’s dream of a blazer (and to the same F21 jeans, obvs), I added the following:

BCBG teal, ruched tank (snagged for $19 at the Atlantic City Outlets); bizarreslashunique, pearl button-embellished, gray sweater tank (Beacon’s Closet, like ten bucks); clip-on rhinestone/faux onyx earrings (P.S. Flea Market, $5); Guess pumps I’ve had fo eva (fo eva meaning two years plus).

I think we have a winner here, dolls. Your thoughts?

I Love A Good Story

Dressed Up to Get Lucky - Outfit #2

Mmmkay, here’s another look in the spirit of Lucky Mag’s Dress Up Your Denim Challenge. (With the same Forever 21 jeans, in the spirit of Cheap JAP).

Jacket, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, (a gift!); Lace top, Goodwill, $12.99.

Boots, MICHAEL Michael Kors, $295 (Oy!); “Chanel” clip-ons, thieved from Mom’s jewelry drawer, $0.

I’m not sure if it’s dressy enough to fit the bill. Probs because I’m not showing much skin, and I never really feel dressed up if I’m not showing any skin. This tendency will not bode well for me once I’m in my thirties.

I am sure that it rocks. Then again, it’s rare that I don’t feel that way about my outfits. Convincing yourself that THIS outfit is the BEST OUTFIT EVER every time you get dressed requires a zen-like focus, but it’s a pretty nifty trick once you’ve mastered it.

I should also mention that said trick requires a penchant for delusion and a slightly crazed obsession with material things. I’m just saying.

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!

Cheap JAP 101

Lucky Mag, Lucky Jeans, Lucky Girl

As much as I periodically bash Lucky, it’s one of the few fashion mags I actually read, and the only one I occasionally enjoy. I also enjoy contests or, more specifically, winning them. So I’m entering Lucky’s latest, and I’m going for the W.

The “My Denim Transformation” Challenge involves one seemingly simple objective: Dress up your jeans for a big night out. It’s something most of us do all the time. Alas, it’s something few of us do well, myself included. I rarely wear jeans for a big night out, not because I’m a diva who doesn’t feel dressed up unless she’s in a dress…(Oh, wait…). I avoid jeans when I go out because they go with EVERYTHING: This abundance of options overwhelms me to the point where, after an hour of trying on outfits, I inevitably change out of the jeans and into something less versatile, like a jumper. I’m taking this challenge so I can take my jeans out on the town. (Also, to win - see prizes).

Deadline for entry is November 4th. I’ll be posting three possible outfits in hopes that you beotches will weigh in on which one’s the winner. If you want to give me a run for my money, send pics of your entries to cheapjap@gmail.com and I’ll publicize your stylistic prowess. It’s gametime.