CheapJAP

I Love A Good Story

The Conquest of the Century (21)

As I pondered the possibility that even I - renowned shopping predator - couldn’t triumph over the beast that is Century 21, I happened upon the cocktail dress section. Some of the stuff had serious transitional, work-to-party potential. My arms laden with stuff, I met Krip at the dressing room entrance for one more shot. She looked disheveled and exhaustified - also like she wanted to kill me.

I ushered her into the dressing room with assurances that it would all be over soon, then proceeded to collapse into a corner, head down in shame. It was one thing to fail on my own behalf. But I’d subjected my friend to florescent lit, ill-fitting madness with no pay-off, and that was infinitely worse.

“Oh, this is PERFECT,” said Krip. It wasn’t until I looked up and saw that dress on her - a short-sleeved, A-line number from Tahari by Arthur S. Levine - that I knew she wasn’t kidding. It WAS perfect. A smashing black satin/polka dot dress from the same line prompted an even more enthusiastic response from Krip; she looked uber hot!

I’d pulled a few dresses in the wrong size that Krip insisted on trying on anyway; as I zipped her into a too-tight, cranberry number, Krip attempted to talk the dress into fitting her. I chimed in; we realized we were trying to reason with an inanimate object; hysterics ensued.

We were actually having FUN on a shopping trip. OMFG!

In addition to the two Tahari by ASL dresses (around $70 each, reduced from $130 each), we snagged a red Kenneth Cole short-sleeved sweater ($59.97, reduced from $129). But the score of the day was a cashmere, herringbone, sleeveless shirtdress by Ralph Lauren - a timeless item coveted by many and worn by few. Even so, we didn’t buy it because of its instant-classic status; we bought it because it looked fab on Krip. And it better have been 100% cashmere, because it was originally $760. We paid $199.99 - NBD. Krip’s stuff totaled around $408 - well within our previously established budget. At full retail price, she would have paid around $1,037 for the same four items, which would have been effing absurd.

Yes, Krip and I triumphed over Century 21 by getting what we came for, sticking to our budget and leaving before we lost our minds. But for me, what won the day was seeing Krip strut her stuff in the dressing room once we’d figured out what worked for her. I’d achieved something all too rare in the world of women’s apparel: I’d found clothing that made my friend feel as fabulous as she already is.

I Love A Good Story

The Battle of the Century (21)

When I shop with my girlfriends, I don’t do it in the traditional, let’s-both-try-on-stuff-and-lie-about-how-good-it-looks-and-silently-compete-over-who-looks-better sense of the activity. Shopping is my JOB, people; I’m obvs better at it than my girlfriends. So when I shop with a pal, I’m not so much her friend as I am her personal shopper. Finding stuff for myself is, at this point, cake. Finding stuff for a friend, shopping according to her tastes, her budget, her style and her size is an opportunity for me to really put my skills to the test. And tested they were, yesterday at Century 21.

CLIENT: My childhood bestie, Krip.
MISSION: To find work-to-party clothes for all those celeb-heavy events she plans.
BUDGET: $300 - $500.
TIME FRAME: 2 hours.

On the 3rd Floor - Women’s Apparel - I ignored Krip’s attempts at casual conversation; I already had my game face on as it enabled me to pretend I knew what I was doing. In truth, I had no plan. Overwhelmed by the abundance of merchandise and Eurotrash, I suddenly wondered why I’d chosen to subject my friend to a store in which I’ve had little personal success. How the eff was I going to sift through this material shitstorm and find things for her if I’d never really done it for myself?

I kept my doubts to myself, and got down to biznass. An hour later, we’d amassed 40 or so items - well over the dressing room’s 12 item limit - and were uber-psyched about our picks. That is, until Krip started trying on the first batch. Nothing was fitting. Nothing was working. She knew it, I knew it, and I didn’t bullshit her by telling her something looked good when it didn’t. No one buys for the sake of buying on my watch!

Still, I wasn’t going to let my friend fall victim to this bitch of a store. I went back to the battlefield, resolved to find whatever it was that would make shopping what it’s supposed to be: FUN.

To be continued…

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: Shorty in a Pencil Skirt

Subject: Shoes for a Pencil Skirt
So I’ve been emailing a bunch of my friends for advice on what to wear with this light blue skirt. My question is, do you have any recommendations on a good pair of shoes for a tweed pencil skirt, ones that I can wear around my unevenly paved Southern California college? Thanks so much and I totally love what you come up with!

Subject: Re: Shoes for a Pencil Skirt
Okay. Let’s discuss the skirt before we tackle the shoes. Objectively speaking, insert applause here. If I had to choose a shade/material combo to epitomize Fall in SoCal, it really would be aqua melange tweed. But the length - oy, the length! Fat, skinny, pear-shaped, whatever; if you’re under 5′5″ there are few things more infuriating than that god-forsaken mid-thigh length skirt. At 5′2″, I’ve been frustrated by this same issue more than I care to admit. I usually just hack the icky-lengthed skirts into minis, ’cause I’m classy like that ;). I have, however, figured out the only shoe solution to the dreaded mid-thigh length skirt. And it ain’t cobblestone-friendly.

When your gene pool hands you the shorty stick, you gotta counter it with pumps: Nothing lengthens a leg like a high heel and a pair of tights in the same color as said heel. Where the dreaded mid-thigh length skirt’s concerned, this strategic style choice is the only solution I’ve come across. I heart a grey/light blue combo; this Nine West Quadrent Heel, ($68) or this Seychelles Outta Frying Pan Pump ($89.95) would look fab paired with grey tights.

Darker colors work equally well with your skirt of choice: This Franco Sarto Happy Pump ($88) works if you like navy, and this Rafe Pointy Toe Pump ($123.99 from $275, thank you Bluefly) is a to-die-for shoe if you want to go brown.

(Pair with navy and brown tights, respectively. Obvs).

Lastly, since you get to hit the books in mild weather all year round, a tan and/or nude heel is a no brainer for bare legs (just slather on some self-tanner if your stems have lost their summer glow). This Aerosoles Conquer Open-Toe Pump ($67.96) looks like it might actually be comfortable to walk in. And my fave, by far, is this Naughty Monkey Straight and Narrow Pump ($84.95) - look how the blue detail picks up the aqua in the skirt!

I know a heel isn’t overly practical for walking to-and-from class. But neither is buying something that hinders your hotness. Dressing up for class makes you do better in school, so break out the skirt, break in some pumps, and witness the transformational power of the glorious high heel. (And buy Tough Strips Band-Aids - they’ll see you through the blistering potential of new shoes :P).

Mwah!
Cheap JAP

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: Leather Jacket Crisis

Subject: Leather Jacket Crisis
I need your help. I’m looking for a leather jacket that looks like this S.W.O.R.D. Lucca Leather Jacket, or this Mike & Chris Alastair Leather Jacket, but isn’t so pricey. I’m looking for just basic black, brown, or grey shades. I just can’t see anyone paying over 300 for a jacket. Your help would be so appreciated!

Subject: Re: Leather Jacket Crisis
Doll, I totally hear you on the ludicrousness of paying over $300 for a jacket. Here’s our problemo: The bulk of leather jackets originally priced below $300 look significantly cheaper than their overpriced counterparts. If the economy weren’t taking a nosedive, the latest and greatest in leather would be a month’s rent out of your reach. Luckily, the economy getting its ass kicked means a kickass leather jacket for you…at a fraction of its original price. Booyah.

Case in point: Bluefly’s 3-Day Coats and Outerwear Sale (extra 15% off already-reduced designer goodies!), which is happening, um, now. Here are my faves so far. From left:
MICHAEL Michael Kors Hooded Zip Jacket, $303.45 (from $595); Marc New York Standing Collar Zip Jacket, $293.25 (from $575).

Again, from left (doy!): Kenneth Cole Reaction Pintucked Leather Jacket, $237.15 (from $465); Mackage Lambskin Wool Knit Jacket, $352.75 (from $638).

You’ll note that I’ve highlighted the original prices of these jackets in BOLD. This is NOT so you splurge on a jacket you have lukewarm feelings toward just because it’s a fab deal. It’s to illustrate one of life’s greatest truths: Everything. Goes. On. Sale. I know you want a leather jacket, like, yesterday. I was just as desperate once, for a handbag. But if you want to buy something you can rock for years to come, you’ve gotta wait it out.

In the land o’ the Cheap JAP, the hardest thing about ponying up for a big purchase - leather jacket, handbag, whatevs - isn’t the cost. You’re willing to spend approximately $300 on your coveted item; a completely reasonable number, as leather jackets lie in the same splurgy poo realm as bags and such. Alas, you’re drawn to jackets in the $700-$1000 range because, well, they’re the best. Do we solve your problem by buying something in pleather or settling for GAP’s ill-fitted wannabe leather bomber jacket? Eff no. We do the hardest thing: We wait. It might not get us what we want this season, but it will ultimately get us something we’re obsessed with at a price we can actually afford. You’ll have this jacket fo eva, so for the time being, sit tight. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. You might just get that Lucca after all.

Mwah!
Cheap JAP

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: Boots Made For Walking (Mostly)

Subject: Shoe Conundrum
Dear CJ,
I’m meeting my mom in Paris in November for a couple weeks and my shoe situation is dire. I have hot sandals and warm weather cab-to-curb shoes galore, but I need something warm, awesome, and comfortable with which to hit the streets with gusto. I really (really really) want this pair of Sigerson Morrison boots, but feel like an ass paying a thousand bucks for a pair of boots. Anyway, I think I’d feel too guilty to enjoy wearing them but really need some great shoes to go with all my cool clothes and with Paris in general. Nothing says broke like a cheap pair of shoes.
Thanks! Love your site, you’re so funny.
Hannah

From Teresa re: Rain Boots Cool Enough to Not Look Like Rainboots:
Okay, I am calling on the wisdom of the shopping diva of the east. I want to get a pair of mid calf boots that are fitted. I don’t particularly care for ankle boots since I’m normally rocking some thermals under my jeans ( I am a baby at the hint of cold weather). I also don’t want something everyone else has.
@ 2:05 am on October 3rd, 2008

Seems we’re a bit nutso about functional footwear right now, so I’m going to be uber efficient and find both Hannah and Teresa fab boots in the space of one blog post. Cake. Firstly, Hannah, were you seriously considering spending a $1000 on boots?! If so, consider this an affectionate bitch slap. Yes, nothing says broke like a cheap pair of shoes; Yes, you’re going to Paris and want to fit in with the most annoyingly chic women on the planet. But blowing a grand on ANY ONE THING is a massive waste of money. A few hundred bucks can buy you boots that neither bankrupt your checking account nor destroy your feet.

For daytime, functional footwear, I’m all about riding boots - stealing Mommy’s Ralph Laurens last year was a totally clutch move. Few things can rival the awesomeness of free shoes, but these black ones come pretty damn close. Heritage II Zip Field Riding Boot, Ariat, $239.90.

Now Teresa, I know you think you want something mid-calf, in which case the Etienne Aigner Vibra Calf Boot ($169) will do you right. But if you’re not tall and willowy, mid-calf boots make for stumpy-looking legs, so consider yourself warned. The contrasting color and material (Is that crocodile?! Oooh!) on the Sudini Prestige Boot ($229) is fab, and the knee-high length more flattering.

Don’t these Sam Edelman Kailee Boots ($254) kind of look like chaps?! More streamlined than cowboy boots, but still edgy - love it. Heart the Type Z Lavonna Boots ($180) too. The leather threading is a touch Goth, but not in a creepy, trendy way. More in a do-not-mess-with-my-badass-self-or-boots way.

Hannah, I could see this Me Too Overton Boot ($195) putting those Frenchies’ feet to shame; between the gray leather and the back-tie detail, it’s all subtle and simple (and all those other adjectives foreign to our crude American style…ferme le bouches, le chiennes!). Some might consider the Patent Hidden Wedge Boot ($199.95) too dressy for daytime use, but who the eff said we can’t dress up during the day? A shout out to 80%20 here; the patent leather number is one of about fifteen fan-freaking-tastic boots in their latest collection. Go peruse. (They run small, so order and/or try the next size up).

I don’t really know why I’m including this Irregular Choice Wrap Boot ($225) here. It’s got a sizable (albeit hidden) heel, and would probs be murder to walk in. But I. Have. Never. Seen. Anything. Like. It.

Umm, hello AWESOME.

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: A Trip to the City

Subject: Manhattan?
Hello. I love your blog and am a fan of it on Facebook. I live and shop in Chicago (where the sales tax on clothing is 10.25 percent), but I am visiting my sister and her husband in Hell’s Kitchen for three days in November and want to check out some stores while I’m there. Going through your blog, though, I mostly see recommendations for Brooklyn shops. My sister isn’t a big shopper, and I don’t think suggesting a trip to Brooklyn to shop would go over well. Can you recommend any worthwhile boutiques / consignment shops / what have you in Manhattan? Chicago’s got most chains (Zara only just — it opened in the ‘burbs on Thursday) but I’d love to be tipped off to some less obvious places.

In case it makes a difference: I’m in my 30s, not my 20s; and I’m tall (5′8″, around 140), not petite.
Thanks!
Sarah

Subject: Re: Manhattan?
Sales tax is 10.25 percent?! I KNEW I was more broke than I should have been in college! Okay, so we’re talking non-chain, unique, reasonably priced stores in Manhattan only, preferably close to Chelsea and tolerable enough for you to drag your sister along. Tall order. You’ve come to the right place.
Screaming Mimi’s likes to pretend that it’s cheap. It’s not.

It is, however, the kind of vintage store where most stuff’s in the $80-$150 range as opposed to the why the fuck is that tattered coat $700?! range. And when I say stuff, I don’t just mean clothes - scarves, bags, jewelry, boots, pumps and sunglasses abound in mass quantities. They’ve got a fab men’s section too, so if your sis gets bored she can shop for her hubby. I hate this place for its $40 t-shirts; I love it for its colorful originality.
Screaming Mimi’s, 382 Lafayette St. (near 4th St). Don’t you dream of wasting your hard earned shopping dollars on cabs. When I don’t know what train to take, I use Hopstop to get around; it lets me pretend I have a sense of direction.

Flying A mixes vintage stuff with contemporary wares; their stuff ranges from basic to badass. Look for shift dresses and in-between jackets (you know, for the three weeks of bearable weather in Chi-town’s fall;). It can be pricey, but it’s usually got a decent sale rack.
Flying A, 169 Spring St. near W. Broadway. If you can avoid it, do NOT hit Soho on a Saturday. The hordes of overspending floozies might make you upchuck your brunch.

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market. Your sis has probably been, but it’s in her hood so she’ll deal. When shopping a Flea, DO judge a book by its cover: The vendors who take the time and energy to set up an organized, attractive space for their wares usually have things worth buying. This should help you sift through the junk. They also have a $1 shuttle to Chelsea Flea Market - you can make a day of it!
Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, W. 39th St. between 9th and 10th Aves, Saturdays and Sundays, 9am - 6pm.

I know Chi-town’s got a Loehmann’s. If it’s the one I used to go to, it probably still stinks like poo. Both Manhattan locations are on the west side, so you really have no excuse not to stop by. This is the tame version of Century 21, which I would never send you to because it takes the vacation out of vacation.
Loehmann’s; Chelsea - 101 7th Ave. Upper West - 2101 Broadway. Chelsea’s better for accessories, Upper West is better for clothes and shoes. Pretty sick that I know that, hmm?

Tokio 7 is basically the best thing to happen to designer re-sale, EVER. Case-in-point: These Diane von Furstenberg jeans, retail price $345, Tokio 7 price $70. May you have a similarly blissful experience.
Tokio 7, 64 E. 7th St. near 1st Ave.

Lastly, from where I sit, age has zero to do with what you can and can’t wear. See exhibit A: Generational fabulosity exemplified by my friend Isabel and her mom Christine at the Met. Is Mommy covered up in the black coat? Is Daughter rocking the short fabulous halter dress? Hellllls no. They’ve flipped the notion that youth means less and age means more on its head. How’d they pull it off? By wearing a thing that can’t be bought: Confidence.

Wear what makes you feel great about yourself. It’s the only rule in fashion that actually counts.

Mwah!
Cheap JAP

I Love A Good Story

Eat Cereal, Make Handbag

Now, I’m more shop-a-holic than health nut. Obvs. Alas, bargain hunting often requires as much fuel as a hard core workout, particularly when you’re as ruthless as I am.

If Wheaties is the breakfast of champions, [me] & goji is the breakfast of everyone - exercise enthusiasts and fab fashionistas alike.

This make-your-own-cereal company - the brainchild of some studly former NU soccer dudes - is basically fun in a box (or in this case, a cylindrical, artfully designed capsule). And the fun doesn’t stop after you’ve created, named (mine was “Wake the Eff Up”), and consumed your custom artisanal grains, nuts and berries. Then, you get to take your empty capsule, indulge your closet penchant for arts and crafts, turn it into a handbag, and win free cereal.

Pretty effing sweet right?! All it took was some leftover gift wrap, a roll of electrical tape and a pair of scissors. (Full disclosure: I used a very large, scary kitchen knife to poke holes in the capsule. Expert crafters only).

It’s amazing what you can do after a balanced breakfast.

Excessories

MAILBAG: Graduation Splurge

So I’ve emailed you before because your blog is my favorite. And so I know you think nice bags are worth the splurge. Bags are the only thing I spend more than like $35 on. I’d like your opinion of this bag. Because I’m in love with it but my mother doesn’t think it’s worth $500 (and i know you just wrote about how Marc Jacobs doesn’t make clothes for real women but I figure bags are a different story). I just got $300 from some relatives for my graduation and kind of feel like I deserve to buy myself something nice.

What do you think? Worth it?

Hey doll,
Mmkay, so $498 is a whole lotta dough for a bag. Lucky you, this will only be $200 of your own moolah, which makes it much more reasonable. The $300 from your relatives is a GIFT, which means you can spend it however the eff you want, so don’t let mommy talk you out of how you want to spend it. I think the bag totally rocks - I love that you chose purple too (my navy Abaco was the first non-neutral colored bag I bought and I couldn’t be happier with it). But before you go for it, I want you to ask yourself the following questions:

Am I totally obsessed with this bag?
Will I wear - and love wearing this bag - for a minimum of five years?
Is it big and versatile enough to accommodate my lifestyle? (i.e. can you wear it every day to work if you feel like it?)

If you’ve got three yesses, DO IT. I applaud your taste - it’s a pretty kickass bag.

mwah!
Cheap JAP

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: Corporate Conundrum

Subject: Corporate Conundrum
Hey Cheap Jap,
I’m consummate shoe girl who’s a bit clueless when it comes to fashionable arm candy, so I’m coming to you for some of your canny handbag advice. I’m starting a corporate job next month with a business casual dress code and a sizable office-issued laptop to be shlepped back and forth to work each day. I’d like to spend under 200 bucks on a bag that’s meant for laptops (can’t have my computer getting rained on in an open-topped tote, smashed by some careless person at Starbucks through a supersoft leather side, etc.) and will fit comfortably over my shoulder. I prefer a deep tan or a dark leather, canvas, or nylon (no black, please). The Marc by Marc Jacobs Slim Sloane is to DIE for, but its $288 price tag is a little out of reach. Help?

Love your blog, and thanks for the help,
Corporate Chica

Subject: Re: Corporate Conundrum
Hey Corporate Chica,
Dollface, if your dream laptop bag is the MJ Slim Sloane, you are sooooo not clueless re: fashionable arm candy. Many thanks for the uber-detailed descriptors of what you’re looking for; they made my search just breezy (I’m not into black bags either - snooze!). While some of these are a teeeeensy bit over your $200 limit, do keep in mind that you’ll be schlepping your laptop around five days a week. You might as well carry it in a bag you love, no?

Some options of the functional, go-with-everything ilk. The Moonsus Urban comes in Mocha too, no worries. (From left) Cross Gramercy Laptop Tote, $150; Moonsus Urban Laptop Tote, $240 (reduced from $330).

Both of these briefcase-esque bags are from laptop tote specialists Clark & Mayfield - and not outrageously priced either - yaay! Mapleton Tote, $169; Quimby Laptop Brief, $189. (The detachable shoulder strap isn’t pictured for the Quimby, but I’m fairly sure one’s included). Continue reading →

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: 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

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: Schoolgirl in the City

Subject: (no subject)
hey,
sooo i’m going to college in a couple of weeks and i was wondering what clothes i should have for a school in a big city and also a bag for my school stuff. i know you answered a girl’s question about a bag for college but i need help and have a tendency to splurge on bags [usually coach] and i’d
appreciate your help finding one that i can carry my school stuff in and isn’t a backpack or a canvas totebag [both of which i used last year]. help me. i just threw out three pairs of gray sweatpants. my fashion sense is bad. i need an intervention.

-alyssa

Subject: Re: (no subject)
oh honey!
firstly, stop kicking your own ass about your lack of fashion sense. i was a big fat DON’T when i was a froshie; sometimes, i still strike out. fashion’s a learning experience, (just like college!) so let’s get you dressed for success. your tendency to splurge on coach bags tells me you’re willing to drop at least $200 on a tote (which, for a bag you’ll wear throughout your undergrad career, isn’t entirely unreasonable). i scoured bluefly.com first: check these.

cole haan gemma tote, $495 reduced to $266.99. tufi duek helena tote, $550 reduced to $296.99. a little more chic than those intertwined, canvas coach c’s, no?

urban outfitters has a bunch of options for all budgets too. the zip pocket messenger, $88, won’t hold a laptop or a heavy textbook, but it’s sleek and fab for classes with less baggage. but this sabina leather foldover bag, $245, is my fave. you can wear it nine different ways - it expands, it contracts, it’s like, alive or something.

i’m strongly against purchasing your other college essentials online, especially because EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE GOES ON SALE AROUND LABOR DAY. hit the sales near your hometown, and look for the following:

1. a pair of comfortable, flat boots; they should be roomy enough at the knee to accommodate pants.

2. straight-leg jeans. if you want to rock them day AND night, dark denim is the way to go.

3. a coat. this obvs depends on what city you’ll be attending school in. if it’s nyc, a fitted, wool peacoat is preppy-chic; if it’s chicago, be realistic (at northwestern, i wore a fitted, northface bomber jacket complete with furry hood); if it’s l.a., something lightweight like a canvas trench will do just fine.

4. a few loose-fitting, tunic-esque, lightweight sweaters - (deep v-necks or loose cardigans are best). don’t stress about going-out tops until after you’ve arrived and scoped the social scene (then, hit h&m and forever 21. nothing effs up evening clothes and shoes like college; spend little, party lots).

5. leggings. because after an all-nighter (business OR pleasure ;)) you won’t give a shit about looking cute for class.

good luck doll - you’ll do great
mwah!
Cheap JAP

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: Questionable InVESTments

Subject: Gushing & MAILBAG
Hi CheapJAP:
I love love LOVE your site. It is definitely one of my TOP 5 blogs and, believe me, for reasons I can’t quite explain, I read a lot of blogs.

Since I love not only your frugal point of view, but also your awesome style, maybe you can help me out. I recently purchased this vest from urban outfitters. I got in in white. I didn’t have any ideas as to what I would wear it with and I reasoned that I could figure it out once it was all mine. Unfortunately,this hasn’t happened and I’m kind of stuck. It is a halter so it looks kind of goofy hanging open so I think it will need to remain buttoned.

What do you say? Any ideas???

Thanks in advance, k.

Subject: Re: Gushing and MAILBAG
hiiii kyl,
i actually had your question in mind on my latest cheap jap challenge; as the vest pictured was one of the less trashy items at mandee, it was both a suitable challenge item AND an answer to your query, so i obvs bought it ($19.99, not baaad). see, i too struggle with vests. whenever i put one on, i’m always like, “what’s the point?” i think they’re ridiculous and gratuitous over fitted tees a la urban, and rather man-ish worn open.

alas, after multiple failed outfit attempts, i had an ah ha! moment. the best vests serve the same purpose as a belt - they’re an accessory used to shape something shapeless, like a loose button-down shirt, or a jersey-knit t-shirt dress. i paired mine with what i’m fairly sure is a men’s button-down nightshirt and theory pants, both scored at beacon’s closet. it totally works, riiiiight?!

thanks so much for your comments; psyched you like the site! i hope these tips allow you to enjoy your investment sometime soon.

mwah!
Cheap JAP

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: Ooooh College!

[Note: MAILBAG is copied and pasted directly from cheapjap@gmail.com’s inbox and is therefore exempt from any and all grammatical, capitalization and/or spelling errors.]

Subject: hey
Dear CheapJAP:
First off, I adore your sight. It’s amazing. And you update regularly, which is beyond fabulous.
My conundrum: I want a bag for school. My finances are probably much less jap-y than yours, but we cant all be that awesome. I’m going to be a college freshman, and at the university I’m attending, I don’t think many people carry purses? (IIs this even normal?) I have a purple swiss army messenger bag that i’ve been using for my senior year of high school, which is functional, if not as stylish as i’d like.

Could you point me in the direction of a well-made, yet reasonably priced bag that would be functional enough to carry my macbook, a text book, and perhaps a notebook, yet stylish enough to be a purse? I like leather, but it doesn’t have to be leather. I’m also more partial to brown than black, but I love color, especially bright orange. I’m guessing bright orange and brown and leather all at once would look silly, but I’m just trying to give you an idea.

Thank you, and keep up the fabulousness!
-Kelley

Subject: Re: hey
kelley -
apologies for the uber-delayed response; tre rude of moi. re: your bag conundrum, know this: any bag large enough to cart around a laptop, text books and notebooks isn’t a bag that doubles as a night-time bag. unless you’re bringing a 30 pack of natty ice to the frat house…then, by all means. now, as i’m a handbag whore, our perceptions of “reasonably priced” aren’t likely to coincide. lucky for you, i did some outside-of-the-box thinking - i hope you’ll find these suggestions useful.
Continue reading →

Sartorial Etiquette

MAILBAG: A Clutching Conundrum

[Note: MAILBAG is copied and pasted directly from cheapjap@gmail.com’s inbox and is therefore exempt from any and all grammatical, capitalization and/or spelling errors.]

Subject: Question for CheapJAP
Dear CheapJap,
Sarah P. introduced me on to your funny blog. Our senses of style are very different (I kind of dress like Charlotte York and have never been in Forever 21, though I like finding Theory and Lilly Pulitzer on sale at Filene’s Basement!) but I thought I would write to you because you come up with great ideas an how to pull off somewhat odd clothing. So here is my style connundrum (sp?): I purchased this bag in black thinking it would be so cute and spruce up a black winter coat or tan trench….

It says “medium fabric” but if you read the fine print (which I didn’t) its actually straw. The patent leather and bronze channel-ish chain strap comes off and its like a perfect size not too big but not too small clutch but its F-ing STRAW and Animal print and has patent leather trim! Do I return it? Do I wear it with neutral/black outfits to be a little sexy during the day? Can I wear a straw bag at night? I kind of love it but I also think its the strangest thing.

Any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Emily

Subject: Re: Question for CheapJAP
emily,
filene’s sells theory?! um, OMFG. thanks for the tip. now, to address your conundrum:

do NOT kick your own ass about this purchase; i literally had to zoom in nine times on the pic to determine what the material was. you’re right about one thing - it is effing STRAW, and straw ain’t easy to pull off. but there is a way. there is always a way.
Continue reading →

I Love A Good Story

Love At First Grope: The Verdict

I’m sure you’ve all been waiting with bated breath to hear the verdict on the Abaco bag. A brief schpiel on my biggest shopping conundrum to date: After I posted about the bag, I hit Petticoat Lane again - I needed the Abaco’s presence to determine whether it really was love, or just puppy lust. Or so I thought. This was on a Monday; the one day of the week on which Petticoat Lane is closed. Guess what’s never closed? The Internets, yo. I came home that afternoon to comments from you beotches; only after reading them did I realize the answer to my handbag problemo.

The best advice came from one Stazh, who wrote:

“…If after you buy this bag you can still pay your bills, have enough for food, going out, and other necessities before your next paycheck, then by all means treat yourself. But keep in mind that you may not be able to shop for anything sartorial for a while. If there is no way in hell that you can buy the bag AND have enough $$ to live, then forget it…”

Had I bought the Abaco, I could have continued to “live” in the general sense of the term. Continue reading →