CheapJAP

Economic Shitstorm

No Sale For You!

I was jaunting around Soho yesterday, window shopping after my triumphant Uniqlo experience, and found myself wanting to enter every single store I passed. It wasn’t the merchandise. It was those goddamn SALE signs.

Where fashion’s concerned, there’s only one Sin City. New York is the late-night slice, the one-more drink, the bummed cigarette and the one-night stand of shopping. It’s where all those pretty things you don’t need come together and throw themselves at you. Never is this city of excess more irresistible than when its offerings go on sale.

During my walk, the forces of temptation chipped away at my resolve via 50% OFF! and EVERYTHING MUST GO! signs enough to cloud my judgment. I caved right in front of Lounge’s Going Out Of Business Sale and/or Relocation Sale, and immediately bee-lined for the price-slashed shoe selection. It wasn’t until I was petting a Marc Jacobs platform peep-toe pump that I snapped out of it: I did NOT need another pair of shoes, and I REALLY did not need to spend more money. Yes, $175 is a good deal for shoes that retail for $550; spending half of that on a night out with my besties is a better one. MJ pumps might last a long time. But memories of martini-induced debauchery last fo eva.

My fellow New York beotches, listen up: When the SALE signs inevitably tempt you, go D.A.R.E. on their asses and JUST SAY NO. I know it’s tough. I know we’re as rational about shopping as we are about dating (i.e. all kinds of crazy). Just ask yourself if you would’ve gone into that store sans signage, or if you’re “just browsing” because the SALE sign made you do it. (Affirmative to the latter, 99.9999% of the time). Then move on, dollface.

Congratulations. You just bought yourself some willpower.

Nifty Thrifty

Housing Works Poses as Dollar Store

Yesterday, I wandered into Housing Works’ Chelsea Store. Now lookey, Housing Works is far from the creme de la creme of NYC’s thrift store offerings, but even a selfish beotch like me loves clothing that supports a cause. To contribute to Housing Works’ mission - ending the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness - all you gotta do is shop. That’s reason enough to stop by.

Housing Works’ prices are usually more than reasonable but yesterday, they happened to be cleaning house, i.e. clothes, shoes, bags, accessories cost $1 each. ONE DOLLAR EACH. Why had I not known about this?! All the good stuff was almost gone!
I prodded the salesgirl for answers. The $1 sale had been an unannounced byproduct of the organization’s Fashion For Action Benefit. Out with the old, in with the gently-worn designer goodies available only to those with $100 fundraising tickets.

I’m psyched about the Dana Buchman plaid skirt; wondering why I bought something in black linen for winter (oh right, it was $1); and slightly concerned about the androgynous factor of the Bergdorf Goodman slacks. But no matter: My total was $3. At least it was until I added the Eco Bag ($12) at the last minute because I felt guilty for only giving three bucks to charity - now I’m helping the homeless AND saving the earth! Riiiiight.

Whatevs, at least I’m doing less damage by where I choose to shop. That’s something, right?

Heel Schpiel

Bluefly Your Way to 60% Off

Bluefly’s One-Day-Only 60% Off Shoe Sale is happening, like, now.

Among the goodies at reduced-reduced prices? Rafe Moc Toe Pump, $275 reduced to $100.03; Stuart Weitzman Suede Metallic Trifecta Pump, $295 reduced to $128.24.

If you’re in NEED of some foot fabulosity, I suggest getting off my site and onto theirs ASAP!

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.

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.

Navigatrix

Sooo, Intermix is having a sample sale today. As their Top 10 Fall/Winter Checklist is an assortment of $200-plus items, their idea of a “sale” is probs $600 dresses reduced to $300. Sometimes half-off still means ludicrously priced. I’m not expecting to find much, but I’m going anyway. Why? ‘Cause it’s, like, the most JAPtastic store everrrrr.

What: Intermix
Why: Because I like to pretend that “up to 70% off” means something other than “fugly shit no one wants up to 70% off.”
When: Today through Thursday, 9a.m. to 8p.m.
Where: 110 W. 19th (between 6th and 7th Ave). Thankfully it’s near Loehmann’s.

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 ;)]