http://cheapjap.com shop cheap. look loaded. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:47:08 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://cheapjap.com/vintage/riding-boots http://cheapjap.com/vintage/riding-boots#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:14:19 +0000 cheapjap http://cheapjap.com/?p=5655 . . . → GO ON... Vintage Riding Boots]]> A month or so ago, I popped into Hamlet’s Vintage – purveyor of the offensive $15 beat-up tee – on a mission: I needed tall, black, flat boots. Again.

In the past year alone, I have gone through not one, not two, but THREE PAIRS of tall flat black boots. When I say “gone through” I don’t mean I’ve lost them or damaged them: I’ve simply worn them out.

Maybe today’s footwear isn’t tough enough for the city’s mean streets; maybe I tend to stomp aggressively instead of tread lightly; maybe I have a slight Napoleon complex. Whatever. I was cast as the elephant in a childhood zoo-themed ballet production. I’m not morphing into some dainty graceful creature anytime soon.

It’s not like I haven’t tried to extend the lifespan of my last three pairs of tall black flat boots. All Dr. Cobbler does is prolong the inevitable: There is no chocolate coated miracle pill for bringing dead shoes back to life. At least, not after I’ve worn them.

When my last pair expired, I vowed to do things differently. THIS TIME, I would purchase boots constructed to withstand destruction; boots that looked at the subway grime and grey clotted snow and toxic puddles and scoffed ‘BRING IT ON.’

So I popped into Hamlet’s Vintage, discovered they were having a sale, zeroed in on a pair of tall flat black riding boots, paid their $110 sale price (not great, not awful) and thought it’d be smooth sailing from there. The boots have been kicking my ass ever since.

The issue isn’t strength or durability – old school riding boots are built for post-apocalyptic conditions.

The problem is that they’re designed to “follow your body’s contours” i.e. suffocate the lower halves of your legs so you look as though you’re one with the horse or whatever.

Well WHAT IF THERE IS NO FUCKING HORSE?

Then you wear them out for an hour and realize your feet are numb and your ankles are blistered because leather of this thickness and stiffness doesn’t even exist anymore and your entire lower legs, from knee to big toe are screaming in shock and protest.

Then you go get Toughstrips Band-AIDs and they don’t work, so you try moleskin, except instead of putting it on your feet, you use it to line the interior of the boot for permanent padding. This makes wearing the riding boots bearable, and after three weeks of continuous battle, they finally start to soften and give.

Then, and ONLY THEN, can you be pleased with the purchase you made one month ago. This is where I find myself today.

So, how’d my mother beat me at my own game? Check this Sharesies! courtesy of Mom herself: Dear Cheap JAP, I couldn’t resist sharing my fabulous good fortune with you.

Found these custom “Made in England” gems at my local shoe repair for $25.00!!!

They’d been sitting there for 3 weeks waiting patiently for their rightful new owner; yet unfortunately, every lady who tried to slip into them was immediately met with the sore disappointment of an unforgiving narrow leg. The couple who own the shoe repair aptly named them the “Cinderella” boot.

And so, in my fifty-first year the heady OOMF I received, when pray-tell they exclaimed, “you’re ‘Cinderella!’” led me straight to the decision to dress up as Betty Draper at the Mad Men Soiree I would attend on Saturday night.

And she lived, happily ever after.

Best Always, Mother

Too cute. So cute in fact, that I’m almost not bitter at her snagging a pair identical to my $110.00 riding boots for $25.00. Almost.

Just kidding. She got me into riding boots to begin with; I got her into shopping cheap. That makes it a fair trade, methinks. Way to go, Mom. Thanks for sharing.

]]> http://cheapjap.com/vintage/riding-boots/feed 11 http://cheapjap.com/diy-fashion/diy-halloween-costume http://cheapjap.com/diy-fashion/diy-halloween-costume#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:54:53 +0000 cheapjap http://cheapjap.com/?p=3664 . . . → GO ON... DIY Halloween Costume]]> I read your site all the time and your creative use with the hot glue gun inspired me to glue my little heart out this year for Halloween in what may be my favorite Halloween costume ever. See, I hate all the crap for women in the stores for Halloween. Too slutty and not creative at all. Seriously, 2 years ago I saw 3 slutty Rainbow Brites. Ugh. So I like to keep things a little more covered and be creative at the same time. Here’s my breakdown to the perfect Jessie costume from Toy Story 2: - Long sleeve white shirt from Goodwill – $3 - Sleeveless Yellow Liz Claiborne shirt from Goodwill – $3 (extra fabric used to make bow and bad ass cuffs) - Cow fabric from Wal-Mart – $3.50 - Variety of Red trims from Wal-Mart – $7 - Hat from Disney store online – $10 (I had no luck finding a hat locally and it was marked down to $6.95 but shipping and sales tax took it up to an annoying $10) - 1 sheet white felt from Joann Fabric – $0.25 Jeans, boots, belt and belt buckle all came out of my closet. Total Cost for super fun non-slutty Halloween costume = $26.75 Laughing at all the girls in the over-priced, ass hanging out, slutty costumes = Effin’ Priceless Nothings here was sewed, it’s all hot glue. Only 1 blister to show from it. Ouch. Oh yeah and the husband is Woody. His costume cost just about $10 but I’m still working on gluing all that together. Thanks for the inspiration and being so effing awesome. -Jody, but you can call me Jessie this weekend. Jessie, You are the SHIZNAT! Thank YOU for the Sharesies, and for getting me into the spirit of Halloween. I might just dress up after all . Mwah! Cheap JAP

]]> http://cheapjap.com/diy-fashion/diy-halloween-costume/feed 4 http://cheapjap.com/personal-style/dg-jean-jacket http://cheapjap.com/personal-style/dg-jean-jacket#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:13:58 +0000 cheapjap http://cheapjap.com/?p=3467 . . . → GO ON... D&G Jean Jacket, Under Twenty Bucks]]> Hey, I just came across your blog awhile ago, and I’m loving it… no one took my credit card away, I maxed it out all by myself -lol, I used to think thrift = gross… but after taking a good look around I’ve found some amazing things! So thanks for opening my eyes, and ridding me of lots of craptastic overpriced stuff that will just sit in my closet anyways… Attached is a pic of my latest find!!! I was sooo excited when I found this D&G studded jacket… only probs is that it’s light blue… but I’m thinking I’ll dye it black cos light blue feels a little too retro 90s for me. Cheers Taryn P.S. if you’re ever in Canada/ Ontario be sure to stop by a Talize… there aren’t that many of them, but they have the most amazing randomest things! Dollface – that looks fahhhhbulous on you! The jacket’s a bonafide steal – it probs would have retailed for at least a few hundred bucks, so well done you! Totally heart the idea of dying it black – whatever makes you wear it more is worth doing, methinks. Mazel Tov on your purchase, and if I ever find myself up north, I’ll certainly make it my biznass to check out Talize.:) Mwah! Cheap JAP

]]> http://cheapjap.com/personal-style/dg-jean-jacket/feed 3 http://cheapjap.com/resale/marc-jacobs-tote http://cheapjap.com/resale/marc-jacobs-tote#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:54:22 +0000 cheapjap http://cheapjap.com/?p=2889 . . . → GO ON... Austin Thrifter Snags Marc Jacobs Tote for $25]]> I snagged this Marc by Marc Jacobs shopping tote yesterday at Buffalo Exchange in Austin, Texas for only $25. I knew if there was one person I could share this find with, it was you! I often have awesome luck at Buffalo, putting in at least an hour each trip to search the racks. It is always worth it, as I have scored Burberry, Polo, DKNY, J. Crew, Zara, Stella McCartney, and more. Keep up the thrifting, I love seeing what you will score next! -Becca

]]> http://cheapjap.com/resale/marc-jacobs-tote/feed 5 http://cheapjap.com/retail-apparel/tj-maxx http://cheapjap.com/retail-apparel/tj-maxx#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:30:47 +0000 cheapjap http://cheapjap.com/?p=2554 . . . → GO ON... Tahari at TJ Maxx]]> So I was browsing TJ Maxx, and stumbled upon this awesome white Tahari Blazer on clearance for $29!! I live in Columbus, Ohio and find myself perpetually jealous of the plethora of high quality thrift shops New York has, and was therefore completely ecstatic to find this brand at a store I hardly expected to have anything of this quality. Just thought I’d share my success as you’ve inspired me to search the depths of Ohio in pursuit of similar scores to what you consistently discover. Love your site! Bari Bari dollface: This is one of the most pimpin’ blazers I’ve ever seen. The color, the buttons, like WHOA! Your score proves that shopping cheap really is (Incoming: Massive Cliche) like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna find. Since you were kind enough to include close-ups of the tags, let’s pause to appreciate the astronomical disparity between what this gem of a jacket initially cost and what you ultimately paid. Bari’s Tahari Blazer at full retail price = $398.00. (I know, I’m nauseated by that number too). Bari’s Tahari Blazer at TJ Maxx’s first attempt at price reduction = $200.00. (Meh. I’m still queasy). Bari’s Tahari Blazer on TJ Maxx’s clearance rack = $29.00. (Now THAT’s more like it!) Cheers to Bari for her totally bonkers score – I’m obvs kvelling vicariously, and you should be too. Hurrah! MWAH, Cheap JAP

]]> http://cheapjap.com/retail-apparel/tj-maxx/feed 3 http://cheapjap.com/thrift/epic-bag-sale-haul http://cheapjap.com/thrift/epic-bag-sale-haul#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:17:52 +0000 cheapjap http://cheapjap.com/?p=2493 . . . → GO ON... Epic Bag Sale Haul]]> Rebecca emailed a post-game analysis of her experience at the latest Housing Works’ Warehouse Sale. Read on to see me get totally SCHOOLED in the art of thrift. Hi Cheap JAP, Just wanted to tell you about my finds at my 2nd trip to the Housing Works Warehouse Sale in L.I.C. I got there at 10 and there was a line about 50 people deep. Once in, it was beautiful chaos from the moment I walked in. Items were strewn everywhere, on the floor, on the bins. I found so many great items that I filled 2 bags and therefore spent $40 on all these items, plus some I forgot: -Suede Armani Collezioni blazer for my father -Black silk Armani Collezioni tank -Dana Buchman hooded tweed vest with shearling interior -Calypso white terrycloth beach cover-up -Rock and Republic dark skinny jeans -Helmut Lang jeans- some sort of project will ensue -Armani Collezioni tweed pants -Express Black pants -Velvet long-sleeve tee with pleated collar -Theory Turtleneck -2 GAP polos for Dad -Theory sweater coat w/ original belt still attached - J & Company studded thermal henley Those are only some of the amazing finds I found! I was there for over 2 hours and had the best time! Was looking around to spot you but I guess you didn’t make it. All in all a very successful day! Holy SHITBALLS, Rebecca. This haul doesn’t just prove that your shopping prowess rivals even my own. It makes you a thrifting legend – it’s effing EPIC! Finding stuff for your Dad as well as for yourself was uber-thoughtful too; that’s the kind of move that ensures solid shopping karma for liiiife. I’m pissed I didn’t make it to Queens that day, and not just because I missed out on what was obvs one hell of a hunt. What I really regret is not being able to see you in action – it appears I’ve got a thing or two to learn about All-You-Can-Stuff Bag Sales. Well. Done. You. MWAH! Cheap JAP

]]> http://cheapjap.com/thrift/epic-bag-sale-haul/feed 4 http://cheapjap.com/retail-apparel/ralph-lauren-marshalls http://cheapjap.com/retail-apparel/ralph-lauren-marshalls#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:08:48 +0000 cheapjap http://cheapjap.com/?p=2429 . . . → GO ON... Ralph Lauren Black Label At…Marshalls?!]]> Dear Cheap JAP, I found this Ralph Lauren *Black Label* (ahh) orange linen crop jacket at a Marshalls in the middle of nowhere for… $15 on clearance. It had to be a mistake because the retail price on the RL tags were $1,095 and it was in perfect condition. That means I basically got this jacket for 99% off. I don’t really know how I’ll wear it yet because it’s a bright red orange, but I just couldn’t pass it up! Lurking nearby was another Black Label masterpiece, a black velvet strapless cocktail dress with a bubble skirt. Unfortunately it was still priced at $200 but I’ll be checking up on it frequently. Eek wish me luck. -S Black Label at Marshalls for $15? ARE YOU SHITTING ME?! This stunner of a jacket’s more than a bonafide score – it’s an effing INSPIRING find! Don’t stress about the color; just go neutral on bottom (this would be KILLER with white jeans, methinks). I’m bright green with envy. Also very, very proud. Well done you! Oooh, and do keep us posted on that cocktail dress.

]]> http://cheapjap.com/retail-apparel/ralph-lauren-marshalls/feed 3 http://cheapjap.com/resale/lesportsac http://cheapjap.com/resale/lesportsac#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:39:02 +0000 cheapjap http://cheapjap.com/?p=2310 . . . → GO ON... LeSportsac at Le Buffalo]]> Because of your blog, I went to Buffalo Exchange and scored a cute LeSportsac 7507 everyday bag for $14! Normally, it retails for seventy plus bucks so this is great. Bonus – it’s the real deal and looks brand new. Yaay! Joyce also made the right call on a tempting brandtastic dress: PS: I keep trying on their dresses in the hope of finding something. I found one Ella Moss dress that was cute but upon further inspection, I found two snags/holes on the dress – in the front – which made me put it back. It was so comfy/cute that I almost got it but the potential for further damage made me think twice. Well played. It’s uber frustrating to finally find something that fits and looks fab, only to have your hopes dashed by holes and snags. Joyce, rest assured that a better dress in better condition is on the horizon. I have a sixth sense about these things.

]]> http://cheapjap.com/resale/lesportsac/feed 0 http://cheapjap.com/thrift/salvation-army-style http://cheapjap.com/thrift/salvation-army-style#comments Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:45:07 +0000 cheapjap http://cheapjap.com/?p=2123 . . . → GO ON... Salvation Army Greatness]]> Salvation Army Skeptic Turned Thrifting Extraordinaire: O.M.F.G. The dress, the clutch, the shoes, and the way she put them together is all kinds of awesome. This outfit is KILLER! I almost can’t believe this is the work of a thrifting newbie – you’s a natural, girlfriend. I’m kvelling like a proud Jewish mother over here, I shit you not. Let’s get a close-up of the clutch (thrifted years ago from Goodwill) and shoes (snagged at the reduced-reduced-reduced price of $27). KVELLING. A massive MWAH to Donna, and to all you ladies brave enough to hit your local Salvation Army. As you can see, it’s well worth the risk.

]]> http://cheapjap.com/thrift/salvation-army-style/feed 5 http://cheapjap.com/thrift/salvation-army http://cheapjap.com/thrift/salvation-army#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:43:47 +0000 cheapjap http://cheapjap.com/?p=2064 . . . → GO ON... A Skeptic Finds Salvation (Army)]]> Donna wrote: I kind of thought that uber-successful thrift shopping was limited to thin petite pretty girls like you. I was proven wrong when I took a trip to my local Salvation Army. I was able to snag two dresses for a total of $7! The first one was a $3.50 black, white and red not too mini number that was perfect for a wedding I was attending soon. I paired it with a clutch from a Goodwill from years ago and a pair of Mia high-heel sandals that I got on clearance and damage discount for $27. I must’ve looked in 10 stores and many more online to find the perfect current sandals, but I didn’t want to pay more than say $50. Keep in mind that I was toting along two toddlers the whole time! After debuting this outfit, people are asking to go shopping with me! Donna’s snagging two dresses for $7, TOTAL, is a feat even I haven’t achieved (yet). That she managed to do so with two toddlers in tow is an accomplishment beyond my conception (read: children fear me). The Salvation Army dress + Goodwill clutch + reduced-reduced-reduced price sandals exemplifies the notion of a truly Cheap JAPtastic outfit I am DYING to see (hint hint – bust out the camera, girlfriend), one clearly fab enough to merit public acclaim. (Note: The public response to any given outfit is only to be taken seriously if it positively reinforces said outfit. Those ‘comedians’ delivering really witty one-liners in US Weekly’s Fashion Victims section? Fuck ‘em. Critics – regardless of whether or not they target celebrities or women on the street – aren’t fashion experts: They’re people too chicken shit to wear what they really want. Moving on…). All that being said, what I’m most impressed by here isn’t how little Donna spent on her dress, or how well she put her outfit together, or that she’s now obvs a bonafide shopping guru. What I’m most impressed by is her willingness to take a chance on thrift in spite of her preconceived notions about it, and about shopping in general. I’m well aware of how alienating my size can be: Easy for her to claim anyone can shop thrift, what the fuck would she know about shopping for a larger frame? I hate that shopping as we know it is designed to help women my size and hurt those who aren’t, and I hate Fashion for making it so. This is exactly why I’m such a fan of shopping secondhand. What you see in a thrift store doesn’t resemble what you see in a magazine; it reflects a mishmash of tastes, brands, styles and SIZES of real, live women. Seeing as what’s on those racks has actually been worn by real, live women, and seeing as the average American woman’s a size 14 (NBD, obvs), there’s actually more merchandise to choose from if you’re NOT my size. Where all of our varying sizes are concerned, there’s no place more inclusive than the world of the gently worn. I’m thrilled that Donna found this to be the case. And I hope her ability to strap on a pair and go for it inspires you to do the same. A big fat MWAH for the Sharesies. Loves it.

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