CheapJAP

Cheap JAP 101

Do It or Screw It? (Fall Fabrics)

Last Fall, nary a peep was made about lace, velvet or florals. Suddenly, they’re all the rage. What happened to bright solids and houndstooth? You bought those styles last year, and - now that they’re Out - your broke ass has to pony up for new stuff AGAIN. Drag!

Trends exist for one reason, and one reason only. Say it with me now dolls. So we SPEND. MORE. MONEY. If the same shit was In year after year, would we feel quite as compelled to buy new things? Helllls no. Designers and mag editors don’t care about how well you dress; they care about how much you buy. If you genuinely like something trendy, sweet. Just don’t convince yourself that you and your wardrobe can’t survive without it…(insert theme from Twilight Zone here)…because that’s what they want you to think. Damn the Man, Save the Empire, et. al. But I digress.

DO IT: Winter Florals

Hmm, let’s see, why do I support Winter Florals? Because - unless you’re so cutting edge that you spent the summer in black a la Goth Trend - you already own this trend. No need to put the sundresses in storage this year - just add tights and boots, and voila! Painted Floral Chiffon Dress, Forever 21. Print Frill Sleeve Dress, TopShop.

SCREW IT: Velvet
I haven’t worn velvet since 1998. It only works in winter, it’s not daytime-appropriate (unless you like looking overdressed). It’s also one of the few fabrics that tends to look its price; if it’s bought cheap, it ain’t lookin loaded. Suede and wool are more versatile, practical warm-weather fabrics for those of us seeking budget chic. Next. Continue reading →

Oy Vey!

Do It or Screw It? (Fall Trends)

Like most fashion mags, ELLE usually pisses me off, what with their Vogue-esque concept of reasonably priced apparel. But the mag’s latest issue does a nice job of breaking down Fall’s Must-Haves. Must we have everything suggested? Hellllls no. Must we take a good, hard look at this season’s trends and weed out the ridiculousness so we don’t waste our dough on things we’ll wear once? You betcha.

DO IT: The New LBD

Little Black Dresses are always In, doy. “New” according to ELLE means these LBDs have certain stylistic embellishments - like expertly placed rhinestones that somehow make the Erin Fetherston dress featured $1500 - that set them apart from a plain ol’ LBD. Thus “New” according to me means Stupid. A little detail is fab, but a classic LBD doesn’t need sequins, lace, bows or any of that crap. It just needs to fit like a glove. Write that down. Continue reading →

Navigatrix

Stealing from Children ……………….. (Old Navy’s Kids Department)

Is it cheating to shop the kids’ department? Probably. I initially wandered through Old Navy’s to see if Girls’ apparel was cheaper than Women’s. It wasn’t, but Old Navy’s cheap to begin with - no biggie. Some of the Girls’ stuff was, however, cuter. Much, much cuter.

Cardigans are like, so hot for fall, particularly those of the lengthier, torso-skimming ilk. This Girls Short-Sleeve Knit Cardigan, $19.50, hits the mark, bigtime. Provided you can fit your boobs into it, as it’s not originally intended for anything beyond training bras.

This Girls Long Prepster Cardigan, also $19.50, affirms that Gossip Girl has reached America’s youth (barf). It’s adorable AND not nearly as costly as Serena’s uniform. Yaay!

I believe the cardies I tried were Girls XL so if you’re a B/C cup, do that. A/B cups can go L; C/D’s can go XXL. And don’t freak about the big sizes. Remember, this shit is for ten-year-olds. Now it’s for Cheap JAPs too!

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 ;)]