Minnie's Missing Something

Minnie Pant in Bi-Stretch Wool - Black, $98 [J.Crew]

So my J.Crew Factory Warehouse trip wasn't such a smashing success after all.

The fuchsia wool Cafe Capris I snagged were, well, snagged - there's a dime-sized hole near my left ankle in the back of the pant :( Unfortunately, it's a minimum of $60 to have my tailor reweave the fabric. Fortunately, it's right above the cuff in the back of the pant, so it isn't really in an obvious place. I think I'll just buy some thread in a matching color & patch it up a bit.

As I was trying on my black wool Minnie pants the other morning, I was disappointed to find one of the side seams had come apart (not sure how I didn't notice this at the sale or when I tried them on at home after the sale).

J.Crew isn't lying about the bi-stretch thing - it's super flattering. This is one of those rare instances where your butt will actually look as great as the J.Crew model's in these pants. But for $98 retail (or even for $15), I really would have liked to see some lining! Maybe a silk or poly lining would have chunk-ified my ass or something, but let's be honest here - wool doesn't feel that great against bare skin. Overall the fit is beautiful, but they're kind of itchy :/

Forward Motion

So I finally have some time to write...but it's good, I promise!

I'm a business major, and I recently won a consulting case competition at my university (nerdy, I know). But what was NOT nerdy was the $75 Visa gift card I received as a prize! :) Naturally I began contemplating the many ways I could update my closet for $75 or less. Yesterday, my boyfriend (and occasional stylist, he has great taste) accompanied me on what was quite possibly one of the most fun shopping trips I've even had (Get pretty things! Checking account balance not depleted! No buyer's remorse! Hooray!).

I've already babbled about how much I want a chunky, cozy, oversized-yet-chic sweater for fall/winter, so of course that was on the list. Also included on my mental wishlist were: a fluffy, shaggy faux-fur coat; a navy cuffed boyfriend blazer; nude patent flats or pointy toe flats; gum-sole wedges, and; long sleeved stripe tees for layering.

After browsing through J.Crew, Ann Taylor, & Ann Taylor LOFT, I had only found one cozy sweater I liked - and it was $56. Even though I had $75, I really only wanted to spend $50 so that I could use what was left over to go out to dinner with my man. And as luxe and snuggly as the pricey J.Crew open cardigan was, I didn't quite want to pay that much for a single item.

Jou Jou, $25 [purchased in navy, Macy's]

At my boyfriend's suggestion, I reluctantly tried the junior's section at Macy's. I know, I know. I cringed. Tacky glitter-splashed jeans, matted faux fur, and cheap velour came to mind. As we browsed the racks of flamboyant, frilly satin dresses, whiskered jeans, screenprinted tees and cheap-looking tracksuits, I had all but given up hope. But then, I spotted a corner filled with racks of boyfriend blazers and Southwestern-printed wrap cardigans. Although the cardigan I tried on was ill-fitting and cheaply made, I was delighted with the fit and style of the navy boyfriend blazer I'd found - and it was only $25!

H&M, $25

To round out the day, I snapped up a cozy, thick-knit open cardigan (not as soft, but otherwise identical to the J.Crew one I'd seen earlier in the day) from H&M, also in navy & $25.


So I admit, I can be a fashion snob sometimes. But this shopping trip got me thinking. To me, shopping in the junior's section - or at stores that specialize in cheap, poorly-made garments and accessories - usually isn't really that much of a "value" for classic pieces. It makes more sense, in my opinion, to buy a classic wardrobe staple that is well made but expensive (perhaps on sale or at an outlet) because the well-made item will last longer than it's cheap imitation counterpart. Besides, a cashmere sweater just feels so much better than a cotton or synthetic knit against your skin.

There really can be some fun, inexpensive pieces in the junior's section or in cheap, mass-produced chain stores like H&M or Forever 21 (see below). Am I a sellout for spending my money on 2 less-expensive pieces, or should I have gone with the higher-quality sweater? If you had money to burn, would you go for one timeless classic, or several trendy pieces to update your wardrobe?

Velvet Torch, $46 [Nordstrom]

H&M, $18

Forever 21, $38

H&M, $60

Forever 21, $28

Zara?!

Zara, $70

There isn't a Zara store where I (or most American ladies) live. I think the closest one is in DC. I've never even been to a brick-and-mortar Zara store, because I've heard it's essentially a more-expensive-because-it's-Spanish Forever 21. More expensive? Yes. Forever 21? Hardly.

I was browsing some less-expensive websites looking for cozy sweaters, when I discovered exactly how cool Zara is. I found leopard print pointed-toe flats! I'm snapping those babies up as soon as I deposit my next paycheck (which seems like 10 million lightyears away when you're drooling over something, let's be honest).




Some other envy-worthy finds:

Tweed Blazer, Zara, $90

Sequin Jacket, Zara, $129

Zara, $159

Zara, $100

Zara, $60

Blazer, Zara, $80

Blazer, Zara, $80

Top, Zara, $40

Snuggle Sesh

Here in the 804, the weather can be pretty hormonal. One day it's 82 and sunny, the next it's raining. A few weeks ago it tried out a new 85-and-raining hybrid that my hair and I despise.

But lately, it's been pretty "autumn." That crisp, J.Crew catalog, dancing in the leaves, pumpkin spice latte kind of autumn. With a couple of classic 46-in-the-morning-but-82-by-the-afternoon days sprinkled in just for kicks.

So (natch) I start rifling through my storage boxes of sample-sale cashmere and warm but unfortunate-looking sweaters I've had since middle school. I've got a rainbow of 3/4 length cardigans (thanks, banking internship) and maybe 3 or 4 cozy-but-chic sweaters. And maybe $50 in my checking account.

I'm thinking I want one of those super snuggly, chunky oversized cardigans, the kind you see on the edgy, modern bohemian girl walking down the street or ordering coffee in front of you at Starbucks. I think it gives you this effortless look that actually is pretty effortless. Step 1: put on chunky cardigan. Step 2: order pumpkin latte/other fall activity. I'm also drooling over interesting takes on the open cardigan, like asymmetric or drape/cascade-front styles, and sweater/jacket (swacket!) combos.

Here are a few picks under $70 that I'm currently eyeing:

Gap, $40

Old Navy, $55

Ann Taylor LOFT, $56 on sale

Staring at the Stars, $69 [Urban Outfitters]

J.Crew, $70 on sale

Element, $65 [Bloomingdale's]

Jack by BB Dakota, $70 [Piperlime]

Also, since when did Old Navy start selling any kind of sweater for $55?!

Sick and Tired Bored {The Remedy? Glitter!}

For the past few days, I've been under the weather with a cold. So naturally, I've already caught up on all my TV shows, browsed my favorite blogs, updated my Facebook status, checked my email 100 million times a day, slept for like, 14 hours......and now I'm bored. So, I thought I'd post a review of the new, drool-worthy shoes I picked up at the Warehouse sale a few days ago. Glitter just makes everything better. 

J.Crew Crushed Glitter Sandals. {Jeans, J Brand. Nails, Essie "Secret Story"}

The color is actually darker than it looks in my photo (thanks, Blackberry). These babies feature a low-ish heel (2 inches) and tons of leather straps (alternating between plain, soft leather & bands of silver glitter).

Rained on my parade.

Over the past few years, I've come to the sad conclusion that J.Crew shoes are just too narrow for my feet. I usually wear a size 8, but kept having to size up to an 8.5 in J.Crew (I figured they just ran small). Then, when I ordered the Rainy Day Bow Ballet Flat in an 8.5, it became really obvious that the problem wasn't that J.Crew shoes were too small, but rather that they were too narrow for my feet. On the bright side, I wouldn't consider buying the shoes I lusted after in every catalog. On the other hand, I still swooned over them. What is it with me drooling over things I know I can't have?

So of course I steered clear of the boxes and boxes of heels, flats and boots rubber-banded together at the Warehouse sale.

For about 30 minutes.

But the boxes of shoes were located on rows of tables in the middle of the warehouse. As I dug through boxes of men's pants and too-big-for-me dresses, a pair of these glittery shoes would inevitably catch my eye every few minutes. I eventually broke down and tried a pair on, on a whim.

And they fit. Beautifully. The straps cradle your foot almost as if it's a boot or bootie, which is so rare for sandals (usually strappy sandals don't have enough straps, and it feels like the arch of your foot is holding on for dear life to the rest of the shoe). The low heel also makes these shoes ridiculously comfortable! I can't wait to wear these beauties with cuffed, olive-colored boyfriend pants, or skinny black denim and a black quilted leather jacket. If you're like me and don't usually fit into J.Crew shoes, try these on. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Mecca.

For the past year or so, I've been taking advantage of the sort-of-secret sales at the J.Crew Warehouse in Lynchburg, Virginia (2 hours west of Richmond). Not to be confused with Factory Stores or outlets, the Warehouse (or Factory Warehouse) sales are more like giant sample sales with returns from online orders mixed in - 70-80% of the items are in like-new condition, but be advised that there are a number of items with missing sequins/beads, snags, holes, or other defects.

Today I scored some INSANE deals at the Warehouse's big fall sale, so I thought I'd share :) All images c/o J.Crew except if otherwise noted.

1. J.Crew Crushed Glitter Sandals: 

Original: $265
Current Price (online): $80
I paid: $40

2. J.Crew Bi-Stretch Wool Minnie Pant (Black):

Original: $98

I paid: $15

3. J.Crew New Cafe Capri in Wool (Bright Dahlia):

Original: $118
I paid: $15

A Note About Fit: These gorgeous pants fit one size small in my experience. I'm an avid J.Crew fan & regularly fit into their size 4 pant; I bought a size 2 at the sale and planned on selling them on Ebay, but tried them on out of curiosity & they fit! I've been trying to lose a few pounds lately, so it's slightly possible that I'm legitimately a size smaller (but I am almost entirely certain that 3 weeks of sporadic gym sessions and a handful of veggies twice a day has not caused me to drop a size). Anyway, try these in a size smaller than you usually wear. I suspect J.Crew is subtly trying to tell us that shelling out the equivalent of 23 lattes (or a shiny new pair of Hunter wellies, or a cashmere sweater, or 2 tanks of gas in my car) makes us magically skinnier.

Image Courtesy of Polyvore

4. J.Crew Jackie Cardigan (Bright Yellow):

Original: $62 (no longer available online in this color)

I paid: $20

5. Madewell  Sparkle Bow Tee: (image to be posted soon)

Original: Unknown
I paid: $8

 ---

For the Boys:

Although the primary focus of this blog is women's style and shopping, I thought I'd also share what my brother picked out as well as some finds I picked up for my boyfriend.

My brother scored:

• Merino Wool Fisherman's Sweater - $20
• Ludlow Italian Wool Sportcoat, Black - $25
• Printed Swim Trunks - $10
• White Raffia Fedora - $5
• Khaki Chino Pants - $15
• Argyle Dress Socks - $2

And for my boyfriend:

• Merino Wool Cardigan, Navy - $20
• Gray Chino Pants - $15
• Khaki Chino Pants - $15

Has anyone else shopped the Warehouse sale before? Please feel free to share any fabulous finds! :)

American Eagle...?

I haven't shopped at American Eagle since probably my freshman year of high school. But in my elusive search for the perfect army-green anorak, I stumbled upon some surprisingly cute (and cheap) finds! What do you think?

American Eagle, $20

American Eagle, $20

Studs, Spikes, and My Actual Life

In my pretend life, I'm a young Rachel Zoe, jetting off to fabulous events and going to the most exclusive fashion shows. Essentially, places where I can wear these babies and not look like an idiot:

Sam Edelman, $176 [All 3 images, Zappos]

Sam Edelman, $200

Sam Edelman, $158

And yeah, I am kind of obsessed with all things Sam Edelman right now. Again, not that I can do much about it :) The ladylike-meets-downtown-cool thing is so addictive!

But in my actual life, I live about half a mile from where my classes are, and there are hills sprinkled all over campus. I don't care how gorgeous those shoes are, there is no way I'm walking two miles a day in 4" stilettos.

So, I'm left with 3 options: wedges, flats, and sandals. For summer, I live in metallic gladiator flats. I probably need some new ones, to be honest. But as you're probably aware, it's not summer anymore. Virginia weather likes to pretend it's still summer (and that it's a tropical rainforest), but it's basically fall.

This fall, I'm looking for some wedges & maybe a pair of pointy-toe or printed flats to spice things up (#5 and 6 on this list). Below are a couple pairs under $70 that I'm currently eying :)

Target, $30

Report, $35 [Nordstrom]

Cooperative, $59 [Urban Outfitters]

BDG, $34 [U.O.]

Forever 21, $30

Ciao Bella, $59 [Shoes.com]

Target, $25

Michael Antonio, $40 [Piperlime]

BDG, $39 [U.O.]

Big Buddha, $70 [Zappos]

Tinley Road, $49 [Piperlime]

Also:
- Patent Bow Flats, $45 [DSW]

[86] The Uniform.

Note: I'm a college student, so my uniform is typically jeans-tee-flats. I know this isn't what most adults wear on a daily basis. But I've also worked at a bank for several years, and I know that fashion ruts happen regardless of what the dress code is - my point is that getting out of your rut is (or should be) possible no matter what you wear everyday. Every uniform has alternatives.

- - -

Sometimes I just start feeling like I'm in a rut, style-wise. There are just some days when I honestly want someone to just pick things out of my wardrobe and tell me what to wear.

This morning as I was Splenda-ing up my coffee, another woman started fixing hers beside me. If outfits could feel shame or envy, mine would have. My grey boyfriend tee, turquoise scarf, dark skinny jeans and pink boat shoes (I told you, I need funding for a more imaginative closet, or a stylist) looked so amateur next to this girl in her loose-fitting scalloped nude shorts, sleeveless white blouse and leopard-print calfhair flats.

Tory Burch, $250 [ToryBurch.com]

 
It got me thinking... how can I change up my style? Accessorize, buy jewelry, buy shoes, look at magazines and style blogs for inspiration...yeah, I know. But the thing is, accessories still cost money. I'm talking about shaking up what I do every day, wearing things that I already own (or things I can make) in a way I hadn't thought of before.

I've decided I'm going to look for some ideas - I'll mark posts with an [86], cause that's how I feel about my ho-hum style right now - but I'm also interested in what you do to shake things up when your wardrobe feels tired & boring. How do you reinvent your style, or what do you do differently? I'm all ears :)

P.S. ~ Her flats were actually the Reva style, but since that's sold out (of course) and because I have a special place in my heart for pointed-toe shoes, I opted for a picture of the Celinah (both Tory Burch).

Like I Need Another Black Top...

I don't know about you, but it seems like I have at least a dozen black tees and tops (which is saying a lot, considering that my wardrobe is about the size of 2 mini fridges stacked on top of each other).

Yet somehow, I manage to swoon over another black top every single season. It has lace, or sequins, or epaulettes, or spikes, or polka dots - something to make me lust after a piece that is, more or less, already in my closet. Here are a few of my favorites this fall, divided into three categories based on price:

J.Crew, $15

 {Half My Paycheck} -- $40 and under

Forever 21, $16

Frenchi, $38 [Nordstrom]

{"Rainy Day" Savings} -- $40 - $80  

Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse, $79 [Macy's]

Ann Taylor LOFT, $69

Ann Taylor LOFT, $45

{Don't Even Think About It} --  $80 and up

Equipment, $248 [Bloomingdales]

The Tee by Joe's, $148 [Bloomingdales]

Diane Von Furstenberg, $265 [Bloomingdales]