Broke Fashionista

Who doesn't love free clothes?

2009-11-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

The GAP at Tyson's Corner was having a grand re-opening on Saturday, and to celebrate they were giving away $50 gift cards to the first 50 people in line. Well, being a broke fashionista, I knew this was something I needed to get on board with! A friend of mine and I arrived at 7:30 for the store's 10 a.m. opening, and we were numbers 24 and 25, respectively. Because it was also friends and family weekend, I got this skirt and a sweater that's sadly no longer on the website for a whopping $34 after using my gift card!

As a side note, the skirt is on sale for $44.99 online, but it was $10 cheaper in store. SO cute!

SO BROKE

2009-11-15T13:26:00.001-08:00

Let me tell you why. It's all due to these Chloes (zomgloveihaveneverhadanythingsobeautifulonmybody).

I also bought these Nine West Luceros in gray patent from the sale at 6pm.com.

(To be fair, the Nine Wests were pretty cheap ($20?)...so it wasn't too bad). I also have bought a bunch of other stuff I'll be posting soon...and I plan to return to OOTD now that I'm over this nasty cold that caught me under the weather for the past week!

OOTD 11/5/09

2009-11-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, I swear I'm going to start using my camera, and not my Iphone so that my pics are somewhat less crappy. One of these days.

Abaete Nancie skirt (yup, that's a petticoat you see peeking out), J. Crew sweater, Cole Haan booties.

Useless Desires

2009-11-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

Two things I saw today that I am actually lusting over:

Except (and this is a pretty big except) neither of these are my style, and I have NO FUCKING CLUE how I would wear them! I imagine those boots would be cute with skinnies, but I don't WEAR skinnies. I also don't wear faux fur, but I really, really want that jacket.

Please help. I can't get either of these off my mind, and maybe they're so-ugly-they're-quirky? I don't know. I just...want them.

OOTD 11/2/09

2009-11-02T12:26:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it's already November? I sure can't! This is a bit of a blah outfit, but it's Monday and gray out...can you blame me?

J. Crew cardigan, Ann Taylor button-down, Ann Taylor Loft skirt, Nine West Luceros.

OOTD 10/29/09

2009-10-29T11:26:00.001-07:00

Not sure this is really worth posting, but I feel like a dancer, and I kind of like it. A lot.

Rachel Pally dress, Velvet brand cardiwrap, Steve Madden Intyce boots.

Martin + Osa Haul

2009-10-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

I am a somewhat recent convert to the greatness that is Martin+Osa. This line by AEO (think American Eagle Outfitters), is much more luxe and refined than its better-known, hoodie-friendly counterpart. Their clothing is very nicely made for a relatively low pricepoint.

The best part of M+O, though, are the sales. I've bought some lovely pieces for next to nothing and today was no exception. Today through Sunday, October 25, all Martin+Osa outerwear is 50% off. That's right...even the brand-new items. This is practically unheard of in the retail world--offering a huge discount on clothes you actually need to wear right now! Plus, you can stack their friends and family code (just enter 77428228 in the promo code box during checkout) for some absolutely fantastic savings.

I've been looking for a black trench for ages, and while I've been lusting after a Burberry one for quite some time, dropping about $1000 on one item just isn't in the cards right now. I came across this one, though, and fell in love:

This coat retails for $195 on the website, and through this weekend it's 50% ($97.50) and with an additional 30% it comes out to a whopping $68.25. The best part is that it has a removable liner so it can be used regardless of the weather. Not too bad, if I do say so myself.

OOTD 10/22/09

2009-10-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Guess I haven't posted in a while! I really liked my OOTD yesterday, though. I love the look of a pencil skirt with a crisp white shirt, but I have trouble finding ones that fit my hips and booty without gapping hugely at the waist. I never would have thought to check New York & Company, but this is a winner!

New York and Company skirt (on sale for $20!!), Express button down, Nine West Luceros.

Damn you, J. Crew

2009-10-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

I just booked a plane ticket for a trip I'm taking in the next few weeks, and as a result of that (and my excessive shopping habits of the past few weeks), I am on a self-imposed shopping ban. I was going to break my ban ONLY for these Dolce Vita Webber boots that I have been in love with since seeing them at Nordstrom's Anniversary sale.

(Aren't they just so cute?! I think they'll be perfect under jeans).

I was feeling pretty proud of myself, actually, since I've just broken out my winter clothes and I have a lot of outfit ideas for the coming weeks.

But then J. Crew rolled out new arrivals.

Fuck. My. Life.

As soon as I saw the Double-Cloth Ingenue Coat, I was hooked. Just look at this color:

If I don't have this in my life and wrapped around my body this winter, life is not worth living. (Ok, that may seem overdramatic to some, but come on. Winter here SUCKS. It's cold and windy and grey and we don't even get that much snow...or snow days!)

And then, of course, like any true addict, I kept scrolling down and my eyes fell upon the Merino Maya dress. I instantly imagined all the ways in which I could wear this dress, how cute it would be with boots, how the detailing is just so *perfect*...sigh.

I should probably just sign my paycheck over to J. Crew right now.

OOTD 10/15/09

2009-10-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

I really love this outfit, and I wish it had photographed better (or that I had used a camera instead of my phone, had natural light to work with, or had my own personal photographer). But whatever.

I'm wearing a navy J. Crew sweater, a Juicy Couture skirt and grey Steve Madden Intyce boots.

OOTD 10/13/09

2009-10-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

Ugh. It's Tuesday, but because of yesterday's holiday (thank you, Christopher Columbus!), it feels like Monday. Hopefully I'll be happier tomorrow when I realize the week is half over!

Diane von Furstenberg Consuelo in zebra, Oh Deer! Pralines

OOTD 10/8/09

2009-10-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

Goodness, is it already Thursday? This week has flown by (NOT THAT I AM COMPLAINING).

Abaete skirt, J. Crew blouse, Nine West Luceros.

Currently lusting after...

2009-10-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

These D.Co boots from Revolve. I already own the Steve Madden Intyce boots in grey, but these would be perfect under jeans...longer jeans? I am totally trying to justify another pair of grey boots, but if Revolve releases a code soon I may break down and buy them!

OOTD 10/6/09

2009-10-06T08:40:00.001-07:00

Feeling kind of blah today...

J. Crew cardigan, Ann Taylor Loft skirt, Dolce Vita Madisons.

OOTD 10/5/09

2009-10-05T06:13:00.000-07:00

I never wear yellow...I actually think it is a pretty terrible color on my skintone. However, a friend RAOK'd this sweater to me and I thought I'd try it out. It definitely makes me more cheerful on a Monday morning!

J. Crew sweater, J. Crew skirt, Nine West Luceros.

O M G

2009-10-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

Look. Just look.

Is that not the most beautiful thing you've ever seen? I was over at The Chloe Conspiracy and saw Chloe's post about this skirt, and I immediately knew I had to have it. There's no question...this skirt will be mine.

OOTD 10/1/09

2009-10-01T06:08:00.001-07:00

How is it already October? I'm so not ready for tights yet, but it wasn't even 50 degrees when I left the house...yikes!

J.Crew sweater, Patricia Field skirt, Nine West Luceros.

Dealz alert!

2009-09-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

FunkyLaLa is doing 25% off all sale items with code SHOP25. I got these gorgeous Botkier Erin shoes in PURPLE for $64 (down from $475!!!). Styling tips are much appreciated!

OOTD 9/30/09

2009-09-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

Obviously I'm not so good at keeping up with this blog thing.

Ann Taylor Loft skirt, Theory top, Ann Taylor tank worn as a vest, red Maylies, red obnoxiously large Kenneth Jay Lane ring.

OOTD 8/4/09

2009-08-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Always a day late.

I fell in love with this Juicy Couture skirt a few months ago...just not in love with the price tag ($225).

A friend of mine found it at Loehmann's, though, for only $68! A true score, indeed.

Here I am pairing it with a Banana Republic boatneck tee and Loeffler Randall shoes.

GAP/BR/ON F&F sucked me in

2009-07-30T08:15:00.001-07:00

I was so sure I wasn't going to spend any money this week.

FAIL.

Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy's friends and family sale started today, and I just couldn't resist 30% off. My haul:

Long pleated skirt in indigo - $27

Tie-front flutter sleeve dress in blue danube - $17

Voile floral-print pleated skirt in halo glow yellow - $22

Here's hoping everything looks just as good IRL!

OOTD 7/28/09

2009-07-28T08:12:00.001-07:00

Another dress thanks to Fashionism! I bought this ruffle dress off a member who never wore it and I have to say, I am SO in love! I'm wearing it with Matt Bernson Love sandals (purchased for $55 from Off Fifth!) and my Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier.

OOTD 7/27/09

2009-07-28T08:09:00.001-07:00

This strapless dress was a RAOK (random act of kindness) from one of the ladies over at Fashionism. I paired it with a J.Crew cardigan and Ann Taylor d'orsays.

Uh-oh...fall clothing drops on JCrew.com

2009-07-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Oh, hell. Whomever said J. Crew is crack was utterly and completely correct. As much as I am outraged at some of the prices they charge, I can't help but be sucked back in, time and time again. Here's what's caught my eye this time around.

Textured jersey ruched v-neck tee. I love the detailing on the neckline.

French terry tie-neck pullover. I love this so much, so I'm crossing my fingers it's released in more colors. The two it's currently offered in seem a bit blah.

Merino Maya cardigan. I'm a sucker for details, and I love the twist in the front of this cardi. I have a feeling I'll own it in every color.

Wool ruffle-front coat. It's hard to see the detailing on the black, but I love the ruffles and have been looking for a new black winter coat. My only objection? I wish it came in a version with thinsulate.

Shirred wool skirt. Gosh, I love this skirt. It comes in five colors and I need at least four.

OOTD 7/23/09

2009-07-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

Oldies but goodies, today.

Banana Republic dress from a year or so ago

KORS by Michael Kors pumps

Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier hobo

Why I Am Broke

2009-07-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

It's only July, but I'm already contemplating my fall bag purchases. I decided a while back that I need* a new black bag. Yes, I already have a Rebecca Minkoff mini Nikki and a Hayden Harnett Lorca, but two black bags just doesn't seem sufficient.

So here's what I've set my eye on:

Foley+Corinna City clutch (which, by the way, is far bigger than the word 'clutch' implies)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Faridah

Decisions, decisions.

*note: the word need is used quite uniquely by shopaholics such as myself. NEED is meant to imply the absolute hunger one feels for the latest trend to catch one's eye, and the lust that is felt when holding said item in your hands.

Anniversary Sale Fail

2009-07-21T11:22:00.001-07:00

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale sucks me in every time. Here's what I am currently lusting after:

Steven by Steve Madden Intyce boot in grey leather. I own these boots in cognac and black, and they've just been released in grey. I wear them with everything, so I *must* have these boots!

Dolce Vita Webber bootie in brown leather. I have a feeling these would be my go-to boots for jeans and short skirts.

Hinge boyfriend blazer. Love the contrast cuffs.

Cara Couture Multi Strand Chain Necklace. My everyday rings are silver, and my favorite earrings are gold. I'm currently toying with the idea of mixing metals, and I haven't quite figured out how I feel about it. I do love how this necklace does it so effortlessly, though.

Love the dress, on me...not so much

2009-07-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

Love this dress...love, love, love. On me, I think it is actually quite fail. Ah, well. Such is life.

Dress, Matthew Williamson for H&M ($29.90 down from $60!)

Shoes, Loeffler Randall (an eBay score for $75. Retail was $375)

Bag, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini (scored this from the sample sale a couple years back for $290, retail is something like $525)

Mall stores FTW

2009-07-15T06:13:00.001-07:00

I hate going to the mall. I mean, I hate it. It's so crowded, plus the deals are so much better online...but today I am actually wearing mall store clothing head to toe.

J. Crew Cherry Blossom Frances blouse--this is actually from last summer, and I got it super cheap ($19.99, I think?). Anyway, every time I wear it I get so many compliments...the colors are absolutely gorgeous.
Ann Taylor Loft cropped skinny Marisa pants--these were also another steal ($19.99 down from $59.50). When I first bought them, I was envisioning them with my black Miss 60 Dakotas and long dangly necklaces, but alas that is probably not work-appropriate.
Ann Taylor croc print d'orsays--I've had these shoes forever and a day and they are still my go-to favorites. So comfortable and the peep toe is juuuuust sexy enough for work.

I've been away for so long...

2009-07-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

That I decided to get back on the horse again.

So here we go.... This is how a broke fashionista gets dressed to go on a date.

Calvin Klein dress from Loehmann's ($49.99 down from $148)

JCrew chiffon-trim tissue cardigan ($19.99 down from $58)

Enzo Angiolini Maylies (purchased from Ebay for $34.99, regularly $88).

I just have to say, I really love these shoes. I already have them in brown patent and black leather, and I have been searching for red ones forever! So, so happy with this score.

Zappos, I adore you

2007-11-30T19:22:00.001-08:00

Look what came in the mail today!

The Franco Sarto 'Miss' boot. How adorable are these? I stalked the sale at Bloomingdales last weekend, but decided I wanted them AFTER the 40% off code expired. Typical, right? They were still $119 on Bloomie's site, but Broke Fashionista needed a better deal. Endless (amazing site, they actually REFUND you $5 to ship overnight) put them on sale for $85.89, and Zappos will pricematch if your size and color are in stock. So, I ordered these yesterday, and with the 110% price protection, they came to a whopping $73.68! The original price on Zappos is still $152.95. They arrived today, are super cute, and the heel height is perfect for walking. All in all, I am very happy with this purchase.

Champagne Taste, PBR Budget

2007-11-29T15:50:00.000-08:00

As a college student (even one who works), I am, on any given day, guaranteed to have absolutely no money. My debit card cries every time I take it out of my wallet. So, what's a fashionista to do?

Scour the sales, that's for sure. For anyone who missed it, Adasa announced on Black Friday that they were going out of business. I immediately broke any self-imposed shopping ban I had to score these:

Seven for All Mankind Bootcut in London (1/2 off at $90); and these:

Joe's Jeans the Honey in Harvey (a whopping $64!)

Of course, I'm not exactly thrilled that Adasa STILL has not sent me a shipping confirmation, though it's almost a week since I placed the order. Kids, I know you're going out of business, but come on...give a girl a break and send me some pants!

On a happier note, I scored some Seven for All Mankind Boycut jeans in Dark Chicago for $63 from Revolve. I have been stalking these jeans for three years, and they were well worth the wait. If you're not familiar with Revolve, get friendly now. Tons of brands, and you will never, ever pay full price there. You get 30% off your first order (some brands restricted) and they match competitor's codes up to 30%. Certain brands (like 7FAMK) are restricted, but you can use code JT for 15% off...hence my amazing deal. Oh, and perks like free 2 day shipping and free returns don't hurt either.