Chic 'n Cheap Living

Wardrobe Staples - Sequin apparel/accessories for the holidays

There is one simple style rule during the holidays - wear something sparkly (or risk being outshined by someone else). It isn't necessarily a contest to see who can wear the most sequins, but it is one of the few times in the year where a little shine is not only expected, but welcomed. Just remember that you don't necessarily have to wear a sequined pieced of clothing (though they are fun!), you can wear something with a metallic thread or also opt to shine on in your accessories and jewelry (like you needed another excuse to buy more jewelry!)

What are your sequined picks for the holidays?

Here are my picks to bring a little shine to your holidays:

1. NADRI Pave crystal necklace, Lord & Taylor, $140

2. Gold/silver sequined skirt, White House, $168

3. Touch - Sequin Scarf, Mango, $64.90

4. French Connection Fan Clutch Bag, French Connection, $154.53

5. Betsey Johnson Mesh bows crystal square stud earrings, Zappos, $30 (I love the art deco feel of this!)

6. Knitted lurex jacket cardi, Topshop, $84

7. Sequin Hair wrap, Topshop, $15

8. Dolce Vita hidden platform pump, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, $125

Labels: fashion, Wardrobe Staple

Wardrobe staple - Scarf of every color

I've already shared with you many times my love for scarves, particularly Hermès scarves (a love that ran deeper when I witnessed the making of those special scarves). But I'm not beholden to just one brand, I love the whimsy of scarves and how they really enhance your apparel. They add a subtle touch of color, texture, and pattern to your outfit. In the winter, they are also essential against blistering winds. I don't wear woolen scarves as often, but love to play up an outfit with a silk scarf. Scarves can be fun and whimsical, warm and cozy, or classic and contemporary.

Here are a few favorites in a wide range of prices.

What is your favorite scarf? How do you like to wear it?

1. Marni printed silk scarf, Net-a-Porter, $185

2. Emilio Pucci Scarf, Farfetch, $169

3. Geo Scarf in black/white by Tolani, Singer 22, $80

4. Black Faux fur tuck stole, Topshop, $32

5. Kate Spade carnation garden scarf, Kate Spade, $175

6. Siuyin Chau cable neck cowl, Bloomingdale's, $198

7. Wildhouse Sparkle Heart Scarf, Boutique to you, $64

8. Beck Sondergaard "Little Yeo" animal print scarf, Farfetch, $64

9. Infinity Leopard Scarf by Tolani, Singer22, $86

Labels: fashion, Wardrobe Staple

{Shopping} Tips: Proactively shopping to save and creating the ideal wardrobe

Planned shopping can help you save money.

Yes, writing a huge list of what you want to buy could actually end up saving you money. Studies have shown that people who walk into grocery stores with shopping lists are more likely to stick to the ingredients they have written down and are less likely to be impulsive shoppers. Why shouldn't this rule apply to shopping in other areas?

I've written a shopping list for the next three plus years (yep I'm a planner). I will only buy things off this shopping list though some items are flexible (e.g. jewel tone work worthy shirt).

This strategy makes sense because:
1. Patience pays off
You can patiently look for an item that you want across a spectrum of retailers. For example, an item on my wish list is a work-worthy top in a jewel-tone color. I am receptive to different styles and price points while also building up a few favorites on my wish list. I also have the luxury of waiting for these items to go on sale enabling my wallet to save for the next purchase (though hot or limited edition pieces don't follow this philosophy!)

I got my first pair of Lanvin flats for over 50% off (they are also on sale at Barney's and Neiman Marcus now!) Hmm should I get a pink pair too?

2. Think with your closet (or home) in mind, not your wallet
I've fallen into the "Ooh it's on sale so I should get it!" trap without necessarily thinking if it would be a valuable part of my closet. I won't be doing this any more. When I constructed my list, I really thought about my wardrobe and lifestyle and constructed a list that reflects my needs without knowing if the item existed or not. But I knew the item would make sense in my closet (e.g. a trendy midi skirt that would make sense at work for years to come.)

3. It's set, but not set in stone
My list started out as a list for the year, then for the next two years. Now it's my three year list! I don't think the timeframe is as relevant, but it is the list of all the stuff that I think would really add to my wardrobe pre-family planning. I continually edit my list to add or subtract items that I think will really make an impact or would really fit with the rest of my closet.

Here's a subset of my list (the full one is long, but one I'm happy with). What is on your ideal wardrobe list?

Apparel

X - super feminine or Mackage coat

- tweed jacket (classic-2)

X - tweed jacket (edgier)

- classic beige trench (hmm splurge at Burberry outlet in London or Zara version?)

- statement jacket (3)

- lace cardigan/jacket

X - lace skirt

X- semi-casual cardigan (Stacia? or DKNY Cozy -3)

- work worthy top (pink or coral)

- work worthy top (2-cream or black)

- work worthy top (jewel tone)

- work worthy top (2-interesting print)

X - work worthy top (neutral)

- printed cami/shirt (2)

X - white tank dress (2)

- white pencil skirt

- maxi skirt or dress (2)

XX- midi skirt (2)

- white or cream pants (wide or boot leg)

- tunic - casual and washable

- tunic - more formal

X - scalloped dress

- LBD (2)

- trouser jeans

XXX - work to weekend dress (5)

- nice t-shirt (2)

- quality leggings

- {in case of a vintage masterpiece} (3)

- {a great printed piece, maybe my coveted Missoni?}

Shoes

- staple black pumps (2)

- black low heels/sandals for night

- jewel tone pumps (fuchsia or cobalt blue)

- nude pumps (2-Pour La Victoire Irina?)

- everyday chic sandals (2)

X- Lanvin (or other quality brand) flats (3)

- print pumps

- gray or other neutral pumps

Handbags
- vintage Chanels and Hermes Kellys (if I get the big promo) are on the list!

Labels: shopping, Shopping Tips, Wardrobe Staple

Wardrobe staple - cross-body bag (and a few on sale now via Shopbop and Barney's NY!)

I love, love, love handbags. I have everything from Coach to Banana Republic to vintage Chanel handbags. But now I want to focus on both substance and style in my future handbag purchases. I've decided that my next few handbags will be cross-body bags.

They are not only stylish, but functional as well. They are hands-free, won't slip off your shoulder (so helpful for my small shoulders), and distribute weight more evenly making them great for everyone from students to styling moms. Everyone should have at least one cross-body bag and I am currently coveting the watermelon colored Alexa or J. W. Hulme bag (reminds me of my mom's vintage Coach bags) and the Alexis Hudson bag for work.

Here are my top cross-body bag picks:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Natasha leather cross body bag, Net-a-Porter, $350

Stone Mountain Roadster Mini E/W Cross-body bag, Endless.com, $62

Kristin patent hippie, Coach, $258

Botkier Charlotte Satchel, Zappos.com, $431.25 (ret. $575)

Mulberry Watermelon Alexa (GORGEOUS color), My-wardrobe.com, $1,263.90

Alexis Hudson Rita, Shopbop, $437.50 (ret.$625)

J. W. Hulme Legacy bag, Barney's NY, $249 (ret. $410)

Save!

- Shopbop occasionally has deals where you get a discount off purchases at certain thresholds (e.g. $150 off $750 or $500 off $1500).

- Coach has preferred customer sales throughout the year. I know I've gotten a few things for 20-25% off!

- Shopbop and Barney's NY sales are on now!

- All sites mentioned also have sales so keep on e-stalking the bag of your choice!

Labels: fashion, Wardrobe Staple

Wardrobe staple - Top Trouser jeans (some under $60!)

Denim has experienced a pretty meteoric rise in the last ten years. We no longer blink at $100+ jeans and different levels of premium denim (though I will proudly say that I've gotten all my premium jeans for <$100).

But what styles should truly be wardrobe staples? While skinny fit jeans have lasted a few seasons and wide leg/flared leg jeans are this year's must-have, I'm aiming in the middle with a pair of trouser jeans. These also have a flared leg and comfortable cut (for those days when you don't wait your pants to be too tight), but still somewhat fitted. Most importantly, they are totally versatile and can be dressed up or down.

Here are my top picks:

7 for all Mankind Miller Trouser jeans, Piperlime, $106.99

Joes Jeans High Rise Wide Leg Visionaire Flare, Couture Candy, $168

New Wide Leg Trouser jeans (dark wash), Gap, $69.50

Flare leg Stella Regular Fit Trouser Jeans, Express, $69.90 (Buy one, get one 50% off!)

Save!
- Go through Big Crumbs or Mr. Rebates first for a cashback rebate of 3-5% at all of the stores above.
- Designer outlets such as Loehmann's or Filene's Basement in the US could stock these styles or wait for them to pop up in an online sample sale.

Labels: fashion, Wardrobe Staple

Wardrobe staple - tweed jacket

As I mentioned here, my love for Chanel is definitely due in large part to their flawless (and sometimes fanciful) execution of the classic tweed jacket. While I think a lovely Chanel tweed jacket is worth the cost, the reality is that it will take a while to save (or be willing to spend) for one! The good news is that there are many options for tweed outerwear ranging from the classic jacket to modern cardigans.

I love contrast trims...