shopping

Insomniac Sale Picks: Wide Waistband Full Skirts

by Sal on May 17, 2012 · 6 comments

*In this late-night feature – which will run Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week – I’ll gather up three fun items that are currently on sale online and share them with you! I would LOVE suggestions: Stylish wide-width pumps? Classic v-necked sweaters? Chandelier earrings? Petite dress slacks? What would you like to see featured?*

Jori requested a few picks for wide waistband full skirts – ones that look like this – so here we go:

Poplin Full Skirt – was $108, now $81

Wow. This one is calling to me, friends. Between the wide waistband, the sassy full skirt, and those inverted pleats this is just about my favorite skirt silhouette. Available in sizes 2 -16 in stone, some sizes sold out in this blue but available in July, and only size 6 in solid black.

Jones New York Pleated Skirt – was $131, now $91.20

This silhouette isn’t quite as voluminous as the first option, but still has the swingy fun of a full skirt. This is a very office-friendly style and color, but would work equally well with a cute tee or absolutely anything nautically themed. Available in sizes 4 – 16.

Anne Klein Pleated Skirt – was $99, now $79

This floaty little number might be a bit fancier than Jori was hoping for, but it could be dressed down with a denim or leather jacket, or even a simple, fitted tee. This peachy coral is quite trendy right now, and since it can wreak havoc on many skin tones (including mine), wearing it on the bottom is a great option. Available in sizes 2 -16.

Other not-currently-on-sale resources for lightweight navy blazers:

ModCloth - Full skirts are a staple for this vintage-influenced vendor, and many styles will feature a wide waistband. This gingham one is darling, as is this solid black one. Read sizing info carefully before ordering!
Anthropologie – Three of my favorite skirts in this style – including the example linked to in the intro – hail from Anthro. This style and silhouette seem to make it into their offerings just about every season.
Banana Republic – Right now, all they’ve got is this one. But my all-time favorite wide-waistband skirt is from BR, as well as several less-loved and thrifted ones. They don’t do them every season, but they do them beautifully.
ASOS – Several great options, including this glorious green one that is ever-so not-on-sale.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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Insomniac Sale Picks: Lightweight Navy Blazers

by Sal on May 16, 2012 · 6 comments

Kim requested a few picks for lightweight navy blue blazers, so here we go:

Tropical Wool Sophia Jacket – was $198, now $119.99
PLUS an additional 30% off with code MAY30

I understand now why Kim put in this request. The options for lightweight navy blazers are extremely slim. This version just barely qualifies due to being a seasonless wool in a cropped silhouette. Available in sizes 00 – 18, as well as petite and tall.

Calvin Klein Denim Blazer – was $99.50, now $89.99

I know, but wait. This is a SUPER dark wash denim with no whiskering or detailing, regular blazer buttons, and a traditional blazer cut. It won’t fly with those of you who prefer more traditional blazers, but it’s a good navy option for more casual dressers. And being unlined and made from a relatively lightweight, cotton denim, it should work for summer wear. Available in sizes XS – XL.

Jones New York Knit Jacket – was $79, now $44.79

Since this is a knit, it reads as relatively casual but the eye-catching cut and clean lines will make it a decent choice for all but the most conservative of office environments. Three-quarter sleeves and lack of lining make this a breathable, warm weather-friendly option. Available in size S – XL. (Also comes in gray heather)

212 Collection Solid Blazer – was $48, now $33.60

None of tonight’s picks are perfect or exactly what Kim wants, so I’m throwing a fourth into the pot in hopes of distracting you with quantity of options. (Lightweight navy blazers = RARE.) I’m not a huge fan of short-sleeved blazers for myself since they draw lots of attention to the upper arms and are useless in winter, but they are well ventilated! Which is a decent stand-in for lightweight! Available in sizes 4 – 18.

Other not-currently-on-sale resources for lightweight navy blazers:

Nordstrom - If for no other reason than they sell Eileen Fisher, who does light, unlined blazers nearly every spring/summer. But this partially lined option is mighty cute, too, and has several not-on-sale friends on the Nordstrom site.
Urban Outfitters – I think of navy as a preppy staple, so I was surprised to find this drapey navy blazer and this fitted navy blazer, both at reasonable prices.
Mango – But actually just this blazer here which I think is exactly what Kim is looking for.
And, of course, THRIFT STORES! OK, I’ll admit that if you’re looking for a very specific blazer – like a lightweight navy one, say – attempting to thrift it might make your head cave in. But a good 70% of my blazer collection is thrifted, so blazers as a broad category? Thriftable. (thethriftshopper.com can help you locate stores near you.)

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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Insomniac Sale Picks: Messenger Bags

by Sal on May 15, 2012 · 1 comment

Shelley requested a few picks for messenger bags, so here we go:

Kenneth Cole Messenger Bag – was $260, now $93.74

This bag is fairly small – 12″ x 12″ x 3″ – but very sleek and features two front pockets and one back pocket in addition to the main compartment. The leather is soft, so if you prefer a more structured messenger, this won’t be your best bet. But for traveling light, it’s ideal. Comes in this tan, chocolate brown, and black.

8th line Canvas Laptop Messenger – was $60, now $37.99

Can you tell I’m a fan of minimalist messengers? This budget-friendly, vegan-friendly option doubles as a laptop case which appeals to me since larger messengers can get floppy. But the laptop sleeve is removable. The strap is padded, which is helpful if you’re hauling heavy. It’s 4″ x 17″ x 12.5″ and comes in this classic black, brown, and army green.

Nuo Canvas Messenger Bag – was $59.99, now $56.99

If you go in for a slightly more rugged look, this big bag is a fun choice. At 17″ x 11.5″ x 4″ it should hold all of your goodies and then some, including most laptops up to 17″. (Bag includes a padded laptop sleeve.) This is a canvas bag but has some leather trim, so not totally vegan.

Other not-currently-on-sale resources for messenger bags:

Diaz Bags – I’ve mentioned this vendor before, but must do so again. I cannot TELL you how many compliments I get on my own laptop case, and I’m loving the line’s new minimalist messengers.
Manhattan Portage – I just never got into Timbuk2 bags, but Manhattan Portage will hold a place in my heart forever. They’re just so sleek and pared-down. This classic style is a fave.
eBags.com – A great resource for bags of all kinds, including messengers.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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Insomniac Sale Picks: Narrow-width Walkable Sandals

by Sal on May 10, 2012 · 2 comments

Rachel requested a few picks for narrow-width, walkable sandals that look relatively dressy, so here we go:

SoftSpots Neima- was $80, now $39.99 – $78.40 (depending on size/color)

Such a pretty, classic sandal. If you have trouble with slingbacks these might not fall under “walkable,” but if they work for you that sturdy little heel should be acceptable for anything under 45 minutes or so. These little loves come in over 20 colors including seafoam, pewter, summery white, several versions of faux snakeskin, and loads of shiny patent leather options. Narrow sizes don’t seem to be available below size 6, but go on up through size 11.

Bella-Vita Silk – was $69.95, now $55.99 (select colors)

That little heel and balancing platform make these espadrilles a decent bet for walkability. I love them in this pale silk, which will be nude for many pale-skinned gals and therefore elongate the leg line. But they also come in magenta, green, black navy, pale yellow, and red. AA/narrow sizes are available in 6 – 12.

Naturalizer Cadence – was $69, now $56.44 – $59.95 (depending on size/color)

These guys are more on the “walkable” end of things, but are certainly dressier than many available sandals. With a cushy-soft sole and artfully criss-crossed straps, this pair will complement just about any flirty sundress. Available in this fabulous blue, black, brown, red, white, and a metallic mix. Narrow sizes in 6 – 11.

Other not-currently-on-sale resources for narrow-width walkable sandals:

Camper – This Spanish brand doesn’t stock narrow sizes, but I have been buying their shoes for nearly 10 years and find them to be excrutiatingly narrow. If you have really, really narrow feet this brand might not work and I definitely advise eyeballing individual pairs. But if you’re marginally narrow, they’re worth a gander.
Amazon – 246 pairs of narrow width sandals in all price ranges and styles.
Naturalizer – Whenever I’m on the hunt for narrow shoes for clients, this brand always ends up a winner.
And, of course, check out Barking Dog Shoes for in-depth reviews of shoes for speciality size feet of all kinds!

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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How to Curb Impulse Buys

by Sal on May 10, 2012 · 30 comments

I love to shop. You may have gathered this about me. I also love to thrift, and have spent many a pleasant afternoon scouring the racks of my local secondhand emporiums. I love clothes and feeling beautiful in my clothes, I read hundreds of style blogs every week, and I pore over countless magazines catalogs every month. My brain is brimming with products and prices and garments and outfits. I look at a lot of stuff and I buy a lot of stuff, including the occasional misfire. But I have managed to work on and nearly eradicate my impulse shopping urges. Here’s how:

I ask myself, “Will you still want this in three weeks?”

Impulse buys can feel so fun in the moment, but the moment passes. And if – days or weeks later – a bout of buyer’s remorse descends upon me, all that fun gets sucked out. And then some extra fun gets sucked out, too. I end up with a fun deficit, and that’s just lousy. So I attempt to fast-forward into the future and consider how I’ll feel about the potential impulse buy three weeks from the present day. In most cases, I can see SO CLEARLY that the item in question will be long forgotten. And if my foresight is fuzzy, I consider actually waiting the full three weeks before making a decision. Getting some real or imagined distance helps me be less emotional and more logical about purchasing decisions.

I ask myself, “What hole does this fill in your wardrobe?”

Some impulse buys turn out to be wardrobe staples, and some carefully plotted purchases turn out to be duds. But that doesn’t mean that the former is wise and the latter foolish. And it certainly doesn’t negate the importance of considering each potential purchase in the larger context of your existing wardrobe.

Now, admittedly, I have a large and varied wardrobe already. Buying items that duplicate or even resemble pieces I already own is just plain wasteful.* So I am very careful to ask myself, “Do you love this because it’s so ‘you,’ or because it’s got aspects in common with other pieces you already own and love?” I determine if an item is unlike others in my closet, and also consider if it would fill a niche that I’ve been longing to fill. Items that are unique and useful make the cut. Others get left behind.

I ask myself, “Where would you wear this?”

I DO believe in the practice of imagining at least three potential outfits for every new item bought, but more often I take this shortcut: I don’t attend a lot of balls so I have little need for tiaras, satin sandals, and silk gowns. I don’t live in a rainy climate so Hunter boots are well nigh useless to me. My meetings are virtually all business casual, so suits are a waste of money for me. Aside from my own comfort and aesthetic preferences, I try to envision context. Where will this potential new purchase be worn? A home office day? Weekend out? Fancy gathering? How practical is the purchase if the answer is a locale or activity that occurs only rarely in my life? My impulses to buy both super-fancy and super-casual items fall off once I consider location and application.

Are you an impulse shopper? How do YOU attempt to keep the impulsive buying urge in check? Would these tips work for you?

Image courtesy 401kcalculator.org.

* I do duplicate some items, though, and definitely know that buying staples in bulk can prove wise for many folks. Some multiples are accidentally bought non-staples – items that don’t fill any need or hole or specific, known purpose – and those are the ones I try to avoid.

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Insomniac Sale Picks: Sweater Coats and Dusters

by Sal on May 9, 2012 · 3 comments

Jennifer requested a few picks for sweater coats and dusters that will work on a petite frame, so here we go:

Aran Cable Cardigan – was $69.58, now $34.79

Jennifer is looking specifically for petite-friendly options, which is a toughie when it comes to dusters. This option is more along the “sweater coat” lines, being thick but a bit shorter overall, and has a shaped waist that will help give definition to most figures. Also the light, creamy color make it a good option for late spring wear. Available in sizes 4 – 14. (It’s acrylic, which accounts for the bargainous price!)

Anne Klein Oversized Shawl Collar Overcoat – was $169, now $88.99

Another good option for duster-loving petites. The removable belt give you the option to move your perceived waistline up or down as desired, and the curved hem means this cardigan won’t hit as low on the leg as some. Available in sizes S – XL.

Whistler Sweater Coat – was $138, now $59.99

I am sorely tempted by this sweater myself, friends. On most figures, the inset waist will hit fairly high (helpful on some petite frames) and the fabric below will glide over hips and bum. This is a wool/nylon blend, so it might be a bit warm for spring/summer wear, but Jennifer must live somewhere fairly cool since she sent in her request just last week! This sweater is available in sizes XXS – XL in this lovely plum, spotty availability in oatmeal and heather gray. Also comes in plus sizes.

Other not-currently-on-sale resources for sweater coats and dusters:

Free People – This high-low version is all they’ve got right now, but this retailer is a go-to for dusters in the fall and winter. Keep your eyes peeled!
ASOS – Lots and lots of options in addition to tonight’s pick, many currently on sale. This sheer black one looks lovely for warm weather wear.
Overstock.com – No idea why, but this clearinghouse always seems to have some long cardis and dusters in stock.

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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Insomniac Sale Picks: Long Necklaces

by Sal on May 8, 2012 · 4 comments

Kristen requested a few picks for long necklaces, so here we go:

Jet-Tone Long Necklace – was $28, now $19.60

At 60″ this is a loooooong long necklace, but since it’s pretty delicate looking, it could be doubled or even tripled for a fun layered look. It features both matte gunmetal chain and some shiny oval links. Such a great, go-with-anything piece.

Kate Spade New York “Cartwheel” Necklace – was $98, now $54.99

Technically multicolored but done up in all neutrals, this 34″ necklace will be chic, sleek, and versatile. I love the look of faux tortiseshell, so this option is calling to me! (Amazon has loads of Kate Spade Jewelry on sale now. Who knew?)

Gold Multi Chain Agate Necklace – was $29.99, now $23.99

This piece offers a layered look, a bit of asymmetry, and some chunky elements mixed with delicate ones. When I had lunch with my girl Beauty Bets last week, she layered some great brass chains over a paisley silk blouse. It looked dynamite. This 33″ piece would work similarly well with both prints and solids.

Other not-currently-on-sale resources for long necklaces:

Etsy – As I’ve said, much of my jewelry collection hails from Etsy. If you don’t see what you want, consider working with an artist to create something customized.
Bauble Bar – Nothing ever seems to go on sale at this popular jewelry store, but prices are pretty reasonable regardless. This long resin chain has been on my wishlist for ages.
Kohl’s – In addition to my pick above, Kohl’s offered up 305 options when I searched for “long necklace.” And nearly all of them were both cute and affordable!

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for alreadypretty.com. See Already Pretty’s disclosure statement for more details.

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Reader Request: Thrifted Staples

by Sal on May 8, 2012 · 28 comments

Lisa requested a post on my most-worn thrifted items and examples of how they’ve been remixed. How could I say no to THAT one? I scoured the archives looking for my most-worn, bought-used garments, and here are the winners:

MVP: Olive military blazer!

This little jacket has been through several years with me and gets year-round wear. It has a tendency to look a bit rumpled and sometimes I have to fight to keep those pocket flaps down, but the nipped-in waist and versatile vibe have made it a longtime favorite. I believe I paid about $5 for this jacket.

Runner up: Striped boat neck!

This sucker has gotten far more than these six wears since its purchase, believe me. I’m fascinated to see, though, that for blog purposes I have paired it with full skirts three times and maxis twice. Huh. This shirt cost me about $4.

Honorable mention: Chambray shirt!

This shirt has certainly been worn and styled in a wide variety of ways. Something about its Western roots make me want to pair it with boots, it seems. I paid about $2 for this shirt.

Honorable mention: Cropped denim jacket!

Hmmm, come to think of it, this was an eBay purchase. It was used when I bought it and only set me back $9.99, but I suppose it wasn’t technically “thrifted.” Is that cheating? Do you consider bought-used eBay items to be “thrifted”?

The dark horse: Pink tulle skirt!

OK, this skirt isn’t a staple. No way, no how. Every other garment featured here gets fairly regular wear both on and off the blog. But I was dumbfounded to discover that this skirt had been photographed five times in the past year and a half since its purchase. I can honestly say that I expected it to get trotted out less than once per year. I paid $18 for it. Pricey for thrift, but well worth it.

A few other items that deserve a tip of the hat include the black boat neck tee that I wore until it had several holes in it that could no longer be mended (it’s since been replaced by two bought-new black boat necks), the maroon scoopneck sweater that I thrifted this fall and must’ve worn far more times than I photographed, and the pleated khaki skirt that I bought on a whim and still adore three years later. Aside from the pink skirt, all of these thrifted wardrobe staples are pretty basic: Lots of denim, simple shapes, classic cuts, versatile colors. Makes sense as most frequently worn garments become favorites due to versatility.

Are any of YOUR wardrobe staples thrifted? What are they?

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