| The little black dress- if you don't have one (or two, or three), you need one! It's a versatile piece that works for any occasion, from a festive wedding to a work dinner. Keep it on the simple side (sheath, no lace) for work. The lace cocktail version is perfect for a night out. The fit and flare of many of these dresses is ultra figure-flattering, and for those with arm insecurity, many of them offer the option to cover up your arms.
PS- I listed the prices, but I know that's not what you would pay- because you're going to use coupons!
Limited Lace Cocktail Dress $128
|
Limited Ponte Skater Dress $68
|
Lane Bryant Collection Peplum Dress $100
|
Lane Bryant Danika Draped Dress $75
|
New York and Co Wavy Knit Fit and Flare Dress $45
|
New York and Co Fit and Flare with faux leather inset $42
|
This clearance scarf is currently $16.99 at Jcrewfactory.com
This perfect-fit long sleeve is on clearance for $19.99 at JCrew.com (retail, not the outlet).
 Anyone who knows me even a little knows that I love J. Crew and frugality. At first glance, it would seem the two live in separate worlds, with no hope of ever meeting. After all, J. Crew retail sells top-of-the-line, quality apparel with top-of-the line prices. $148 for a pair of pants? $78 for a button up shirt? And let's not forget their collection items, which range anywhere from $198 for a blouse to $895 for a cashmere short sleeved t-shirt. Um, I'm a teacher, remember?? Not Beyonce!
But, never fear, because in all reality you can afford J. Crew with some special effort...the main one being forget J. Crew retail and shop their factory collection instead. Here are some of my tips for scoring great J. Crew deals! And since most of my readers are local, we have the bonus of living right near the factory outlet in Williamsburg.
1. Shop online at www.jcrewfactory.com.
J. Crew Factory online offers a huge selection of their clothing and features weekly discounts. If you're even more J. Crew savvy, check out the online features and THEN go to the store to see if the item might be cheaper there (and also use your teacher ID). There is also a Final Sale section where clothes headed out of season get marked down. Sizes and colors are limited, of course, BUT not every item is actually "final sale," so it is possible to get an item that is returnable if it doesn't fit. Just read the fine print before purchasing.
2. Sign up for email alerts and deals.
The best customers get the earliest deals and specials. Factory First, an email program, allows you early access to the newest arrivals before they're available to the general public.
3. Like their Facebook page (and enter the daily give-away).
Style Sweeps allows you to enter your email address for a chance to win 1/5 monthly gift cards (I haven't won yet, but I'm hoping)! You can enter once a day. Also, they announce their sales on their Facebook page.
4. At the outlet, shop the clearance section.
This is probably my best tip at getting items for bottom dollar. For example, this wool skirt in my photo was on sale for $29.99, but I got it for an EXTRA 40% off that price on the clearance rack. There was even a cashmere cardigan for about $40 (seriously).
5. Only buy an item that is currently on sale (often times at 30-40% off regular price).
Whether retail or factory, never pay full price (that's pretty much my life motto). If it's not on sale yet, it will be soon. One caveat: it's possible for an item to be so popular it sells out. J. Crew factory featured a houndstooth sweat shirt that I would have purchased, but it sold out so quickly I never even got the chance :-(
6. In the store, use your teacher ID.
You get an extra 15% off, whether retail or factory. As far as I know, however, you cannot use it on final clearance items.
7. Get the J. Crew credit card.
know, cringe. But I have mine, and I use it. I get special discounts and points toward future purchases. And I ALWAYS pay off the balance in full each month. Do not, I repeat, do not, ever pay interest on a speciality credit card.
8. Shop the kids' department for accessories.
My favorite sun glasses are from the boys' section and I have a tortoise headband from the girls' department. These bargains can be very hard to find, though- it's more of an in-store luck thing.
Everyone makes goals for themselves, and we all know it can be a great tool to track progress. If you're looking to increase your style quotient, consider setting style goals for yourself. If you're looking for a few suggestions, here are my tips!
1. Change your earrings twice a week. 2. Try out a scarf (I love infinity scarves, which easily drape around the neck). 3. Try a skinny leg jean. They're not just for "skinny" people- I promise! 4. Invest in a high-quality pair of leather knee-high boots. I've had great success (and great prices) at TJ Maxx. 5. When you want to go casual, choose ballet flats (or pointy toe flats) over flip flops. It's a much more pulled-together look. 6. Keep a pair of heels at work, so you can drive and walk into the building in your flats and change when you arrive. 7. Try a wedge shoe. They are actually very comfortable and come not only in sandals, but boots as well. 8. Wear a dress at least 1-2 times a week! Find a style that works for you, whether it's a sheath, fit and flare, wrap, etc. 9. Invest in Spanx. No one has to know, and you'll feel more confident. Style is absolutely about illusion. 10. Evaluate your undergarments. Do they fit? Are they supportive? Consider getting a certified bra fitting to make sure everything is where it's supposed to be with the right fitting bra. It can make a world of difference in the way your clothes fit. 11. Whether or not you wear make-up, at least consider using a foundation or tinted moisturizer (I use Garnier's BB fluid) to even out your skin tone. 12. Change your purse once in a while or at least with a new season. If you're going out on a date or in the evening, bring a clutch instead of a full-sized purse. Trust me on this one. 13. Find a celebrity whose style you admire and try to emulate one of their looks. 14. Peruse fashion magazines or catalogs for outfit inspiration. Use pieces you already own to recreate a look. 15. Buy a great winter coat. Make it bright- who wants to wear one more layer of black in winter? E
 As humans, we are constantly editing in our lives (I learned this from a recent staff development I led for work). Think about it- what activities are you trying to improve upon? When you cook, do you think, "Okay, next time I should add more salt"? Or when you have a work project, do you look back on it and say, "Well, the Power Point was very thorough but I need to polish my delivery"? Fashion is the same way. Editing should be a natural part of the style process, and here are my tips!
1. Take time to reflect on your style. Do you like to wear A-line skirts or full skirts? Do you prefer shorts or skirts? Are you a round-toe gal or a pointy-toe gal? Reflecting on what you feel comfortable in can help you buy flattering styles, but can also help you go out of your comfort zone. If you've never tried an A-line before, don't be scared to try one on the next time you're out shopping. Knowing what you like can help you see where you've been and where you can go.
2. Try a trend- or two. The older I get, the less likely I am to try a trend. But that doesn't mean I don't see what's out there and try what I think might work for me. The best way to try a trend is with accessories, so that you don't spent a ton of money but still get a new look. Another way to try a trend is in the beauty department. For instance, one of the very popular trends are intricately designed nails. I'm pretty simple and I'm not patient enough to constantly change my nail polish, but I have tried a version of the trend by painting all my nails one color and painting one nail per hand a separate, but complementary, color. It's a subtle difference, but fellow fashionistas will notice! Bubble necklaces are in again (they were last recently popular when I attended my 10-year high school reunion 4 years ago), but there's no need to spend a fortune. I recently snagged mine at Charming Charlie's for only $10!
3. Take a picture (it will last longer!): I cannot stress the importance of looking at your clothes from a perspective other than your mirror. You will automatically notice all kinds of things you never saw in the past. For example, do your pants bunch up in all the wrong places? Do you need to get them hemmed? Are the buttons on your shirt too snug? Perhaps you need, ahem, more supportive undergarments. Maybe you need to try a different pair of shoes with an outfit- heels and flats can completely alter a look. If you've purchased a new outfit, I recommend taking a photo of yourself in it before removing the tags- you might find that what you thought you loved in the fitting room now looks completely different in the light of day!
4. Keep an eye on your closet. One of my co-workers gave me this awesome suggestion: after you wear something from your closet, turn the hanger backwards. Then you can immediately see what you're wearing and what hasn't been in rotation for awhile. That way, you can either change things up by wearing the unused garment, or decide it's time to clear a little extra room in your closet by taking it to a resale store, consignment, or Goodwill.
|
RSS Feed