Cheap Cheats: Stadium Jacket

Today we went shopping in downtown SF, which I totally recommend to anyone in the area. It's definitely one of my favorite places to shop, besides Santana Row and basically most Westfield Malls. Anyway, besides the usual (Nordstrom, Madewell, etc.) we went to Tiffany's, Gump's, the new Nespresso shop, and a bunch of other places. Random tangent: for any of you familiar with Gump's, am I the only one who finds the random Asian antique-feel in parts of the shop super weird? It's like a combination of some swanky department store and a Chinatown import emporium. Anyway, we got a lot of Christmas shopping done, so I'd count the day as being pretty successful (although I didn't get to visit my other usual faves: Anthropologie, Gap, etc. :( ). As I passed by the gorgeous Madewell denim and cords (on sale, some as low as $39.99!) whilst purchasing my Secret Santa gift, I noticed the gorgeous Stadium Jacket, which I've only been lusting over since like forever ago when I first spotted it in the catalog.

Madewell Stadium Jacket-$298 online

BUT A DIFFERENT PRICE IN STORE. It's only (hah, only) $199.99+additional 25% off there! That annoys me--the prices in the Madewell store are cheaper than the prices online, but their e-store sometimes has a greater variety of inventory, if not store accurate colors and sizes =__= I suppose that's somewhat standard for a lot of stores, but still. I mean, I'm grateful every time I go to the physical SF Madewell store, but I can't help but wish it was bigger. And closer. (My wallet[/my parents' funding of my wardrobe] may disagree.) 

Perhaps this can serve as a cheap replacement...for now. 

Liberty Spliced Biker Jacket-originally $49.95, now $30.00

But I reallyy want the Madewell version, so maybe not. :( Oh well, Christmas AND my birthday AND my graduation happen to be coming up (some sooner than others)... so we shall see. Hehrherhehhr. >:)

Popomomo and Other Great Things

I'm sorry for the lack of updates, guys, I really am. But I do have very good excuses reasons why I haven't been posting (in no particular order):
1) College apps
2) School
    a) Econ homework

    b) AP English Hamlet (and now A Prayer for Owen Meany) to read (both of which are amazing)
    c) Other altos not singing in Choir to complain about

    d) Journalism articles to write (3)

    e) Mock Trial to prepare for in Law and Society

    f) AP Stats homework+notes+tests and quizzes
3) Rainy weather
4) Repetitive outfits
5) Restriction of camera usage

Anyway, the point of this post: even though I haven't been posting much of my style, I still have time to admire others'. Without further adieu, here are a few pieces I'd love to add to my wardrobe.

First up, some super amazing pieces from the shop Popomomo--short for Post-postmodernism movement. Sophisticated and intelligent-sounding already, right? Even better, all of their clothing is made in LA of sustainable fabrics. I fell for the gorgeous and intriguing prints in great fabrics such as silk and organic cotton, combined with the classic or classic-with-a-twist silhouettes. (The sale prices didn't hurt, either.)

Popomomo Girl Shirt-$128-40% off

Popomomo Bluster Bomber-$128-40% off

Those pieces are definitely difficult to beat, but this dress is pretty gorgeous as well:

Last Dance Slip-$280

Christmas and my birthday (New Year's) are coming up, but for now, these are all out of my price range. :( A girl can dream, though! Sigh...

Hold Your Horses!

So, I was surfing the web on my iPod during my block choir class (hey, it's an hour and a half, and I happen to be one of the only altos who actually sings, so cut me some slack) when I came across these beauties:

Holding Horses Patchwork Gable Boyfriend-Anthropologie

What was even more beautiful was the price: $9.95, reduced from $138! Never mind the fact that they actually had my size. After school, Quickly with friends, shower, and dinner, I convinced my mom to drive us to our nearest Anthro so we could find them.

Short version: WE FOUND THEM IN MY SIZE. I am now the proud owner of the above jeans. :D

Long version: Entering my local Anthro around fifteen minutes before closing, my mom and I fast-walked towards the sale room in the back. Much to my despair, I couldn’t find them in the sale section. My mother was far more prudent than I, and searched the sale rack near the dressing rooms. Et voila! She found them! Except—they didn’t have my size. They only had one 28 and a bunch of 29’s and 30’s. In other words, about 4-6 sizes too big (my size generally ranges from 24-26, or 00-2, depending on whether I want a skinny skinny fit or a more slouchy one). My mom told one of the Anthro girls that online it said there was limited availability of size 26. The girl said to search the sale section, in case someone put it back there. I was crestfallen. I had just come from the sale section; I knew there were none. Combing through the racks dejectedly once more, I searched for my size and admired the softness of the 100% cotton denim. Perhaps it could shrink to my size…? I sighed, and then wandered back to the sale room, where my suspicions were confirmed by my mom: no Holding Horses Patchwork Gable Boyfriend size 26 on the rack. All of a sudden, the Anthro sales associate popped out of the back room of the sale room with a pair of jeans in her hands. “Here, I found the size 26.” My mom thanked her elatedly and shooed me off to the dressing rooms. Final test: the fit. I pulled them on, and—perfection. They were a little oversized in the waist, it’s true, and a size 25 might’ve been better, but they were perfect for that comfy, slouchy boyfriend jean feel. My mom came in to see them, and then whisked us off to the cash register, where we bought the jeans for a whopping total of $10.71 and brought them home.

 The end.

In other news, I now have about 4 new pairs of jeans that I haven't worn yet. Not to mention the new pair of BB Dakota shorts, the matching laser cut tank, and the Alternative Apparel tank, all from Karmaloop. I know I shouldn't tag away from Twitter, but... #shoppingaddictproblems.

Quick Fix: Fall Outerwear

Hey, Sarah here checking in really fast with a quick post. I'll post more outfits soon, promise (I have the pics all ready, just need to upload, edit, and make posts), but in the meantime let's all enjoy this gorgeous coat from Pixie Market.

Charcoal leather trim jacket [Lil4656] - $75 Pixie Market

 It looks much more expensive than it actually is, no? Such sophistication for such a reasonable price :D

To Grandmother's House We Go

Sorry for the lack of posting recently. I've had to commence the struggle against college apps, which is quite an unfortunate load to tackle. Not to mention that old jealous standby, homework... 

Anyway, here's a bunch of pictures we took at our Grandma Lila's house. She has some pretty darn awesome vintage stuff since she's a major packrat.

Vintage thermoses. 

Creepy creeper.

Madewell Indigo Dot Dress | Vintage hand knit vest

You can't really tell, but I'm wearing this rad vintage Calvin Klein denim overall dress.

UPDATE: It looks exactly like this: 

Source. 

Grandparents' bathroom lace curtains and ceramic figurines. 

Cool kid in the house, obviously. 

All vintage: Faconnable orange gingham men's shirt | Handmade vest |  high-waisted Jag Jeans

Cheap Cheats: Half-Sheer Buttondown

I actually first saw the cheaper version of this shirt at Nordstrom BP., then noticed that Free People made one exactly like it, but more expensive.

Free People Sheer Buttondown Tunic-$118

Lush Sheer Panel High Low Shirt-originally $48, on sale for $23.90

Be right back, time to convince my parents to buy me the Nordstrom BP. one. ;)

Falling for Autumn

This is going to be a really quick post, since I already posted earlier today and I should actually start my homework since I just finished watching Revolution. :) Anyway, I was browsing the Madewell website and saw this adorable Jolie Shoe Clip. I think it'd be totally awesome to wear as a bowtie instead though; the leather would add a subtle tough edge.

Jolie Shoe Clip-orig. $14.00, sale price $4.99 

(+additional 25% off with code YIPPEE)

Perhaps paired with this buttondown and a pair of burgundy/oxblood pants perfect for fall. ;D

Vince Camuto Contrast Trim Blouse (sold out but similar @Free People)

Sofia Capri in Velvet Cherry from Lucky Brand Jeans. On me they're ankle length... also, they're less grape, more dark cranberry in person.

And now all I need is a pair of smoking slippers to complete that nice fall look. These would be lovely.

Matiko 'Lana' Flat-$139.99

 Somehow, however, I don't think I'll be buying those shoes anytime soon. Sigh. A girl can dream, huh?

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The Cat's Pajamas

I was browsing the sale sections of internet boutiques instead of doing homework (what else is new?) when I came across this gorgeous 100% silk Rachel Antonoff Kusum Blouse--a fun, spotty take on the classic pajama top silhouette.

Rachel Antonoff Kusum Blouse-reg. $198, on sale for $48(!)

The pajama dressing trend first became popular around January-February, stayed for Spring/Summer 2012, and was alive and well at Fashion Week for fall '12 (pajama suits are apparently a thing now). And while I don't think I'm quite ready for a pajama suit, I'd totally be willing to wear this top around town with a structured jacket, slim pants, and some heels. The oversized polka dots are just so much fun, and it doesn't hurt that it's a great markdown besides. Also, have I mentioned that I have a huge thing for buttondowns?

Cheap Cheats: Varsity Jackets

When we visited Fashion Island a few weeks ago, we went into True Religion on a whim. I saw this awesome varsity jacket (shown below) and surreptitiously checked the price tag. I then let it drop, nodding casually lest the shopkeeper see the shock plastered across my face. $500?! I mean, I knew it would be expensive (let's be real, it's True Religion), but I didn't expect something that exorbitant. Even if it was a wool-polyamide blend with real leather trim.

True Religion Richie Varsity Jacket-$497

I vowed to find a more reasonably priced varsity jacket, but preferably one that looked decent and somewhat similar. Then, when I was surfing the online boutiques, I came across one much more suited for my budget.

Oasap Contrast Color Loose Baseball Jacket-$30

In fact, for almost $450 less, I'm willing to look past the lack of real leather and wool.

{je danse avec une lampe.}

Fedora-Orange County Swap Meet | Sunglasses-vintage | Denim Shirt-vintage from Mom | Striped Tank-Nordstrom BP. | Belt-vintage from Grandma-remarkably similar here | Pinstripe Shorts-Gap | Gray crochet socks-vintage from Mom | Once Again Watch-Swatch | Trouve Laceless Oxfords-Nordstrom

Meet my new dance partner, Monsieur Lampe.

Andy Warhol's 50th Anniversary Campbell's Soup Cans at Target! I want to buy one of each color just to  hoard them in my pantry, take pictures of/with them, and basically admire them for the rest of time.

Simply Splendid

Nomnomnom. Blueberries. 

Gap Jean Jacket we've had so long that it's become cool again. :D

Mimi Chica Romper-Nordstrom | Splendid Tank Top-Duo (VA Boutique on The Corner)

Simple Day

So we actually have two Anthropologie Puella tops. You may remember the gray and blue one from this post.

Puella top-Anthropologie | Once Again Watch-Swatch | Artist Flare Jeans-American Eagle

Am I the only one who buys multiples of the same top in different colors? O_O 

Well, I share clothes with my mom and sis, so that's my excuse. :)

Plaid to Meet You

Okay, bad pun. Anyway, this was one of my outfits from a couple weeks back; apparently it was cool enough to wear that day. I can't wait for more fall weather since I absolutely love layering buttondowns and sweaters. 

Me being a dork, as per usual. Ignore the conspicuous lens cap on the arm of the sofa. =__=

Awesome word sunglasses from a random vendor in downtown VA-$5 | Green sweater-Old Navy | Love, Fire Plaid Buttondown-Nordstrom BP. | Skinny jeans-Gap

Cheap Cheats: Patterned Play with Pants

For the past few days, I've been endlessly scouring my favorite websites, searching through sale sections like a fiend instead of doing homework. I've also been compiling giant wishlists and sending them as not-so-subtle hints to my mother, but that's a whole 'nother story. 

Anyway, I noticed that there are some patterned pants at Forever that reminded me of some Free People ones I just saw yesterday.

Forever 21 Patterned Pants-$19.80

Free People Desert Palm Pant-$128 (but now marked down to $29.95)

This time it's not such a huge markdown, but it would've been if you'd bought them full price. This time, why not splurge $10 more for the Free People ones ;)

Catching Up with the Yungsters

Sorry for missing a couple of days there! I have a bunch of pics too, just haven't uploaded them yet. Over Labor Day, we went down to the LA area for our cousin Kai's seventh birthday. He had a pirate dinner at this special reenactment place. It was cool, but another highlight of the trip for me was shopping at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. While there, I scored an awesome pair of... Drumroll please...

J Brand High Rise Biancas in Monaco :D

I got them from the awesome boutique Modern Romance for just $39. Best markdown ever--from $215. The shop girls didn't look exactly happy when we bought them, since the other pairs in all larger sizes were marked $99. However, I was understandably ecstatic. I can't wait to pair them with some heels and a dramatic top for a night out or something :) 

In other news, my sister bought an awesome $5 fedora from the Orange County Swap Meet which you'll probably be seeing soon.

Ta-da!

Here are a few more pics from the trip:

V-neck Pocket Tee-Madewell | Shorts-Forever 21

Hotel hallway pictures are fun :D I wanted to take pics with a more eerie feel inspired by The Shining, but we didn't have the time or the right clothes.

Sunglasses-Nordstrom BP. | Cardigan-Nordstrom BP. | I Hate Fashion Tee-Urban Outfitters | Garment Dyed Midi Shorts-Madewell

Fedora-OC Swap Meet | Pirates of the Caribbean Mickey Tee-Disneyland | shorts-Old Navy

Michael Stars and True Religion ♥__♥ If only we were rich.

Awesome fountain in front of American Rag Cie. Didn't get to go to American Rag though :(

Cool flower display on the steps.

Another fountain.

Macarons ♥__♥

Business is booming at Lette! 

Kai actually asked if we could take them off of there to eat.

Madagascar Vanilla, Lemon, 2 Chocolate, Latte, Coconut, Coconut, Strawberry, Lemon, Lychee, Mint. Nomnomnom. Delicious AND expensive, of course.

View from the Fashion Island parking lot.

And a last message from the OC Swap Meet to all you blog visitors: