Cheap Cheats: Scallop Hem Lace Shorts

I haven't been posting Cheap Cheats for a little while because I became conflicted. After all, many of my Cheap alternatives came from fast fashion venues like Forever 21, which I try to abstain from because of the horrendous factory conditions and poor worker treatment. Not to mention the lacking customer service and bad return policy. I've decided to continue Cheap Cheats, but I'm going to try to source similar pieces which are made a little more sustainably or consciously. It'll be difficult, especially in today's world of global outsourcing, but I'll try my best. If I unknowingly post an item from an unsustainable/downright terrible place, you guys can tell me and I'll learn from my mistakes! Okay? Okay.

Without further ado, here's this week's Cheap Cheats: scallop hem lace shorts.

Recently, I was in the market for a very cute birthday gift for my very good friend Jodi. Recalling that a cute white skirt was on her wishlist--and knowing that her taste in fashion is often sweet and feminine--I set out to find her something that fit the bill. I had been eyeing a pair of lacy Free People shorts (okay, maybe for myself), but they were obviously a little out of my price range for a birthday gift.

Free People Scallop Lace Short - $78.00

However, I had a strong inkling that Jodi would enjoy that style, even in lieu of a skirt. So, it was with great relief that when out shopping for her gift, after hemming and hawing over not-quite-as-cute white skirts, I fortuitously came across a very similar pair:

Socialite Scalloped Lace High Waist Shorts - $38

And voila! I grabbed a striped apricot shirt from GAP to pair with it and my present was complete. Jodi was happy and predictably loved them, and I was happy that I saved $40. Also, I found a crochet pair in ivory for myself. So everyone was happy, really.

Cheap Cheats: Polka Dot Shorts

I've been searching for a cute, simple pair of high-waisted polka dot black and white shorts. I could shell out the $69.50 for the Madewell pair...or I could just buy the Forever 21 pair. Especially since they're both imported, most likely from China.

Madewell Artdot Shorts-$69.50

Forever 21 Essential High-Waisted Polka Dot Shorts -$19.80

Happy shopping! ^__^

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. >:)

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. ;)

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.

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 ;)

Cheap Cheats: In the Trenches

A classic piece that I really want is a nice trench coat. Of course, eventually when I'm grown and (hopefully) successful, I'll want to invest in something like an expensive Burberry trench--something I'll be able to wear for decades and maybe even pass on to posterity.

Burberry's Mid-Length Oversize Collar Cotton Poplin Trench Coat-$1,195

For now, however, the only way I'll be getting a Burberry trench coat is through my dreams. So I decided to look for something a little more cost effective, but still well-made. Enter Uniqlo.

Uniqlo's Women Trench Coat with Body Warm Lite Liner-$99.90

This is the color I want! :) 

Now all I have to do is convince my parents what a deal it is. :P

Do you guys have any pieces that have lasted for a long time? Was the initial investment worth it?

Cheap Cheats: Polka Dot Blazer

I've been wanting a polka dot blazer recently, so I researched my options. I first saw this adorable Madewell blazer in store:

Madewell's Artdot Blazer-$138

However, seeing as my parents would kill me if I spent that much on a blazer (they might be more willing for a pair of AG Stevies--but that's a story for another time ;)) I searched and found this cheaper alternative:

Forever 21's Polka Dot Blazer-$24.80

Nice way to save over a hundred bucks. :D

Cheap Cheats: Striped Blanket Shorts

Hey, all! Cheap Cheats is going to be an ongoing series by me (Sarah) or Nay. We'll be finding things that we like and posting cheaper alternatives. Enjoy! :)

If you love the El Cortez shorts, but can't afford them, try...

The Mimi Chica Stripe Shorts. 

Okay, okay, they're not exactly alike, but c'mon--from $78 to $15.90? You can't beat that kind of mark down.