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.

Christmas! ♥

I found these as I was searching through the blog folder the other day. The Christmas tree kind of dates this, so I'll confess: this was the outfit I wore on Christmas at the family celebration. We went to our Grandma's house and ate, talked, hung out, and had a genuinely merry time with all the cousins. Super late posting, I know, but enjoy anyway ;)

Nordstrom-Jou Jou Faux Leather Jacket in Black | Mom's Cashmere Cardi (I forget the brand) | Vince Camuto Contrast Trim Buttondown | Watch-Swatch | Free People Velvet Polka Dot Skinnies in Black | Over the Knee Socks from Karmaloop

My lovely Free People Velvet Skinnies have since ripped (one leg, horizontally--like shorts) which makes me very put out. >:( I'll have to lug out the sewing machine when I have time. Which, considering all the homework I still have (second semester seniors with no work? That's a myth at my school) will be never. Also, I need black thread. Things to do. Sigh. 

F is for Ferragamo

Ferragamo flats and Free People Polka Dot Velvet Skinnies!

My grandpa gave me a pair of never-worn vintage Ferragamos that used to belong to my great aunt. They've been coming in handy for college interviews at least. And these velvet skinnies have been super warm and comfortable for winter. Gonna try to upload some more posts this weekend!

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...

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: 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 ;)

Bottoms Up

Recently, I've been doing a lot of online window shopping, especially for pants and shorts. There are just so many covetable pieces in stores right now, including the delicious markdowns of end-of-summer (and soon, Labor Day Weekend) sales. Here are some of my fave pieces as of late:

ASOS Skinny Jeans in Floral Print #4-$59.61

Look at that nice dark background. It just makes the florals pop so nicely :D

Next up, some refreshing mint skinny flares from Madewell: 

The perfect shade for a nice back-to-school pick me up.

Madewell's Flea Market Flare Colorpop Jeans-$49.99

And some Free People floral shorts I've had my eye on for awhile now that've gone on sale: 

Free People Denim Cut Offs - Printed Floral in Turquoise Combo-$47.60

Some more Free People printed denim...

Free People Millennium Ikat Printed Skinny-$54.60 

And to top it off, the best deal I've seen for a long time: 

J Brand Ali Cords-$33.00

I sort of have a little obsession with colored cords. And these are such a steal, as they're originally $237. Top that off with 10% off via code TULIP and extra 20-30% for being a new customer, and it's practically stealing. 

Now to convince the parents.

A Galaxy of Thought