Monday, March 1, 2010

Bargain Bragging

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This outfit features some of my latest purchases, both of which were amazing deals. First of all I must tell you about the J. Crew clearance store. If you are a fan of J. Crew you will be quite jealous that you don't live in Asheville. You probably don't know that J. Crew's central shipping and receiving is located here (I think that's what it's called, anways...I don't know all the exact details on this...). Right beside that industrial/warehouse-looking area is the J. Crew clearance store. Items there are way waaaaaay cheaper than those in the store. I got these jeans for $18 - I'm pretty sure they sell for $98 in store. The items are there for various reasons, most seem to be returns or items that just didn't sell well (maybe they were overproduced, etc.). A few may have slight defects but I've never seen anything unwearable. (It isn't the same as a J. Crew factory or outlet store.) This little clearance store also has seasonal "sidewalk" sales, one of which I attended this weekend. But these sales aren't actually held on a sidewalk, they're inside a warehouse. You walk in and are given a trash bag and a price list sheet. You then proceed to dig through tons of cardboard boxes full of J. Crew goodies in the hopes of finding something you like in your size. And I certainly did. However, the "sidewalk sale" items are much more likely to be damaged in some way. It is also terribly disorganized. I found tons of adorable bathing suit tops during my search but no matching bottoms. And it's not unlikely to find a mismatched shoe that you'd love to buy...which is pretty discouraging. But, if you can stand all that you're likely to find some great deals. If you're not up for that sort of shopping expereince the clearance store is still quite nice and well organized - that's where I found these jeans. I do have some items from the sidewalk sale...most of which are only suited for warm weather so you'll have to wait a while to see them.

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Anyways, this corset-like floral top I'm wearing was also a great deal - $20, marked down from $60. I had admired it in the store quite often and daydreamed about it, but it seemed to impractical to spend $60 on. Considering that it's strapless and cropped, it's certainly not the most practical thing I own, but it may be my new favorite thing in my closet. The floral print is just so darn pretty. I love the zipper detail and the fit is perfect. Even though it's not at all winter-appropriate I just couldn't wait to wear it. With a cami underneath and a cardigan and scarf I think it's March-appropriate. Don't you agree?

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Scarf, top - Urban Outfitters; Cardigan, jeans - J. Crew; Cami - Old Navy; Belt - Gap; Boots - Alloy

24 comments:

Diane said...

such a great look and fabulous deals! i love the top and scarf together. that shade of yellow looks great on you!

M. said...

love the outfit, the pop of yellow looks wonderful!

lovelove, M.
http://marissaexplains.blogspot.com

tess said...

love the scarf! yellow!

I like corset tops best when they are worn a little unexpectedly

Andrea Eames said...

Thanks for your kind comment, Jessica, that's very sweet of you! :)

Adding you to my blogroll too - I can already tell I'm going to enjoy your blog.

Andrea xx

Anonymous said...

I love how sophisticated you've made the corset top look, its so pretty worn like this!
I love the oufit :)

-morganne

Marie said...

Beautiful colors in your pictures, the scarf really accents them and the lovely flowers. We have an outlet for JCrew nearby, but the clearance center sounds far better.

Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge

myedit said...

Love your sale items! that J Crew sale sounds like my heaven. I love a messy sale that involves patience and treasure hunting....

Style on paper said...

Beautiful nuances! These pics are very nice and the outfit is gorgeous as always my dear ;)

Unknown said...

Oooo I love your outfit! I really like your haircut..if only I had straight hair!

Emma Fick said...

Great bargains! I am envious, especially of the jeans. They look perfect-o!

KRISTY said...

i can always count on you to come up with great color combinations :D i super love the corset floral top and how you de-sexified it with the loose cardigan and scarf. great great greaaaaattt!

ps: we dont have j.crew in canada, booo... :(


www.monochromachic.com

amanda said...

just want to thank you again for your amazing comment to me! and like i said before i love love that cardigan. i've gone to a few jcrew warehouse sales in tulsa back in high school. they are amazing. i wish i knew if they still had them there. and your floral top is adorable. i love dark florals!

Anonymous said...

oh my, that top is so very pretty..x

Anonymous said...

oh my, that top is so very pretty..x

Wild as a Mink said...

Yes, you're right...I am jealous! I would so love to root thru the boxes and boxes of slightly defective J-crew goodies at their clearance store.
And quick note-I love the floral corset zipper top, very cute!

fashionjunkie said...

I love the floral top! I think you're right, it does look March appropriate with the cardigan. The jeans are a great bargain, too!

www.fashionjjunkie.blogspot.com

Constance said...

Your hair cut is really gorgeous, it really suits you! Lovely outfit too x

Anonymous said...

That top is amazing!!! and a J crew sidewalk sale how wonderful, could we trade lives for a few days?

I got your package and it was the perfect welcome home gift! The Mr. and I fight all the time over the cookies! Yummy! I plan to doa little feature on my goodie box once I can get unpacked : )

Thanks again it was perfect and I can't wait to dig through it all!

Molly said...

oh my gosh I LOVE your top. and the addition of the yellow scarf is so good. You look marvelous :D

Tieka, Selective Potential said...

I love that top! I got it at UO for such a great deal too! :)

DarlingMegan said...

Adorableeee outfit. I'm in love with that top and I love the way you accessorized with the scarf! I'll definitely be following your blog from now on! :)

-Megan
letthemeatcakedarling.blogspot.com

Marie McGrath (The Joy of Fashion) said...

I love the pop of color from the scarf! it goes great with the pattern in your top!

www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com

sanjeet said...

love the outfit, the pop of yellow looks wonderful!

video models

Sybil said...

omg!! bargain shopping!! im so jealous! i saw the things you got from chictopia and i think they are phenomenal deals!!! love love love! :D

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