covet this: the under $100 edition
If you’re a penny-pinching artisan like me, I think you’ll really appreciate my mini-quest to find ten terrific pieces that are versatile, well-made, on trend, and more importantly, under $100. You’ll never find me making frivolous purchases, and before I even consider acquiring an article of clothing, I create a mental chart, a diagram of outfit permutations. I consider whether the item is too seasonal, whether it matches with at least four pairs of shoes and boots, and key – do I have this already?! Am I merely clinging to that which is familiar. This be told, it can take me a full half-hour in a store considering one item. Most times, I’ll leave it on the rack, leave the store, and consider it some more. I know this sounds a bit mad, but I’m tired of living beyond my means, and after storing 5,000 pieces of clothing in my apartment for my recent charity event, I can appreciate austerity.
So here goes. I spent today visiting over 20 stores in downtown Manhattan – chains that can be found (for the most part) across the country, to bring you my fab finds under $100. This is what I wore for my day of sartorial adventure. First up, this gorgeous, A/X Armani Exchange wheat linen dress ($68, pictured at top left). I absolutely adored this dress. All of dresses at A/X are all reasonably priced, and this sweet, lightweight, flattering frock was 30% off. Click here and here for close-ups of the dress. Not only is this perfection for summer, but I plan on wearing this through fall with a cashmere cardi and black boots. This can belted for work, or wear a fitted cropped blazer to make it even more professional.
Next up is this Eryn Brinie ensemble I styled – a gauzy lavender, sleeveless dress with a rhinestone collar ($69) paired with a long, deep blue cardi ($75). I love these two colors together – the pale summer piece against a jewel tone. And while I love Brinie’s line, this season it really flatters those of whom have slim hips (I do not), but I’d be remiss if I didn’t share this incredibly feminine, yet chic, find. Click here for a close-up of the Brinie dress and here for another shot of the look. While this wasn’t flattering on me, if you’re a girl with slim hips, I implore you to check this out.
Out of all the stores I visited, Express had the best finds. From affordable, chic clutches to enamel bracelets to sexy summer wares, I was impressed with the spring collection. My favorites? This strapless, lined, and watercolored dress ($79.50, pictured at left, third down) is perfect for summer weddings, evenings out, or with a cardi/blazer for work. Express also offered a bevy of one-color options. The sateen cotton was crisp, breathable, and the fit felt very flattering against my curves. Pining for something with a little sass? Check out this knotted, curve-hugging cotton number ($49.50). Jeweled tones were ubiquitous, and I had a tough time choosing, but I settled on the delish purple. And finally? Loved this gorgeous woven tube dress ($39.50). Fitted on top, the dress flows out beautifully and hides all my flaws. Snag it now!
J. Crew – you had me at bejeweled! Not only did the ornate sandals give me palpitations, this girl can never walk away from a cashmere tee, especially J. Crew’s delicious, second skin cashmere. The sandals were a score at $59, the short-sleeved, 2-ply tees were $78, and the necklace was $55 (I wasn’t as impressed with the necklace, as you can score a similar street find for under $20).
Finally, Old Navy rarely disappoints. Old Navy had a fantastic array of peasant blouses, strappy and fun tops in bold, beautiful hues. All the tops I adored were $24.50 This white beaded camisole (at left) is so divine paired with jeans! Wear this with a cardi or a blazer and it’s perfection for summer Fridays. Another fab option? This blissed-out blue peasant.
Another notable finds? I was pretty smitten with the Alice & Olivia flats at Payless, which were in the $39 price-range. And while Anthropologie is a bit too precious for my taste, the Memorial Day sales section featured a bevy of Velvet dresses in sapphire, green, and black. Velvet is the perfect layering dress, and I’ve worn all my dresses from snowstorm to sunshine.
Scary? Forever 21. I can’t walk into a store that sells a pink tutu unless I’m fifteen or a rave party promoter. Seriously. Mango’s clothing was so poorly constructed that you could see the seams coming undone. The colors were washed-out, and pale imitations of Forever 21 and H&M. Club Monaco needs a recession-reality check. The same fabric and cuts are $150 cheaper at H&M. LIVE IN THE NOW, CLUB MONACO. You can’t sell simple cotton dress for $200 and expect that I’ll buy them. Banana Republic. This store is now my Fight Club. I will never talk about it. It, and its horribly rude salespeople and poorly-made clothes, do not exist. I’ve worn BR since 1994, and my relationship with the brand is OVER. ALL CAPS OVER. Banana Republic is headlining the NEVER AGAIN TOUR 2009.
Note: I only purchased ONE item today – the A/X dress. All of the rest are window-shopped favorites.
May 23rd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
What about us boys? I kind of want you to dress me. I’m cheap, and never make frivolous purchases either. Any recommendations?
May 23rd, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Mike – Great point! I’ll add that to the agenda – a post for guys. Thanks!
May 23rd, 2009 at 7:34 pm
You look wonderful in all of them!
May 23rd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I forgot to mention Velvet is one of my favorite brands as well and you can find good deals when pieces go on sale. I also love Isda and Theory but with the last I really have to hunt and be patient for a good bargain.
May 23rd, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Thanks, Kat! I’ve been wearing Velvet for years and I love the feel of the fabric and the fact that the clothes go with anything. If I score Theory, it’s normally on sale, at a sample sale, or at the outlets. I try to never pay full-price for anything, considering most brands go on sale after six weeks of display.
My favorite way of scoring choice finds? Clothing swaps & consignment shops. You can’t beat the bargains.
May 24th, 2009 at 11:54 am
The express dress looks great! I’ve lucked out with the sale racks/discount days at Bloomingdale’s for Theory and Alice & Olivia under $100. I got a couple Susana Monaco dresses on sale there – they remind me of Velvet stuff (which I also love).
May 24th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I have not shopped at Express since high school, but that dress must be mine. Now!
May 24th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Sara – I LOVE Susana Monaco!! I use to score her dresses at Searle sales and Bloomies. DIVINE.
Bonnie – I have to agree with you. There was a span of five years where I didn’t set foot in Express because it was all teenagers and day glo, but I was really pleased with the incredible dress selection as of late.
May 28th, 2009 at 8:41 am
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May 28th, 2009 at 10:09 am
[...] why god created sunless tanner. But I digress. Remember how I scored that delicious linen Armani Exchange dress? The dress I’ve worn three times and have already soiled with haute organic pizza [...]
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May 30th, 2009 at 1:14 am
The watercolored dress is my favorite! You look amazing in it!
May 30th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Eda – Thanks, girl!! If only I had the $$$!
June 2nd, 2009 at 5:49 am
I love the idea of this post!!!great job!
June 11th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I found myself walking past an Armani Exchange today and… walked out 10 minutes later with the dress. It is fabulous! Looking forward to traveling in it next week…
June 11th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
You got the linen dress? I love it! I brought it with me to Los Angeles.
July 22nd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Favs; dress with long cardie and the watercolor beauty is so me – luv!
I haunt Macy’s 34th Street for mega buys at 60%,&70% off. Scored
an ink watercolor-ish bell sleave top for $9.00 to wear casual with
Donna Karan shorts for $12.00, or dressy with earrings I made
with blue silk pants from Bolton’s.
For my birthday I scored a vintage Kasper for $14.00 at a thrift
store in the Village -ahhh…still glowing from that goodie.
Great Blog!
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Thanks, Cynthia, for popping in! xo