Friday, March 13, 2009

Glide into spring... for $50 and under!

The news may encourage consumers to consume, but who can feel any temptation when countless people's jobs fall victim to the current economic crisis? The only temptation I feel lately is to tighten hold on my wallet! As such, I doubt I'll be doing my usual spring shopping for the latest goodies to make my heart flutter; instead, I'll be doing more "thoughtful" purchases, by restricting myself to only buying things on sale for at least 50% and holding off on buying things unless I've considered it for at least 2 weeks beforehand. That being said, there are plenty of good deals out there to be had, more in fact than have existed in the last few years as retailers seek to entice shoppers. While I don't encourage you all to go nuts over the bargain racks, a little careful shopping can score you some great items that will last you through the recession, while injecting your own little contribution to the global economy ;)


Baby Rib cut-out dress American ApparelBaby Rib cut-out dress: American Apparel, $23

This adorable simple v-neck dress comes in large variety of colours and works it for all seasons: in spring, pair with a cardigan and skinny belt; in summer with a pair of cute wedges; in fall with a black blazer, tights, and booties; and in winter with leggings layered over a turtleneck and boots!




I saw this skirt in store today, and the material is so light and perfect for sunny spring days. Made of cotton and silk, this flirty skirt will give you a light, happy step, and just look how great they are with those cute sandals!




Ponchos are great spring transition pieces when you need something light to keep you warm when a cool breeze blows by. This soft knit poncho from Forever 21 will fit the bill and even has a hood to protect you from April showers!




Look classic and lady-like in these teal patent wedges from Payless! A sensible heel is balanced by a flirtatious peep-toe. Get a hint of a cool way to wear teal by taking a clue from the scalloped silver insole!



Ballet slipper PaylessBallet slipper: Payless, $15

Finally, check out these adorable ballet flats, again from Payless - this store is just full of cheap deals! These flats would look adorable with a black full-skirted dress, or dark denim capris. The cute over sized bow gives an added touch of cuteness by being positioned slightly askew, and the heather grey color is simultaneously cozy and modern.


17 comments:

Wanderlusting said...

Love the Gap skirt - but did you know I've never bought anything from the Gap before?

And I like the AA dress, I just find everyone in this city is so AA crazy!!

But those Payless slippers.MMMm toasty grey, cute bow. I'm gonna have to get them (great price too!) - must actually feel like wearing slippers!

PS - I live downtown (in the West End) but my office is in Burnaby :)- it USED to be downtown though, damn!

x0x0 Lusty

Hanako66 said...

great choices...thanks!!

Trisch said...

I like those black flats :)

Trisch xo

dapper kid said...

That skirt is oh so fantastic!! And I love the patent wedges, that price isn't bad either lol.

lisa said...

Cute picks! Haha it's interesting how different our approaches are. I don't limit myself to shopping sale items only. Instead I'm looking for things to round out my wardrobe or things I would still want to wear at least 5-10 years from now. If I come across something I really love I'm willing to be a bit more spend-y. Oh, and I've had things rattling around in my head as "must buys" for MONTHS now. That's how much I think over purchases.

MizzJ said...

@Lisa: I think it's useful to use a variety of strategies. The whole point is to make purchases that are thought out, instead of buying on the fly. I put in the sale limitation in order to really force myself to save money, since I think I have a couple more life expenses than you do ;)

lisa said...

Haha totally valid, MizzJ. The thing that turns me off only shopping sales is it's all too easy to fall into this mentality: "Ooh it's on the clearance rack, and it kind of fits this need of mine, plus if I come back two weeks later it might not be here! Oh I HAVE to get this now." And before you know it, it's a final sale and you have something you're unhappy with later. :-)

MizzJ said...

haha that is a totally valid point Lisa! Thanks for bringing that up. That is when one has to train themselves to employ the other thoughtful purchase strategies and fully weigh the pros and cons of a purchase.

The pondering thing should come into play maybe for an item that was full price and then by good fortune came on sale when you returned back for it. Think of it this way readers, if you're worried that an item you love won't be there 2 weeks later and it isn't, then it was fate for you not have it. Think zen!

tanya said...

i'm loving that gap skirt--so cute!

Eyeliah @ stylesymmetry.com said...

oh, great finds. I have to seek out those grey flats to see if they are comfortable!

Deka said...

love that AA dress!
i think that store was made for me

Tiffany said...

I don't do cheap shoes. However if I did, I would consider those flats! very cute.

Phaedra said...

I LOVE that hooded poncho...and to think that harem pants are gonna be the rage this spring in Italy....haha

la petite fashionista said...

love bargain shopping! i've been shopping all weekend & nothing i've purchased has been more than 30 bucks! <3

Linda said...

I figured that I don't really need to cut back on clothes as long as I stop spending on other things. ;D I adore those ballet flats, though.

Ivy said...

Love the picks Jordana. Esp the ballet flats and the poncho...love! I really need to check your blog more often... :)

La Couturier said...

Love all your picks, darling! =] I especially love that poncho - so cuuute!

Bisous,
La C.

P.S.: If this shows up twice, I'm terribly sorry! Technical difficulties ;]