Cheap Chic: MJ Special Items

I love the Marc Jacobs special items store on Bleeker street but the experience of shopping there can be a little aggro. However, there are currently a few choice items that are totally worth fighting tourists over:

Maripol x MJ necklace $20, bird umbrella $18, heart wallet $35, bow tie $25

When you wish for something hard enough...

...Forever 21 will make it happen! Over the weekend, Chelsea and I fantasized about the day F21 would knock off THOSE Alexander Wang sunglasses, yes, those...

and lo and behold, today I found a pair! So they might not be the same as their $300 counterparts, but for $5 and maybe with a little help from some gold nail polish, they are satisfying my desire for pointy cat-eye sunglasses.

Get yours now from the website!

(top image from style.com)

Be Still My Heart

Lyell has teamed up with Urban Outfitters to produce a capsule collection for fall that I can actually afford! Crossing my fingers that it won't disappoint (cough, Rachel Comey + Urban, cough) but judging from the photo leak things are looking lovely and lyell-y. Please limit the polyester and dodgy buttons, Emma. That's just so not like you. Behold, three items that will definitely be in my closet this fall:



So good!



I already own the Marianne Jacket pictured above in peacock silk...it will be so nice to have a more disposable version that I can wear without the constant fear of inevitable red wine stains. Yes!

via Refinery 29

Tiptoe Through The Tulips

A little something to perk up your Monday - Rachel Comey teamed up with Urban Outfitters to make some mighty-fine looking Spring shoes. Those little cream oxfords are especially tempting...croquet anyone?



Ivory Oxford, $78



Whiskey Heels, $68



Black Sandals, $58

Collabs, Schmolabs...

Ok, so I know I would typically be really excited about a CFDA collaboration between Vena Cava and the Gap. Sounds like a good idea, I love Vena Cava's prints (though I do think the stylist for Gossip Girl should really put Serena in something else for once) and this black and white arrow print camisole I bought a few years ago is still one of my default wardrobe favorites. This morning I was trolling Refinery29 and was alerted to the partnership. Looks like Vena Cava is just heavily relying on the same exact print they did a few years ago, much to my dismay. Don't get me wrong, I like the Gap for certain things (like t-shirts) but I cannot stand the lint-collecting brushed cotton that they use so often...shudder. Plus I'm just miffed that my fave go-to top will soon have a million dopplegangers on sale for $14.99. Oh well. Here are some images that have surfaced, it's slated to hit stores June 16th for those that are interested:



Here's hoping that the rest will be a little more exciting. Of course the CFDA winner Alexander Wang is also doing a collection for the Gap which looks even more lackluster. Then again, I've just never really been much of a fan of A. Wang or the theme this year, khaki. The cropped motorcycle jacket is ok...all this is putting me to sleep but I guess I shouldn't expect to be dazzled by the Gap's offerings, right?



via the pipeline via racked

Cheap Chic Round-up

I've been so into this tunic from Target that I bought last week while Chelsea was visiting that I decided to base a Cheap Chic post around it. This thing looks and feels much more expensive than it is and has almost beat out Tri-Blend rotation in my wardrobe (which is saying a lot).


Clockwise from top left:

Cat Print Scarf, $49 at Bird

Swan Lake Sunglasses, $11 at Fred Flare

Horse Bit Socks, $20 at In God We Trust

Karen Walker Fly Brooch, $20.80 at Creatures of Comfort

Popover Crochet Tunic, $19.99 at Target

Meg Oxford Shoes, $55 at American Apparel

Suede Tassle Bag, $70 at Topshop

p.s. this isn't intended to be worn as an entire outfit...unless you're craze-o and like to go bottomless.

Cheap Chic: Loulou de la Falaise for HSN

In the early nineties Diane von Furstenberg revived her brand by hawking those wrap dresses on QVC. Now Loulou de la Falaise is taking her bohemian wares to the Home Shopping Network, in what is most certainly the weirdest designer collab ever (except for maybe those Alexandre Herchcovitch Band-Aids ). While much of her collection is a bit too crazy-new-age-aunt for my taste, I'm totally lusting after that wolf head signet ring. Unfortunately her HSN TV segment aired yesterday (boo!) but you can still purchase her stuff here and you can even pay in installments! Wow!




Wolf signet ring: $39.95


Suede peep-toe ankle boots:$79.90 (or two payments of $39.95!)

Leather drawstring so-ugly-it's-awesome bag: $99.90


Skinny wolf belt: $24.90

Rapscallion: Samantha Pleet for UO

Every designer seems to be clawing their way into collaborations with major chains, even the cult darling Samantha Pleet! She'll be debuting her collection in select Urban Outfitters stores and online in October. Here's a preview:







via Refinery29

At Long Last, a Jovovich-Hawk for Target Leak!

Finally, an image from the Jovovich-Hawk for Target collection! I've been trying not to get too pumped because I'm always sorely disappointed with the GO collections...the fabrics tend to make me recoil with disgust, I suppose I'm a little spoiled or something. I am especially nervous about this one because I LOVE Jovovich-Hawk (a long time Milla fan) and I really don't want this to leave a bad taste in my mouth. Anyways, I see a cute print, so that's a start. The shorts are pretty gross but I'll be keeping my fingers crossed, hoping that's the worst of it. Thanks so much to Nitro:licious via Sally Jane Vintage for the preview!

Cheap Chic: Best Tights Ever!!

Trying to layer on as many prints as possible when I get dressed is always a goal of mine. A great print or knit (Or printed knit!? Yes please!) will always make my heart flutter, so when I came across these tights on Joy Of Socks I thought I might die of joy! The icing on my cake! Since I never wear jeans, bulking up my tights/leggings collection is very important and I think I will be ordering ALL of the tights on this website ASAP!!! Oh yeah, they're super cheap too!


L-R: Rainbow Tights, Harlequin Tights, Blue Harlequin Tights, Peace Sign Tights, all $14.50


L-R: Silver Stars Tights, $22; Tiny Hearts Tights, $20; Vertical Stripe Tights, $20


L-R: Retro Tights, Clouds Tights, Butterflies on White Tights, all $14.50

Cheap Chic: Delia's!

I'm not even going to lie, I totally get excited when the new Delia's catalog in the mail. Not the same excitement like when I was 15, but I still really love playing the "if you had to buy something on each page" game and seeing the familiar face of my favorite Top Delia's Model Sarah Ruba (who is also in a band called New Look). I should actually do a separate post completely devoted to her because she is totally cute and is modeling for just about everyone now. Look for that later, now on to the Delia's picks!



Belt Bracelet $14.50
Naomi Shirt Dress $44.50



Dietrich Dress $39.50
Fiona Henley Sweater $29.50



Teresa Top $34.50
Audrey Toggle Coat $79.50

More cutesy than chic but I love cutesy! Here's a code for free shipping on your order of $25 or more: DTRAFF
Yeeeehaaawww!

Cheap Chic: Chadwicks???

I used to receive the Chadwick's catalog when I was younger and I can remember always making fun of it. When I was 12 I had no right to be making fun of pretty much anything fashion related, I cringe at old photos of myself wearing Clueless-inspired flops and ill fitting baby tees. The other day I decided to visit the website of the aforementioned leader of twin-sets and slacks, if anything to get a chuckle and play the "if you had to buy one thing" game. Much to my surprise (and perhaps dismay?) I actually was attracted to a few things in the accessory department, but for the most part the clothing was so bad I couldn't click away fast enough. I'd recommend a peek if you're hard-up for cash and looking for some seriously inexpensive buys. Hey, at least you know no one in your age group/friend circle will show up to the party in the same dress as you!


Retro Sheath Dress $44.99
(reminds me of that one Development
Dress I'm still kicking myself for
not buying)


Tie-Neck Knit Dress $59.99
(hack off the bottom, add some tights et voila!)


Kiltie T-Strap Heels $39.99
(ok I actually really like these)


Patent Belt $59.00
(i'm a sucker for gold hardware)


Velvet Sneakers $34.00
(jk! However, totally useful if
you're planning on dressing up
as a Golden Girl for Halloween)

Cheap Chic: Topshop

There are posters plastered all over New York that read “Hooray! Topshop ships to the USA.” As if I needed another reminder to spend hours and hours perusing their website. Here are my picks:


Chartreuse piped shorts about $61


Jewelled Headband about $20


Celia Birtwell Print Scarf about $37


Leather Double Buckle Belt about $51

Cheap Chic: La Redoute

La Redoute is an unexpected haven of Cheap Chic items, and a Labor Day sale is now in progress for even deeper discounts! Within minutes of browsing my shopping cart was full! The catalog styling is a total turnoff, but if you can look past that I'm sure you'll find a treasure or two. I'm not too crazy about the Lacroix that everyone has been talking about, but check out what else I found:


Cabled Cardigan $39.99


Wool Wrap-over Jacket 89.99

Pleated Velvet Skirt $39.99

Lace Knit Turtleneck $24.99


Knit Dress $39.99

Rayon + Wool Skirt $29.99

I also did some homework and found a few coupon codes worth mentioning. LR154U will save you 15% off your entire order, and LRFREE will give you free shipping. Godspeed!

Cheap Chic: Thank God For Newport News

Newport News is full of unexpected goodies like stirrup leggings, crocheted bucket bags, and best of all, AMAZING SHOES!!! Yes, you might be skeptical because Newport News is often associated with crappy catalog frumpy mom stuff. The dresses might need some work but the shoes are pretty right on.


Chain Trim Ankle Boot, $39


Oxford-Style Pump, $29


Sueded T-Strap Wedge, $29

Happy internet shopping!