shopping

gap is pretty much amazing right now

Mar222013

I’ve been a Gap Girl all my life, but lately I’ve noticed a major improvement in their clothing – which has resulted in several more boxes at my doorstep. If you’re a loyal blog reader (for starters, thank you), you know I love J. Crew – but I’ve been gravitating toward Gap more these days! Not a surprise – it seems Gap has stepped up their styling efforts to court some loyal J. Crew customers like me. And who can argue with the prices?

Perfect oxford shirt – While J. Crew’s blouses usually give me the dreaded gaposis (gaping between the buttons around my boobs), Gap’s fit much better! Perfect if you’re looking for a button-up that can be casual for the weekend or dressy for work.

Camo skimmer pants – I’ve seen these all over blogs and for good reason. They’re cropped and adorable, and I seriously wish I could wear these to work. I did have to size up, so keep that in mind if you have hips but no butt like me.

Sunwashed pullover – I loved my first one so much, I bought another. And I’m thinking about getting a third (and fourth). Don’t judge.

Neon belt – I love sprucing up summer dresses with a fun belt. And – because I can’t resist saying it – pop of color!

Eyelet split-neck dress – I already plan on snapping this up for my Florida vacation in July.

Striped twill zip jacket – I saw Christin from With a Ch wearing this (and the camo pants) and immediately fell in love with it! It looks comfy and Chanel-y. And stripes. Come on, you can’t go wrong with stripes.

Don’t forget to enter the great giveaway I’m doing with four other fab bloggers! A $50 PayPal gift card is at stake. Think of all the Gap shopping you can do with that!

Plus, another round of Ask Catherine is coming up this weekend! Have a question for me? Leave a comment here or on my Facebook page.

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my first stitchfix box

Oct162012

Even though I love shopping myself, I would totally jump at the chance to work with a personal stylist – and I think I may have found one called Stitchfix! I first heard about Stitchfix from Sandy, and was intrigued – a site that sent surprise clothes and accessories to my door, based on my size, price range and style? Yes please! The premise around Stitchfix is simple – after filling out a very detailed survey that includes everything from your bra size to your weight (be honest!) to ranking various example outfits, a stylist will personally select five items to send to you. (I had almost as much fun filling out the survey on my style as I did gleefully awaiting my first package!) You pay $20 up front, but if you keep an item, that $20 is deducted from the item’s cost. (And if you keep all five, you get 25% off the total!) I was impressed with the packaging, and even more delighted with a personalized letter from Justine, the Stitchfix stylist who put my items together (and even left a compliment about my blog).

Even better – every piece comes with example outfits – so you already get ideas of how to wear them!

It was so much fun to open up my box of goodies. Here’s what I thought of everything I received:

Cecilia Gonzales silk chain necklace, $78

While I loved the simplicity of the necklace (and the color of the ribbon), the price was simply too high for me to justify keeping it.

Jaloux eliza hi-lo tank, $48

I love the color – but I would have to wear a cami underneath this tank, as it’s totally see-through. I really hate wearing camis under tank tops, so sent this one back, too.

Sanctuary ezra top, $85

Oh how I wish the torso of this top was lined! It’s hard to tell, but this top features embroidered panels along the sleeves (also see-through) and bodice, giving a twist to a seemingly-simple black top.

BCBGeneration dress, $88

Such a flattering color and style – the ruffles were the perfect feminine touch.

Matty M Clifton Cardigan, $108

My favorite from the moment I slipped it on – and of course, the most expensive piece in the box! The black and off-white stitching, cuffs and pockets only added to the cardigan’s charm, while the snaps mean it can be worn open or closed. I decided to keep it in about two seconds, and have already worn it three days in a row.

And here’s my new cardi all styled up and ready for a fun Sunday afternoon!

Cardi, Matty M via Stitchfix • Tee, J. Crew Outlet • Jeggings (yes, I said jeggings), Target • Purse, J. Crew • Shoes, Toms

Want to try Stitchfix for yourself? Sign up here!

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if you’re going shopping this weekend

Jun92012

Occasionally, I find a product or piece of clothing that I love so much, I must share it with the world. Or in my case – my readers. These aren’t just things I want – these are things I’ve tried and love.

So if you go shopping this weekend, and it’s between new clothes/beauty products and rent (ok, maybe not that drastic), these are the things you must buy. MUST. Not should. They’re that highly recommended.

J. Crew Factory stripe tissue tee

Unlike some patterned tees that go with just a few things, this really does go with everything. Plus it’s lightweight, meaning it can be layered in winter or worn on a cool summer night. My only complaint: where were the two other colors when I went to the outlet?

TRESemme rejuvenating mud masque

Don’t let the name scare you – the smell is lovely and light, and the color is a friendly, non-mud-like seafoam green. I have been using this twice a week to restore and repair my color-treated/styled/beaten up hair, and love it. My hair is smoother and silkier. It’s like a spa in a bottle.

Essie nail polish in orange it’s obvious

I was going to say something trite like “Orange is the new red.” But it really is! I love a color that makes me look tan AND is summery and bright.

Want me to review your product? Con tact me!

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11 Comments Filed Under: much loved products, shopping Tagged With: must buys, shopping

a shopping girl’s budget (or lack thereof)

Nov302011

Part of my first giveaway (which you can still enter!) was asking for blog post ideas from you all, and my fabulous friend Kristen suggested a post on my shopping budget.

I had to laugh because this is kind of a dirty secret of mine: I don’t have a shopping budget.

I actually don’t have a budget. Period. I should probably get on that.

But before you throw torches and CPA business cards at me, hear me out.

I am a debit card lover. I very, very rarely use my credit card – and when I use it, I immediately pay it off before it’s due the next month. Credit card debt is a huge fear of mine.
I am responsible for myself, my house and my animals. No kids. If I had kids or was married and sharing an income, this whole no-budget thing would go out the window. As long as my house is paid for and my animals are healthy, I shop.
When I shop, I’m rarely blowing a ton of money. Because I shop with my debit card, it’s all money I already have – not money I’m going to owe someone. This isn’t judgment on anyone who prefers their credit cards – this is just what works for me.

I’ll use the example of my most recent shopping trip to J. Crew. I bought two pairs of work pants and a weekend t-shirt. Total cost: $191.

Mustard corduroy pants, bought from J. Crew for $79.50

The work pants were both necessities. I’ve recently lost weight, and most of my work pants don’t fit anymore. Plus, one of the pairs of pants can be worn year-round, making them even more worth the money.

Unless I love something I can only wear on the weekends, like sell-my-soul LOVE, I don’t buy it. I don’t feel guilty about spending money on work clothes, since I’m in them most of the time, but weekend clothes are different. The shirt I bought was a long-sleeved version of my favorite t-shirt ever, and I almost cried when I found out J. Crew was making them. Plus I think I can get away with wearing it to work.

If it’s a classic wardrobe basic that’s not going out of style anytime soon, I don’t feel bad about buying it. But even then, I don’t shop at incredibly expensive stores. I’m as likely to love Target’s blazers as I am J. Crew’s. As Othello would say, if it fits, I sits. Er, wear, I suppose.

One thing I don’t do much of is thrift shopping. I plan to change that next year. And also think about actually having some sort of formal budget. Maybe. ~~Probably not~~.

How do you stay on budget? What are your tips for saving money?

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11 Comments Filed Under: shopping Tagged With: budget, j. crew, money, shopping

the challenges of shopping in a small town

Aug262011

As I continue my foray to Fashion Blog Land, I consistently find myself seething with jealousy at my bloggers in New York, Los Angeles, London or hell, any big city with a quality mall or two. I shake my head at their stories of gorgeous vintage finds at their fabulous secondhand stores or a taking a quick break and popping into Banana Republic during lunch.

It’s not an option where I live. To be fair, there is an outlet mall that is, for an outlet mall, amazing. However, sometimes I need something that’s a little higher quality than what the outlet mall provides. For that, I have to drive 45 minutes or more. And that pisses me off.

I’ve become a huge fan of online shopping. (Probably too much of a fan, if I’m honest.) Who doesn’t love a big package from J. Crew on their front stoop after a long day at the office? Online shopping only really works if you order from stores whose clothes you’re sure will fit. Case in point: I ordered four blouses and a skirt last week from The Limited. Everything fit – technically. But nothing fit perfectly, and I ended up having to return everything. I’ve done that with my favorite stores, too. It’s a pain.

Online shopping isn’t an alternative to shopping in person because there is nothing like trying clothes on. Feeling the softness of a sweater or the crispness of a blouse is one of the best parts of shopping. And forget jeans/bras/swimsuits/shoes – those, you HAVE to be in person to buy (or have to buy the exact size at the exact store that you know you fit into for it to work). How did I know that I actually went down a pants size? I tried the shorts on. And nearly screamed with happiness in the dressing room.

Finding quality clothing that suits budget, size and style continues to be a challenge for us small-towners. And it shouldn’t be. My town’s Old Navy only lasted a few years, and then the space got occupied with whatever craphole of a fireworks/Halloween costume store that decided to squat.

I’m sure online shopping has closed the gap between people in small towns and clothing companies. That’s great. But we need in-town options, too – preferably ones that do not have the words “deb”, “21″ and “mart” in them.