Check it out: Lou & Grey at LOFT

Today's post is a quick one because I am tired and a small person is pushing his feet up around my ribs.  It does not feel good.

However, I did want to put together a quick round-up of some of the super cute casual pieces that I saw at LOFT late last week.  (This isn't a sponsored post - I just got excited)  Their lounge collection has been re-branded as Lou & Grey, and I think it's the perfect mix of pieces for someone who perhaps doesn't have to get dressed up very often, but still wants to look trendy and be comfortable in in something cute instead of a fleece jacket and yoga pants.  Maybe me on maternity leave?

They do casual jackets and tunics very well, and I am watching these pieces and waiting for a great sale (some are already half off!):

 

 

PSA: The End of Season Sales are Heating Up!

I consider myself a pretty strategic sale shopper.  I only pay full price (or close to it) if the fit is great, and I need it right away.  More often than not, patience pays off, especially in this weird spot on the retail calendar when the stores want it to be spring right away but we're still months away from lightweight fabrics and pastels.

If you like getting things for under $50 (or even under $20) then this is the best time of you for you to be looking for coats, sweaters, pants, boots, and even the jewelry and accessories that didn't sell out over Christmas.  Even though I won't be able to wear them, I couldn't help but browse the extra percent-off sales at my three go-to stores and pick out a few of the highlights for you.

Enjoy what I can't wear!  There are some serious deals to be had!

Where are you finding the best deals lately? 

How do you get stuff so cheap? (Holiday Edition)

Since holiday shopping season is upon us, I thought it would be helpful to revisit some of my cheap shopping secrets and add a few new ones.  I actually enjoy buying Christmas gifts, and consider staying within budget a fun challenge, so here are a few tips I've picked up over the years:

image via Inslee.net

 Shop in store
Unless you have a free shipping code or a large order, you'll usually get a better deal in person once you add $8 to the cost of the item you found online.  I tend to use websites to scope out things I want, and then purchase them in person (and often cheaper!)  If the website doesn't have a "find in store" feature, I'm not shy about calling a store and asking them to look up the style number to find what I want.

Shop often
If you only go to a store once a month on Saturday afternoon with everyone else, you won't have much of a chance of scoring that piece from the previous collection that was returned and marked down because the lunch time shoppers already scooped it up.  It's a numbers game - the more you shop, the better your chances of getting lucky.

Shop during the work week, if you can
Shipments of new merchandise often arrive on Mondays and Tuesdays, which means that stores are looking to move existing stock over the weekend to make room.  If you show up late in the week, you'll get first dibs on the markdowns.

Keep an open mind
If you walk around looking only for the perfect leopard loafers for your sister, you'll be unlikely to find exactly what you want in a single afternoon.  However, if you're constantly looking at sales, then you will have a chance at scoring an amazing pair of wedge booties in her size (or yours). 

Constantly shop for gifts that don't come in sizes
I'm known to come across great deals on jewelry and accessories (which don't take much room to store) and buy in bulk, then worry about who gets what.  Banana Republic is one of my favorite sources for cheap jewelry, I get to appear as though I've spent a lot when in reality I sometimes paid about $7 for something that was originally $49.  I know this is controversial, and that sometimes the items aren't returnable, so I only do it for friends I know very well and are sure to like what I choose for them.

Find out where the markdowns live
I'm lucky to live in a large city, and most stores I shop at have several locations within a 20 mile radius.  I am not shy about chatting with salespeople (I used to be one) and will flat out ask if there's a store where the clearance goods get shipped to.  Often, a retailer will keep full-price merch in an affluent location where it's likely to sell faster, and send the markdowns to a store with the space for it and the traffic to move it quickly.  Gap and LOFT both do this in Dallas, and those are the locations I hit most often.

The reverse image search is your friend
If you are buying from a company that sells things they do not manufacture, chances are the photo they have online is the standard product image.  By saving this picture to your computer and then doing a reverse image search (with Google, click on "Images" in the top right, then click on the little camera in the search box), you can see who else is selling it.  This has worked especially well with online boutiques like Lulu & Georgia, where I've found items they sell for less than half the price on Amazon or Overstock.com.  I've also found the same pair of boots on sale at Anthropologie and Piperlime, and even though the price was the same, having options like this might allow you to avoid shipping costs or use a coupon code.


Download an app that will allow you to scan barcodes and compare prices (Amazon, ShopSavvy, Pricegrabber)
If you're looking to purchase something electronic, or widely sold, be sure to scan the barcode with your Amazon app to be sure you're getting a good price.  Unless you've procrastinated, it's typically worth it to wait a few days and save $7.




What's your favorite tip for staying in budget?  Do tell!

Chic Sunglasses for Ladies Who Lose Them

Happy Monday, internet!  I hope your weekend was lovely - mine was pretty busy, and I'm not dreading the work week, so I'll call that successful!

On Sunday afternoon, I spent some time poolside with my friend Leah, and got to thinking about how glad I am that my sunglasses aren't expensive.  Strange, I know.  But, you see, I worked at Sunglass Hut during college and even though I sold pricey glasses all day, I can't be trusted to own them.  I'm very hard on them and stretch them out by wearing them on my head, and get spray on sunscreen all over them.  This would be tragic if they were expensive.

Luckily for those of us who can't drop $95 like it's nothing, there are TONS of great options under $30.  And if you know a bit about picking the right pair, you'll always look great.  Here's what I learned in my time at the store:

• Scale is more important than shape.  The width of the temples of the glasses shouldn't extend much further then yours, and the bottom of the frame shouldn't go further than the top of your cheek.
• Round frames are hard to wear and don't look best on most people.  Stay away unless you're really certain!
• No matter what, make sure the lenses block 100% of UV rays.  Polarized is, of course, preferable, but not essential.
• If you have a round or heart shaped face, you can rock oversized frames all day.  Anything too small will make you look larger.
• If you're petite, look for sunglasses at stores that sell clothes your size, and you'll often find smaller scale frames.  If you're buying online, make sure you've measured the width of your face so you'll know if they're narrow enough.
• Aviators look good on everyone if they're the right size.  Most every woman can wear retro styles, as well, if you're brave enough!

And, of course, I wouldn't be a very good blogger if I didn't share lots of affordable options:

Reader Request: Blushing Bridesmaid

Being a bride was hard, wasn't it?  I didn't really enjoy wedding planning, and I'm glad I don't have to ever get married again.  Being a bridesmaid, however, is pretty easy.  I've done it six times and am basically a pro.  I walk at the right pace, suck in my stomach like a champ, and smile.  However, it all would have been harder if I had to pick out a dress.

This morning I'm excited to help Kristi, a reader who will be a bridesmaid in a Texas hill country wedding where she needs to find a blush or cream colored dress without much adornment.  It's also preferred that the dress has straps and be under $75.  Challenge accepted!

modcloth options by cardiganjunkie featuring a pink dress

asos options by cardiganjunkie featuring high-low dresses

blush bridesmaid dress by cardiganjunkie featuring beaded dresses

Modcloth and Asos are the best options that I found within Kristi's price point, and if it were me, I'd order everything I liked and then take advantage of free returns. 

After much searching, I abandoned my hunt for appropriate cream dresses because they're so hard to keep from looking bridal when you're at a wedding.  Or, even worse, the wrong shade of cream can look dirty next to a girl in a white dress, so that browsing will need to be done in person.

Hopefully this was helpful - please share any other suggestions for Kristi in the comments!

Slouchy Chic (It's possible, I think!)

I love getting dressed about 80% of the time.  I'm lucky to have more clothes than I need, and plenty of inspiration when it comes to mixing them up.  However, some days I just don't care to put forth any effort and want to be comfortable.  These days include: airport days, road trip days, PMS days, days when I overslept, Sundays... it happens often.

However, my secret to not looking like a total bum is this uniform of sorts:

lazy day dressing by cardiganjunkie featuring tall jeans

my favorite new top (I bought five for $7.50 each in store!) // my favorite skinny jeans  // black curvy skinny jeans // leopard flats (still in store)

Yeah... I may or may not have worn some form of this outfit three times in five days.  Thank goodness for casual offices!

What's your casual uniform like?

P.S. Enter to win the LOFT flower necklace and tote by leaving a comment on the giveaway post by 3/17!  You can potentially get 9 entries (crazy)!

Things Every Girl Needs: Leopard Pumps Under $100

As crazy as it sounds, having good taste can be pretty tough.  You can walk into stores and like almost nothing, and then, to make matters worse the amazing options you do like are all $300+.

I don't personally spend more than $100 on shoes unless it's a very special purchase (or a boot, because most cheap boots look cheap) so I thought it would be helpful to round up eight options for my favorite neutral staple shoe: the leopard pump.  All the pairs below are under $100, and several are in the $50 range!

leopard pumps under $100 by cardiganjunkie featuring leopard print pumps

from left to right, starting on top row:  1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

And just in case you're not on the bandwagon yet (really?!), here are some ways to wear them, courtesy of all the ladies who post pretty outfit photos on the internets:

Fabulous and Under $40 - Sheinside.com

Have you ever said to yourself, "Gee, I wish there was an online store that sells stuff like Asos and Topshop, but for less"?  Since you read this blog, I'll assume you probably have.

We're in luck, because I found one!  I'd never heard of Sheinside.com until last week, and I've yet to find anything I want that's more than $40!  The selection is huge (think 46 pages of a dozen tops) and there appears to be some sort of membership option where you can get things cheaper.  I've yet to order anything, but I'm seriously about to break down and get some of these awesome options for summer:

Tops from sheinside.com by cardiganjunkie featuring a green v neck shirt

dresses and skirts from sheinside.com by cardiganjunkie featuring a sleeveless dress

Exciting, eh?  That mint chiffon top and zebra print shirt are calling my name!  Have any of you shopped there before?  What's your favorite piece?

P.S. If you want in on the LOFT discount card giveaway, don't forget to email me before midnight on Friday!

Super Steals!

We all know that I love a good bargain.  I get it from my mom, and I get excited when something is priced low enough for everyone to enjoy.  I recently came across a few great deals, and thought I'd share, so here are the best things I've seen this week.  (If you're weak, you may want to skip this post!)

J. Crew Factory Waterfall Top - $12.50 before promo code
I bought this in the aqua color, and can't wait for it to arrive.  I can't vouch for it yet, but the price was too good to pass up for a top I can wear with shorts and jeans.

Under $10! by cardiganjunkie featuring floral tops

Peacock Plume Orange Bliss Necklace - $45
My mint julep necklace literally draws strangers to me, and it's worth every penny of $45.  I realllllllly want this orange version! It looks almost just like some $149 versions online.

Source: peacockplume.com via Haley on Pinterest

Urban Outfitters Herringbone Rug (5x7) - $74
I really want this rug for our dining area, but the white is making me hesitate.  We are messy eaters.

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Haley on Pinterest

Lela Rose for Payless Mapleton Wedge - $44.99  or Clarendon Wedge - $39.99
I love these wedges for summer, but officially have too many pairs.  However, my friend Kate has the blue pair and they're super cute in person.

Source: rstyle.me via Haley on Pinterest

Source: payless.com via Haley on Pinterest

Zara Mini Shopper - $99.90
Why yes, that is a gorgeous cobalt blue leather bag for a hair under $100!

Source: zara.com via Haley on Pinterest

Scarves at World Market - $7.48 to $16.99
Just days after writing about affordable scarves, I came across all these options for under $20!  I can't wait to pick one up before my trip.

world market scarves - under $20 by cardiganjunkie featuring pashmina shawls

If any of you need help justifying your purchase, just let me know.  I'm a champion at avoiding shopper guilt.  Just this week, I decided that since I've been painting my own toenails and skipping pedicures, I've actually saved lots of money and therefore it was ok to buy new shorts for vacation... because that's how my brain works. 

Yeah... I may be addicted.

My Current Addiction: J. Crew Factory

Happy Monday, ladies!  Hopefully everyone enjoyed a weekend as good as mine.  N and I hosted five of our friends from around the state, and we had a blast eating good food and celebrating a birthday.  At one point, my friend Kate and I decided to go to a nearby yoga class and did not realize until we walked in to the actual studio that it was a hot yoga glass and therefore 90 degrees with 60% humidity.  We'd just eaten breakfast 30 minutes prior, so needless to say we did not feel wonderful and refreshed afterwards, and I'm never doing that again. 

Luckily, we bounced back enough to spend an afternoon at H&M (home of the worlds tiniest, incorrectly sized pants), LOFT and Banana Republic (home of button-downs for the flat chested).  I have gone on a bit of a shopping binge lately, so I only bought two cheap striped henleys from H&M, but couldn't wait to start debuting some of the wonderful things in my latest package from J.Crew factory.

They are killing it right now - on price, tend and quality!

j.crew factory shopping by cardiganjunkie featuring j crew shorts

And here are more things I didn't buy, but definitely want.  Many of them are under $30!

J. Crew Factory 2 by cardiganjunkie featuring wedge high heels

J. Crew Factory 3 by cardiganjunkie featuring a chambray blazer

I don't just love J.Crew Factory for the price, but because the clothes fit me.  If you're busty, you NEED to give the perfect shirt button-downs a try.  I think I've tried on almost every option at every major retailer, and these are the only ones that fit me (36DD) without gaping or being huge in the midsection.  Seriously, it's a miracle, and you can get them for under $60!  I am in love with my new leopard version, and everyone who sees me in real life will be sick of it, but probably relieved to see something other than the leopard cardigans and scarf. 

What piece is your favorite?  Am I the only addict out there?