Thrifty Business

Wearing Now: Rainy Day

2012-11-01T23:55:00.001-04:00

Top: T by Alexander Wang - $14 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Trousers: Marc by Marc Jacobs - $40 via eBay (similar here)
Blazer: J. Crew - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Coat: JC Penny (gorgeous here)
Scarf: Burberry (here)

Shoes: Isaac Mizrahi

Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Fendi

Hello friends, I hope Sandy passed you by safely! The hurricane largey spared the DC area; my neighborhood didn't lose power or got any major wind damage (my roof sprung a leak but we quickly fixed that).

Onto the outfit, today I wore a professional taboo: the cropped top. I thought there was no approapriate way to make one work for the lab (office) but that's nothing I couldn't solve with a pair of high waisted pants and a blazer. I wouldn't normally be so adamant about wearing a defective top to work but Alexander Wang knows what he's doing with a tee - it feels like a second skin so once I put it on in the morning there was no way I'd take it off.

Have a great weekend! And yes, it rained all over my bag just as I started with the photos. Poo.

Wearing Now: Fall Greens

2012-10-28T17:12:00.000-04:00

Top: Celine - $80 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Jeans: J Brand - $40 via eBay (similar here)
Jacket: Elie Tahari - $40 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Scarf: Burberry (here)
Shoes: Jimmy Choo (similar pump version here)
Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Fendi

Hey folks, I'm bracing for the hurricane/nor'easter hybrid so who knows how long I may be without power. Until then, be safe if you're in Sandy's way!

Wearing Now: Cropped

2012-10-25T18:17:00.001-04:00

Blouse: DKNY - $11 via eBay (similar here)
Trousers: Kate Spade - $40 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Cardigan: Banana Republic - $12 (similar here)
Shoes: Sergio Rossi (similar here)
Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Fendi

A quick hello, folks, before heading out on a date with Tom. I unfortunately cannot find the time to keep up with the blog as often as I said I would because I'm lucky to get home at twilight. I don't see the work schedule abating in the near future so I'll squeeze in posts as often as I can. I could, in theory, replicate the outfits I've been wearing throughout the week on the weekends but that would depend on how motivated I'll feel to dress up just to take everything off in 15 minutes.

I hope your lives have been a bit less hectic than mine - but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Wearing Now: Shades of Tan

2012-10-19T18:31:00.001-04:00

Tee: H&M - $3
Cardigan: Banana Republic - $12 (pretty one here)
Trousers: R.E.D Valentino - $28 via eBay (nearly identical here)
Shoes: Isaac Mizrahi (similar here)
Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Fendi

Happy Friday, everyone! I once again will be roughing it this weekend on a long hike through the rocky slopes of the Billy Goat Trail. When I started working I made a pact with myself to live as actively and positively as I can until medical school starts - lord knows I'll have no life once it starts.

What are your plans this weekend?

Wearing Now: Celine Take Two

2012-10-17T21:57:00.001-04:00

Blouse: Celine - $80 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Trousers: Marc by Marc Jacobs - $40 via eBay (similar here)
Coat: Garfield & Marks (similar here - $$$ and here - $)
Shoes: Isaac Mizrahi (similar here)
Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

Work has been fantastic over the last month - so much so that I voluntarily stay after hours. Now I'm working on an exciting new project that will take even more of my time. Nevertheless, I will make every effort to update the blog more than once a week. I have a camping post in the works so stay tuned :)

Onto the second (and ongoing) Celine addition to my closet, I pulled out this blouse from the vast desert of Nordstrom Rack. When I saw it was marked down from $1000 to $80 AND that it was my cut/style AND that it was Celine, the action was obvious: it's one for my closet.

I know it's redundant by now, but do share your latest finds with me!

Wearing Now: B&W

2012-10-10T17:59:00.001-04:00

Turtleneck: Ralph Lauren (similar here)
Trousers: Kate Spade - $40 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Boyfriend Blazer: J. Crew - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Shoes: Isaac Mizrahi (similar here)
Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

I made it over the midweek hump and am now waiting forward to the weekend because I'm off to the forest to camp, fish, and hike with friends. I'm not all made of sissy fashion, ya know!

How will you spend this weekend?

Wearing Now: Thrifty Again

2012-10-04T18:57:00.000-04:00

Blouse: Equipment - $30 via Nordstrom Rack (here)
Jeans: J Brand - $40 via eBay (similar here)
Flats: Vera Wang Lavender - $30 via Nordstrom Rack (here in peach)
Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

Hello again! It's been almost a week since my last post and visit to any blogs. Things at the lab have been extremely busy this month and they're showing no signs of slowing down. I've also been preoccupied with events on the personal front, which have sucked the life force out of me. Yesterday I finally got a couple of free hours so I went to Nordstrom Rack in search for flats to replace a four year old pair that has fallen apart. Lady Luck has been very good to me so I walked away with a pair of fabulous crackled copper Vera Wang flats for only $30. I then found this equipment blouse marked down to only $30 too! Nordstrom Rack is stepping up their discount game lately because these mark downs have grown my silk blouse collection; I have another Equipment number that I scored for only $35 a couple of months ago.

Have you scored any deals lately?

Wearing Now: Stripes and Boyfriends

2012-09-28T23:16:00.001-04:00

Top: Theory (similar here
Jeans: J Brand - $60 via (essentially here)
Blazer: J. Crew - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs - $60 via eBay (here in pewter)
Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

Just a quick hello, friends! The week has passed at a phenomenal speed and I'm exhausted. Lots is planned this weekend in the city but I'll keep you posted. Have a great weekend!

Wearing Now: Browns

2012-09-25T19:10:00.000-04:00

Sweater: J. Crew - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Jeans: J Brand - $40 via eBay (essentially here)
Leather jacket: Cole Haan - $150 via eBay (here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Bag: Celine
Shoes: Burberry - $180 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)

About a week after buying the Celine I'm convinced that it is the best purchase I've ever made (barely topping the leather jacket you see here, though, which was actually a gift from my boyfriend). I haven't been tempted to browse eBay or stop by Nordstrom Rack because I'd rather spend my time and money buying exactly what I want without distractions. I need a new wallet (my Coach wristlet is like a mini purse and better fits a high school kid) and a camel or wine colored winter coat (the ones I have are desperately old and frumpy, and need to retire), so while I find the perfect additions there will be no extraneous spending. Every purchase should make financial sense, be needed and used, and make you happy. That's my strategy.

Have you bought anything that makes you happy lately?

Wearing Today: Casual Day

2012-09-21T18:19:00.002-04:00

Top: from Marshalls - $6
Jeans: Banana Republic via hand-me-down from friend
Suede jacket: Elie Tahari - $40 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here with rockin' lapels)
Flats: Coach - $90 via Marshalls (similar here)
Scarf: Burberry (here)
Bag: Celine (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

Can you believe that it's Friday already? I'm not sure to which glitch in the space-time continuum I lost a whole week but I'm not complaining that the weekend is right around the corner.

Do you have any plans for the weekend?

Wearing Now: Celine

2012-09-19T20:48:00.000-04:00

Blouse: Theory - $13.50 via eBay (came with tags too! Similar here)
Trousers: Marc by Marc Jacobs - $40 via eBay (seller: BHFO; similar here)
Leather jacket: Cole Haan - $150 via eBay (here)
Pumps: Sergio Rossi - $60 via eBay (similar here)
Bag: Celine Trapeze
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

The first time I learned of Celine was when Anh of 9to5 Chic posted about her Phantom. I liked the novel design but it didn't speak to me aesthetically or practically: it may look good with a suit or jeans but you couldn't wear it to dinner or with a dress. Besides, I had (and have) little doubt this bag will go out of style in a few years. Since I'm not a bag person I wanted a quality purse that would carry me from day to night, from work to school, and go with everything from dress pants to denim cutoffs. Since the Phantom was unique enough I looked through Celine's other offerings, which is when I fell in love with the trapeze. A year later (because I don't make four figure decisions lightly) I got tired of unrequited love and bought this beauty at Bergdorf Goodman while in New York. DC, unfortunately, doesn't have a Celine boutique or an authorized dealer. I've heard that Hu's sometimes receives a shipment but I didn't feel like obsessively stalking a bag.

Bottom line: if you're after an item you've wanted for a long time, pull the trigger while you have no expensive responsibilities like a family, mortgage, medical bills, etc. I'm a recent college grad with a job I love, no debt, and no social/financial fetters, which makes this purchase perfectly reasonable for me. I don't want to inspire anyone to buy something beyond their means - buy what you love with what you have and never spend more than what's reliably in your bank account on frivolities.

New York, New York

2012-09-18T17:39:00.000-04:00

(1) Spiked Christian Louboutin Pigalle. As the lovely sales person at Bergdorf's said, Mr. Louboutin makes art. If it happens to fit your feet, so much the better. Out of all the offerings from this ubiquitous designer I was most interested in the Pigalles because of their elegant curvature and classic pointy toe. I've heard many women complain about the awful sacrifices they make to fit and walk in these shoes, so I've decided to investigate on my own. Let's just say this is the one and only time I will EVER wear Louboutins. Ever. Orthopedic surgery ain't worth it in the long run.

(2) On a Manhattan rooftop. Wearing a J. Crew blazer ($20 via eBay), J Brand jeans ($40 via eBay),Valentino sweater ($35 via eBay), Burberry flats ($190 via Nordstrom Rack), Fendi sunglasses ($80 via Nordstrom Rack), Calvin Klein belt, and Bric's bag ($100 via DSW) and enjoying the sunset's at a friend's place.

(3) Sunset reflecting off a glass paneled building. For this shot I was just in the right place at the right time.

(4) Sunset in NYC.

(5) I didn't gel my hair. The wind was particularly strong that evening - I didn't bring back Freddie Mercury circa 1970s.

Wearing Now: a Little Bit of Mod

2012-09-16T23:40:00.000-04:00

Dress: courtesy of eShakti (another one I love from eShakti)
Shoes: Sergio Rossi - $55 via eBay (similar here)
Clutch: vintage - $24 via eBay (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Oops, here I go again - vanished without a word. I was actually in New York this past weekend to visit friends and family and had no time to upload a post (I'm done working at 5 PM and was on the bus by 6:30). I enjoyed my stay for what it's worth; I'm hardly a big city girl - the long distances, menacing skyscrapers, weirdos lurking in subways and dark alleys, and exorbitant prices on nearly everything limit my visits to once every year or two. This, however, was the opportune time to visit because the weather was nice and the screaming-fashion-week-OMG-chicks cleared the scene a couple of days prior to my arrival. I had the streets and shops to myself so it's no surprise I did some MAJOR damage while visiting 5th and Madison Aves. I'll give you a hint: Celine at Bergdorf's but the rest is up to you ;)

Onto the outfit then: I wore this fall preview collection eShakti dress on a date a few days ago and truly loved every minute I spent in it. It features a slightly stretchy waist to accommodate a food baby, a a modest take on the sweetheart neckline, and - the best part - pockets! I don't have a photo with my hands plunged down in them but you'll just need to take my word for it. The best part about eShakti is that they adjust clothing measurements to your specific frame, taking into account not just the usual waist-bust-hips but also your height, and personal preferences such as sleeve type, neckline shape, and hem length. The shipping was lightning fast to boot so I highly recommend these folks!

Wearing Now: Working Girl

2012-09-10T20:17:00.000-04:00

Turtleneck sweater: Valentino - $35 via eBay (I'm on a roll; join the ride)
Pants: J. Crew - $24 (here)
Suede jacket: Elie Tahari - $40 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Belt: Calvin Klein - $20 via Outlets
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors - $100 via Marshalls (similar here)
Shoes: Vera Wang Lavender - $50 via Marshalls (real deal; similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

First day of work felt less like a job and more like utter fun, though this makes me wonder when the other shoe will drop (I just love microbiology). My boss has a penchant for fancy teas and coffees and I, with my chronic tea addiction, will probably be the sole reason for the increase in the break room budget. So to be less of a mooching d-bag I'll bring in my own stash :)

In other not so newsworthy news, the weather cooled significantly after this post expressing dissatisfaction over chicks dressing in leather and wool in summer weather. It's finally fall here in DC - 55 degrees when I leave for work in the morning and 65-70 when I return. I broke out this Valentino sweater I bought on eBay for only $35. It's been online for a while (silly seller misspells brand name and I walk away with a great deal via best offer).

Have you gotten any good deals lately?

Wearing Now: Celebration

2012-09-08T20:12:00.000-04:00

Dress: BCBG - $35 via eBay (real deal here, wallet friendly here)
Boyfriend blazer: J. Crew - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Shoes: Isaac Mizrahi (similar here)
Necklace: courtesy of Anjolee
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

Now that I've graduated college and assumed real-life financial responsibilities, I tend to buy pieces that serve double duty in my closet. Take this dress, for example. Though it's too short for work (and most civilized establishments, actually) it can take me from running casual errands during the day to a late night outing with the Mr. or friends. Just change shoes and add a blazer - and in the winter, add tights. This time I wore it to a tea house with a good friend to celebrate my new job. You're now looking at a gal who's living her dream of infectious diseases, diagnostics, and pathology :)

Wearing Now: Borrowed from Mom

2012-09-06T19:40:00.001-04:00

Blouse: Faconnable (great version here)

Trousers: Theory (similar here)
Blazer: J. Crew - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Pumps: Isaac Mizrahi (similar here)
Bag: Bric's - $100 via DSW (similar here)

Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

Accessories: Coach, eBay

The day I had scheduled an interview for a volunteering position at a local hospital is the day I realized I have nothing professional left in my closet. I could only wear my swanky wide leg pants so many times before sending them off to the cleaner's - and of course, they were gone on the day I needed them most. This is when mom's wardrobe came to the rescue (notice I didn't say "mom" - she didn't know this thievery went down): I borrowed the blouse, trousers, and pumps (which are actually mine but temporarily reside in her closet) and got the position on the spot. Speaking of getting positions, I had TWO job offers today! Now I have the problem of deciding between the two, which is my favorite kind of dilemma.

Wearing Now: Shirtdress and Scarf (transitions)

2012-09-03T18:19:00.000-04:00

Dress: American Colors by Alex Lehr - $17 via eBay (really want this one)
Shoes: Gianfranco Ferre - $79 via Marshalls (ancient) (similar here)
Scarf, bracelets: eBay
Bag: Bric's (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

Though September marks the psychological acceptance of fall, I'm far from whipping out my sweaters and jeans. It's hot and humid here, so until there is a palpable change in seasons I'll stick to lightweight fabrics, bare legs, and cheerful prints. This brings me to a thought I've had for a while: the instant magazines announced the sartorial arrival of fall, bloggers everywhere uniformly erupted in cool-weather appropriate posts - actual readings on the thermostat and humidity gauge be damned. What's next, fur vests and leather pants in 80 degree weather?

I can intellectually understand the need to upstage one another and win the competition but I won't sacrifice common sense on my way to the top of Fashion Everest (which is littered with the bodies of leather-ed, burgundy-ed, and fur-ed 20-somethings). At which point did a pair of fur boots become sexier than down-to-earth practicality?

Longwood Gardens, PA

2012-08-31T21:24:00.000-04:00

Top: INC - $10 via eBay (want this one)
Jeans: Current/Elliott - $15 via eBay with tags still attached! (seller: BHFO; available here)
Shoes: Coach - $90 via Marshalls (similar here)
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors - $100 via Marshalls (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Necklace: courtesy of Anjolee

1. Blatant abuse of chambray
2. Orange orchid
3. The silver garden - a glorious array of desert plants
4,5. Magenta orchids
5. Belin - the ambassador to Longwood Gardens and the guardian of the Pierce-du Pont house. Think I'm exaggerating? Check out his page here

Ever since I visited Longwood Botanical Gardens in Pennsylvania three weeks ago I vowed to return as soon as I possibly could. I took my dearest friend Kate for the ride this time and we spent a whole afternoon enjoying the view. This is but a snippet of all the photos I took since I picked the ones you might enjoy the most (while sparing your data plans if you're browsing with a phone/tablet). I traveled over two and half hours each way and I was not disappointed. If you live in the area (or are within reasonable driving distance), I couldn't recommend this place enough. I paid $8/ticket with a student ID but they're normally $18 with some variation in pricing on select days. If you have other questions/want to see other photos, just let me know in the comments!

Wearing Now: Wide Legged Pants

2012-08-29T20:18:00.002-04:00

Top: Theory, age old (similar here)
Pants: RED Valentino - $28 via eBay (very similar here)
Jacket: Forever 21 - $30, eons ago (this season's here)
Shoes: Gianfranco Ferre - $79 via Marshalls, eons ago (here sizes 7, 9; similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here in black)
Bag: Bric's - $100 via DSW (similar here)

Wide-leg pants do all sorts of happy things for my curvacious hips, so I'm always on the hunt for more (you can't own too much of a good thing... right?). I lucked out with this pair by Valentino in that they came from an online consignment shop with tags still dangling from them (they were listed as new too, which is all I buy on eBay anyway). How were they $28 with no takers? Don't care, because they're mine now ;) This is a large, trustworthy seller with excellent history; I highly recommend these guys.

Wearing Now: Ikat and Chambray

2012-08-26T09:52:00.000-04:00

Chambray shirt: INC - $10 via eBay (on sale and with another 15% off here; code: DDP15)
Jean jacket: Forever 21 - $30 (7-8 years old) (this year's version here)
Skirt: Banana Republic - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Shoes: Leifsdottir - $100 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

This is a slightly different iteration of a favorite outfit of mine starring chambray and denim. They go with everything: prints, neons, silk, wool, leather, your birthday suit... Here I'm toning down some scary bright colors.

How do you use chambray/denim in your wardrobe?

Wearing Now: Unfinished Business

2012-08-24T18:46:00.001-04:00

Blouse: Faconnable (similar but sans embellishment here)
Trousers: BCBG - $110 via Lord & Taylor (here)
Shoes: Sergio Rossi (similar in suede here)
Bag: Bric's - $100 via DSW (similar in leather here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

I was due back at college a couple of days ago for a formal event so I wore my wide leg trousers again. In case it isn't obvious, I have wide hips and a flat behind, which rules out most cropped ankle trousers (example here). On the flip side I can wear parachute pants and look/feel awesome.

Enjoy your weekend!

Wearing Now: Interview

2012-08-22T16:38:00.001-04:00

Blouse: DKNY - $11 via eBay (similar and affordable)
Trousers: BCBG - $110 via Lord & Taylor (here, on sale)
Blazer: J. Crew - $35 via eBay (similar)
Shoes: Jimmy Choo (similar)
Bag: Bric's - $100 via DSW (similar by PS)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

I had a job interview yesterday and if things go my way then I'll be the first to spill all the details; otherwise I'm keeping quiet (more of a superstitious reason than logical). I also have an exciting project in the works (not fashion related, I'm afraid), which I'll reveal soon. I hope you're having a productive week!

The Business of Fake (in Nordstrom Rack)

2012-08-20T21:56:00.001-04:00

Here is something you don't see every day: counterfeit UGGs in... Nordstrom Rack! I spotted these monstrosities on one of my recent trips to the store, tucked away in the shoe clearance section. I quickly alerted the manager but she didn't quite realize the gravity of the situation (she might be trained not to acknowledge HUGE booboos): these are fake $140 winter boots that some unsuspecting shopper may purchase for lack of reliable information. They'd expect the durability, reliability, and quality coming from a relatively high end brand but instead get these for 5 times the price.

How does this happen?
According to the manager Nordstrom Rack receives 75% of its merchandise from Nordstrom and 25% from third party suppliers. She suspects a shipment was contaminated since buyers don't see the goods until they arrive to the warehouse, but I have a simpler theory: people buy knockoffs on eBay (or another site), go to Nordstrom Rack to purchase the real deal, and return the counterfeit. Cashiers work too quickly to check the returns thoroughly and besides, would any of them think to make the accusation even on account of legitimate suspicion? Unfortunately the "buy real, return fake" phenomenon is more common than you may think, especially in high end department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks. Here's a real life example.

We want your hard earned money but we don't want to deliver!

How to spot the fakes?
Fake UGGs are usually very obvious (with a few exceptions) but the specific characteristics differ among models. Thankfully these counterfeits are easy to spot because they're imitating one of the most popular models, the classic tall.

1. Check the back label:
Every pair of classic UGGs has an eponymous label attached to the back of the heel: it should be rectangular rather than square-ish and the font must be even.

Left: Authentic! || Right: Fakey McFake Fake

2. Check the lining:
A real UGG lining is ALWAYS made of sheepskin. ALWAYS. The lining of the fakes was made of polyester.

3. Check the sole
There isn't a hard and fast rule here but the general consensus is that the soles must be symmetrical (meaning equal in every respect, from the size and orientation of the design and position of logo) and cleanly cut. In the case of our fake friends above the sun at the top of the sole isn't completely circular and the grooves aren't evenly stamped.

Real UGGs. [image credit]

Readers, have you ever encountered fakes in a trustworthy store? What have you done about it? If not, what are your thoughts on fakes in general?

Travel: Utah

2012-08-18T12:36:00.000-04:00

Hello friends! I didn't mean to disappear quite as abruptly as I did but I left for a mountaineering vacation in Utah. I even had a post ready but couldn't find a reliable internet connection, hence my absence. Now that I'm back I've decided to post about my trip first.

Where: Zion National Park, Utah; more specifically on the way to Observation Point - 4 miles uphill, 4 miles downhill. I'm a mountains and snow kind of girl so this vacation was nothing short of heaven on earth.

A deep canyon on the way to Observation Point

Left: self explanatory || Right: a waterfall at the Emerald Pools

Observation Point

Grafton, a ghost town reminding of the days of the pioneers

View top of a mountain

The very edge of a cliff

Note: Even if heights don't bother you don't make the mistake of looking out into the distance for too long when standing at the edge of a cliff. You will get disoriented and run a serious risk of falling. This is moments before my head started to spin.

Wearing Today: Peaches and Oatmeal

2012-08-11T23:01:00.000-04:00

Top: BCBG - $22 via Lord&Taylor (similar but wrinkle free and on major sale here)
Pants: J. Crew - $25 (here)
Shoes: Burberry - $190 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Bag: Bric's (gorgeous here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Accessories: Coach Watch, J. Crew bracelet

Again with the impossible fabrics - but oh the comfort. Have a great weekend!