Budget Fashion
Stein Marts New Ad Campagin: Stating the Obvious
What: Stein Mart’s been struggling and like Old Navy, it’s revamping its ad campaign in an attempt to overcome the brutal retail climate. The new strategy? Get customers to talk about how crappy the economy is and how Stein Mart makes it all better.
What They Say:
“The company used the Orlando-based advertising firm Fry Hammond Barr to create the spontaneous interview spots. The same firm created a similar campaign that ran from 2003 to 2007.”
What We Say: While Kayne West is marketing $800+ shoes, Stein Mart’s getting real with customers and offering up its cheap, cheap clothes as a solution to their financial problems. While we think this is a smart move for Stein Mart, we wonder how convincing ads like these will really be in the long run. It’s all that anyone talks about anymore, so we’re starting to become desensitized from it.
Are we forgetting about the quality of clothes and only concerned with their price tags? Not to call out Stein Mart alone, but but we do wonder what direction we’re going in as consumers and if it’ll really end up benefiting us in the end.
Okabashi Reveals New Feel-Good Flip Flops
What: Okabashi, which specializes in comfortable, everyday, “grandma” shoes, has announced new, ultra-comfy and ultra-cheap flip flops for men and women. Look, if Hush Puppies can become stylish, why can’t these shoes?
What They Say:
“The new 2009 Okabashi Splash and Surf flip flops feature a new, curved heel for fashion and summer fun versatility - accenting everything from beach wear to casual wear - while retaining the uncompromising comfort, support and a massaging feel that customers expect from Okabashi.”
What We Say: Some of us live in flip flops all summer, and even try to get away with wearing them in the winter, so it’s important that a) they feel good and b) they last a long time, or go for real cheap so we can buy lots of them. At $14.99, these Okabashi flip flops may just cover all fronts. Plus, what other flip-flop brand offers a two year warranty.
Have you donned Okabashi shoes before? If so, what’s the verdict?
Zac Posen Poised to Tap Budget Fashion Market?
Fact: Mass market and budget lines are the only things making money right now
Could it be? Rumors have it that Zac Posen will be entering the world of budget-friendly fashion with a diffusion line, in an effort to make some money. According to Fashion Week Daily, Posen says, “We’ve been in the process of building our lower priced collections.”
Hmmm. Vague, but he’s got our attention. First up, however, is a fragrance that’s in development with Fabien Baron (the creative force currently working on the redesign of Interview, he’ll design the bottle). After that, we’ll see how truly budget his “lower priced collections” really turn out to be . . .
image courtesy of Style.com
Michelle Obama Fashion: A Budget Style Retrospective
“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
One day you walk into your local Gap store to pick up a pair of size (insert your size here) jeans. After smiling at the overtly cheery folder/greeter/loss prevention associate, you head over to the denim wall to find your jeans. All of a sudden, 10 large men, wearing tailored dark suits accessorized by white ear plugs, rush into the store, causing a tower of cherry red wool/cashmere blend ribbed turtleneck sweaters to tumble to the floor (they also block the fitting room). Unaware of what is going on, you start to shake so hard that a pair of your (insert size again) jeans fall to the floor. As you bend over to pick it up you glance at a fabulous pair of Lanvin wedge ballet flats and the hem of an amazing pink and black floral printed swing skirt that you recognize from the Summer 2008 sales rack of your local J.Crew. You quickly grab the jeans from the floor and stand up to find yourself face to face with our new first lady, Michelle Obama.
Michelle Obama Fashion: A Budget Style Retrospective
At any other point in US History the likelihood of the above scenario happening to you would be, well, zero. However, unlike other stylish first ladies, Michelle Obama actually wears items from lower-priced, mall-based stores like J.Crew and Gap. She even wears them more than once Michelle’s love for the mall based store is so profound that her 6 year old daughter Sasha, unaware of the political filters put on her parents and telling it like only a six year old can, exclaimed “Mommy buys everything from the Gap”.
Regardless of your political stripes, there’s something quite comforting about a first lady who knows her way around an H&M (and has had to wait in those crazy long fitting room lines). In light of our current economic situation, this knowledge is even more valuable.
Michelle Obama Fashion: White House Worthy Style For Less
- 1. Victoria Ruffle Cami, $88 at J.Crew
- 2. Silk Cowlneck Top, $69 at Banana Republic
- 3. Striped Victoria Ruffle Shirt, $98 at J. Crew
- 4.Women's Crew-Neck Tees
, $15.00 at OldNavy.com
- 5. Alison LS Cardigan, $24.80 at Forever21.com
- 6. Pearlized-Button Cardigans, $26.50 at OldNavy.com
- 7. Alfani Capelet Jacket, $149.00 at Macys
- 8. Women's Ruffle Neck Cardigan
, $26.50 at OldNavy.com
- 9. The Wintersoft Cardigan, $48.00 at Gap
- 10. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Silk Geometric-Print Full Skirt, $71.55 at Macys
- 11. Double-serge Pencil Skirt, $128.00 at J Crew
- 12. Curvy Welt-pocket Pants, $54.50 at Gap
- 13. Silver-sand Jacquard pant, $228 at J Crew
- 14. City-fit Herringbone Cropped Pant, $138.00 at J Crew
- 15. MICHAEL Michael Kors Strapless Belted Jumpsuit, $142.12 at Macys
- 16. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Jessie Two-Tone Ruffled Dress, $142.50 at Macys
- 17. Wool flannel Golden Roses dress, $139.99- $195 at J Crew
- 18.Diane Von Furstenberg Colorblock Dress, $398 at NeimanMarcus
- 19. Color-Block Sweater Dress, $130 at Banana Republic
- 20. Cashmere Peyton dress, $99.99-$218
- 21. Moschino Printed Sheath Dress, $598 at NeimanMarcus.com
- 22. Ruffle Neck Shift Dress, $42.99 at Gap
- 23. Crew Neck Satin Dress, $34.50 at Old Navy
- 24. Isabella Paisley Halter Dress, $250 at J Crew
- 25. Animal Print Tafetta Dress, $175 at Banana Republic
- 26. Cashmere Asymmetrical Gown, $275 at Banana Republic
- 27. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Donnie One-Shoulder Dress with Ruffle, $135 at Macys
- 28. JS Boutique Single-Shoulder Ombre Gown, $200 at Dillards
Special Shout Out to some of favorite blogs and media outlets for images: Mrs.O, AOL Black Voices, Michelle Obama Watch, Associated Press
Fashion Finds $10 and Under
In the name of extreme budget shopping (yes, we’re cashing in the coins in our change jar, too), we’ve been on the lookout for extreme fashion savings, meaning fun pieces you can pick up to suppliment your wardrobe and put a smile on your face at the same time, without spending more than a 10-spot (well, before tax). Here’s what we’ve got so far:
OMG! Charlotte Russe Tee, $10, Charlotte Russe
Women’s Striped Jersey Scarves, $9.50, Old Navy
Pleated Organza Shell, $7.99, Old Navy
Xhilaration Clutch with Dog Clip, Purple, $9.99, Target
No Boundaries Women’s Nikki Ballet Flats, $9, Walmart
Have some fab fashion finds for less you’d like to share? Comment below or visit the TBF Forum . . .
Norma Kamali at Wal-Mart line in Stores Now
Just got word from TBF reader Shelia, that the Norma Kamali line is now available at Wal-Mart. We’ve been tracking this recent designer budget fashion line for a while now, so we’re glad that it has been finally released. I was just there last week and didn’t see the line in the store, so it must have just been released. If you do head to Wal-Mart to check out the line, please send us your photos as well as your thoughts on the line.
Check out the line on Wal-Mart.com’s website.
News Alert: Target’s New Designers
What: Target, where we first learned that clothes and accessories by famous designers need not cost a month’s salary, is adding two more designers to its repertoire.
The Word: Anya Hindmarch will be designing handbags while Sigerson Morrison will be creating a line of shoes, according to WWD. Anya Hindmarch is an English accessories designer who won Glamour’s Designer of the Year Award in 2006 and 2007. Sigerson Morrison’s shoes are a favorite of celebrities as well. The footwear will hit stores October 12.
What We Say: We love Hindmarch’s wide range of day and evening bags—they’ve been seen on celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Angelina Jolie. Sigerson Morrision’s footwear goes for hundreds of dollars and has been seen on Naomi Watts, among others. Both designers have elegant yet trendy items that we’ve drooled over in the past. We’re thrilled that we can finally afford them and we can’t wait to get our hands on a handbag and matching shoes for less than the cost of one of their high-end items.
Pictured: The expensive versions: Metallic hobo by Anya Hindmarch and leather and raffia wedges by Sigerson Morrison.
Photos from pursepage.com and sigersonmorrison.com
Charlotte Russe: Daily Deal
The Deal: Now is a great time to pick up cheap and stylish tops, shoes and pants at Charlotte Russe because they’ll knock $25 off your order when it reaches $100. The offer expires June 30 Click here to use the discount.
What We Say: Charlotte Russe is a great store to pick up the latest trends, which generally should make up 30% of your wardrobe. Their website and store is full of popular styles like ombre, fluid silhouettes, bright florals, tuxedo jackets, pencil skirts and cocktail shorts. Charlotte Russe is a good choice for sexy, slinky going-out tops as well. Their extensive jewelry department has cute bangles, chandelier earrings, and long, charm necklaces.
Some of our choices:
Fluid, A-line silhouettes are becoming a trend quick—check out this one, patterned with stars. $19.99.
Pair these sateen shorts with platform sandals and a sexy camisole for a night on the town. $22.99.
This black and white floral handbag is big enough to hold all your necessities, plus your folder of coupons and iPod. $16.99.
Pictured: This beautiful dramatic, floral halter top also matches with the sateen shorts. The tube top inside provides extra coverage. $21.99.
New York and Company Clearance Sale
The Deal: Tees and shorts, shirts, dresses—all at very low prices. The clearance sale ends on June 21.
What We Say: We love summer clearance sales that end on the first official day of summer. The low, low prices of the clearance sale coupled with free shipping for orders of $75 or more (code: 2665) allows you to complete your summer wardrobe if you haven’t already. Head to your nearest New York and Company and check out the jaw-dropping prices.
Check out our picks:
Contrast this black pleated skirt with a bright and colorful blouse and matching heels. $9.99.
Wide legs are returning into the trend realm—these slacks match with your basic button down shirt. $19.99.
Pictured: This sleek gray dress is great for the office with black pumps or for a dinner party with hot strappy sandals. $9.99
Old Navy Sale Alert: Daily Deal
The Deal: All their summer apparel, from Women’s to Women’s Plus to children’s wear, is 20 bucks and under.
What We Say: Just when you thought Old Navy’s prices were more than affordable, they go and do this, making us unable to resist them. Their effort to have trendy and stylish pieces has really paid off, and the ability to put together a great outfit for less than 50 bucks makes Old Navy a good place to go right now to find your summer wardrobe. Their pieces aren’t complicated and embellished, but simple patterns like chevron and geometric shapes as well as solid colors help you match with the clothes you already own, whether it’s a Marc Jacobs top or jeans from Wal-Mart.
Check out our picks:
You can dress these twill shorts up or down. Pair with heels and a flowing, silky top for night, and a racerbank camisole and tennis shoes for the day. $19.50.
The argument over whether jelly sandals are meant for grown women to wear is still raging, but if you’re pro-jelly, check out these strappy sandals. $10.00.
Pictured: The knot in the back of this racerbank tank is a good detail that makes Old Navy’s pieces so thoughtful and cute. Pair with the twill shorts above. $16.50.
Plus Size Prom Dresses on a Budget
If you’re a curvy girl looking for the perfect prom dress, finding something special on a budget can be especially challenging. We’ve done a little footwork, however, and found some picks that just might do the trick, and leave you enough cash to buy a fab pair of shoes, too.
Classic black with a little sparkle, $49 at alight.com
Pleated halter dress in attention-grabbing red, $54.99 at Fashion Bug
Necessary Objects liquid silver dress, $75, at Macy’s
A satin and chiffon formal dress, in 13 colors, $44.99 on Amazon.com
Black halter dress with jeweled detailing, $78 at Torrid.com
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