The Frugalista

With fall here, two obsessions have started to creep back into my life: jackets and boots. Nothing looks better on a woman than an amazing pair of boots and a smart leather jacket. Since I'm in no position to spring on a new Balenciaga beauty or these beloved CLs, I thought I'd compile a list for the frugal girl aka, the recent grad. I know you must love the cheese in this post title (all thanks to Nat!). Who doesn't love a cheesy play on words?

The Leather Jacket:

All things studded, spiked, and zippered seem to be the ubiquitous trend now, and I am not complaining. Ask anyone, and they know I love 'em. However, just like many things in fashion, it's a fad, so I don't really feel the need to splurge when it comes to pyramid studs and zippered details.

This Topshop leather jacket is gorgeous and perfect for winter, and what do ya know? It's studded galore. It's also white, which makes it even better. I love the way a white jacket can automatically make you look more crisp and polished. No girl should ever be afraid to rock a white leather jacket, accident prone or not.

Unless you live in NY (where Topshop's sole U.S. storefront is located) or in the UK, you'll have to buy it here via Topshop's website (along with a $15 flat rate shipping cost) for $320.


The cheaper alternative? This Asos studded leather jacket for $200. It's real leather, it's studded, and it's a moto jacket = all things you want in a jacket.

What I love most about Asos is that they know how to churn out all the latest runway trends for low prices. They don't have any actual brick & mortar stores so they can cut down majorly on costs by selling exclusively online, and they ship all over the world, that way it's a global marketplace. Now that's a smart business strategy. Also, they are a UK based company, so you know not everyone will be sporting them, unlike the Forever 21 knockoffs that we've all been guilty of indulging in. Hey, I'm not knocking on f21. I love them, I just don't love seeing everyone sporting something you thought looked amazing on you and only you. Ha.

Another great thing about Asos (as if you needed more incentive after I already uttered the two magical words: low+prices)? $6 shipping. You and I both know shipping can make or break an online purchase.


Cheapest? This Forever 21 studded jacket. If you're environmentally friendly or if you're pinching pennies, this is perfect. It's polyurethane and a lovely $47.80.

You, me, and the next person all love Forever 21. They make nearly (I say nearly as in, they slightly change the placement or size of buttons, zippers, etc) carbon copies of your favorite designers like Missoni, Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Chanel, etc.

But..my solution to the perfect studded jacket at a post-grad friendly price? A DIY project. Why not? You've got the time. Har.

Pyramid studs of all sizes and colors are available at Studandspikes. Just pick your size (I like the 3/8'' size) and color, grab an x-acto knife, and heaps of patience, and you've got yourself a (hopefully) amazing one of a kind piece.


The Boyfriend Blazer:
Thanks to Balmain the oversized blazer is back. It's a perfect way to dress up any outfit, especially when you're feeling lazy and just wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, you can throw one of these babies on, and voila!



Left: Express studded blazer, on sale for $73.50. Right: Zara studded blazer (seen here on Kim K) available in store for $99.90. I happen to own this baby, and I really love Zara's take on Balmain.

Some more traditional takes (I especially love the two tones):


Left: Silence and Noise Two Tone Lapel Blazer via Urbanoutfitters for $78. Right: Necessary Objects Boyfriend Blazer at Alloy on sale for $41.92.


The Classic:
Now there's something I'd like to refer to as the Holy Trinity: Chanel, Mr. Karl Lagerfeld, and me. There is nothing more classic than Chanel. Period. I cannot stress how much love for Karl I have. No woman will ever look more classic or more polished than a woman in Chanel. And who do we have to thank? Miss Coco and the Karl. And what's more classic than the classic tweed jacket? Nada.


The problem is not everyone can afford to buy everything Chanel (trust me, if I could, I would. It's a sickness, I know. I'm trying to get help.) So what do you do? Oh you know, just rely on the powerhouses of commercial copycats: Forever 21 and H&M.


Left: Chiffon trim tweed jacket at Forever 21 for $27.80. Right: Black and white cropped jacket at H&M for $34.90. (Photo credit to: thebudgetbabe.com)


The Perfect Boot:
A shoe obsession is something I've never been in denial of. That being said, here are some boots I have been coveting:












Left: I spotted these Topshop Pin Up studded booties in the August issue of Marie Claire and it was instant love. Here for $310. Right: Nine West always makes some amazing shoes. These lookalikes can be purchased for a more afforable $129. NW Facade.

Next is something I'd like to refer to as the Balmain phenomenon. All of a sudden nothing was overly studded, and nothing was overly gaudy. Chains, spikes, rhinestones, sequins, and sparkles--everything and anything goes. Here are some tamer, more commercial and affordable alternatives:
Left: Aldo Yumas suede boots ($109 w/free shipping!) Right: Yet another pair I dog-eared in August's Marie Claire: Abaete for Payless (!) Antoine feude (faux suede) booties, $49.99 (and of course, eligible for BOGO). Sadly, due to high demand, no doubt from MC's plug, these are out of stock.

With winter coming up, these would be perfect for everyday wear. I always find it difficult to dress up on days that are chilly and gloomy. There's nothing better than feeling comfortable and looking good without trying too hard. They're casual without being too casual, and the best part? They have traction. I can't stress how important that is especially during rainy days because no one wants to fall on their ass when they're already feeling miserable from the cold.

Left: Colin Stuart Shearling Bootie at Victoria's Secret for $99. Right: Colin Stuart Shearling lace-up bootie at VS for $79.


And last but not least? The boot that can be dressed up or dressed down.

No girl wants to be out in the dead cold wearing some strappy contraption on her feet that makes her feel like her toes are going to fall off. The problem with the right boot for day and night is that some are too casual, some are too fancy, and some are just plain boring.

These are perfect because of one thing: the platform. A platform on a shoe is my best friend. No longer are the days I can go all night in a pair of 4'' heels with no platforms and no frills. I need my platforms. I am an old lady trapped in a twenty something year old's body. I can't run around all night in those strappy contraptions. I need my platforms, goddamnit! These Nine West Ice Age booties are perfection for day and night. I'd wear 'em out with a pair of jeans or a pair of leggings and a dress (a dress, people. not a top. Because leggings aren't pants! Do I need to spell that out?) Buy a pair here for $139.95.


My fave? These Colin Stuart Convertible boots. Why? Because they can be easily rationalized. And every girl who shops knows how to rationalize. Why did I buy these boots even though I have many others piling up in my closet? Because these are convertible--they're 2 for 1! In the words of Col. Hans Landa ala Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds--that's a bingo! That's right. These can be worn with a pair of jeans tucked in or as an ankle boot.

What's not to love? Suede+leather? Good. Knee length boots? Goood. Ankle booties? Gooood. Plenty of colors to choose from? Goooood. All in one pair of boots? GOOOOOD, goddamnit.

So how much are these babies? $149 via Victoria's Secret. But if you really think about it, since it's practically two pair of shoes, you can rationalize it as $75/pair. Right, right?!