Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Fall Fashion...for less!

I'm not sure how many of you out there use Pinterest or Polyvore, but there has been a ton of cute fall outfits on those sites lately. I've been getting inspiration from many of these outfits, but when I look at a lot of the prices for these items, I'm shocked. A lot of these pieces are coming from J Crew and although I LOVE the style of J Crew items, I'm too cheap to actually spend that much money on a couple pieces of clothing.

Now there are a few exceptions to what I will spend good money on. Coats are one item and good boots are another. I feel like both of those will last me a long time and multiple seasons. I don't mind spending a little bit more on jeans either. However, I end up buying most of my jeans at American Eagle because they fit my body well and have the short length for jeans, which are perfect for me. If you catch American Eagle at the right time you can get good deals on their jeans. I bought two pairs of jeans from American Eagle the other day for $60, which included shipping.

For some shirts and accessories I've been seeing in these fall clothing sets,  I've been searching around the Internet for other, less pricey options.
Take for example, the red Boyfriend cardigan from American Eagle, it's not that pricey at $25, but they no longer have the red color in stock. If you're truly set on red, or just want more color options, check out the Target option for $22.  Also, the white pocket tee from TopShop will run you $36. Kind of pricey for just a t-shirt. So grab a white pocket-tee from Old Navy for $8.50.



I love this outfit, but if you went for the versions in this collection, it would be costly. Almost everything, minus the jeans comes from J Crew. The long-sleeved crew neck alone is $145. Yes, it is cashmere, but that doesn't really matter to me. So, grab the cotton version from Old Navy for $10 and search for a white puffer vest on Ebay. I promise that you can find one for cheaper than the $118 version from J Crew.

What I have found in most of my searches is that you can find the essentials, the tanks, long-sleeve shirts, v neck tops and pocket tees at Old Navy and Target for much cheaper.  Scarves are also much cheaper at Target or Old Navy then buying the original. Although I love Burberry prints, I'm not spending $335 on a scarf.

I've also been using Ebay to find similiar sweaters, cardigans and shoes to what is listed in the collection. Sometimes they are similiar to the item and made by the same company, but maybe a few seasons old. Automatically that's cheaper. H&M, Express, New York and Company and Gap all have some great basics like cardigans and sweaters that are similiar to what I've found in the original version and you can find them on Ebay for much cheaper. J Crew items are a bit cheaper on Ebay, but in most cases, still more than I am willing to pay for a single item.

Check out these wedges I found in one collection:

Michael Antonio sandals

Michael Antonio sandals (see more espadrilles wedges)

Cute aren't they? They're also $60 which is more than I'm willing to pay for a pair of wedges that is pretty color specific.

Enter this pair I found on Ebay for $9.99

Just as cute in my opinion and very similar.


Last, but not least before you shop anywhere online, sign up for Ebates. Basically anytime you shop, you go through the Ebates page to the website you are wanting to buy from. You shop, check out and you will get a percentage of money back from Ebates. It's that easy and it's worth it!

8 comments:

Abbie said...

This is awesome!! I'm with you, I can't justify spending tons of money on clothes, especially on my wimpy teacher's salary!

Thank you for sharing your finds and the Ebates website!

Jessica Lynn said...

i've never heard of ebates! I need to look into it.

Have you found that you're spending a lot more on shipping to get stuff out there? I've wondered about that.

❈ Annie - Blonde Glambition ❈ said...

I LOVE when you post about fashion because I love your style! I've never heard of Ebates...I need to check that out!! I'm also a firm believer that you can be stylish & fabulous on any budget...thanks for the tips :)

Lisa said...

Thanks for the tips! I have bought a bunch of clothes this summer in anticipation of our move to much warmer temperatures, but I definitely need the reminder to save the cash where I can!

LOFT is another great place for pretty inexpensive stuff, especially since they are constantly running sales and coupons bringing things down to reasonable prices.

Definitely checking out ebates! :)

KimberlyMDavis said...

Love your outfit choices, so fun. Have a great week!

Cat said...

I never understood why anyone would spend over $30 on a freakin' t-shirt. You have some good style and some great tips!

Becca said...

I think your ebay sandals are cuter than the originals! I know stuff from Target/ON doesn't last as long, but by the time it falls apart, I'm bored with it anyway. Ebates is awesome and I'm forever grateful for you for sharing about it last year!! I've gotten almost $200 back from the. Which, you know, more shopping!

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Oh I love AE jeans! I'm short and their the only ones I never have to hem!