Weekly Shopping Update: 7.19.2013

J. Crew is running an incredible sale (new items added) on some “classic” items that almost never go on sale: the Schoolboy Blazer in Navy (50% off!), the Boy Shirt in Classic White, 1035 Trouser in Superfine Cotton, Pencil Skirt in Superfine Cotton, Cafe Trouser in Cotton (reviewed here), Pleated Silk Pocket Dress, Faded Chambray Popover (that I own in both petite and regular…also 50% off), Keeper Chambray Shirt, and Schoolboy Blazer in Linen.

Also included in the sale are: Oxford Boy Shirt in Polka Dot, Perfect-fit Tank with Built-in Bra, Selvedge Chambray Shirt, Merino Boyfriend Sweater, Cafe Capri, Chino Shorts (3″, 4″, 5″, 7″, and 9″) and Maritime Blazer.

Faded Chambray Popover | Keeper Chambray Shirt | Selvedege Chambray Shirt | Western Denim Shirt

There is also a massive sale update (the women’s sale section had 1300+ items). The Scalloped Linen Jacket finally made it to the sale section.

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Post-Independence Day sales have drained my shopping account in its entirety. I will be on a shoestring shopping budget for the foreseeable future.

I did the most damage at Zara–I adopted a triage-type system for shopping this sale (a shameful use of this process) whereby I compiled an excel file of Zara S/S styles separated into three columns complete with direct links. It is an effective system and I’ve lost no productivity by eliminating accidental browsing but the effectiveness of the system meant I bagged everything I really wanted. My punishment is no more spontaneous purchases for the rest of the month (unless I will myself out of out this shopping-induced stupor and return some just-ok styles).

Retailer: LOFT
Discount: Tag Sale: $8 tees, $15 cardigans, $15 shorts, $25 jeans, and $25 dresses.
I haven’t had the best luck with LOFT in the recent past but found a few new styles that I am now eager to try during the 60% off sale earlier this week. I am most excited about the Puff Sleeve Herringbone Linen Blazer; reviews were unanimously positive (lone dissenter complained that it was too small, which isn’t always a bad thing).

Black (regular) | Firebrick (regular / tall) | White (regular / petite)

Retailer: Alice + Olivia
Discount: Up to 75% off during the summer sale
Picks: Richley Boy Blouse, Bailee Paper Bag Skirt, Morris Moto Jacket, Hope Peter Pan Top, and Grace Leather Cap Sleeve Dress.

Tiffany Dress | 60% off in three colors

Alice + Olivia is one of my favorite contemporary brands; its brand aesthetic skews youthful and fun but not adolescent.

Ponte Peplum Top | 75% off in three colors

Retailer: Forever 21
Discount: free shipping on orders of $21+ with code FREESHIP21
My last order was not too successful; the Peplum Dress Shirt that I was really excited about was yawn-inducing in person (plus, the armholes were a tad big on me) and the Heathered Skater Dress with Belt was cut improperly (straps won’t stay put and the dress fit awkwardly; I have pictures if you need to be further dissuaded). I did keep the well-reviewed High Impact Mesh Back Sports Bra (I am a 32C in most brands and the small fits me fine).

Peplum Dress Shirt | S

Retailer: Nordstrom
Discount: Anniversary Sale. Shop women’s, men’s, juniors’, and kids’ styles.
The anniversary sale is easiest one of the best promotions that Nordstrom offers. Many fall items can be had for 30-60% and prices return to retail points after the sale.

Stuart Weitzman’s 50/50 OTK Boot is a perennial bestseller thus sale prices are harder to come by (not unheard of, but some patience is required of the buyer). The Setaside Boot (suede version also available) is the 50/50’s shorter cousin and is on sale for 35% off which isn’t a bad discount when sizes are aplenty.

Nappa Leather | Suede Leather

Retailer: Saks Fifth Avenue
Discount: Consolidation Sale–up to 70% off. Shop shoes, handbags, and women’s apparel.
Come consolidation time, I sometimes band with a few girlfriends and jointly create a wishlist and take turns checking availability of those items. It’s worked well for me in the past (no wishlist for me this year because of the Zara thing that I mentioned at the beginning of this post).