The Snazzy Chronicles: February 2014

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Snowed In? Stay Cozy While Shopping!

If you're snowed in like me, you're probably staying cozy under the covers, sipping hot cocoa (or tea if you're me), and catching up on TV shows. When you want to take a break from watching TV, try online shopping! Lacking in work clothes? Have you been wanting new pumps? What about that new wallet or clutch you've been searching for? You might find everything you need with these exclusive online sales. They got great deals going on right now. A lot of my suggestions will be petite size friendly with regular sizing associated.

1) Madewell: Enter code XOXO for extra 50% off select sale styles and extra 30% off for the rest of the sale section.

My favorite item from this selection is the quinn shoe in calf hair. I love how Madewell stepped up their calf hair skimmer with a small, chunky heel. It gives the shoe a polished look that could easily be used for both day and night (as in going to the bars or having a laid back dinner with friends). I can imagine the shoes would be comfortable for shopping too!

2) Loft: Enter code SHOP40 for 40% off select styles. Extra 60% off sale items (no code needed).

Since I'm finally making my way into the work force, I've recently started shopping at Loft. My first regret after purchasing my first item was, "I wish I shopped at Loft sooner." Not only are their clothes perfect for work, but they fit amazingly for petite sized person like me ! I've come to realize the importance of a tailored outfit. No longer will I look sadly at a skirt thinking that it won't look good on me because of my height. I know I'll have Loft to fall back on. 

3) Banana Republic: Enter code BRVDAY40 for 40% off entire purchase.

Banana Republic is great for work clothes. They give off that sophisticated, feminine touch to every item of clothing. Their clothes are also great for both day and night. My favorite item here is the sloan fit slim ankle pants. Not only do they fit perfectly, but they make an outfit look polished at the office and when you're out and about. I would even say that these pants should be a staple in your wardrobe. They can go with anything.


4) Asos: Enter code LONGHAUL for extra 15% off clearance.

Asos has clothes for everyone. Their selection ranges and caters to different fashion styles. Although their seasonal selections are great, I always tackle their sale/clearance section. It's just as good as their seasonal stuff. I've actually been eyeing the Bandeau Jumpsuit in black. The teal is on sale, but the black one isn't. I just think it would be great for summer, and because my shoulders are a little bit broad, the sweetheart-ish neckline would be so cute!


5) Aldo Shoes: Extra 50% off Sale boots. 50% off the original price on all clearance footwear. No code needed for both deals.
ORINGOAAUDAISEISEUTESSI (Available in 3 colors), PRAVDAFADEE

Aldo has been trying to sell their boots for the past two months. Do them a favor (both in store and online) and help them out... only if you like the shoes of course. The Fadee looks amazing, but the heel is too high and waaay too thin. If anything, the Pravda looks a lot more practical with the chunky heel (helps with comfort and balance). If you are looking for a boot, the Oringoa has been featured in many fashion blogs. So if you want to be trendy, here's your chance. 

Although I only listed these websites, I'm pretty sure that there are many more amazing sales happening on others. What are your favorite websites to check out for great online deals?

Happy Shopping!


Thursday, February 6, 2014

Where To Buy J.Crew Inspired Necklaces


J.Crew Classic Link Necklace, J.Crew Crystal and Metal Necklace, J.Crew Venus Flytrap Necklace, J.Crew Technicolor Flower Necklace

Statement necklaces have always been an important staple in my wardrobe. Not only do they pull an outfit together, but they can also add that touch or bling bling that was missing. My favorite necklaces are from J.Crew. Whenever online or in store, I always swoon over their necklaces. It's honestly like candy. Their sparkles and bright colors attract me, and there's nothing else going through my mind except, "I want this necklace!" However, once I see that price tag, I'm a no go. $150? $165? Sheesh! The sale section might help a little, but I'm still not willing to purchase a necklace worth $98 or $88. Maybe if I had loads of money to throw around I'd buy it, but if you're like me and don't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on jewelry, the feeling of "I-Want-This-Now" is thrown out the window.

So, what is the best alternate option? You know you're looking for quality, but also at a cheap or reasonable price. You also know you want a necklace that is similar to the one you've been gushing over in the latest J.Crew catalog. What to do... What to do...

There are millions of online stores that sell J.Crew inspired necklaces. They might not be real, but they sure look like the necklaces you've been wanting for the longest time.

How do you know that they won't break? This is where a bit of research comes into play. You need to read the reviews. Look at what other customers say about the item, the seller, and other items the seller sells. This will give you clear insight if the seller is trust worthy and if the quality of the necklace is great.

It's also best to do a price match-up. This will take a while, but it will help in the long run. Who wants to buy a statement necklace at $30 on one website when at another online store, you can get it for $15 instead? Not only do you get the necklace, but you save money while doing so.

Here are some online stores to consider:

1) Etsy



Etsy is a great site for jewelry.  Not only are you getting things handmade, but you're also supporting the sellers who make the jewelry. From my experience, everything I have bought on Etsy is crafted with the finest care and everything handmade is well made. Most sellers have a description of the length and the material of the necklace. And if you have any questions, the sellers are easy to reach.


2) Shop Lately



This online store has a great selection for jewelry. Each week, different sellers are featured, putting a couple of their items on sale. So that necklace that you've been eyeing might be $12 when the original price was $20. The sale items do run out fast though, especially if it is a seller who is well known. One of my favorite sellers, Lily Wang, sells amazing J.crew inspired necklaces. Those necklaces are usually sold out when they're put on sale. Lily Wang is also up to date with the most recent J.Crew necklaces. If you see your favorite necklace in the most recent J.Crew catalog, you're bound to see it on Lily Wang's store a couple of weeks later.

3) Ebay



Yes, Ebay. Known for all things that come from China. Not my favorite place to buy necklaces, but I come here when I'm desperate for a necklace that I can't find elsewhere. The great thing about Ebay is that they probably will have what you're looking for. The bad thing? That necklace you're looking at probably isn't well made. But, if your the type of person who doesn't care about quality and just wants a beautiful-looking statement necklace, Ebay will be your best friend. Some of the necklaces are very overpriced. Don't get me wrong. You can probably find a necklace at a cheap cost that is still well made, but that's rare and I make no promises.

4) Forever 21



Okay. You got me. They honestly don't sell any J.Crew look-a-like necklaces, but some of their necklaces can pull off that J.Crew look. Quality is fairly okay. They won't break if you take good care of them. However, if you store them in a jumble mess with other necklaces, they will break. Tender love and care ladies!

Are there other places you go to get your statement necklaces? I'd love to know!

Hope you all enjoyed my first post in my "Where To Buy" series. I'll be posting where to buy cheap/reasonable price shoes, skirts, pants, shirts, sweaters, coats, etc. Stay tuned to the other blog entries I will be posting in the future.

Happy shopping =)