Winter-Friendly Wardrobe Staple: the Canadian Tux

Chic on the Cheap, My Picks

Canada really had a 2017, eh? After more than two centuries spent enduring comparisons to its louder, richer, free-er (?) next-door neighbor, the Northern Lights finally aligned for Canada after it elected a ridiculously photogenic camp counselor to run the show, which, fortuitously enough, occurred just around the time America decided a slow-motion garbage fire was worth a try. French and Pseudo-French inspiration reached phenomenon status on the internet. Turquoise lakes became Instagram gold. And, finally, the world began Googling The Great White North for reasons other than “NHL prospects that are single – 2017” — just ask IT.

While the number of times ‘Trudeau‘ appears in my Google image search history may suggest otherwise, what I admire most about Canada is its uncharacteristically brash approach to black tie. Denim-on-denim is one of my favorite go-tos on those winter mornings it’s so cold even your neurons can’t get a fire going, and there’s a lot of versatility potential once you throw layering into the mix. Plus, you automatically appear marginally more equipped to lasso an elk, should a situation that demands such a skill present itself. 

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I’ve included some picks to help you create a Canadian Tuxedo of your own. Not into super pricey jeans? Me, either. Meet the denim spectrum — a helpful guide intended to help marketing/communications and finance/accounting double majors alike make the best buying decision when it comes to their denim. 

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1 // Zara Boyfriend Jeans, $70
2 // Topshop Cropped Jeans, $75
3 // J. Crew Toothpick Jeans, $110 (30% off!)
4 // Madewell High-Waist Button Jeans (also in black), on sale for $127
5 // Madewell Paloma Wash Jeans, $128
6 // Paige Denim Ripped Skinnies, $199
7 // Frame Denim Le Skinny Slit Cut, $235

Chambray Faves

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1 // 2 (Sold Out)// 3 // 4

Striped Tops

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1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Wearing tights, instead? Check out VTNF’s 22 favorite tights-friendly finds on the most recent edition of Sole Serotonin

xxac

Prime Find: This Shirt Is Probably, Definitely from Amazon

Chic on the Cheap

The motive was an off-white top I could pair with jeans, cords, and skirts this fall for work or play. The challenge was the $23.75 in my checking account. Per usual, I headed to Amazon, hoping for a miracle in the shape of a strange Korean-made garment somehow produced to fit me and my vision in perfect, flawless form. 

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Suffice to say, my hopes and dreams were realized in the form of this off-white eyelet pattern top I did not remove from my body for a full 72 hours during the carb-ridden blur that is Thanksgiving weekend. It’s a soft, silky material, doesn’t wrinkle easily, and looks great tucked in or out. 

Magical. Less than $20. And it’s still in stock HERE.

I’m wearing the ‘L – US 4’ size but probably could have sized down to a Medium for a more fitted look. Actually, I’m going to buy the smaller size now, because life is short and this wearable doily is worth it. It includes a back zipper, so the risk of strangulation is low (unless you’re into that sort of thing!) 

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My earrings and cords are also on sale! Click the graphic to shop and complete the look! 

xxac

Chic on the Cheap: Vintage and Non-Vintage Ralph Lauren

Chic on the Cheap

I’ve always loved Ralph Lauren’s unapologetically American styling and aesthetic — he, to this day, manages to parlay casual sophistication without it feeling contrived. That said, I didn’t get really into RL until I discovered the brand’s vintage pieces selling secondhand all of the internet. SO MANY HORSES. SO MUCH WOOL. SO, SO GOOD. Go ahead, take a walk in someone else’s riding pants — you’ll be glad you did!  

Remember!

  1. I never recommend anything I wouldn’t buy myself, and I keep an eye on price to ensure the consignment price is significantly lower than the cost of buying new.
  2. I double check Poshmark finds to ensure there are no obvious signs of overwear or damage.
  3. Remember: Poshmark encourages offers, and you can often achieve a 20-30% lower price using this tool. It differs from eBay’s bidding system in that you will automatically be awarded the purchase if the buyer accepts your offer price. A seller can also counteroffer a different price, which you will be prompted to accept, counteroffer, or decline.
  4. Search the product name in The RealReal before buying, if your purchase can wait. I’ve noticed if TRR has a lot of a certain product in stock, the products they received more recently will be priced higher than the items that have been in the system for a while. 

Living for These, Dying for These

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Wool & Angora jacket, size 2, on sale for $220 via The RealReal

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Vintage orange wool skirt, size 2, $42 via Poshmark

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Black suede pumps, size 9, $150 via Poshmark

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Vintage peacoat in navy, size 8, $135 via Poshmark

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Metallic pattern pencil skirt, size 2, $55 bia Poshmark

Black & Purple Label

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Open-back pleated gown, size XS, on sale for $560 via The RealReal

Tortoise sheath dress, size 2, on sale for $795 via The RealReal

Pleated black and white gown, size 2, $500 via Poshmark

Midi body con dress, size 2, $116 via The RealReal

Navy wool blazer with button detailing, size 6, $89 via Poshmark, and similar, size 4, $200 via Poshmark

Wide leg pinstripe trousers, size 8, $200 via Poshmark

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Wool Capelet Coat, size 12, on sale for $1,238 via The RealReal

Leopard booties, size 8.5, $159 via Poshmark

Blue Label & Rugby

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Riding pants, size 4, $129 via Poshmark and in size 12, $80 via The RealReal and Poshmark

Riding jacket in brown, size 2, $70 via Poshmark

Crested blazer, size 4, $129 via Poshmark

Khaki trench, size 4, $235 via Snob Swap

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Gold sequin dress, size 12, $100 via Poshmark

Cheetah pumps, size 9.5, $79 via Poshmark

Vintage

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Vintage wool wrap skirt, size 10, $180 via Poshmark

Lizard flap crossbody, on sale for $556 with code ‘REAL’

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Woven crossbody in hunter green, $30 via Poshmark

Off-the-shoulder blouse with tie, size 2, $250 via Poshmark

Amber satin gown, size 8, $30 via Poshmark

Knit halter top, size S, $30 via Poshmark

Midi skirt in navy, size 8, $99 via Poshmark

Fur-lined vest, size M, $79 via Poshmark

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Gingham silk dress, size 6, $58 via Poshmark

 

M Street Round Up: Black Friday Edition

Chic on the Cheap

Every month, I round up the best things I found while jogging (see: shopping) in Georgetown, and trust me when I say you’ll want to give up a non-essential organ for this line-up. Lucky for you, Black Friday sales are already upon us, so you won’t have to! Is there anything better than saving on would-be splurges with two in-tact kidneys?! Probably not!

FYI: all prices listed reflect the cost before discount. Happy shopping! 

The Hookup

J. Crew: 40% off everything except collection. Use code THANKU.

Tuckernuck: 20% off everything, 25% off $500, 30% off $1,000 with code GONUTS

Zara: 30% off your entire purchase.

Kate Spade: 30% off everything with code GIVEJOY

Outback Steakhouse: $10 coupon for every $50 gift card purchase. 

Tory Burch: 30% off order of $250 or more with code THANKS.

Antropologie: extra 25% off sale.

Madewell: 25% off your order with code DONTSTRESS

Banana Republic: 50% off all purchases. 

For the holiday dinner

RedFinalRed dot necklace, $134 from Kate Spade, Red statement earrings, $78 and Poppy Blythe dress, $138 from Tuckernuck, KJP bow bracelet, $58 from Brooks Brothers, Red jacket, $350 from J. Crew, Burgundy bow heels, $60 from Zara, Ranjana Khan statement earrings, $340 from Cusp.

For the holiday party

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Sequin knee dress, $395 from J. Crew,  Deco statement earrings, $228, Mini crossbody, $328, Green strap watch, $150,  Francesa pump, $299 from Tory Burch, Black Halo green dress, $340 from Cusp, Avocado ornament, $8 from Tuckernuck, Green fur coat, $218 from Anthropologie.

For the holiday getaway

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Camel poncho, $118 from Anthropologie, Phoenix mules, $419 from Tory Burch, Fireburst earrings, $240, Barbour plaid wrap, $89 from Tuckernuck, Cashmere leather gloves, $98 from J. Crew, Barbour Gamefair Jacket, $465, High neck sweater, $125 from Cos, Melissa Whip Tall Boots, $458 from Frye, Cheetah studs $48 from Kate Spade.

My Top 5: Tuckernuck

My Top 5: Anthropologie

My Top 5: J. Crew

But wait, there’s more! Check out all the best finds from the Shopbop sale that’s live now! Talk about a #WildWednesday!!! 

xxac

Shopbop Sale: 25 Picks Under $125

Chic on the Cheap

Get those fingers clicking a little early this year and spend your holiday pregame taking advantage of the Shopbop sale! I’ve rounded up my favorite under $125 picks for you below, and you can check out all of my favorites (with links to each product) here!

Standouts include this Phillip Lim peplum and Marni earrings, both of which were featured on last week’s Sports, for People Who Kind of Hate Sports and this mega ruffle top I wore all summer long in four colors!

Happy Shopping!

Shopbop Top 25 Under $125

 

 

 

 

xxac

Chic on the Cheap: Diane von Furstenberg

Chic on the Cheap

I love Diane von Furstenberg’s classic, feminine looks — her items make for wardrobe staples and last through seasons, phases and changes. So, go ahead, take a walk in someone’s wrap dress. It’s worth it!

Remember!

  1. I never recommend anything I wouldn’t buy myself, and I keep an eye on price to ensure the consignment price is significantly lower than the cost of buying new.
  2. I double check Poshmark finds to ensure there are no obvious signs of overwear or damage.
  3. Remember: Poshmark encourages offers, and you can often achieve a 20-30% lower price using this tool. It differs from eBay’s bidding system in that you will automatically be awarded the purchase if the buyer accepts your offer price. A seller can also counteroffer a different price, which you will be prompted to accept, counteroffer, or decline.
  4. Search the product name in The RealReal before buying, if your purchase can wait. I’ve noticed if TRR has a lot of a certain product in stock, the products they received more recently higher than the items that have been in the system for a while. 

Living for These, Dying for These: My Favorite Finds

DVP Ibiza Runway Heels

Ibiza Runway Geometric Heels, size 7.5 for $95 via Poshmark and size 8 for $143 via The RealReal

DVF Bogart Trench

Bogart trench, size 8 for $175 via The RealReal

DVF Leopard Mini Skirt

Leopard mini skirt, size 4, $95 via The RealReal

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Technicolor fur-front cardigan, size 2, $325 via SNOBSWAP

 

Tops & Jackets

Navy vintage blazer, $40 via Poshmark


DVF Lace halter top

Lace halter top, size M, $85 via SNOBSWAP 

Emerald vintage blouse, size S, $85 via Poshmark

DVF Textured cardigan

Arryn textured cardigan, size M, $65 via The RealReal (20% off with code ‘REAL’) 

Tegan silk blouse with tie, size L, $75 via The RealReal (20% off with code ‘REAL’) 

Dresses 

DVP Printed Mini Dress

Eleanor knit mini dress, size XS, $65 via The RealReal (20% off with code ‘REAL’) 

Vintage print shirtdress, size 4 for $50 via Poshmark

Leland Silk Midi Dress

Leland silk midi dress, size 8, $95 via The RealReal (20% off with code ‘REAL’) 

Suede-trimmed dress with tie, size 2, $115 via The RealReal 

Carrie mini dress in white, size 2, $55 via The RealReal (20% off with code ‘REAL’) 

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Tenner Floral Button-Up Dress, size 2, $140 via Tradesy

Shoes

Leopard loafers, size 9, $150 via Poshmark and size 6.5, $278 via Tradesy

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Leopard Zia pumps, size 6.5 for $67 and size 7 for $40 via The RealReal, size 9 for $40 and size 7 for $50 via Poshmark, and size 7 via Tradesy for $94

Magenta Zia pumps, size 6 for $71 via Tradesy and size 6 for $63, size 9 for $40 and size 9.5 for $125 via Poshmark

DVF White Pumps

White leather pumps, size 9.5 for $95 via The RealReal (20% off with code ‘REAL’) 

Bags 

DVF Peach Lips Clutch

Snakeskin Lips crossbody bag, on sale for $65 via The RealReal

Red and black pattern sachel bag, $160 via SNOBSWAP

Vintage clutch, $45 via Poshmark

DVF Mini Bag in black

Mini Harper bag in black, $125 via The RealReal

Mini leopard crossbody bag, on sale for $88 via The RealReal

 

xxac

Chic on the Cheap: Céline

Chic on the Cheap

If Celine continues to prove one thing, it’s that bigger is basically always better. The brand’s masterfully marrying of bold, statement patterns and designs without sacrificing sophistication, there’s a reason this powerhouse has been selling out of four-figure handbags for almost seventy-five years. 

Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite secondhand Celine finds you can buy and still afford to eat this week! 

Remember!

  • I never recommend anything I wouldn’t buy myself, and I keep an eye on price to ensure the consignment price is significantly lower than the cost of buying new.
  • I double check Poshmark finds to ensure there are no obvious signs of overwear or damage.
  • Remember: Poshmark encourages offers, and you can often achieve a 20-30% lower price using this tool. It differs from eBay’s bidding system in that you will automatically be awarded the purchase if the buyer accepts your offer price. A seller can also counteroffer a different price, which you will be prompted to accept, counteroffer, or decline.
  • Search the product name in The RealReal before buying, if your purchase can wait. I’ve noticed if TRR has a lot of a certain product in stock, the products they received more recently higher than the items that have been in the system for a while. 

Dead for These, Living for These: My Favorites

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Burgundy chainlink heels, size 9, $180 via Poshmark

Statement necklace/belly chain (!!!), $70 via Poshmark

Macadam overnight tote, $345 via Poshmark

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Medium ponyhair Trapeze bag, $1,075 and here for $1,095 via The RealReal

Cognac booties, size 7.5, $449 or full riding boot, size 9, $300 via Poshmark

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Tweed herringbone skirt, Size 10, on sale for $38 via The RealReal

Bags

Large Trapeze bag in black, $895 via The RealReal

Large Trapeze bag in burgundy, $980 via Poshmark

Medium Trapeze bag in ocean blue, $1,100 via Poshmark

Medium tri-color Trapeze bag, $925 via The RealReal

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Embossed small Trapeze bag in gray, $1,045 via The RealReal

Leopard ponyhair mini tote, on sale for $1,186 via The RealReal

Vintage clutch, $175, via The RealReal

Diamond shoulder bag, $495 via The RealReal (save 20% with code REAL)

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Embossed frame bag, $325 via The RealReal (save 20% with code REAL)

Shoes

Houdstooth printed boots, size 10.5, $575 via Poshmark

Suede peep-toe boots in chocolate, size 9, on sale for $165 via The RealReal

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Suede tassel ankle booties, size 6, on sale for $88 via The RealReal

Suede tassel riding boots, size 7.5 for $200 or size 8 for $175 via Poshmark

Burgundy fringe loafers, size 9.5, $275 via The RealReal (save 20% with code REAL)

Dark leather booties, size 7 or size 10, $375 via Poshmark

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Tan heels, size 9, $90 via Poshmark

Clothing

Runway slit top, size 2, $225 via Poshmark

Suede and leather top, size 4, on sale for $248 via The RealReal

Peplum pattern top in black, size 4, $225 via The RealReal

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Wool fringe top, size S, on sale for $267 via The RealReal

Vintage pattern blouse, size 36, $295 via Poshmark

High-rise white wide-leg pants, size M, $275 via The RealReal (save 20% with code REAL)

Gray wool skirt, size 6, $35 via Poshmark or size 10, on sale for $207 via The RealReal

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Shift dress in camel, size 8, $225 or black, on sale for $207 via The RealReal

Deep green vintage skirt, size 6, $39 via Poshmark

Camel cropped jacket$195 via The RealReal (save 20% with code REAL)

xxac

Chic on the Cheap: Elizabeth & James

Chic on the Cheap

When it comes to wearable fashion, Elizabeth & James continue to get it right every time. Each piece includes just the right amount of trend, resulting in lines of timeless items that are perfect for both work and play. 

Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite secondhand Celine finds you can buy and still afford to eat this week! 

Remember!

  • I never recommend anything I wouldn’t buy myself, and I keep an eye on price to ensure the consignment price is significantly lower than the cost of buying new.
  • I double check Poshmark finds to ensure there are no obvious signs of overwear or damage.
  • Remember: Poshmark encourages offers, and you can often achieve a 20-30% lower price using this tool. It differs from eBay’s bidding system in that you will automatically be awarded the purchase if the buyer accepts your offer price. A seller can also counteroffer a different price, which you will be prompted to accept, counteroffer, or decline.
  • Search the product name in The RealReal before buying, if your purchase can wait. I’ve noticed if TRR has a lot of a certain product in stock, the products they received more recently higher than the items that have been in the system for a while. 

Dead for These, Living for These: My Favorites

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Leather fringe skirt in oxblood, size 2, on sale via The RealReal for $140

Wool high rise pants, size 2, via The RealReal for $65

Black and white pattern halter dress, size 6, $50 via Poshmark

Ostrich feather-trim dress, size 0, $135 or in white, size S, $116 via the RealReal, or similar in black, size L $200, via eBay

Dresses 

V-neck dress in maroon, size 4, $65 or in black$75 via The RealReal

High neck dress in plum, size 0, $55 via Poshmark

Cutout mini dress in black, Size S or Size M in pink, via The RealReal for $65

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Bell sleeve mini dress in maroon, size 4, 6, 8, $101 via Rent the Runway clearance sale

Silk babydoll dress in burnt orange, size 2, $20 via Poshmark 

Clothing

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Fringe evening jacket, size small, $95 via The RealReal

Ruched boyfriend blazer, size 2, $65 via The RealReal

Satin pants with front tie, Size S, $65 via The RealReal 

Accessories

Leather Cynnie Crossbody Bag, $125 via The RealReal
(I have this in plum — love it! The magnetic closures keep it shut no matter how many times you’re in and out of it.)

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Leopard Cynnie Bucket Bag, $138 via the Rent the Runway clearance sale

Suede ankle boots in navy, size 6 for $95 and size 10 for $52, via The RealReal

xxac