Summer Shopping on the Cheap(ish)

I love to shop, specifically for good deals. Stores like Nordstrom Rack are my playground. I can stay for hours! But, with this whole trying to save money business, those frequent Marshalls or Rack trips are gone.

I decided to allow myself $100 or less for some summer basics that are versatile, easy to mix and match. After taking stock of what's already in my closet, I made a very crude moodboard and got to ordering.

Old Navy T-Shirt Dress (Tall)

This dress has pretty good reviews, comes in tall sizes, and was under $20 with a promotion. I ordered a Tall medium and Tall large. The medium fit well but was fitted enough that it was a little sexy and required I be more mindful of my undergarment choice. I wanted something more casual, so I went with the large. After a couple hours of wear, it stretched out so much I was embarrassed to be wearing it in public. I hope it shrinks in the wash. (PS: There was also a bodycon version of the dress, but I'm not sure if it's still available)

Old Navy Linen Blend Shirt (Tall)

I got this because it looked comfortable for the hot summer and work appropriate. I always forget how long Old Navy shirts are in Tall. I'm 5'11" and most of my height comes from my legs, so most regular sizes are long enough in the torso for me. Sleeve length, dress/skirt length, and inseams are where I require tall sizes. Anyway, in a Tall medium the shirt was tunic length, which wasn't what I was looking for.

Array of Old Navy and Gap denim shorts

Oh, the shorts! I ordered six pairs of shorts, at least. I got different styles, washes, and sizes, but I had my heart set on the Gap boyfriend shorts. I was going for the 90s throwback light wash, a color that inspired a look of disgust from my husband. Turns out, I'm too curvy for boyfriend shorts. In my regular size, the thighs were tighter than I wanted, and when I went up a size, the shorts were just too big overall and made me look kind of huge.

I went with these Old Navy boyfriend shorts in my normal size, ultramarine wash. The inseam is a little short (3 1/2 inches, no clear difference between the Tall and regular sizes) and the thighs slightly fitted, but they got a thumbs up from the husband and are comfortable enough, especially for $20. 

Target Maxi Dresses

I started with the black and white dress, which I loved. However, I went with the black dress because it's easier to wear. It doesn't show off your body's imperfections as much and, like the large ON dress, has less specific undergarment requirements. It was $20 with an apparel coupon on the Cartwheel app. Both dresses are plenty long for wearing with flat sandals.

I also ordered some sandals and a pair of Keds from Nordstrom using a giftcard but they haven't arrived yet. Not to mention a J Crew order due to an untimely return of some work clothes I ordered in the Spring that left me with store credit instead of a refund.

Steals and Deals

I know it's bad form to talk about the amount of money you spent on something, but when a very good deal is involved I believe that rule no longer applies. Finding a deal or steal is like a gift, and I like to give by passing those gifts on to others.

I am a member of many discount members-only websites, and I hardly ever buy anything. When I say hardly, I mean I have only bought from one site two times during the holidays. However, after taking inventory of my closet I realize I only have enough business wear to last me about a week. I only have one blazer. I only have one cardigan. I have two button downs, only one with long enough sleeves. I am reluctant to go shopping because I haven't started yet and haven't earned a paycheck yet! SOLUTION! My discount websites and Christmas giftcards!

Here's what I got so far:

Banana Republic Wide Croc-Embossed Belt
List Price $69.50 My Price $9.50
(no longer in stock online, check stores)

Banana Republic Silk Crinkled-Neckline Shell
List Price $70.00 My price $17.00

Banana Republic Classic Pencil Skirt

List Price $59.50 My price $7.00

Gap Hip-Slung Yarn Dyed Flare Pants
List Price $59.50 My Price $20.00

Everything is listed for a much higher price online than what I paid in the stores. The sale prices were lower and Banana Republic took an additional 40% off the sale price. Plus, the skirt had a broken zipper so it was 80% off. I have no problem getting a broken zipper fixed.

Atelier Snap Jacket
List Price $220.00 (WHAT??) My Price $49.99

Atelier Pencil Skirt - Charcoal
List Price $98.00 My Price $29.00

Everything together $88.00 (including shipping)

Thank you, ideeli.com! If you want to check out ideeli and become a member, use the invitation link below. (copy and paste may be necessary)

http://www.ideeli.com/invite/kliptan

Whether you need new clothes for an existing job, a new job, or for interviews to try to get a job, there are deals out there! Stores need to move their merchandise and with this economy most people hesitate to pay full price now more than ever. I'll keep you posted with any more deals I find!

(images courtesy of bananarepublic.com, gap.com, and ideeli.com)