On Duty, Shopping Off Season
Spring is here and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom with shedding petals veiling the sidewalks, and everyone’s spirits rising with the warming temperatures. What’s even better than sunshine and sundress weather? Shopping off season—it’s every it girl with a budget’s secret to attaining quality items for less. Besides the holidays, deeper discounts occur during off months and oftentimes, those sale on sales at department stores aren’t the cheapest price available during the year. (As someone who has worked at a luxury department store, I know this by experience.) Some of these items you won’t be able to wear right away, but delayed gratification is all the more worthwhile.
One big tip is to invest in a good coat, it’ll last years as a wardrobe staple. They’re hard to sew hence the high prices for construction and craftsmanship. Here are some personally worn coats that have kept me warm in snow storms and below 10 degree weather at Penn.
My go-to winter coat for when I want to look dressed up but feel comfortable. It’s incredibly warm, I don’t need many layers under it for even the coldest weather, and it’s chic. It’s on sale now from $398 to $99.
Also, how do those NYC “fashionphiles" seem weather resistant? Thermal layers such as leggings and long sleeved shirts to wear under dresses, skirts, and sweaters are your best friend. You can get any brand off Amazon.
These are made for Canadian winters, and often go on sale during the holidays. They’re great quality and built to keep you sheltered from wind and snow.
Boots
Did you know that shoes can be resoled or treated at your local cobbler? It’s a method to keep those boots and heels looking new and lasting for years. Loeffler Randall’s leather boots were featured on Dakota Johnson in The Materialists. I thrifted a new pair off Poshmark for $50, and they’re the comfiest knee high heeled boots. I’ve walked miles in them from Center City to campus and back with no issues. These are the exact pair Dakota wears in the movie.
Stuart Weitzman’s 5050 boots are beautiful and I’ve owned a pair for over twelve years without needing to take them to be treated. They’ve lasted cat scratches, snow, and miles and miles of treading walks.
A statement boot should be a part of every person’s daily wardrobe. I’m eyeing these.
My last word of wisdom, a lace or crochet ribbon can be used as a makeshift belt that you can trim to your size and wrap around your waist as many times as you’d like, and cinch to whatever level you want.
Featured Image courtesy GQ Magazine