There really isn’t much that I need-or want for that matter at the present time. However, the January Sales always pique my interest because there’s always something that I end up buying. And—the purchases are usually with me for a long, long time!
You may or may not need that article of clothing–but treat yourself to something that you could use down the line!
Being every nuance of the blazer girl, I find that January is a great time to purchase that special blazer or suiting jacket that you’ve perhaps been eyeing at the beginning of the season and found it didn’t fit into your budget at the time or you just never got around to making the purchase.
J. Crew’s Dover blazer is that one for me. Back in September, I picked up a Navy Dover blazer for half the $198. retail price. This month I picked up the dark tan/light brown (whatever color it is) one for a grand total of $59.99. The price was right and the neutral color lends itself well to three-season dressing. Dressed up or down. It’s a win-win situation.
I’m a huge fan of J. Crew’s Blazers–you know that so well from all my blog posts! The Dover is such a classically cut, double-breasted beauty. I love this neutral brown.
Made in China, the fabric is all wool and it is such a lightweight wool that it is a perfect three-season blazer.
I love J. Crew’s workmanship and detailing. The simple button is well reinforced. The clean stitching around the pockets. The satiny stiped lining and the little buttoned pocked in the lining. It’s so worth the $59.99 I paid for this and I’ll have it for years.
With these inexpensive black leggings and black tee, this blazer takes the “at home” clothes to another level. I can leave the house like this–all due to a blazer!
And it goes so well with this leopard wrap/collar!
The color of the blazer will go well when I wear dark hair and when I go lighter! A great January purchase!
I also, got ridiculously lucky at Primark. When doing “field research” for my previous post about leopard prints, I came across racks of coats that were priced at $20. Twenty dollars! I saw this oversized red coat and just couldn’t resist. It is so well made and the simple cut gives it such a luxe look! For those who are looking for a coat, and not an everyday one that’ll get a ton of wear, check out more affordable clothing stores because you never know what treasures you’ll find!
At $20, I had to have this coat!
Oops moment! I THOUGHT the coat was a US size 8 but it wasn’t. Primark has universal sizing on their clothing. The coat, however, was so oversized that the 4 is a perfect fit. Anything larger then the coat would have been wearing me. The photo on the right lists where the coat is made and the fabric–this coat can also be washed.
A bit of the coat’s detailing. There is only one closure, a snap, on the coat. The snap is very well reinforced–it’s staying put. A good sign. The photo on the left shows the pocket–it’s hard to see but the pocket is sewn very close to the coat–which is also a good sign!
A better view of the pocket in this photo…
I love the simple lines of this coat. Not fussy. Plain. And the length–I can wear a shorter skirt or a knee length skirt without a hem sticking out.
This coat also has a bit of the oversized Eighties vibe….
Don’t pay attention to the really, REALLY bad job I did tanning my legs yesterday. I was in a rush. I’m living proof that Haste makes Waste!
But–it also reminds me a bit of this coat my mother wore in the 1950’s. It’s the simplicity!
My mom, Germaine, on the right with my Aunt Tessie on the left. Ozone Park, Queens–in the 1950’s!
I can also do a monochromatic look with red shoes and my red Longchamp bag with this coat!
For dressing up, I can wear my George Costanza hat with this coat. The hat is an old Primark find. I paid $5.00 for it either last year or the year before.
Overall, this coat is a winner!
And this scarf will go so well with it. A scarf with any more red would be overkill!
Old Navy also had a ton of stuff marked down. I picked up a pair of velvet Pixie Pants for $9.97 and a navy brocade pair for $8.47. In addition, I had a $5.00 rewards coupon which brought the price of the total purchase down more. Here’s a look at the pants.
A great buy at $9.97. Product information on the right.
The pants are a faux velvet of sorts–maybe brushed corduroy? Whatever, they were a great buy.
The pants can be worn very casually with loafers, or for a more polished look with heels!
I also want to add that Old Navy’s Pixie Pants are well constructed. Zipped in front, the closure has two metal clasps and a button. Note–below I paired the pants with a plaid schoolboy jacket from J. Crew. The plaid’s color is a bit more of a red than a true burgundy but the jacket and pants do look great together. I love this blazer with the pants.
This blazer is always worn with jeans–but not anymore. I love the way the blazer looks with these pants!
The fit of these pants is fabulous. Hey. I’m curvy–I got hips and the pockets don’t “stick out” like so many others do when you have hips. Curvy gals–you know what I mean!!
I can’t help myself. I’m such a sucker for burgundy and green together. It’s very wintery and warm to me.
The ankle length is absolutely perfect too. I’m not a fan of pants that are too long. An added plus–the bottom hem of the pants isn’t too tight.
Overall, these pants were well worth the under ten dollar price. They are versatile, the fit is great and the fabric is more luxe than you can imagine!
Next are the brocade pants. Now–I’m not a “print” person, but like the fancy gold and black Pixie pants I purchased at Old Navy before Christmas, I did see these as well. The black jacquard on navy pants was subtle–it wasn’t too much for my taste. And the price, at the time was $39.99 for this pair. It came as a surprise to see them marked down to $8.47, and into the dressing room they came.
Now–let it be known. When shopping at Old Navy, and many stores these days, sizes aren’t consistent. Whereas the burgundy pants fit perfectly, the brocade pants were a bit on the snug side. I did try a size 10 but the 10 was way too big. I have some holiday weight to lose so I went with the pants anyway and I’m glad that I did. There is a bit of stretch in them and as I wore them, they became slightly stretched out and more comfortable.
These pants. Paired with a Navy Tippi sweater from J. Crew and black heels, this is really a great office look that can switch over to a night out with no change!
The pants stretched out just a tad to give a much better fit. This ankle length though. I wish all pants were this length!
And on a curvy frame, these pants are very flattering.
This photo offers a better look at the fabric. These pants will wear very well for all seasons! And the print–so subtle!
That fake tan–hey, maybe Chippy just licked it off !
Another thumbs up–for the pants!
Is there anything you are looking for that you might have missed the boat on in the beginning of the season? Are you looking for an investment item or a good pair of boots (don’t buy Tory Burch boots–you’ll regret it) or a good bag? Now’s the time to be on the hunt. Get your ammunition–comfortable shoes and your wallet–and carry on!!!
I can’t stop thinking about this Duran Duran song today. Hungry Like the Wolf. You might be hungry like a wolf for a great sale item! What say you? Have you shopped the January sales yet–there’s still time!!!
