Crave & Save: Destroyed Denim

I remember my first pair of ripped jeans. I purchased them with my hard earned adolescent money from greeting people at the door working at Abercrombie & Fitch. They were absurdly low-rise, ripped in both knees and thighs, and splattered with bleach. They were a high school wardrobe staple, and my parents hated them. 

I had numerous pairs of these and one of two things happened: they either disintegrated and I was forced to throw them away, or I could no longer squeeze my ankles into a size 00 and was forced to give them away. Several years later, I purchased a more grown up pair post-college. The most practical type of ripped jeans you can find… strictly knee holes, no paint or bleach stains, and mid-rise. I still wear them to this day and they are my go-to for traveling, brunching, shopping, and even working.

I can’t believe how much some brands are charging for ripped  jeans, so I’ve scoured the Internet to find the best of the destroyed denim world’s highs and lows.

1. Current/Elliott, $228  |  2. 3X1, $345  |  3. J.Crew, $135

4. New Look, $30  |  5. GAP, $70  |  6. Abercrombie & Fitch, $59

Crave & Save: The Backpack

I remember my first “designer” backpack… Kate Spade. Black nylon. Teeny tiny. I could fit my pens, wallet, and day planner and that was about it. I didn’t even own a cell phone then so the bag was pretty much useless. But it was so cool. I still have it–tucked away in the back of my armoire at my parents’ house. Maybe I’ll bring it back, who knows.

Well, backpacks are… back? And some of the price points are borderline offensive. It’s a backpack! Alas, below are my favorite highs and semi-lows.

1. Longchamp, $125  |  2. Baggu, $34  |  3. Kate Spade Saturday, $180  |  4. Style & Co., $52

5. Rag & Bone, $725  |  6. Alexander Wang, $1,050  |  7. B Brian Atwood, $350  |  8. Madewell, $248

Crave & Save: Leather-Trimmed Tuxedo Jacket

I love a good blazer… I love a good tuxedo jacket even more and if there’s leather trim on there, I’m sold.

The tuxedo jacket is an easy piece to throw on–one that completely transforms any outfit–and the leather adds a bit of edge without losing the sophistication and elegance.

From the moment I saw Saint Laurent’s leather-trimmed tuxedo jacket, I didn’t have to search too far to find ZARA’s spot-on, much more affordable take.

Saint Laurent, $2,890  |  ZARA, $139

Crave & Save: The Moto Jacket

1. Club Monaco  |  2. Mackage  |  3. OBEY

I have dozens and dozens of jackets in my closet, but I routinely find myself reaching for the same three pieces once fall rolls around: my black blazer, my army green combination jacket with leather sleeves, and my black leather jacket.

What’s so great about the black moto jacket is that it adds edge to a seemingly girly or feminine outfit and instantly makes you feel more comfortable and cool. For seven years, mine has never let me down, and I feel that it’s a must in just about every girl’s wardrobe.

Although it is definitely a splurge-worthy item, there are lots of different price points to choose from depending on your budget.

1. Alexander Wang, $1,750  |  2. ACNE, $1,600  |  3. Theory, $1,295

4. Topshop, $85  |  5. ZARA, $119

Crave & Save: The Sugar Scrub

I am a firm believer in sugar scrubs. They’re perfect all year long–for keeping skin smooth in the summertime and hydrated in the cooler months–but they can definitely be on the pricey side.

My all-time favorite sugar scrub is by Fresh, which retails for up to $65, but the sugar scrub possibilities are endless. Hazelwood’s Pom Bomb Sugar Scrub is a much more affordable option and a very close second… plus it smells so, so good and leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed.

 

 

1. Sunshine Spa, $11  |  2. Trish McEvoy, $55  |  3. The Body Shop, $20  |  4. Archipelago, $29

5. Bath & Body Works, $16  |  6. Bliss, $36  |  7. Whish, $38  |  8. Fresh, $65  |  9. Laura Mercier, $46

Crave & Save: The Pom Pom Throw

Regardless of the season, I’m pretty much always chilly so I really love a good blanket to curl up with when I’m sitting on the couch watching reality TV.

I’ve had my eye on this Serena & Lily pom pom throw for months, as I think it would be the perfect addition to my apartment, but I never wanted to spend the money. I decided to do some research and found two more affordable options that are just as pretty, if not prettier. This C.Wonder blanket comes in several colors, but I think the “tourmaline” has to be my favorite.

1. Serena & Lily, $128  |  2. Second Shout Out, $359  |  3. Calypso St. Barth, $60  |  4. C.Wonder, $68

Crave & Save: The Duffel

Polo Ralph Lauren, $425  |  Mark & Graham, $199

There’s something about carrying a good duffel bag. You’re on the go, but not for long, and you don’t need a whole lot to be happy wherever it is you’re going.

When I was younger, my Dad would travel for work and he’d always have his black leather COACH duffel in-tow. Of course I wanted to be just like him, so I managed to swipe his American Express-branded Cutter+Buck duffel, unbeknownst to him. The chestnut color is crisp and beautiful, but the bag weighs a good 10 pounds when empty, so it’s not the most practical. Regardless of practicality, he’ll never get it back because every time I pick it up, I think about him—and I could never part with that… Thanks, Dad!

Recently a friend of mine came to me in search of the perfect duffel. After struggling to lug a leather duffel around for years, I suggested that she go the canvas route. It’s lighter and more manageable, and typically more affordable.

My current favorite has got to be the Mark & Graham canvas overnight bag. That friend actually took my advice and ordered one for herself and she absolutely loves it… what’s not to love? A very close second is this olive green Filson duffel, pictured below. I actually think the olive green is my favorite because you don’t have to worry about it staining, and like a fine wine, will probably only get better with age.

1. Filson, $295  |  2. Herschel, $68  |  3. Flud, $72

4. Brooks Brothers, $598  |  5. Polo Ralph Lauren, $598  |  6. Polo Ralph Lauren, $425

Crave & Save: The Floral Blazer

I have been on the hunt for the perfect floral blazer and after spotting these two lookalikes, I decided it was time to get back to writing my “Crave&Save” themed posts that I originated three years ago on cheapchicas.com (although I now see that my credit has been removed from all posts).

These two blazers, one by ZARA, and the other by Stella McCartney, although they look similar, are actually more than $1,700 apart. Crazy!

Some other great floral blazers, below…

Topshop, $136  |  ZARA, $100  |  Rag & Bone, $346