My New 95 Cent Blazer

Like some of you, I have been inspired by DaniBP’s Frock Philosophy and FFM’s Planning Your Fall Purchases so I decided to cull my closet and make a Fall shopping list for the first time ever. I have done pretty well in figuring out what needed to go from my closet but I should probably do one or two more rounds. I have a few dresses skirts and tees that could be purged.

The first thing on my list was Tailoring. I have several JC Cafe’ Capri pants that are not Capri on me. I self-hemmed a few of them so I could wear them immediately but knew that wouldn’t work for the long term. I ended up taking a trench coat, 6 Cafe’ Capri pants, 2 dresses and a skirt. I am pretty pleased with myself as it seemed like such a chore to do but, in the end, when I pick everything up I will have all “new” items to wear for Fall and beyond. Especially since several of those items were NWT from last year.
The rest of the list…
As you can see, next on my list was a pair of jeans. Specifically the Matchstick Jeans from J Crew. They are a great fit and just need the hem tailored. I have a pair of bootcut from Lucky Brand but I wanted a straight leg to rotate in my closet as well. I was able to find a pair on ebay for $37. They are from a few years ago but just what I was looking for. Money saved!
I have also already said “No” to a few items. I tried them on and they just weren’t up to my expectations. I kept them on the list and just added the “No” so I would remember how I felt about them come sale + % off time. Because you all know we forget how badly something fit and convince ourselves we were having a bad fitting room day and buy it anyway when it hits sale plus a promo. I do have a lot of J Crew items listed but it’s the brand I love, the brand that looks good on me and the brand that fits me well, consistently. 
OK…The Blazer…Since coming back from vacation, I have been wanting a Navy Blazer. I kept hoping the Schoolboy Blazer would hit sale but that never happened. The latest version from JC is Wool and I was looking for a warmer climate blazer, preferably cotton, but a blend was a possibility too. The Gap offers a Ponte Academy Blazer, and 25% off through Saturday night. That was a possibility but I needed to try it on. 
Husband wanted to go to Nordstrom Rack Saturday afternoon and I needed to make a return so I tagged along. Right as I walked in I saw a display with a Navy Blazer. Upon closer inspection, it was a Ponte Knit, Navy blue, only $50!! – AND MY SIZE! Before stripping the mannequin I walked around the store three times looking for the same blazer, in any colo, but never found one. I checked with an associate to be sure it was ok to disrupt his display and he happily took the blazer off the mannequin for me. 
Double – buttons
Lower back hem
Substantial gold buttons
Pretty striped lining
With my return and a balance on my gift card I only paid NINETY-FIVE CENTS out-of-pocket. Don’t you love it when you score an amazing deal! The blazer is by Willow & Clay,was originally $98 and is the same blend as the Gap blazer – Poly, Rayon, Spandex.  My store manager at JC had on the cutest Navy Blazer from Anthropologie that was similar to this one but I knew I had seen this blazer somewhere else. I had saved the image from Pink Peonies as a styling option once I bought my Navy Blazer. How crazy is it that I would find the exact same one! And don’t forget Princess Catherine in her Navy Blazer

Now I really can’t wait for cooler weather so I can wear my new blazer, with my new Matchstick Jeans. I’m off to a great start as far as price is concerned. I hope I’m able to score my other Fall List items on sale too.

Have a Great Day!

17 Comments

  1. August 19, 2012 / 1:34 pm

    What a wonderful "score" on the price, and what a great little blazer! It looks amazing on you and I can't wait to see your Polyvore outfits wearing it! 🙂

  2. August 19, 2012 / 2:02 pm

    That blazer is a great find- classy and comfy!
    I love the lining detail, and the unusual buttons ,too!

  3. August 19, 2012 / 3:08 pm

    Audrey – that is AMAZING!! What a great find! I am so happy for you! I ordered a couple of things yesterday – we will see if any of them work! I am finding that having a list is a very useful thing and it is working very well for me!

  4. August 19, 2012 / 4:32 pm

    That is a great looking blazer and what a deal. I forget about the Nordstrom Rack for me because I get so overwhelmed by the vastness of stuff. Unless I'm on a very specific mission (usually boys' shoes or suits) I don't go. I'm inspired now and will have to take a look one of these days.

  5. August 19, 2012 / 5:13 pm

    Cute! I'd like to try to find that jacket at the Nordstrom Rack. Do you still have the tag? I'd love to get the item no.

  6. August 19, 2012 / 5:16 pm

    Love it, looks great on you!

  7. August 19, 2012 / 6:18 pm

    Thanks so much for the mention AudreyBella. I love your list, it is very well thought-out and the big NO cracks me up!
    That blazer is amazing! What a find! It fits you perfectly and is so flattering on you.

  8. August 20, 2012 / 6:47 am

    It fits perfectly! Nice find 🙂

  9. August 20, 2012 / 4:02 pm

    Great find, it looks terrific!

  10. August 20, 2012 / 4:21 pm

    Congratulations on your fabulous find, Audrey! I know how excited you must be, not to mention that it looks absolutely beautiful on you! Thank you for the lovely mention, btw. It is always very much appreciated. 🙂

  11. August 21, 2012 / 1:15 am

    Wow…what a great looking jacket and it fits your perfectly. Tried to buy it today based on your post, but the Rack is sold out online and the customer service rep couldn't locate another one. So, I will enjoy seeing the looks you put together with it and try to find something similar 🙂

  12. August 24, 2012 / 9:13 pm

    Delurking to say I know the exact blazer from Anthropologie you are talking about. It is the Neoclassical Blazer that I loved so so much, but that I was sized out of. Sad indeed. This is such a great alternative and it looks great on you!
    Back into lurking I go 🙂
    Another Anthro Blog

  13. August 26, 2012 / 8:15 pm

    Very cute blazer and seems so well made!

  14. August 28, 2012 / 4:35 am

    Great score! and I think it's brilliant to keep your "noes" on the list so you won't grab them on a sale or promo. Brilliant. I cringe when I read that someone's keeping something that doesn't fit, or shoes that hurt, because the price was right. if the garment isn't right, the price is never right. Proud of you, lady.

    • August 31, 2012 / 12:05 am

      wellfedfred – I really appreciate your comment. It is a great pat on the back from an admired peer. Thanks so much!

  15. August 31, 2012 / 12:03 am

    Thanks everyone so much for your comments. I really can't wait to wear it but darn this 100 degree weather. I have to say the "NOs" on my list helped me with this last JC 30% off. I was close to changing my mind but stuck to my list and even made a few compromises and saved some money. One example was buying the Ram Bracelet instead of the Full-priced Peacock Bracelet. The Ram is just so much more interesting, IMO.