I’m all about the bargain. It’s always a blast to snag something amazing off the clearance rack at Old Navy or Target, and even better when I have a coupon too! While I will probably never turn my back on those beloved stores and their spectacular clearance racks, there is often one thing missing.
Quality.
I have no right to complain about a shirt falling apart after a few washes when I paid $3 for it, but some other poor fashionista paid full price for the same thing and is probably rather pissed. So yes, I did walk away with a deal…I just wish my deal had lasted longer.
Enter The Loft. I’m still kicking myself for missing their 50% off all clearance sale a week or so ago, but I can’t complain too badly…I got this amazing sweater for $12 the other day.
Yes, $12….a dollar less than I paid for my awesome yet awesomely cheap butterfly kimono cardigan thingy from Tar-jay a few weeks ago. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the kimono, but it’s definitely cheap and probably won’t make it past this summer. On the other hand, this sweater is thick without being bulky, well made, has the perfect amount of stretch, is a gorgeous green, and will last far beyond this winter.
Sweater: The Loft, Pants: Gap, Scarf: F21, Shoes: c/o Nordstrom Rack, Necklace: c/o Lisa Leonard Designs, Watch: Michael Kors, Ring: Charming Charlie
I will never walk away good ole Tar-jay or Old Navy, but this magical green sweater has definitely taught me to take a better look at just how good of a deal I’m actually getting. That, and I need to become a regular at Loft…though my wallet might have something to say about that 
I <3 the Loft cardigan I found at the consignment shop near my office. Even slightly used, it's high enough quality and classic enough to last at least a few seasons. Your green sweater was definitely a deal.
Love your outfit, you always look beautiful. I like Target clothes too, but I end up finding many Target pieces at Goodwill. I love to find high quality items there as well. I figure since it is used you can tell how well it will hold up. I know first hand about the quality issue. I bought a coat for my daughter at Wal-mart last year. It is one of those two in one coats. The outer coat got ripped from one washing and then the inner fleece coat got ripped from playing. I payed $25 dollars and I found out that I would have rather spent a lot less on a nice used coat for her or found a higher quality coat on sale at a higher end store. The good news is her aunt found her a great London Fog coat Pre-owned for her. She gave it to her. So, it saved me $. Live and learn
I just got some clothes from The Loft yesterday! Sweaters for $12, really nice jeans for $20! I love their clothes, and if you wait for the sales they are really reasonable! I am just coming around to it’s better to have more quality clothes then a ton of cheap clothes!
i love the green!!
you should check out the banana republic outlets in camarillo too when they’re having a sale…you can get some uber cheap nice sweaters and fun stuff!
Chic! Spring will come next. Let me tell you, you have a certain (natural?) talent for wonderful posing!! For combining, colours, accessoires, jewelry, hair … And you always look very beautiful. Do you know that site of Malenami? You could do that!
I am loving your scarf and ring.
I love a bargain too….it really is a balance to get the quality though. I know you are trying to keep your spending to a minimum, but I just stumbled upon a great sale on one of our Aussie plus sized stores and thought I’d let you know about it….http://www.virtushop.com.au/Shop_By_Category/Sale.html they currently have 50% off all clearance stock and there are some bargains to be had….with quality stuff too!. As you guys are about to head in to spring you might find some pieces that you love, they also have some nice jackets and pants etc,…I just ordered some jeans….plus they have flat rate world wide shipping. I love checking in to your blog daily for inspiration, it encourages me to push myself style-wise….I’ve actually started wearing belts (oh the shock!;-D), keep up the good work
I love LOFT! I am built very similarly to you – short and curvy
Their petite jeans are the BEST! They are short enough to not drag, but long enough to look cute with taller shoes. (I am 5 ft 2)
Love your style!!!!
Love the green sweater…and it’s a classic piece. You’ll be able to wear it for years!! Also I might thank you very much for the color combo idea…I have a pair of burgundy plum cords that I LOVE and yet I struggle with things to pair with them. Now I have a nice new combination to work with!!! Awesome as always girl!
The Loft is my favorite place, my whole family already knows that gift cards for this place is what I want. I keep them until I see a sale, their prices are fair for good quality clothing. I love Target and go there 4-5 times a week since milk is cheaper there but their clothes just don’t last. (I do love the clothes for the little guy though)
oh, can you please included the nail polish name? THANKS!
Super cute!!! LOVE it!!!!! You are one sassy… beautiful lady. I am so glad I found your blog.
I totally agree with you that sometimes it is worth it to pay quality; and when you find quality on clearance that is even better! Sometimes though it’s fun to buy lesser quality on clearance…that way if you tire of the item, it probably wears out at the same time, and then you can let the piece go without guilt!
this happened to me with a shirt I bought at JCrew Factory. you’d think with even the factory prices that their clothes would be good quality… i only spent about $10 for it since it was on clearance but now it is getting all these little holes at the seams
i love the shirt and am a little disappointed in Jcrew since this shirt would have cost $45 full price. not good quality at all!