How to Look Expensive – For Less - Elegantly Dressed and Stylish
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How to Look Expensive – For Less

 

Morning Ladies~

I’m in California enjoying Napa and SF, and look forward to bringing you my vacation pics later on the blog, but had this post ready to go for you while I was away.

Do you like a luxe look but don’t want to spend over budget or buy designer clothes? First, Fall is my favorite season for Fashion, and I will tell you why. There are some fabulous fabrics, cashmere, leather, tweed, which add extra style and texture . Second, Fall is a great season for pattern mixing and layering. I myself, do not buy all designer pieces, but love a luxe or expensive look. Today, I am going to break down my outfit and tell you how to achieve just that without spending a ton.

Expensive Look for Less/Thrift shops

One thing I think that is helpful, is the beginning of each season, to take stock of your closet. What do you need to donate, sell, or what does not suit your style. Write down items you could add that would benefit your closet and go with many pieces.

I am also going to talk about finding secondhand deals on thrifting sites like Thred Up, Poshmark, and The Real Real.

Moto Jacket

A great staple and investment piece is the “Moto jacket”. I have a bit of an obsession. It has to do with living in the South, and not needing many heavy coats, plus the fact that a great moto jacket can really amplify your look. In this post, New Moto, Frame Denim and Leopard, I am wearing  this years sale’s jacket by BLANK NYC from Nordies.

You can still pay less for a moto jacket by shopping secondhand places like Poshmark, and The Real Real. The Real Real has designer pieces, and great brands like Mackage and AllSaints, two of my favorite brands for moto jackets. You could find BLANKNYC, which is the jacket brand I am wearing today, from Nordstrom. I hope to do a post on shopping for moto jackets.

If you aren’t interested in a secondhand moto jacket, wait for the sales. Nordstrom has the yearly Anniversary Sale, in August. I have purchase d two of my moto jackets from the Sale, saving about 30% off retail.

This piece will amplify your look , trust me!

Equipment Silk Blouse

I just love a great silk blouse. I have found some great pieces on Poshmark, for a considerable less. This leopard print silk top, from Equipment, fits like a dream. Equipment silk blouses are typically $150-$200. I found this blouse on Poshmark for $45 shipped! I have also seen this brand on Thred Up, another on-line thrifting store.

Black Denim by AG

Ever since I found AG jeans by shopping Poshmark, I have been in love. They fit like a dream and are very soft. Designer denim for less. These are the “Prima” cut, and I bought them for $35 on Poshmark, where on Nordstrom’s site, they are $180!

I am sure you feel that once you find a pair of denim you love, you buy multiple pairs! Fit is so important as well in having a more expensive look.

Booties by Zara

I do shop at Zara, and loved the darker print of this leopard bootie. Zara has very reasonable prices, and I purchased this for $115 last season. If you want to buy a leopard bootie this season, I would shop on 6pm.com or DSW.com for discounted boots/booties. Love this pair by Franco Sarto . Quality does matter, so make sure the boots are made with quality fabrics. I love this style by 1 State and this pair from Sam Eldeman,

Bag- Brahmin

I am a bag girl and do buy designer bags. Brahmin is a brand that has wonderful textured bags and this one of my favorite in my closet.  This is the Melbourne ( I am wearing)  and was last year’s style, one similar is  the Mini Francine. The price point is reasonable for a designer bag and will last years. I purchased this on sale from Zappos. I also shop for designer bags on Ebay, where I have bought several of my bags. A well made leather bag will amplify your look. I LOVE this round style and may buy in next year. I do plan on selling a bag if I buy a bag.

This neutral look was fun to put together and I did some pattern mixing with the different shades of leopard. Since leopard is a neutral, I could have added any color bootie. The textured brahmin bag is a lady like shape, which looks elegant.

If you loved “The Look for Less” idea, and would like to know how to recreate andshop for a look for less, let me know. I am considering having this as a feature once a month. 

Id love to hear from you in the comments.

Have a great day!

Jess xx

 

 

26 Comments
  • Kimberly Malkiewicz
    Posted at 15:17h, 05 November Reply

    This is a beautiful look and I’m glad you advocate buying used clothing–you really can’t beat it. I would like to find an Equipment blouse, I have yet to find one that I have to have.

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 16:24h, 05 November Reply

      Hi Kim
      Thank you so much! Yes, I have found so many great secondhand pieces! I love shopping those thrift stores. I saw a nice selection of Equipment blouses on Thred Up not too long ago! xx

  • Jess Jannenga
    Posted at 14:26h, 31 October Reply

    Glad you like the post. I do shop carefully and dont pay retail. Do check out those sites, I bet you would love them and coud find some great deals. xx

  • Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels
    Posted at 06:59h, 31 October Reply

    A girl after my own wallet, haha I do like a budget find. These are all great tips too, I hope that you are having a wonderful time!

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 14:19h, 31 October Reply

      Hi Laura!
      Thanks so much. Yes, we went all over from SF, to Sausalito, Napa and Sonoma. So good! Glad you liked the post. xx

  • Elle
    Posted at 13:24h, 30 October Reply

    Yes, I love your luxe look and fabulous styling today.
    I also bought an equipment blouse at consignment. I am so glad that you are encouraging everyone to shop second hand .
    Your high end look is truly inspiring!
    That bag!!!
    ❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 14:20h, 31 October Reply

      Thank you Elle! I would love to find more of these Equipment blouses, they are so comfortable and stylish. Yes, I have been loving shopping on my thrifting sites. xx

  • Carrie at Curly Crafty Mom
    Posted at 13:00h, 30 October Reply

    Thanks for sharing these tips, I could use them! I just love this outfit, makes me def. think of Fall with the warm colors. I really need a brown moto jacket like yours! I hope you’re enjoying your vacation!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 14:15h, 01 November Reply

      Glad you liked the post Carrie, I do alot of shopping secondhand and find many deals. This is my fav jacket. Thank you , we had a great vacation! xx

  • Mary The Pouting Pensioner
    Posted at 12:27h, 30 October Reply

    Thanks for sharing these raise shopping ideas. And looking elegantly classy, Jess, as alway s.
    Hugs, Mary.
    thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 16:22h, 06 November Reply

      Thanks so much Mary! I love shopping some of these thrifting sites as I can find the deals on such quality clothing. xx

  • Mary, The Pouting Pensioner
    Posted at 12:25h, 30 October Reply

    Looking gorgeous, my dear, and thanks for sharing these tips on shopping around to put together a classy look like yours here today. for
    Hugs, Mary.
    thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 14:22h, 31 October Reply

      Thanks so much Mary! I hope you find those tips useful.. I consider myself a conscientious shopper 🙂 xx

  • shelbeeontheedge1
    Posted at 07:20h, 30 October Reply

    Oh wow, Jess, such a great outfit! I absolutely love this!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 14:21h, 31 October Reply

      Thanks so much Shelbee! This fall colored moto jacket is a fav buy from last years Nordies sale. xx

  • Chrissy
    Posted at 06:52h, 30 October Reply

    Nice Jessica! And I’m all about saving some money, so thank you for the great tips!

  • Laurie
    Posted at 03:35h, 30 October Reply

    This is my mantra! Some great style tips here Jess xx

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 14:23h, 31 October Reply

      Right? No need to buy retail!! thank you Laurie. xx

  • Tatiana Moskatova
    Posted at 14:52h, 29 October Reply

    I am not surprised that Fall is your favorite season, Jess. All Fall colors look gorgeous on you. I love your look very much! Thank you for all great tips!

    Tatiana
    https://myfabforties.blogspot.com/

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 14:24h, 31 October Reply

      Thank you Tatiana! I was so excited to find that AG jeans fit me and they feel so soft and comfortable. Glad you enjoyed the post. xx

  • Jodie
    Posted at 09:54h, 29 October Reply

    You and I are birds of a feather!! I’ve always been budget minded and I love that it’s trendy now!!
    You put together a fabulous outfit, Jess. And I’m sure you’re enjoying your trip!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 14:16h, 01 November Reply

      Ive been shopping on Poshmark for 3-4 years now, and have found other sites I mentioned also worth looking at. Glad you like it, we are!! xx

  • thisblondesshoppingbag
    Posted at 07:27h, 29 October Reply

    You have such a good eye and really know how to put together a very luxe look for less! I love anything budget friendly, this is right up my alley. I think I need a good silk blouse – I don’t currently own one and it seems like a good wardrobe staple. I’ll have to check out all of your sites and do a little comparison shopping. Thanks for all the great tips, friend!
    xo,
    Kellyann
    http://www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com

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