Game Time

Shopping is like a sport, and just as football, basketball, soccer and track & field stars have the "off-season", so do clothes. You see, even though the racks at Neimans and Nordstrom are preparing for pre-fall items, I can't even think about putting on a wooly sweater in this sweltering Atlanta heat...let alone BUYING the thing. I USUALLY buy clothing so that I can wear it PRONTO.

But I CAN wrap my head around a chic linen blazer that has probably been on the shelves since early March, marked way way down to something like $19.99. And even though I won't be needing said blazer until the chillier September nights to come, I can snag a steal and feel pretty damn good about it.

So many deals along these lines are popping their lil' price tags up online and in stores. As the waitress of what-to-wear for way less, I thought I'd serve a couple thangs up fer ya.



I'd love to see that Mirror/Dash French Nautical Blazer (sale $19.99, orig. $58) with preppy white, red or pale yellow shorts, anchored by chic flats (think Tory Burch) but tough jewels. As for the Splotch Washed Jacket from Forever21 (sale $14.99, orig. $29.80), this would be mega-sweet worn unbuttoned with some structured black shorts and a long grey tank with peep-toe ankle booties to amp up the bad-assness (think "Rihanna running errands" style). Our final steal comes from Free People with their Long Seamed Blazer (sale $89.95, orig. $128). I love how FP has it paired with a prairie-esque short skirt (would not wear anything too long...think proportions here). But I might roll up the sleeves a bit & even add another patterned top instead of the solid one featured as the jacket is such a strong base. Paired with some tough, loosely laced Doc Martens, you'd be channeling Empire Records like a pro.

Tip: If you're down with that hippie-chic style, check FreePeople.com for sale info often. Often times they have markdowns well over 50% off! Furthermore, look for reductions during these months on cocktail dresses, sandals & jeans!