Best fashion finds under $100

I am a big believer in bargain shopping. You can regularly find me browsing the racks at hot spots like Target, Nordstrom Rack, TJ. Maxx and the like. Don’t get me wrong, I have a huge appreciation for some designer touches here and there but there is nothing like the rush of finding a fabulous fashion piece for pennies. In the course of living life both online and off, the questions I get most often are about some of my most coveted bargain buys. I thought I’d start a new regular series on the blog featuring my latest fashion finds for under $100, what I like to call ‘penny candy’. This first installment is just a little taste of what I’ve picked up for spring!

Sole Society

Stripes. Black and white. Pointed toe. And a bow!? The Kameko flats from Sole Society are pretty much my dream shoe. They punch up any plain old outfit and add a preppy, ladylike touch to an afternoon stroll. At only $60 a pop, you may just be tempted to grab a few more black and white options for your wardrobe like these, these or these!

NSF for Madewell

Ok, I’ll be the first to admit that $84 for a tank is hardly a bargain, but this tissue thin, oh-so-soft, polka dot muscle tank with a tomboyish edge is designed and made right here in LA (hence the steeper price tag). While I generally wouldn’t spring for a pricey tshirt, there is something about this piece that feels timeless and effortless for spring/summer. I can see it with cropped white pants, boyfriend jeans, or under a great black jacket. PS – I will be wearing mine with a bra, unlike our model friend pictured above.

Gap

I’ve spent many seasons searching high and low for the perfect pair of white jean shorts. I’ve tried everything from Target to J Brand and many in between. I was starting to feel like Goldie Locks; too short, too tight, too long, too loose. Imagine my surprise when I strolled in to Gap last week and happened upon the perfect-fitting (and age-appropriate length) shorts. In a multitude of materials and washes, the Maddie shorts are easy, classic and best of all, affordable.

Target

Would you believe me if I told you that every single bathing suit I own was purchased at Target? True story! I just don’t believe in shelling out the going rate of $100 for a suit when Target offers a bajillion styles, patterns and colors for a fraction of the price. I recently picked up this super colorful Malibu Barbie-inspired bikini for an upcoming girls’ trip to Vegas – cute, right? If you’ve never shopped for your swimwear at Target, you’d likely be surprised at the various style options for just $20-$40. I also love this, this and this one.

Ann Taylor

Am I just 30 or has Ann Taylor been sneakily becoming cooler in the last year or so? I had never shopped at Ann Taylor before, but I actually won a $100 gift card on a random ‘enter your email address for a chance to win’ whim (PS – I never do those and never win anything in general so this was a pretty big deal). Much to my surprise, Ann T herself had thought up some pretty awesome classic pieces for me this season, like this luxurious linen sleeveless blouse with a tiny preppy collar. Sadly, it’s no longer on the Ann Taylor site, but you can find it here on Lyst, or find a similar one straight from the source.

J Crew

A few weeks ago, en route back from a dreamy trip to Palm Springs, I scored these bright floral shorts at the J Crew Factory Outlet (and have since been kicking myself that I didn’t grab a couple more in different patterns as the price was excellent). This exact pattern is no longer available, but I do love these, these and these.

Franco Sarto

Come summer I tend to live in sandals and loafers, and these very of-the-moment perforated flats by Franco Sarto are the perfect pair to add to my small but growing collection.

Peter Pilotto for Target

I thought the bold, abstract floral pattern of this super soft Peter Pilotto for Target tee might make it tough to incorporate with too many other items, but I’ve actually found it a refreshing statement piece to pair with jeans or a flirty black tulip skirt. This top was already a cheap and cheerful purchase, but now on clearance for just $13.98, it’s a real steal (also in yellow).

Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply

I know I’m late to the pattern denim trend, but I hemmed and hawed for a while about whether they would be flattering, whether I would get bored of the pattern, really deep things like that. When I came across this pair by Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply for just $35, I figured it was a great opportunity to incorporate a little unexpected floral motif in my otherwise straight-laced denim game.

Happy bargain hunting!

xo Ali