looks for less: can you tell which one costs less?

created on Jan 29, ‵09
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Which One is a Steal?

There’s always something written about how to get a look for less. The question is, can it really be done? Can you really get a jacket for $20 that looks like a jacket that is $2400? Well, you can certainly try! Some people ask; “if you can get a jacket for $20 that looks exactly like one that costs $2400, why would you ever buy the expensive one?”
It comes down to quality
1. Fabric
2. fit
3. design
The expensive jacket most likely has better fabric, a better fit, and a better design. That’s really the bottom line. So, you should splurge on pieces that you will have in your wardrobe for a long time. Go for quality when the piece embraces your ultimate style. I’m not saying you have to spend $2400, but do your research to find the best quality at the best price. However, if you love a look that you saw but don’t want to spend a ton of money on it … copy it! There are a million ways to copy an expensive look. Thanks to places like Forever21, Zara, etc. you can pull it together for a lot less.
Items in outfit A:

  • Fab Knit Blazer @ Forever21
  • Basic Cardigan @ Forever21
  • Long Layer Tank @ Old Navy
  • Frayed Denim @ Forever21
  • Hayden – Harnett bag @ Target


    • Items in outfit B:

  • Bottega Veneta Coat @ Net-a-Porter
  • Chloe ‘Heloise’ Bag @ Net-a-Porter
  • Crumpet Cashmere Cardigan @ Net-a-Porter
  • Pringle 1815 Tank @ Net-a-Porter
  • Current Elliot Boyfriend Jeans @ Net-a-Porter


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    • http://www.fashionpulsedaily.com julia dinardo

      Jean – I loved this post! I wish it would have been up a week ago, as I just spent too much for a pair of frayed jeans! Ugh!!!

    • http://styleobserver.com Jean V. Pratt

      Oh No! Is it too late to return them? I hate when that happens!

    • http://unlikelyhousewife.blogspot.com Elisa

      wow, great example! The only hint that B was the splurge outfit was that the jeans seemed cut better and I recognized the HH bag in A. Otherwise who could tell?

    • Amy

      This is really cool! I actually thought that B was the cheaper one!

    • l0vecak3s

      DesignER has a lot to do with it as well. People want to show off how rich they are and that they CAN own designer clothes. That's honestly the number one reason they spend a gazillion dollars on “designer” clothes when they can buy almost the same outfit for a lot cheaper.

    • http://styleobserver.com Jean V. Pratt

      A lot of people did… some were saying the gold buttons made the jacket look more expensive.

    • http://styleobserver.com Jean V. Pratt

      It may seem like the number one reason, but when you talk to women who can buy whatever they want – they say it also has to do with fit and design. Not necessarily JUST b/c it's a specific designer. I actually think it's the women who can't necessarily afford a $$$$ designer piece – who end up lusting it & ultimately splurging on it.

    • http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com Jill

      love the outfits… honestly the only way I knew is because I was just checking out the HH for Target bag the other day! Otherwise I would have never been able to tell! There are definitely some things that are just WORTH splurging on… and others that I love to run to Forever 21 for!

    • http://styleobserver.com Jean V. Pratt

      Yes, yes .. I agree… splurge and steal – only you can decide what you want to spend your hard earned money on. Thanks

    • http://styleobserver.com Jean V. Pratt

      Yes, yes .. I agree… splurge and steal – only you can decide what you want to spend your hard earned money on. Thanks

    • http://styleobserver.com Jean V. Pratt

      Yes, yes .. I agree… splurge and steal – only you can decide what you want to spend your hard earned money on. Thanks

    • marija

      I thought that B was the cheaper one! :)