Cheap Thrills 2.0

Left: KHAITE Lucie bustier,$780 khaite.com Right: Loulou Studio Cedros bustier top, $195 thefrankieshop.com

The 2022 Spring Ready-to-Wear Collections are over. The question is, what are we going to wear now? I thought this would be a good time to focus on good-looking, versatile pieces to get you through the fall and winter months: quilted jackets, puffer coats, menswear-inspired overcoats, leather blazers, and distinctive knitwear.

Like all of you, I am constantly bombarded with emails from online stores. I see many of the same styles in repeat, from the low end to the high end. After a while, it all becomes a blur. But, I never fail to be impressed with the smart, on-point selections at The Frankie Shop. Founded by Gaelle Drevet in 2014, they have cornered the market on well-priced, cool, understated wardrobe basics and workwear.

Drevet’s multi-label boutiques in New York and Paris, and online store, reflect her relaxed “sporty chic”, slightly tomboyish personal style. The curated selection, which is minimal and utilitarian, echoes The Row, Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta, Hermes, Max Mara, KHAITE, Michael Kors, and Balenciaga, but is far more affordable.

To illustrate my point, I take ten great items that are currently available in the market and show the expensive version alongside its reasonably priced doppelganger, all of which are available at www.thefrankieshop.com.

Left: Almost nothing is more ubiquitous than the unisex baseball (or bomber jacket). They were all over the Spring 2022 runways in endless iterations and are readily available right now. Stella McCartney’s zip-front “Vina” bomber is made of polyester lined biscuit polyamide. It has button-flap pockets, elasticized cuffs, and zippered fastening at the front. Priced at $1750, it is for sale at stellamccartney.com

Right: The “Lumi” jacket is fashioned from dark olive lightweight, crisp woven polyester lined in a technical fabric. It has a slightly oversized silhouette, lightly padded shoulders, welt pockets, a single zip sleeve pocket elasticized, and rib-knit trim. Priced at $225, it is available at thefrankishop.com.

Left: This Hermes puffer coat is made of quilted plume canvas in a “Lozenges” motif (polyester) decorated with embossed lambskin. The pockets have the company’s signature Cou de Selle engraved palladium plated snap closures, the collar and cuffs have wool knit rib trim, and it comes with a matching belt. Priced at $3250, it is available at hermes.com.

Right: The “Teddy” black quilted nylon jacket is made of polyester. It has contrast piping and trims, flap front pockets, split cuffs, button front closure, and a curved split hem. It is also offered in ivory, chocolate brown, and black with army green. But, it’s the jacket’s exaggerated, oversized, and boxy silhouette that is responsible for its cult status. It is so popular, it is often “sold out” but check back as, with many of their products, they wisely keep restocking. Priced at $285, it is available at thefrankieshop.com.

Left: The “Lucille” cropped blazer by KHAITE is made of silk-lined ivory polyamide, wool, and elastine. It has peaked lapels, five closed buttonholes along each cuff, and side welt pockets. Priced at $1780, it is for sale at khaite.com.

Right: The “Saar” cropped blazer is made of optic white lightweight suiting fabric. It has slightly padded shoulders and peak lapels. Priced at $159 it is available at the frankieshop.com.

Left: Maison Margiela’s oversized, quilted double-breasted puffer coat is made of polyester-filled nylon. It is priced at $4260 and available at bergdorfgoodman.com

Right: Rodebjer’s “Agapita” down coat is made from cocoa bean colored recycled technical quilted fabric. It has an oversized silhouette, zip front closure with a press button placket, a high stand collar, and enlarged front pockets. It sells for $999 and is available at thefrankieshop.com.

Left: Balenciaga’s “Destroyed Hoodie” in black is made from an organic medium-weight fleece. It has an oversized fit, kangaroo pocket at front, gathered cuffs, and a logo printed in caps. And, for the privilege of wearing something with rips and holes all over, you have to fork over $1150. It is available for sale at balenciaga.com.

Right The “Moana” hoodie is made from soft cotton fleece (100% cotton). It has an oversized silhouette, padded shoulders, drawstring hood, rib-knit trim, and front kangaroo pocket. It is priced at $159 and is available at thefrankieshop.com.

Left: Max Mara’s White Teddy Bear “Icon” Coat is made of alpaca and virgin wool-blend fleece. It has a button closure in front, welt pockets at the waist, and tonal satin lining. Priced at $3790, it is for sale at ssense.com.

Right: Amomento’s overcoat made of cream curly faux shearling, has an oversized fit, peaked lapels, front pouch pockets, back vent, pointed collar, and self–tie waist belt. Priced at $567, it is available at thefrankieshop.com.

Left: KHAITE’S “Maria” off-the-shoulder knit top is made of ribbed matte viscose. It has a convex neckline, deeply notched sides, and is designed for a close fit. Priced at $1080, it is available at khaite.com.

Right: Nanushka’s black cut-out “Fah” top has a turtleneck and cutaway sweetheart shape crafted from viscose. This modern classic has long, fitted sleeves and has been cut to graze the waistline. Priced at $498, it is available at thefrankieshop.com.

Left: This Michael Kors Collection boyfriend blazer is made of black calf leather. It has a relaxed fit, mid-thigh length, chest welt pockets, and notch lapels. It is priced at $2990 and available at bergdorfgoodman.com.

Right: The “Olympia” blazer is made of soft, lightweight, buttery vegan leather. It has an oversized cut, peak lapels, flap front pockets, and back vent hem. Priced at $395 it is available at thefrankieshop.com.

Left: The Dimitri chunky knit sweater by KHAITE is made of 100% organic cashmere sourced in New York. Its rich all-over texture comes from the hand-knitted braided cables. Priced at $5500, it is for sale at khaite.com.

Right: Nanushka’s oversized cable knit turtleneck sweater is made of acrylic, polyamide, wool, baby alpaca, and elastine. It is highly textural, with an elongated silhouette and dropped shoulders. Priced at $759, it is available at thefrankieshop.com.

Left: The Row’s “Jaka” coat is made of a luxurious blend of brushed wool and alpaca. Inspired by menswear, its oversized cut gives it a relaxed, chic look. Priced at $4750, it is available at Nordstrom.com.

Right: This collarless open front coat is made from cardamom mid-weight suiting fabric. It has an oversized silhouette, open draped front, padded shoulders, side slit pockets, and a self-tie waist belt. It is currently on sale. Reduced from $345 to $187, it’s available at thefrankieshop.com.

I don’t know about you, but in some cases, I actually prefer the less expensive version!

Marilyn Kirschner

I am a long time fashion editor with 40+ years of experience. As senior market of Harper's Bazaar for 21 years I met and worked with every major fashion designer in the world and covered all of the collections in Paris, London, Milan and New York. I was responsible for overall content, finding and pulling in the best clothes out there, and for formulating ideas and stories.

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