Extraordinary Fashion For Less!

My last article’s focus, “The 12 Extraordinary Finds”, was on very pricey objects. They are out of reach for most. But you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to find great clothes and accessories. As they say, “Seek, and ye shall find.” These extraordinary 13 finds range in price from $49 to $259. They are all exceptional in their way.

Doc Martens combat boots are iconic. The plush velvet and thick satin laces add a luxurious touch, and the exaggerated platform has taken them to new heights. Priced at $208.67, these are as good as they get and for sale at amazon.com.

You can’t have too many white shirts. I love this somewhat oversized, slouchy iteration with its single patch pocket, button cuts, and a curved hemline. Just perfect with high waist black trousers. Priced at $89, it is available at thefrankieshop.com

The most exciting bags are either too tiny or extremely large. Zara’s Limited Edition Leather Mini Bag is in the shape of a bucket. It features tubular straps and can be worn on the shoulder, across the body, or around the neck, depending on how long you make it. Also available in fuchsia, the price is $49.90, and it is for sale at zara.com.

The Frankie Shop is the place to go for affordable urban basics that mix New York cool and Parisian chic. The top-selling Eva Padded Shoulder Muscle T-Shirt has a wide armhole and a padded shoulder. Made of 100% cotton, this is always on reorder in both black and white. This season, they added olive khaki, a perfect neutral. Priced at $75, it is available at thefrankieshop.com.

“Le Smoking” can take you anywhere, any time. It is eternal thanks to Yves Saint Laurent. I love the slightly oversized cut of Zara’s Limited Edition iteration. I like the price too. It sells for $129 and is available at zara.com.

Borrowing from the boys never gets old. Zara’s gray and brown plaid double-breasted blazer and matching high-waisted pants with side pockets “scream” September! Break it up and wear it separately. The jacket sells for $110, and the pants sell for $49.90. Both are available at zara.com.

Zara’s straight cut sequin dress in dark brown has small shoulder pads, side slit at the hem, and back opening with button closure. I love the use of sequins on such a simplistic design. Bring on the shine! Priced at $129 this is available at zara.com.

Bleusalt’s “must-have” piece is The Wrap, available in 1, 2, and 3 yards (55X120 inches). The largest size is the most luxurious and can be worn as a shawl or scarf. Like everything else on the Malibu-based line, they use Bleusalt’s trademarked ultra-soft 100% sustainable, and antimicrobial material. Available in an array of chic neutral colors; black, white, gray, camel, forest green, navy, this is priced at $150 and available at bleusalt.com.

Zara’s faux suede and faux fur jacket have adjustable buckles at the collar, front metal zip pockets, cuffed hem, and front wrap closure with zipper. It resembles shearling but is priced at only $110 and for sale at zara.com.

Zara’s Limited Edition draped back black dress with an asymmetric hem and tonal chain trim recalls Tom Ford’s chain trimmed evening gowns from fall 2019. But, this is one is only $89.90 and available at zara.com.

The classic tan trench coat is an indispensable workhorse. Zara’s slightly oversized Limited Edition version has all the bells and whistles: epaulets, belted cuffs, self-belt, but is priced at only $119. It is for sale at zara.com.

It’s all about scarves these days. As Dr. Deborah Birx proved, scarves of all sizes are versatile. They are worn in many ways and add a lot to an ensemble. Charles de Vilmorin’s enormous silk scarf is truly exceptional and is as colorful as his expensive coats. Priced at $259.34, this is for sale at charlesdevilmorin.fr.