High fashion undeniably comes with astronomically high prices. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t bargains to be found. And who amongst us doesn’t love a bargain? Once again, I have reprised my “Cheap Thrills” column; selecting a number of items in the market, I show their high priced version along with their (far) less expensive doppelganger (in most cases, they are a fraction of the cost of the originals).
Will the quality, workmanship, fabrication, and detailing of the latter be on par with the former? Well of course not. But in many cases, the differences are miniscule, barely discernable, discernible only to those with the most well trained eye, and not enough of a negative to outweigh the positive (the price tag). Let’s face it, most of us, without the clothing allowance of First Lady Melania Trump for example, can’t afford not to take cost into consideration. In some cases, I actually prefer the less expensive version and not just because of the price but by virtue of its design, size, etc.
FYI, if it appears that almost all but two of the inexpensive pieces are from Zara, that was unintentional but given how in sync they are with the pulse of fashion, and how successful they are with creating affordable fashion, it shouldn’t be that surprising. Is it any wonder that Amancio Ortega, the founder and owner, has been named the third richest person in the world?
Click images for full size views…
The XL Multi-Striped Leather Shopper
Left: Balenciaga, $2550 More info/purchase : Right: Mango, $99 More info/purchase
The Fringed Black Leather Belt
Left: Azzedine Alaia, $6800 More info/purchase; Right: BCBG Max Azria, $98 More info/purchase
The Colorful Bejeweled Buckle Pump
Left: Manolo Blahnik, $695 More info/purchase ; Right: Zara, $65.90 More info/purchase
The Structured Wicker Bag
Left: Mark Cross, $1048 More info/purchase ; Right: Zara, $59.90 More info/purchase
The Elongated Frayed Edge Tweed Jacket
Left: MSGM tweed blazer, $785 More info/purchase ; Right: Zara elongated tweed jacket, $129 More info/purchase
The Vividly Hued Pointy Toed Over The Knee Stretch Boot
Left: Balenciaga, $1395 More info/purchase ; Right: Zara, $89.90 More info/purchase
The Silver Studded Black Leather Bag
Left: Elizabeth & James, $695 More info/purchase ; Right: Zara, $69.90 More info/purchase
The Fringed Cobalt Blue Tote
Left: Stella McCartney, $868.50& More info/purchase ; Right: Binge Knitting, $98 More info/purchase
The Minimal White Slingback Pump
Left: Tibi, $425 More info/purchase ; Right: Zara, $59.90 More info/purchase
The Striped Wide Legged Trouser
Left: Lanvin, $458 (50% off) More info/purchase ; Right: Zara, $69.90 More info/purchase
The Slouchy Trench Coat
Left: Vetements, $2867 (reduced from $4095) More info/purchase ; Right: Zara, $219 More info/purchase
The Silver Oxford
Left: Loeffler Randall, $395 More info/purchase ;Right: Zara , $49.90 More info/purchase
