If you’ve been reading my ongoing “Cheap Thrills” column, you already know the drill. For those who may be checking this out for the first time, read on.

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? Probably not, but then again, there are times when it is and 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 all but one 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:

Left: Gucci green satin embellished mid-heel tall boots, $3590 More info/purchase Right: Zara green embroidered satin ankle boots $69.90 More info/purchase

Left: Stella McCartney Odelia black white checked wool coat, $1485 More info/purchase  Right: Zara black white checked trench, $129 More info/purchase

Left: Stuart Weitzman black flat over the knee boots, $1129  More info/purchase Right: Zara black flat over the knee boots, $69.90  More info/purchase

Left: Lanvin metallic paper bag lambskin tote, $2,250 More info/purchase Right: Property Furniture Saks Metallic, in gold or silver, are available in 4 sizes with prices ranging from about $14 – $52, More info/purchase

Left: Dolce & Gabbana graphic fur embellished suede and mesh trainers, $995 More info/purchase Right: Zara faux fur trimmed white leather trainers, $59.90 More info/purchase

Left: Edie Parker Deuces textured black leather tote, $1495  More info/purchase Right: Zara tote bag with metal handles, $39.90 More info/purchase

Left: Sophie Hulme rectangular box bag, $685 More info/purchase Right: Zara rectangular minaudiere, 59.90 More info/purchase

Left: Givenchy silver backpack, $1555 More info/purchase Right: Zara silver metallic backpack, $65.90 More info/purchase

Left: Rochas fur collar navy pea coat, $2115 More info/purchase Right: Zara navy double breasted pea coat, $149 More info/purchase

Left:The Volon red bag with gold ring detail, $765 More info/purchase Right: Zara red bucket bag with gold ring detail $29.90 More info/purchase

Left: Valentino Rockstud black cape coat, $2945 More info/purchase Right: Zara black cape coat, $129 More info/purchase

Left: Miu Miu burgundy velvet Mary Jane flat with jeweled buckle, $890 More info/purchase Right: Zara burgundy velvet Mary Jane flat with jeweled detail, $49.90 More info/purchase

Left: 1980’s Givenchy sequined striped jacket, $675 More info/purchase Right: Zara sequined tweed jacket, $119 More info/purchase

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