A few weeks ago, Simon Doonan roasted the fashion industry when he emceed Fashion Group International’s Annual “Night of Stars”. Among the things he poked fun at were “clothes that make women look like stylish mental patients” and “satin souvenir jackets with or without a dinosaur in the back that can cost either $20 or $20,000 depending on where you shop”. This got a knowing laugh from seasoned fashion veterans in the audience who are well aware of the fact that pricing is often arbitrary — if not intelligence insulting at times.

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).

Since we are heading into the festive holiday season, I wanted to focus on clothes with high shine: sequins, crystals, and metallics in silver and gold. What better way to stand out in a crowd, make an entrance, or simply, light up the day or night?

Click images for full-size views:

Left: MSGM gold sequined cropped sweater, $980 More info/purchase Right: Zara long-sleeved sweater with black ribbed trim and contrasting gold sequined applique, $99.90 More info/purchase

Left: Prada gold sequined organza midi dress, $4110 More info/purchase Right: French Connection Emilia Sequin Jersey Midi skirt covered in antique gold sequins, $198 More info/purchase

Left: MSGM sequin embellished loose fitting short dress, $670.52 More info/purchase Right: French Connection gold sequined Basu Sparkle Tunic dress, $198 More info/purchase

Left; Tom Ford Swarovski crystal embellished mirrored-leather pumps with 4-inch heels, $1850 More info/purchase Right: Steve Madden Daisie Silver pumps with 4-inch heels, $89.95 More info/purchase

Left: MM6 Maison Margiela oversized quilted silver metallic down jacket, $1980 More info/purchase  Right: Stella silver metallic puffer jacket, $98 More info/purchase

Left: 1970’s Whiting & Davis gold metal chain mail bib necklace, $575 More info/purchase Right: Guess gold mesh scarf style bib necklace, $75 More info/purchase

Left: Paco Rabanne Sparkle 1969 silver sequined faux leather shoulder bag, $1250 More info/purchase Right: Zara open weave mini gemstone embellished crossbody bag, $59.90 More info/purchase

Left: Alice + Olivia ‘Jace’ oversized satin trimmed gold sequined cotton blazer, $595 More info/purchase Right: Zara gold metallic notch collar blazer dress, $119.00 More info/purchase

Left: Moncler Verdier antique gold metallic puffer, $2240 More info/purchase Right: Champion Limited Edition 3 Patch Metallic Puffer jacket with oversized hood, $180  More info/purchase

Left: 2017 Chanel gold metallic medium sized Boy Bag, $7920 More info/purchase Right: Michael Kors quilted gold leather cross body bag, $219 More info/purchase

Shine on!

– Marilyn Kirschner

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