While I always look for quality, I am not a label snob and have always described myself as an equal opportunity shopper; I subscribe to both ends of the totem pole, and am not above a ‘cheap thrill’. There are those expensive purchases that demand some thought and consideration, and then there are the ones that by virtue of their unbelievably low price tags (and classic timeless nature), are “no brainers”.

While high fashion undeniably comes with astronomically high prices, that doesn’t mean there aren’t bargains to be found, and who amongst us doesn’t love a bargain? To best illustrate, I selected a number of items in the market and showed their high priced versions along with their (far) less expensive doppelgangers (in every case, they are a fraction of the cost of the originals).

In several instances, I actually preferred the less expensive version and not just because of the price (it was by virtue of its design, size, etc.). FYI, if it appears that most 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. Be

Be sure to click images for full size views:

Left: Rianna + Nina floral print kimono, $1,927 Info/buy Right: Zara long contrasting kimono dress, $119.00 Info/buy

Left: The Row black patent ‘Mendoza’ coat, $4,390 Info/buy; Right: Mango black vinyl hooded coat, $99.99  Info/buy

Left: Tom Ford satin trimmed cady tuxedo jacket, $2,750 Info/buy Right: Zara satin trimmed tuxedo jacket $79.90 Info/buy

Left: Gucci Princetown velvet slipper, $850 Info/buy Right: Steve Madden ‘Jill’ slide, $89.95 Info/buy

Left: Proenza Schouler black wool blend twill culottes, $950 Info/purchase Right: Mango black culottes, $39.99 Info/buy

Left: The Row black leather backpack, $3,990 Info/buy Right: Zara sturdy backpack, $39.90 Info/buy

Left: Burberry Sandringham mid cotton gabardine trench, $1,795 Info/buy Right: Mango double breasted trench $89.99  Info/buy

Left: Monse striped cotton poplin off the shoulder blouse, $1,090 Info/buy Right: Zara striped cotton poplin ‘multi- position’ shirt $49.90 Info/buy FYI, they don’t call this shirt ‘multi-position’ for nothing; you can wear this at least 4 different ways which gives you a lot of look for the buck.

In addition to wearing it off the shoulder and letting the inside straps show, you can also take the sleeves and tie them in front.

You can wear it slightly off the shoulder and tucked in.

You can wear it ‘borrowed from the boys’, long sleeved and tucked (or half tucked) into the waistband of a pant or skirt.

(Disclaimer: No commercial involvement of any kind has been solicited or accepted in the development of the content for this article. The choice of content is purely up to the author of the article and he/she receives no compensation from any of the companies or advertising agencies that own, represent or promote said products or samples selected.)

– Marilyn Kirschner

The post ‘Cheap Thrill’ appeared first on lookonline.

While high fashion undeniably comes with astronomically high prices, that doesn’t mean there aren’t bargains to be found, and who amongst us doesn’t love a bargain? Especially now, as the last day for filing taxes is soon approaching and naturally, finances are on everyone’s minds.

To best illustrate, I selected a number of items in the market and showed their high priced versions along with their (far) less expensive doppelgangers (in every case, they are a fraction of the cost of the originals). In several instances, I actually preferred the less expensive version and not just because of the price (it was by virtue of its design, size, etc.). FYI, if it appears that most 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.

Click images for full size views

Left: Zara Studio Collection padded vest, $249 – More info/purchase Right: Balenciaga inflatable zippered sleeveless jacket, $2525 – More info/purchase.

Left: J Slides Piper black leather platform loafers with silver chain trim, $129 – More info/purchase Right: Givenchy silver chain trim loafers, $850 – More info/purchase.

Left: Forever 21 chainmail tank dress, $125 – More info/purchase Right: Paco Rabanne chainmail tank, $3650 – More info/purchase.

Left: Zara black leather fringed jacket with studs, $129.00 – More info/purchase Right: Gucci black leather fringed biker jacket, $6800 – More info/purchase.

Left: Zara embroidered lace up satin ballerinas, $119 – More info/purchase Right: Miu Miu lace up silver glitter ballerinas, $575 – More info/purchase.

Left: Zara pale gold leather wedges with jute platforms, $89.90 – More info/purchase Right: Miu Miu gold glitter platform espadrille sandals, $495 – More info/purchase.

Left: Michael Michael Kors red leather Cori small trunk bag, $368 – More info/purchase Right: Valentino red leather rock stud small trunk bag, $1295 – More info/purchase.

Left: Zara black asymmetric jumpsuit, $99.00 – More info/purchase Right: Co black crepe jumpsuit, $1095 – More info/purchase.

Left: Zara silver ankle boots, $34.95 – More info/purchase Right: Dorateymur silver leather ankle boots $490 – More info/purchase.

Left:  Zara red power pantsuit, $238.90 – More info/purchase of Jacket & More info/purchase on straight cut trousers Right: Versace red power pantsuit, $2800 – More info/purchase for blazer & More info/purchase for crepe flared pants.

– Marilyn Kirschner

The post Cheap Thrills! appeared first on lookonline.