Hello lovelies, hope you're all well and good, absolutely freezing right now I guess I jinxed us all looking forward towards Spring!
Today, I have a little exploration to show you. Pretty much since the beginning of Fashionismyh2o, I've enjoyed creating 'look for less' posts which has involved hours of internet scouring, hunting down budget replicas of certain looks. Recently, however, I've noticed that this little task has become a heck of a lot easier, as it really seems that more and more 'replica' pieces are springing up on the high-street.
To show you what I meen I've hunted down a few 'examples' of how delectable designer clothing appears to morph into an accessible, affordable piece in no time.
Number One
A classic trench. The ultimate in any woman's wardrobe, right? Perfect for throwing on over anything from skinny jeans, to structured dresses to instantly create a sleek line, a put together appearance.
Starting off with ultimate in trench coats - A burberry. World renowned this beauty is expertly tailored, proportioned and designed to exude sheer class. However, at £875 it isn't exactly budget friendly. Shifting down a level, is this gorgeous J.Crew piece. Still wonderfully tailored, with a flattering high waist tie (elongating legs and slimming waists) this lovely look will set you back £350. Still a little steep. However, at just £30 from high-street giant H&M the last look here is more than affordable for the everyday woman. Sure the detailing might not be quite as perfect, the cut not quite as neat, but pull that belt tight and wear with heels and you've still got a damn flattering look there. And you haven't broke your bank. Not a bad compromise?
Number Two
Since I jinxed us and it's not freezing, we're all going to be needing something warm and snuggly soon it seems. What's more perfect that a gorgeous chunky knit to bury down in and hibernate the winter months away.
La Garconne's gorgeous cable knit jumper is hand stitched with the finest wool. Perfect for throwing over skinny jeans and riding boots it just begs you to bury down in it and sleep. However, at close to £300 there wouldn't be much left over for any other winter essentials. Paul&Joe's offering is again, gorgeous and cosy looking, at £115 this would be the ideal 'splurge' piece if you were really looking to spoil yourself, a winter birthday perhaps? John Lewis's however, you could justify at any time. A gorgeous shade of grey it may not have the initial offerings 'je ne sais quoi', but it does scream cosy chic and when you're on a budget and it's January, that's all you need.
Number Three
Somewhere between a flapper, a firework and a peacock, this Matthew Williamson gown truly took my breath away. The ultimate show stopping piece it just screams of ultimate glamour and decadent weekends away.
However, it has to be admitted that sadly the vast majority of us do not have £4000 to hand, and therefore duplicates must be hunted. This Valentino Red offering still clings to the sparkle of the original, an opulent gathering of beads and tulle, prima ballerina diva if you like. However £219 is still a little steep for my menial budget. I could, however, just about justify this incredibly spring friendly Coast offering. For £115 you're left with gorgeous detailing, soft colours and whilst the sparkle is much more subtle, the sparkle of change in your bank balance will remain.
Number Four
Leather dresses never cease to amaze me. In essence they sound like they would belong on either a streetwalker, or Lady Gaga. However, if you give a little time, finding a piece that is not only classy but damn fabulous too is possible.
This Space dress is expertly cut, you can tell just by glancing at it. Not too tight - this is more of a cat walk than walk of shame piece it's incredibly sexy, but in the most subtle way. Perfecto. Not so perfecto, however, is the £900 price tag. Darn. Enter Oasis to rescue me, with this divine offering, long enough to retain modesty, well cut enough to avoid it being too tight, too much. It's just enough. And at £50.00. The price is perfect too.
Number Five
This skirt literally made me go "Ooh Carrie Bradshaw" ha-ha. It's so flirty, so feminine, I'm desperate for once this spring. The Chloe version, is of course, perfection, perfectly placed pleats and a gorgeous little waist-band. The price, again, not so perfect but it's so pretty we'll let it off. This Jupon Plisse version, however, literally took my breath away. It's it's ultimate doppelgänger, do you not agree? Flirty...fabulous...feminine...ultimate de-ja-vu. And at £29 you might have enough change to buy an ice lolly too...
Hm still too cold to be thinking about that, sorry!
So, what do we think ladies? Are we a fan of this designer to high-st metamorphosis? Or do we think it's unfair and too copycat? Let me know your thoughts please.
<3
