If like me, sometimes your love for a designer fashion piece is greater than your disposable income, then these high-street ‘designer-a-likes’ should be your go-to for achieving the look at a fraction of the price. After all, we all need a bit of frugality post the Christmas excess and spending spree. Here’s my pick of the best:
Chloe ‘Susanna’ Ankle Boots vs. Office Lucky Charm Studded Buckle Western Boots
If you spend any time at all browsing Instagram or flicking through fashion magazines, you’ll have seen these B-E-A-UTIFUL Chloe ‘Susanna’ ankle boots adorning the feet of the most stylish. They are to die for, there’s no denying it, but at a rather eye-watering £850 they are not exactly affordable.Step in these Lucky Charm Studded Buckle Western Boots from high-street store Office… at A FRACTION of the price – £85, yes… £85! they are insanely good value for such gorgeousness. I got some for Christmas and have barely taken them off since I opened the box – super comfy, easy to wear, I’ve had loads of compliments on them and love them. Can’t recommend enough. Boom.
Saint Laurent Perfecto Metallic Textured-Leather Biker Jacket vs. Zara Metallic Leather Jacket
I think I must be channeling my inner rock-chick at the moment, what with the heavy-hardware boots above and now this, my lust for a metallic biker jacket. This one from Saint Laurent at Net-A-Porter in sexy silver, crafted in Italy and 100% leather (lamb) is EVERYTHING. How f**king cool would you feel rocking this with a pair of black jeans or over a maxi-dress? Pretty F**cking cool. This could transform me from school-run mum to Kate Moss, I’m convinced of it. One teeny-tiny problem, it’s £3,425 – gulp.
Not gonna happen. Not even if it goes into the sale. Never. Going. To. Happen. But, fear not, Zara to the rescue! How about this little number? Now okay, it’s not in silver, sure, it’s copper, but I’ve got to say I think I prefer the hues of this to the Saint Laurent one. At £59.99 in the sale (reduced from £79.99), I’m pretty sure you’re also nodding your head as you’re reading this too. Am I right? I’m right. Hot Stuff.
Bella Freud Logo Dog Jumper vs. Oliver Bonas Black Hot Dog Jumper
I’ve long been lusting after a Bella Freud jumper, they are just too desirable. But at around £280 – and yes sure I know they’re merino wool and designer and all that shizzle but still – I’ve not felt justified in taking the plunge. Along with the classic 1970 sweater and ‘Ginsberg is God’ knit, I’ve always been keen on the black jumper with intarsia Lucien Freud Dog signature design.
So this caught my eye when I was out and about at the shops yesterday: Oliver Bonas, Black Hot Dog jumper – currently in the sale at £22.50, reduced from £45. Okay, okay, I get that it isn’t EXACTLY the same as the Bella Freud one, sure. But you’ve got to admit it’s a pretty good next best. Plus it’s a fraction of the price. I like.
Gucci Silk-Blend Organza Midi Skirt vs. ASOS Midi Skirt in Pleated Satin
I’ve been a fan of the midi skirt for a while now. I love the flexibility of dressing them up with heels and a simple tee/top or achieving on-trend smart-casual with a pair of white pumps and a slouchy jumper. This stunning Gucci number in hot pink is a thing of total beauty in 73% silk but at £725, it’ll sadly never be mine. Weep.
But, weep no more! ASOS has this much more affordable version at £35 – hooray! Okay, so it’s 100% Polyester and not made in Italy like the Gucci one. But, it is the same shade of vibrant fuchsia pink, tick, plus it’s machine wash – tick, tick – and I’ll bet gives the same amount of swish when you’re sashaying along your mental catwalk. Winner.
Designer style at a steal – it’d be rude not to… now get shopping!
I love that pink skirt! On the Bella Freud jumper, I’m always unreasonably irritated by the Ginsberg is God one. I just don’t buy the notion that london’s fashionistas have that strong an opinion on a 50’s beat poet.
Ha ha ha Jenny, yes you’re probably right – in fact, you’ve suitably put me off it now, which is good given that I’ve now saved myself from the danger of spending £280 on a slightly wanky jumper 😉 LOVE the pink skirt too, it needs to be mine!
Now, the 1970 jumper on the other hand…
it is a bit of a beauty 😉