Ann Taylor, could we be turning a corner? Faster order processing (faster shipping)! And props to you for selling out of something I wanted so fast and barely marked down. It’s hard to keep up with you. Good thing this beautiful layered lace skirt (regular) popped back online during a sale…
The Gold Choker
Are chokers making a comeback? I have flashbacks from the late 90s with Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
COS Matte Gold Choker (€29) vs. Forever 21 Graduated Choker ($5.80)
When I was at COS in Paris, I picked up this matte gold choker. I used to go crazy with their accessories but have learned to tone it down a bit. Overall, I’ve significantly toned down my shopping on this trip to the point where I have no VAT tax to claim back. The “splurge” was the pharmacy goods. You can find a similar graduated choker at Forever 21 in gold or rose gold for much less. If you’re worried about tarnishing, swipe the underside with a coat of clear nail polish.
The Dark Leopard Print Jean
As mentioned here.
Joe’s Jeans Leopard Print Ankle Legging Jean ($75.60 on sale) vs. Old Navy Rockstar Animal-Print Jeans ($22, before additional discounts)
The delicate embroidered blouse
Dolce Vita Deirdra Lace Top ($198, also known as the Sagiso on Anthropologie and currently available in mint for $168) vs. Forever 21 Eyelet Embroidered Top ($27.80, in cream – selling out quickly – and blue) (Update: The F21 top quality is extremely lacking — they used crochet for the detail…)
If you like the look, Dolce Vita also has a dress under the style name Valentina that has made its way around the blogosphere. Find it here and here (in sale colors).
The Leather Fringe Skirt
When I went to Giverny this summer to visit Monet’s gardens, there was a woman in her 50s who was tastefully dolled up in a black leather fringe skirt, long beaded necklaces, tights, and a leather jacket. Since she is French, she pulled it off very well.
Chan Luu Leather Fringe Skirt ($91.60 from $298) vs. Forever 21 Faux Leather Fringe Skirt ($24.80)
This is the only Jason Wu for Target item I kept, so far. I was surprised at the light quality (albeit polyester) and 42″ x 42″ size of the navy wheel printed scarf. I love the colors and tiny citrus print.
Presenting, lace shorts.
I was debating whether to make this post a this or that post with Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s lace shorts, as the color is similar to the shorts on the right, but they lack a scalloped edge. So I found a ridiculously priced pair to draw a comparison, even though it is a totally different color.
Valentino high waist shorts (Almost $2000) vs. GapKids Lace Shorts ($34.95*)
(Image source: Farfetch and Gap)
Edit: Valentino’s lower end brand, RED Valentino has macrame lace shorts that is a bridge between the two styles above and much cheaper at $395!
*They have so many codes… On to sizing and fit. My tinier girlfriends, check out the Plus sizes. The quality of lace on these shorts is impressive and the material is soft and stretchy.
irenelikes.wordpress.com 