Monday Musings on Quality, Look-Alikes, and Getting What You Want for Less
As expected, the rain and wind kicked up on Sunday, so I spent the day reading, ironing (yes, I actually enjoy it), and getting some clothes ready to shoot…when the weather lets up. This week’s musings took on a life of their own, which is often the case.
This is what I wore on Saturday when I took my oldest grandson to baseball practice. He’s growing so fast, I think I only have about an inch on him now. It will feel so strange to have him tower over me, but I know it’s going to be here before I know it.
Inspired By, Look-Alikes, and Dupes
Women all have varying budgets, and yet, we all want what we want. Enter dupes, otherwise known as inspired by or look-alikes. Many of my save or splurge collages feature these. Some brands have made their entire business about duplicating or knocking off more expensive brands. Quince comes to mind as one of the most popular and prolific companies doing this.
They brought us the $50 cashmere sweater, and their business has done nothing but expand ever since. They now carry quality basic shoes, pants, sweaters, blouses, handbags, luggage, etc. None are in original styles, but all are at affordable prices. Some people are offended that they’re copying the styles of other brands, but style doesn’t have a copyright, so they’re free to do as they please, and they’re making a lot of customers happy in the process. I’m not sure what side of the fence I am on about dupes, but I love a good bargain, my Quince sweaters, would not carry a knock-off bag, and shop high/low for my wardrobe. What about you? How do you feel about knock-offs?
QUINCE BESTSELLERS
Outfit of the Week
I commented on Sunday’s post that J. Jill and Eileen Fisher carry many similar styles. My observation is that EF comes out with them first, then J.Jill creates a similar option at a lower price. The fabrics are different, and the prices reflect that, but if you love the Eileen Fisher look but your wallet doesn’t, J.Jill is a great option.
Here’s a pretty look for dinner out and the theater. Both are occasions when you’re not on your feet for long periods of time…hence the higher heels. Can you tell which is the save and which is the splurge outfit?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I have to say, I agree with Elizabeth L., above. I am not a big fan of Quince for a number of reasons. They buy high end pieces and take them apart so they can examine the way they are constructed. They then do an almost identical knockoff. I think this is very unfair to the creators of the original garments. Also, they obviously use much lower quality of the materials.
And I also am not a big fan of frayed edges, which are so prevalent these days. I love some of Frank & Eileen’s designs, but have sent items back when I realized the seams weren’t finished.
Just on person’s opinion, and I know I am in the minority on both these issues.
You are not alone about Quince at all. I like the prices but it does bother me.
Well my budget is definitely low! I picked out the low on the right by the stitching around the waist on the dress. It is uneven. Also the earrings, quite a difference in price! So much fun to do the high/low.
One of my adult grandsons is 6’3” and I come to his armpits now! All 17 of my grandchildren are adults and all but one have their own growing children. All of my grandchildren are taller than me! They all live in different states so I don’t get to see them except in pictures. You are very lucky for this time with your grandson. They really do grow up in a blink of time.
I do know how very lucky I am.
Hi Jennifer,
Would you do a post on how to balance top and bottom items? I’ve read that wide pants, for example, need a narrower top. But a wide top with narrow pants can look really off balance. And can’t you wear a flowy, loose top in a floaty fabric with wider jeans? I’m confused and hope you can talk about this sometime. Thanks!
I prefer to have one closer to the body so you can see some shape, but it is personal preference. If you wear wide pants and a wide top, you tend to look larger. A shorter top with wide pants is also helpful.
I don’t care for most knockoff shoes and bags and I want real leather and decent quality or I’ll be in physical agony, so since I can’t afford the splurges I usually go secondhand. I’ve done pretty well on eBay, Poshmark, the RealReal, etc. But though I do get some clothes that way, I love a good knockoff. Quince is really enticing.
I love your Save or Splurge today! I do have to look for the lower cost. J.Jill is my go to store. Thank you for showing such great choices. I really enjoy reading your blog.
I am wondering if you have had success with the Meibo eyedrops or if you have tried the Evo Tears? I just received the Meibo drops. I think they are helping me.
They are both helping me! And the EvoTears are such a better price, I don’t feel bad if I miss and it lands on my cheek.
I must be the only one out there who doesn’t love Quince cashmere! I bought one sweater and found the cashmere rough, with a tendency to pill. I’d rather have one good quality cashmere (eg Garnet Hill) than three of lesser quality.
On the other hand I rebel against $200 jeans and anything with a frayed edge (looking at you, Frank & Eileen)!
I try to buy when things are on sale, and as I age (72) I’m pruning my wardrobe more and more, especially against “fast fashion”. So yes to high/low but carefully. Good shoes, but cheaper white tee shirts!
I wouldn’t buy a knock off handbag. I have a Quince sweater and love it. I also bought Quince sheets and they are excellent.
I’ve never purchased Eileen Fisher or Frank and Eileen. Way more than I would spend on an item. I do shop J Jill and look for bargains at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Don’t think you have those last two out west.
I go high/low. Quince is one of my favorites, I also like Loft and Talbots. My lifestyle is low key, so I don’t necessarily need high end clothes, but using your try-ons as a guideline, I still manage to look put together without breaking the budget. I do go for a high – end tote, purse etc . Really makes a difference. Have a great week.
I agree, a nice quality bag can make or break your outfit,
I have a mixture of save and splurge clothing. I almost always buy my jeans from Nordstrom Rack. I love Quince sweaters. I didn’t realize they have so many other things. Your save and splurge was really hard to tell. I really love when you post them. My grandson is playing baseball now too. ⚾
This save or splurge was fun to do and surprisingly easy!
I like to try out a new style sometimes, and a dupe is a way to do so.
I agree with the comment above, some real items are impractical, no pockets. Too heavy, or have a design flaw.
I’m on the petite side, so some items are just too big, or overworked.
That said, I am not a fan of synthetic materials either.
Hit and miss!
I love your Frank & Eileen sweatshirt pea coat. I would love to find a less expensive dupe.
I will go with the save! 250$ for a shrug sweater is wayyyy over the budget as well as the other splurge items. Thanks for presenting both options.
I did guess that the splurge outfit was on the left. The dress gave it away for me. However, I actually like the save outfit better, especially the dress. The color looks brighter on my monitor which suits my complexion better. I also would not want the maintenance required with the silk dress.
I have always had a small clothing budget. Most of my wardrobe comes from Goodwill or online re-sale shops such as ThredUp and Poshmark. I think that I have a fashionable wardrobe despite the limitations of my budget. I may have to hunt a bit more than the woman who can walk into an upscale store and purchase anything she wants, but it can be done. As a woman who has been around for a few years, I have learned that trends show up at all price points. It is not necessary to buy designer pieces to get the latest look. On the other hand, I will not buy cheaply made pieces that are designed to fall apart after just a couple of wears. Quality is important to me. That’s one of the things I like about shopping 2nd hand. I can find quality – think cashmere sweaters, leather jackets – at bargain basement prices.
I’m not sure when dupes became legal. Vendors in NYC get arrested for selling them. I was fortunate to thrift an authentic Louis Vuitton for $50!
Dupes of designer bags that copy the logo, etc are not legal.