Look for Less: Prada, Gucci and Jil Sander
By: TJ Kennedy
Bright colors, crochet, and fringe spiced up the runways for spring 2011 and it’s time to put these warm weather looks into action. The tailored, sexy suits from Gucci have made a huge splash, gracing the covers of every magazine adorning celebs from Katy Perry to Tina Fey. Lucky for us, the fast fashion companies have really stepped up their game to match the colors and styles of our beloved high-end designers.
While the gorgeous emerald green Gucci blazer for this season runs for $2,150, Zara has a similar version in the same color along with a stunning orange, currently on sale for $99.90. They also have a Gucci look-alike satin mini skirt with tailored front pockets in green and cobalt blue on sale for $39.90. The wide variety of jewel-tone color options of skirts, blazers, and blouses, gives you the freedom to create your own springtime suit in the color pallet of your choice for a fraction of Gucci’s prices.
Other looks from the spring collection feature bright colored jeans, also seen at Jil Sander, Rachel Roy and Max Mara– a must-have for this season. H&M has a pair of jeggings in the perfect shade of orange that would complement a bright blazer perfectly for only $19.95. They also have a neutral tan blazer for $59.95, $40 less than the Zara version and an adorable blue, cropped Burberry-type trench jacket for just $34.95.
Another hot trend thanks to the spring line from Prada is colorful horizontal stripes. There was no shortage of this trend at H&M and Forever 21, with tanks, tees, and floor length dresses filling up the racks. As expected, Forever 21 had the cheapest selection with striped tanks under $10 and a floor length dress only $19.95. The same dress was at H&M for $34.50 and Zara had a similar version for $59.
As far as crochet goes, Isabel Marant, Ralph Lauren and Gucci set the bar which H&M and Forever 21 happily hopped over. Both stores had several pieces (tops, shorts, and skirts) in a variety of colors, from brown to bright pink, all under $30. Fringed pink ponchos, striped green knit tops, and even neutral woven shorts. Pair one of these tops with the Etro inspired print long skirt that costs $9.90 at H&M and you’ll be the picture of boho-chic without breaking the bank.
The real deal of the season had to be jewel-toned leggings at H&M in purple, teal, and coral, (adorable under a floral ‘70s style tunic) for only $4.50! These are the perfect accent to the hyper color trend that stormed the runways at Gucci, Fendi, Prada, and Dior.
No matter how much of a fashion purist one may be it’s impossible to stock up on every trend every season. We suggest saving money by picking and choosing a few of these more trendy looks. Then you can splurge on the true icons of the season (when they go on sale, of course.)
