What I love about morning tv is that besides the weather, I can find great bits that are perfect for getting you into your favorite stores and into your closet to find the stellar looks of the season yet do them for less– and even find some pieces that are already in your closet. On “The Early Show Saturday Edition,” Marie Claire magazine Senior Fashion Editor Zanna Rossi introduced models wearing “splurge” and “steal” versions of the current trends and how to do it for less– and if the 3 people on the show can figure out which of these outfits is the bargain styles.
While I am running CBS.com’s story en totale.. I am also adding some commentary, items and suggestions on where to find even better bargains.
Watch CBS News Videos Online
LOOK #1 Preppy boy meets girl — or in other words, how to take the menswear look and make it work for you.
SPLURGE (outfit #1)
Brooks Brothers – black blazer ($648)
Brooks Brothers – red w/ blue & white stripe cardigan ($148)
Brooks Brothers – yellow polo shirt (56)
J.Crew – pale blue shorts ($39.50)
TOTAL: $891.50
STEAL outfit #2.
Kenneth Cole – black blazer ($129) — or check online at various clearance sales or Forever21.com, Charlotte Russe, Kohls, JCPenny.com or even Ebay for an even lower price point on this black blazer. Do realize that while black is universal in terms of season, you will find more black blazers in the clearance sales right online and in places like Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack! Urbanoutfitters.com $50.00 on sale!
Espirit – yellow/white stripe cardigan ($59.50) OldNavy.com has several striped & solid cardis & pullovers on sale. This pink one (hyperlinked) is $16!!
American Eagle – orange peach polo shirt ($19.95) Old Navy has several striped and solid polos from $12- 14.50!
H&M – pale blue shorts ($24.95)
TOTAL: $233.40 or less with the other brands and it’s about $100!!
LOOK #2 Underwear as Outwear— think of lacy camis and tops but not bras and stuff. It’s the use of lace and mesh with discretion.
The thought is NOT to SPLURGE
Stella McCartney – white blazer
Stella McCartney – white lace top
Stella McCartney – jean skirt
Total: $3,720
STEAL
Necessary Objects – beige blazer ($98)
While this basic jacket is great– and many can be found online or in stores like Ross or Marshalls, check out this slightly military inspired jacket in khaki for $60 that is au courrant in style for spring/summer and fall 2010 from AnnTaylor Loft!
Espirit – white lace top cami ($25.50)
Check out lace camis in a variety of colors– color for spring/summer 2010 is hot! This one is found on amazon.com, Felina’s lace trim cami in white, beige and other colors. Great brand, better price at $22!
Gap – Denim Skirt ($54.50) .
Try a different style (though you can find this mini in denim at Target.com ) with this Urbanoutfitters.com tulip denim skirt for about $48.00
Design Gap – brown wedges (about $80)
Brown wedges can also be found elsewhere though I love the GAP design– check out Target’s brown wedge sandals for $20 from Mossimo.
TOTAL: $258
My new adjusted total is under $160!!
LOOK #3 DIGI PRINTS
SPLURGE
BCBG Max Azria – black/blue dress ($238)
YSL – sandal platforms (AROUND $800)
TOTAL: $1,038
STEAL
PH8 – black/blue dress ($69)
Aldo – sandal platforms ($100)
TOTAL: $169
LOOK #4 – Men’s Short Summer Suit
SPLURGE
Calvin Klein – grey blazer ($695)
Calvin Klein – white button down ($250)
Calvin Klein – grey tie ($175)
Calvin Klein – grey shorts ($275)
TOTAL: $1,395
STEAL
H&M – grey blazer ($69.95)
Banana Republic – white button down non-classic fit ($79.50)
Banana Republic – grey shorts basic fit novelty ($49.50)
Banana Republic – grey crosshatched tie ($49.50)
TOTAL: $248
Hunt down some stores, go online, try subscribing to a couple of email newsletters that send you bargain lists of brands on sale in your size like shopstyle.com or www.shopittome.com
Another spot to check out is 6pm.com for bargains for him, her, kids and home!
Definitely keeps you informed and spending less!
Stevie Wilson, LA-Story.com
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