Wednesday, February 6, 2013

The J.Crew Look for Less, Part One

I must admit, I don’t go for the steal 100% of the time.  I am a firm believer that women should invest in certain quality, classic pieces that will last.  But, I also strongly believe that you don’t have to break the bank to do that (sounds like a good blog post – let me write that down).  It is no secret that I love J.Crew.  It is definitely a place to get great quality pieces. However, it is also no secret that the average girl cannot afford to buy everything at J.Crew, which is why we must find the look for less.  So, imagine my delight when I discovered that I could get quality pieces on Etsy that look identical to the J.Crew jewelry that is trending so much right now.  I hate to spend a fortune on trends (although, I could argue that the pavé link bracelet will stick around for a while), and I have found amazing alternatives at a much more reasonable price point.  I wanted to share a couple of my favorite Etsy shops to help you get the look for less.  If you are not yet familiar with Etsy, then I would advise you to clear the rest of your day.  But, be careful - it's amazing.

1. The Bubble Necklace


(Left) J.Crew and (Right) PureStunning via Etsy

Talk about a steal! I ordered three of these bubble necklaces from PureStunning throughout the fall for considerably less than one necklace at J.Crew. They have held up and still look as great as the day I received them. I bought them in black, turquoise and red, and people always think they are from J.Crew.   Even better, they ship very fast from California. I plan to order a pink one for spring!  Do be careful ordering bubble necklaces on Etsy, as there are many VERY cheap options shipping from China that are not very good quality.  I highly recommend the PureStunning Etsy shop!

2. The Pavé Link Bracelet

(Left) J.Crew and (Right) Gigglosophy via Etsy
I am in love with this bracelet!  At $50 it is probably not a "steal," but compared to the identical J.Crew version, it certainly is! This bracelet is gorgeous! It is funny - I actually have to credit my hubby for finding me this Etsy shop! He did good, right?  I also picked up this spike bracelet for $20, which is very similar to the Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster that sells for $59.  I am looking forward to making more purchases from this Etsy shop (I'm loving this white enamel link bracelet for spring).

Currently, I am lusting over this beauty from J.Crew, but at $128, I am determined to find a just as gorgeous look for less (or hope that someone wants to give it to me as a gift, hint hint).  I will keep you posted!

This post focused on Etsy helping us achieve the look for less, but Etsy is not just limited to J.Crew inspired jewelry. I have found Etsy to be an incredible resource in wedding planning (calling all brides-to-be!), and it is also a fantastic place to find affordable and unique gifts.  Basically, you can find anything you want on Etsy!  I am sure this won't be the last post where I bring up my love for Etsy.

Tomorrow will be Part 2 to The J.Crew Look for Less, which will feature comparable options in clothing and other accessories.  In some cases, we may find that we like the J.Crew version better and decide to splurge, but in other cases, we may prefer the more affordable option.  One thing I do know - it sure is fun being a girl with options!


3 comments:

  1. Please post more ETSY finds! I just bought the bubble necklace from Pure Stunning in turquoise! I was an etsy virgin before today! haha!

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  2. Hey! I got the same necklace from Pure Stunning on Ebay! They also had amazing knockoff of the pave bracelet that I didn't win. Good to know they are on Etsy too! :)

    Love your blog...am a new follower!

    Jill
    Classy with a Kick

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  3. Love love LOVE your blog, I am now a new follower :). Totally believe that a girl can look great without breaking the bank, but should still invest in some quality pieces.
    I checked out the Etsy shop, and I will definitely be ordering a fuschia bubble necklace: WHAT A STEAL!
    I bought my pave link bracelet on Etsy for $40, which was totally worth it. I also forsee it sticking around for awhile!

    Whitley
    Simply Whit in a Sequined Life

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