Monday, February 25, 2013

The J.Crew Look for Less, Part Three

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend! I have had a few requests for more J.Crew Look for Less posts and more Etsy finds, so this post will feature a little of each.  Going forward, I plan to make these once per month features. If you have not seen Part 1 and Part 2, be sure to check them out! I've also included one of my new go-to budget shopping tips below for when you are faced with the splurge vs. steal dilemma.


These two shirts are very, very similar in pattern and in color.  The big difference between the two is the PRICE. At the time of this post, the Old Navy shirt costs 84% less than the J.Crew version. Now, I know the J.Crew shirt is higher quality, but the quality of the Old Navy shirt is nice as well. The colors are vibrant, and the weight of the cotton is decent and not flimsy. If you're still undecided, one of my go-to budget shopping tips is to determine the price per wear. Think about how often you will wear the item. For instance, if the $150 J.Crew shirt is worn 20 times, then its price per wear is $7.50, which is pretty high. Is it worth it? Determining the price per wear is a new tactic for me. I think it's important to consider because we often focus only on the price of an item, which leads to impulse purchases because something "is such a good deal" or "so cheap." Our judgment is often clouded, and we don't consider how often we will actually wear the item, which then results in a closet filled with clothes barely worn. Been there, done that. For me, I know I wouldn't wear the J.Crew shirt enough to make the purchase worth it. I also know I'd probably layer it with sweaters and blazers, so purchasing the Old Navy version would work for me. 

Next up - I am sure many of you have seen the J.Crew pavé heart bracelet. A couple of weeks ago, reader Victoria B. emailed me with a version she found on Etsy for significantly less. Such a great find, so of course I wanted to blog about it! Shortly after that, my friend and fellow blogger, Renee at Style with a Story, posted a photo on Instagram of her look for less pavé heart bracelet that she recently purchased on Etsy for $100 less than the J.Crew version! As you know, I love to find a budget-friendly solution, and now, I've found two! Renee was kind enough to provide us with a review of her bracelet - see below.

(Left) J.Crew Pavé Heart Bracelet (photo credit: J.Crew)
(Right) HauteandSoul1 Gold 
Pavé Heart Bracelet via Etsy (photo credit: Instagram @reneestern)
"I was thrilled to receive my J.Crew look-a-like from the Etsy shop Haute and Soul1. It has five beautifully crafted pavé hearts on a chain link bracelet. The sparkles will be sure to catch everyone's eye!  It also includes a chain extender, so you can fit it to your wrist no matter the size. If you'd like the J.Crew look, but are living on a budget, this is the perfect solution!" --Renee, Style with a Story

You can check out Victoria's similar find at Apple of My Eye Jewelry on Etsy. Also, don't forget to check out Renee's blog, Style with a Story! It is one of my daily reads, and Renee has great style! Thank you, Renee, for the review!

What do you think of the looks for less above? Will you consider the price per wear when you're shopping?  It really works if you apply it. I challenge you to determine what your price per wear goal is and see if you can stick to it. Then, come back and tell me how it's going!


Have a great start to the week!

16 comments:

  1. wow what a great etsy find that is WAY cheaper than the JCREW version! <3!

    XO Meghan
    citrusrefreshingfashion.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Meghan! I love finding more affordable alternatives!

      xoxo

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  2. Love it!! Thanks for including me in your blog post!! I'm happy to help everyone find the look for less! You make a great point about the amount of wears for the money...I had never thought of it that way before! Really loving everything about this post! :)

    xox
    Renee
    www.stylewithastory.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Renee! I am so glad you loved it, and I was excited to be able to include you! Looking forward to working more together! :)

      xoxo

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  3. love these features for sure lady! I have that shirt from ON and went for it specifically to knock-off the Liberty one at Jcrew- now if only I could find a Liberty of London Jcrew blazer knock off! haha

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Peggy! I know - I am searching like crazy for a more affordable version of that blazer too! Keep me posted if you find something good!

      xoxo

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  4. Ahhhhh can I tell you how often I look at J.Crew's pave heart bracelet?! (It's just too much $$!) Loveeeee that you found this! Thank you so much! What a great find. Lovin' your blog. Clearly we have the same style hehe ;)

    xoxo

    Kelly
    kellyinthecity.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. We definitely do have the same style!! I've been the same way with that bracelet, and I almost bought it when it went on sale recently! I was excited to find these on Etsy - the perfect solution! :)

      xoxo

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  5. I love this post! This is exactly what I needed to read. I always feel guilty spending so much money on certain items. I really enjoy reading your posts when you compare prices. Your blog is definitely part of my daily reads :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Kira! Definitely will have more posts where I compare prices! I am so happy to hear you are loving the blog!

      xoxo

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  6. Thank you so much, McKenna! So glad you found me! I LOVE your blog! :)

    xoxo

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  7. I love JCrew but the cost absolutely kills me! I feel like Old Navy especially has been stealing a lot of their looks for less this year and I don't hate it!
    Jenn
    With Luck

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    1. I agree! Old Navy has stepped it up! I love J.Crew too, but cannot afford everything from there, so it is nice to have alternatives.

      xoxo

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  8. I was looking at both of those tops and I've been debating whether of not the J. Crew version is worth it. They look so much alike. I suspect I'll end up with the Old Navy blouse.

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    1. I love J.Crew as much as the next gal, but this blouse is totally a steal in my opinion! :)

      xoxo

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  9. I just happen to find your blog today and am loving the splurge vs. steal post! Those floral blouses are too cute... and glad to see there is a more practical purchase. I will definitely be back for more!!

    <3 Lisa
    eyeforpretty.com

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