https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:19:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute/page/2#post-1292756 Wed, 02 Jul 2014 00:11:45 +0000 Suz 1292756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great discussion. I agree with what several others, including gryffin, have said -- if the fit details are perfect, then the original is the one I want. Not that I really own any true designer originals. But even the "higher end" item (like my Reiss jacket). The fit is so much better than any of the others I tried -- it's worth it to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>Fit is probably more key than any other detail, from my point of view. Otherwise, I suspect I'm like many others who say that they don't even know they are buying knockoffs when they are buying them! That may change as my interest in fashion increases, but I have almost zero designer name loyalty or even interest -- it's the design vs. the designer, if you know what I mean. So if I find the design and details I want at the knockoff price, why wouldn't I take it? It doesn't feel like a "substitute" in that case.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute/page/2#post-1292692 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 22:44:58 +0000 Aida 1292692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>An interesting discussion Una! For me it's ALL about the details. As Angie said, the details that are important <i>to you</i> are the ones that should be focused on. If it's a <i>design element</i> (or two) then finding a substitute with them could work as long as those details are satisfied. If it's <i>the designer itself</i>, substituting can be tricky to unworkable. If it's a <i>trend</i> then you can pick the details yourself, especially if you're in the situation where you just want a version to get playing with.</p> <p>To me, when looking at new purchases if one can focus on what it is specifically that we're drawn to then we can determine whether a substitute would work or if we should just stick to the original. Of course that can be a tricky thing! Sometimes it's hard to tell what it is that's the true draw until we own/wear an item for a while.</p> <p>Re the TB florals, I think since the detail that you're attracted to his that design aesthetic, an acceptable substitute will be very difficult to find; in this case, I vote get the original when you can find it.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute/page/2#post-1292654 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 21:53:49 +0000 Anonymous 1292654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For jewelry (which I looooooove) I buy whatever the nicest piece I can afford is. On other items like denim jackets or jeans or such, I buy whatever is reasonably well made and affordable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute/page/2#post-1292638 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 21:26:39 +0000 gryffin 1292638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una - very interesting and thought provoking post.&nbsp; I think in the last couple of years I've gravitated toward waiting for the original.&nbsp; I bought the Valentino Rockstuds in black.&nbsp; I have never, ever spent that much for a pair of shoes and I doubt I ever will again.&nbsp; I really needed dress shoes and I could not find anything I liked, until I saw them.&nbsp; I fell hard for those shoes.&nbsp; I've alway loved a closed pointy toe sling back and I don't like that type of shoe as much as&nbsp;I love that shoe, every single element of that shoe.&nbsp; Plus they are comfortable and perfectly balanced.&nbsp; I felt so divine&nbsp;wearing them for an event.&nbsp; I know that a substitute would always have felt like a poor cousin and my loves tend to be long lasting so I will be taking those babies for a spin into the next millenium.&nbsp; On HL, I'm on a jacket jag.&nbsp; I've never put on jackets that were so plumb, hitting every possible sweet spot.&nbsp; Also the way he cuts the neck, it makes my neck look long and swan like.&nbsp; The tailoring is not only gorgeously done but I can start to see how construction can make out bodies look their best while making the article completely comfortable.&nbsp; It was a revelation.&nbsp; I can see how buy less but buy better is really where I want to go, but better can be the perfect gap tank too, if that makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute/page/2#post-1290595 Sun, 29 Jun 2014 04:49:31 +0000 Greyscale 1290595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I've fallen for a particular item, a copycat doesn't satisfy me. But, if I'm trying to incorporate some trend/interesting new look, the particular&nbsp;designer isn't the important part. So I guess another way to say that is I'm happy with inspired-by for most things. Sometimes the inspired-by things are from equally expensive brands, or even more expensive. Trends usually start with one label and then a few other similar brands roll out their own versions... for most things I don't know exactly where it started. It's only the really iconic items that end up feeling like I don't want a copycat version.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute/page/2#post-1290421 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 23:47:29 +0000 Rambling Ann 1290421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Echo said. And how much a particular detail attracted me to an item.<br />Angie has posted some luxe sweatshirts lately. There are some all white ones, and one with a fantastic citron print. I could probably find a substitute that made me happy as giggles at the look and the money I saved. But the citron one, probably just feel like I settled for something I didn't want.&nbsp;</p> <p>Summarizing my own thought, is it a particular detail that attracts, or the "bones" of the garment? White belts are mostly white belts, to my eye, but my new black shoes with the silver heel aren't just a black shoe. I think good bones are easier to find at&nbsp;the lower price points than details that look stylish. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute/page/2#post-1290135 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 15:02:11 +0000 Laurinda 1290135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes there is a difference in quality, sometimes the same things are made in one factory and different labels are slapped on at the end of the line.&nbsp;<br />I won't pay&nbsp;extra for the cachet of a designer name, but I will pay more for fair trade goods that provide better earnings for the workers who made the item.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute/page/2#post-1290131 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 14:55:58 +0000 Adelfa 1290131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too buy knockoffs all the time without realizing it. If I ever do realize it, it's fine with me. I agree that if you truly fall in love with an original, it's going to be hard to feel satisfied with a substitute. I'm sure this has happened to me, either buying the original when nothing else would do, or buying a substitute and not feeling happy, but I can't think of specific examples. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute/page/2#post-1290120 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 14:31:38 +0000 Mo 1290120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly I often find something I like, buy it, and only later realize it is a knock off or inspired by item. &nbsp;This happens to me all. the. time. &nbsp;My fun blue $5 cuff from China off eBay. &nbsp;Over a year later I realize it's a Hermes look alike. &nbsp;Oh, okay. &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.spottedfashion.com/2014/03/21/hermes-kelly-dog-turnlock-bracelet-reference-guide/#prettyPhoto[gallery]/4/">http://www.spottedfashion.com/.....e/#prettyP</a><br />So for me, design elements come first and foremost. If I like, and can afford, the original yay. &nbsp;If a cheaper, but comparable item comes up and I like it enough, I'll go for that. &nbsp;I would buy DV look alike booties instead of Rag &amp; Bone Harrows, for example. &nbsp;Unless the Harrows went on sale under $200. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute/page/2#post-1290085 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 13:20:10 +0000 Anonymous 1290085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I'm another for whom it just depends on the item, the season, the price. Even if I love it, if the price is so high that I would be devastated if it got damaged, I will leave it. On the other hand, I've found that going too cheap with a trend that I want to try is often not a fair test because quality influences how much I may reach for something. (cheap leggings, for example). My pricey choice is usually EF. I wait for sales or coupons and should try Ebay, rather than buy at full price most of the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1290075 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 12:52:25 +0000 kerry 1290075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what an interesting thread, Una! I love this kind of analysis because it really helps me further hone in why some things in my closet works so well and others are flops. I'm not very fashion forward and think I'm definitely a late adopter to trends. As a result, I can usually get a cheapie version to "try out". For some things too, that I know for me will be super trendy and therefore not long lasting, I'll buy a cheapie version so I can sport the trend for a season. I'm still trying to figure out where to put my clothing budget. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1290052 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 10:24:35 +0000 Neel 1290052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it's simply the price. I could probably afford it but never justify why I *needed* it IYKWIM.</p> <p>So Valentino rockstuds .... I love you .. But I am not going to spend that kind of money on shoes that I would probably be bored of in a few months </p> <p>I wouldn't compromise on comfort either. I don't need to have an uncomfortable rockstud knockoff BUT if it's comfy then why not.</p> <p>I follow this rule only for fashion though. I wouldn't buy a cheap look alike of a high end brand refrigerator ;). I know I am going to use it for probably 10-15 years, 365 days a year :)</p> <p>BTW: I like the DVs here too :). And I am eyeing the ditto one in Steve Madden :). Its no buy June and I am waiting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1290029 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 07:29:23 +0000 Deborah 1290029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really interesting thread Una.&nbsp; I agree with many comments re it comes down to what something is worth to each of us.&nbsp; </p> <p>I would say I focus on both the look and the details.&nbsp; Sometimes the look is the priority other times the look and the details weigh equally. </p> <p>I fell hard for the Ash hidden wedge heel sneakers sometime back.&nbsp; Based on the fact that I don't wear sneakers a lot, I was happy to purchase a pair that looked almost the same from Target:)&nbsp; I have been happy with them, they wear well and are worn infrequently.</p> <p>I love your Rag and Bone PJ jeans but given I don't wear jeans very much, I don't feel inclined to justify the&nbsp;expenditure. So I am waiting and hoping that I might find an acceptable copy here in Aus.</p> <p>When I think about it, a lot of my wardrobe would be good quality substitutes.&nbsp; At the higher end, I lust after many Rick Owens designs.&nbsp; They are not available here and are mostly outside of my budget so I do "settle" for substitutes, but I still want quality.&nbsp; For example, I have a skirt that is similar to a Rick Owens skirt.&nbsp; It's by Laura Ashley (of all people) so wasn't cheap but a much more affordable option and excellent quality.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have&nbsp;a history of buying things that were&nbsp;"almost" what I wanted. I.e. similar enough.. but they weren't really and I had a wardrobe I was never happy with.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289950 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 03:05:47 +0000 Echo 1289950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It all depends on what makes the original appealing to me. Sometimes, to be honest, it IS the brand and history and quality and details. Other times, I just think something is a great look, and any close approximation will do, or a substitute might even be better if it gives a similar look but is less stand-out-ish (if I want the item not to be the focal point of an outfit). So for me it really depends on the look and the item. With certain things, there are simply no substitutes; with others, the original might be a great idea that is better in a slightly different incarnation.</p> <p>With the shoe example, I have to agree that I see almost nothing similar between them. If I were attracted to the flatform of the original, then the substitute pictured wouldn't even come close.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289936 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 02:49:42 +0000 Anonymous 1289936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the Ted Baker prints too! They're on the very outer edge of what I'd pay for what's basically a t-shirt, so I've managed to resist so far, but if I see one in person and really love it, I could see myself going for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289928 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 02:38:34 +0000 catgirl 1289928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aubergine, yes! The Birk vs the Birk-alike is a good example of finding the one that works for you.</p> <p>What I'm actually specifically thinking of at the moment is Ted Baker prints. I can't find anything I can afford that comes close to those prints. I can technically afford them but the ones I love are always gone.... Sniffle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289927 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 02:30:35 +0000 Anonymous 1289927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm generally more like Laura. I look for general categories of things rather than having a specific higher-end item in my mind as the "ideal." I sort of figure I'm ahead of the game by my standards&nbsp;if I'm even looking for a trendier item, so having the real thing isn't a huge deal to me. Although I could see myself caring more eventually.&nbsp;And, frankly, I also sometimes like how the more moderately priced versions often tone it down a little for everyday. It makes it easier to justify since I'd wear them more.</p> <p>Also, since I'm a hard-to-fit petite with tiny feet and blah blah blah, a knockoff version is probably going to be the only one that really works for me anyway.</p> <p>Not that this is a great example of my thought process,&nbsp;since Birkenstocks aren't the most super-expensive things out there, but I recently got the Topshop knockoff instead of the real thing and am completely fine with that. I liked the style, but the real Birks are too wide for me, so they weren't going to work anyway.&nbsp;I tried the&nbsp;Topshop ones on randomly and they fit my narrow feet&nbsp;better. I also liked that they&nbsp;came in a rose gold that was reminiscent of&nbsp;the metallic shades in the Birks, but went with my coloring more than the silver and weren't as flashy as the gold.&nbsp;The lower price also made it easier to justify since it's not like I&nbsp;really <i>need</i> another pair of casual sandals or anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289913 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 02:05:52 +0000 Ledonna N. 1289913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question, It is all about the art of finding the substitute. I look at fashion as a national past time like basketball or football or the Olympics. Lol. I see something that I want or admire then I make it my goal to find that item in my size and style preference. It gives me such a natural high and sense of satisfaction when I find my goal item. One of my goals in getting older is to travel, go to concerts and plays be good to my family as well as to myself. In part of doing this I'm not willing to pay a certain amount for items that will eventually turn up at the thrift stores. </p> <p> I know that the end of season stock from places like target, Macy's, and other stores will end up at goodwill or Salvation Army. I know that because I have made friends with most of the stock personnel and the managers that I can find good deals or when new stock will come in. I know that I am able to live the type of life that I do it is because I try to budget well. </p> <p>So I am all for the substitute. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289890 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 01:39:36 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1289890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think I tend to think this way (although maybe I'm fooling myself). I start from either a wardrobe hole: "gee, if I had a pair of olive cotton pants I would wear them with tons of things," in which case I want the item that most closely fits my style parameters, fits well, and works within my budget; i.e. I care not a wit what the brand is. Or I see something at a store or online and think "gee, that's nice, what could I wear with it...hmm, maybe my blush pink top - yeah, I should get that." </p> <p>I can't think of many times where I've seen an item I really liked but couldn't afford or couldn't get a hold of, and then tried to find a direct substitute. I just don't assemble my closet that way. Of course, I end up with lower-priced 'knockoffs' all the time without meaning to, because that's what a lot of the lower and middle-priced retailers offer a lot of the time. But looking for something that matches as near as possible, nope. It's more like, "oh, I should look for a pair of ankle-strap sandals, they're really trending this summer" as opposed to "I really like this pair of designer black leather, ankle-strap sandals with rose gold hardware and a stacked-wood wedge heel, so I need to find something just like that but half the price." (Maybe I'm just lazy...that sounds like way too much work!)</p> <p>I actually tend to like the knockoffs more than the originals, a lot of the time, because the details are usually simpler and that fits my style preferences. Sometimes they look noticeably cheap and that's when I usually bow out of the whole thing and stick with more classic pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289861 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 01:06:28 +0000 catgirl 1289861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, of course! I guess I'm just wondering what all the different make or break factors are for everyone, so I can think more effectively abut when a substitute doesn't work and why. Often I end up buying both (substitute a test run, then original). Sometimes I end up with nothing due to procrastination. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289845 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 00:40:56 +0000 Angie 1289845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, it truly depends on the details. And here are 2 fast examples:</p> <p>Clare Vivier clutches have been knocked off really well&nbsp;by BR, AT and JC. Did I buy them for a fraction of the price? No. The softer leather, colour blocked zipper detailing, softer leather&nbsp;and perfect-for-me-colours made the originals worth the extra latkes -<i> to me.</i>&nbsp;Those details&nbsp;would make no difference to other people, like to some of my clients.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have two pairs of white KUT from the Kloth BF jeans. They are so much better than the True Religion and AGs because they aren't distressed. (I don't wear denim with holes in them).&nbsp;A quarter of the price and a better product "for me".&nbsp;</p> <p>I want to stress that there is NOTHNG wrong with either option. Money might be&nbsp;tight - and the substitute does the magic tick. You love the original and can afford it - go for it. No judgements either way.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289838 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 00:29:34 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1289838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Because I am an 80's oldster, I am going to remark that in 1982, when I was<br /> 14 years old, I felt that I had to have the "it" Norma Kamali flippy miniskirt made of gray terry sweatshirt material. I found it for a crazy low price at the original Filene's Basement in Boston. And I wore it with a tiger head print sweatshirt that was gauze or some such non terry fabric...oddly when I first saw that Kenzo sweatshirt you mention, it totally reminded me of my old favorite outfit. I know the tiger sweatshirt was not a designer item, and in fact that Norma Kamali was probably the beginning of my obsession with fashion, but at the time it was that particular Kamali item I just had to have and no substitute would do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289836 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 00:27:14 +0000 LoveSarahDub 1289836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this topic! My overall style lends itself nicely to substitutes, since I like to put my outfits together by fit (short shorts with a loose top and flat sandals, loose pants with a slim top and heels, etc) so I am often able to pair cheaper items with more expensive pieces. </p> <p>That being said, my problem is often started in my own head. I get an idea of something I'm looking for, and sometimes can't find something that matches what I'm looking for. I try to substitute with a piece that actually exists, but often end up disappointed because it's not "just what I was looking for". Sigh. I dwell too much for my own good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289831 Sat, 28 Jun 2014 00:17:04 +0000 annagybe 1289831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need the original for me. For example I really wanted a Kenzo tiger head sweatshirt. But initially they were impossible to find. H&amp;M did a knock off which I bought and wore a bit. I eventually got the original. I still wear the Kenzo.<br /> But I'm also an early adopter.<br /> Everybody is different </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289803 Fri, 27 Jun 2014 23:31:54 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1289803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In your example, I prefer the Ash as more interesting because of the platform. (Admittedly, I was just thinking about doing a white shoe of that sort with white jeans.)</p> <p>I like those examples in Style Watch, also, but I'm very fussy about substitutes. I don't like non leather bags and cheap jewelry, or shoes that I know will hurt. Further, if there was a particularly special item that was a focal point of the outfit, I might find that a substitute wouldn't do.</p> <p>Unrelated to cheaper substituting, I just had a thought that instead of doing just a straight copy of an outfit, it would be interesting to take the start point and do it four or five ways (office, MOTG, weekend, date, etc.) Or maybe for four or five points of the day...this is something I do, for example, start with the base outfit, add something for cold A/C, then the dog walk version, then the out to dinner version, and so forth. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289800 Fri, 27 Jun 2014 23:30:07 +0000 shedev 1289800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is really situational. I paid full price for the flora mortis tee. The look was road tested by the moody florals top and it fits into my descriptors really well. I'll likely still be loving mine after everyone else has purged theirs. I've worn it more than any other top.</p> <p>I also bought a pair of fake EF slouchy knitted pants to play a little with the look. If this is something I only wear a few times, I'm good with that.</p> <p>I like the Ashe better because they are less classic. That said, the DVs are nice too. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289798 Fri, 27 Jun 2014 23:28:05 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1289798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol on the Burberry trenches! &nbsp;I've tried twice, as in "these are classic, they're worth it" and they're both headed to consignment. &nbsp;I had an epiphany on the "classic" pieces that everywoman should have bit that the magazines push and even some of the less adept stylists. &nbsp;If it isn't remotely flattering, it ain't worth it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289795 Fri, 27 Jun 2014 23:22:38 +0000 catgirl 1289795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just to clarify, this was an example only, not an actual choice I'm making... there are lots more (cheap cardi v. Helmut Lang, etc.).&nbsp; I think Rachy's point is a good one.&nbsp; Sometimes even color is negotiable if the style works.&nbsp; </p> <p>Angie's nailed a secondary question: what makes the original worth the price?</p> <p>My question goes more to "When can item B be substituted for item A?" - whether the issue is price, style, brand, material, fit, comfort or some other factor. </p> <p>My DV Ollies have been a perfect way to get me the Rockstud look at a price I'm willing to pay.&nbsp; In that case, I was all about the LOOK.&nbsp; But with a Burberry trench, I have to admit that it's also about the quality and the brand.</p> <p>Love the input! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289794 Fri, 27 Jun 2014 23:22:16 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1289794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To add my 2 cents...it's hard to rationalize paying less if you're really that attracted to an item just because it is very fashion forward. &nbsp;I think the data shows that it is difficult to predict how long certain trends will last, but if you love something and only get to wear it for a year or two AND it's good quality, chances are it will come around again. &nbsp;I am loving the flatworm trend myself, but I tend to go for footwear that's a little "out there" (see photo). &nbsp;I think you could justify cost per wear on the Ash, but I'm a stellar rationalizer :-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-art-of-the-substitute#post-1289769 Fri, 27 Jun 2014 22:50:36 +0000 Angie 1289769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally, I prefer the DV sneaker - although FLAT forms are trending.&nbsp;</p> <p>Substitutes can work beautifully. But if the original is worth the price - I will absolutely&nbsp;pay for it.&nbsp; </p>