The Art of the Substitute? - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

The Art of the Substitute?

catgirl

Veteran

I am always torn between getting what I want and being cheap. I often check out that feature in StyleWatch, The Look for Less, and am impressed with how well they copycat. At the same time, sometimes the substitute lacks what makes the expensive original item special (ETA: or not necessarily more expensive, but now unavailable or unattainable)...

Case in point: these Ash sneakers

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/as.....n=wishlist

vs. these substantially cheaper DV by Dolce Vitas:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dv.....n=wishlist

Basically similar? Or quite different? Do you focus on the general look or the details?

To me, the Ash sneakers are just that much cooler because of the elevated platform - but are they $100 cooler?

Are you happy with reasonable substitutes, or do you find yourself fretting over compromise?

Dressing

39 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Aquamarine

Veteran

Depends on the item and how crazy I really am about it. If I am madly in love, nothing else will do, sadly.

Aquamarine

Veteran

ETA I am fussy about workmanship so sometimes (not always) those details that no one else will notice or the inside seams for example, will make me want the original and not a cheaper substitute.

Gigi

Veteran

It depends on the price gap and how much I would wear the items. I agree with you that oftentimes the cheaper version is just not as cool. So it wouldn't make you feel as fab, imo.

kkards

Veteran

For me it's hard to masked a general statement, because I'm really into how things feel. So if the sub is comfortable and feels good, then I'm good. It also depends on how long I think I'm going to love said thing, for flings I'm almost always good with close enough, but for a long time love, i may not be as willing to compromise.

Isabel

Veteran

This post is right up my alley. I find that as I get older, "making due" just didn't cut it like when I was younger. Obviously, the item and it's use in my wardrobe plays a part. But I just don't "tolerate" as well anymore. : )

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Actually in this example I'd probably choose the less expensive ones because they are slightly more classic than the big platforms (in other words, the price wouldn't be my deciding factor). I feel like a more classic sole might last longer from a trend changing standpoint. But I am not really qualified to make the real distinction.

Thistle

Veteran

In this case, I can't be objective as I am not a fan of the elevated platform. I actually prefer the sole of the DVs better.

That said, I do get the concept. And I agree, sometimes to get the look, you need the higher priced piece. But, I tend not to be willing to pay this for a short term love. A classic pair of black trousers that get tons of use, yep, willing to spend big there. But that is seldom a defining piece. The gold sandals I bought this summer, knowing they were potentially only for one summer? Yep, good enough sufficed there.

rachylou

Veteran

It really depends on what the key features are for me. If the key features are right, I'll go for the sub. Why not?

But I must say, the only thing I see these two shoes have in common is they're slip-on sneakers.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

What rachylou said.

I rarely splurge for the real deal, but when I do, it's because there's something about it no one else can replicate. Like Burberry.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Personally, I prefer the DV sneaker - although FLAT forms are trending.

Substitutes can work beautifully. But if the original is worth the price - I will absolutely pay for it.

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

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. 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. I am loving the flatworm trend myself, but I tend to go for footwear that's a little "out there" (see photo). I think you could justify cost per wear on the Ash, but I'm a stellar rationalizer

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catgirl

Veteran

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.). I think Rachy's point is a good one. Sometimes even color is negotiable if the style works.

Angie's nailed a secondary question: what makes the original worth the price?

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.

My DV Ollies have been a perfect way to get me the Rockstud look at a price I'm willing to pay. In that case, I was all about the LOOK. But with a Burberry trench, I have to admit that it's also about the quality and the brand.

Love the input!

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

Lol on the Burberry trenches! I've tried twice, as in "these are classic, they're worth it" and they're both headed to consignment. 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. If it isn't remotely flattering, it ain't worth it!

shedev

Veteran

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.

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.

I like the Ashe better because they are less classic. That said, the DVs are nice too.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

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.)

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.

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.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I need the original for me. For example I really wanted a Kenzo tiger head sweatshirt. But initially they were impossible to find. H&M did a knock off which I bought and wore a bit. I eventually got the original. I still wear the Kenzo.
But I'm also an early adopter.
Everybody is different

LoveSarahDub

(website)

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.

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!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Because I am an 80's oldster, I am going to remark that in 1982, when I was
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.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Una, it truly depends on the details. And here are 2 fast examples:

Clare Vivier clutches have been knocked off really well 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 and perfect-for-me-colours made the originals worth the extra latkes - to me. Those details would make no difference to other people, like to some of my clients.

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). A quarter of the price and a better product "for me".

I want to stress that there is NOTHNG wrong with either option. Money might be tight - and the substitute does the magic tick. You love the original and can afford it - go for it. No judgements either way.

catgirl

Veteran

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.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

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."

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!)

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.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

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.

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.

So I am all for the substitute.

Anonymous

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 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. 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.

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.

Not that this is a great example of my thought process, 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. I tried the Topshop ones on randomly and they fit my narrow feet better. I also liked that they came in a rose gold that was reminiscent of the metallic shades in the Birks, but went with my coloring more than the silver and weren't as flashy as the gold. The lower price also made it easier to justify since it's not like I really need another pair of casual sandals or anything.

catgirl

Veteran

Aubergine, yes! The Birk vs the Birk-alike is a good example of finding the one that works for you.

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.

Anonymous

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.

Echo

Veteran

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.

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.

Deborah

Veteran

This is a really interesting thread Una. I agree with many comments re it comes down to what something is worth to each of us.

I would say I focus on both the look and the details. Sometimes the look is the priority other times the look and the details weigh equally.

I fell hard for the Ash hidden wedge heel sneakers sometime back. 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:) I have been happy with them, they wear well and are worn infrequently.

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 expenditure. So I am waiting and hoping that I might find an acceptable copy here in Aus.

When I think about it, a lot of my wardrobe would be good quality substitutes. At the higher end, I lust after many Rick Owens designs. They are not available here and are mostly outside of my budget so I do "settle" for substitutes, but I still want quality. For example, I have a skirt that is similar to a Rick Owens skirt. It's by Laura Ashley (of all people) so wasn't cheap but a much more affordable option and excellent quality.

I have a history of buying things that were "almost" what I wanted. I.e. similar enough.. but they weren't really and I had a wardrobe I was never happy with.

Neel

Veteran

For me it's simply the price. I could probably afford it but never justify why I *needed* it IYKWIM.

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

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.

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

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!

kerry

Veteran

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.

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