Crave or Save
May 21st, 2009
Don’t you love when you find a designer piece that simply needs to make its way into your closet only to realize there’s a much more affordable option at hand? Elizabeth and James’ Draped Skirt first caught my attention for its wonderfully slinky fabric and waist-cinching contrast band. It was only until several weeks later that I came across Forever 21′s Elastic Band Knit Skirt and knew that the similarities were too great to pass up.
What’s your take – is this a crave or save situation?







I adore the crave, but would totally go for the save!!!
Save!
As much as I love all of the pieces in A & MK’s fashion line, I would have to say that the similarities are too close-save, save, save!!
i’m completly in love with these skirts!! so gorgeous!! and your style?? stunning!! xo’s darling!
save, but i’m not sure i’ll ever say ‘crave’ so i might not be the best judge:)
DEFINITELY save.
Save, the f21 is goooood!
Definitely a save… I thought save meant “saving up” but judging but the other comments nope! haha.
Forever 21s knock off Alexander Wang bag looks pretty great…haven’t seen it in person yet tho!
Nice find! I say SAVE!!
I’ve been watching your blog and I like your picture and your looks!
that is so funny you blog about this eliz and james skirt. i was in nordstrom yesterday for their big sale and this skirt was on sale for $205. my best friend owns it, and i have to say it is a really great buy. she wears it with a one shoulder black shirt and it looks like a dress for a night out–or she wears it with a white tee for a more casual look. either way the price is still a little steep, but you can get great use out of this versatile skirt.
Save!! I mean, you can’t reeeaally replace an Elizabeth and James piece, but the F21 skirt is such an ideal substitute. and I agree with some of the previous posters saying it looks like it’ll be more flattering. Can’t turn that down, right? (:
Oh gosh, for only 11 bucks, how could you pass up the Forever 21 skirt?! Yes, the E&J skirt is far superior looking, but you can still get the same vibe/look with the cheaper option. So did you get the Forever 21 skirt?! It looks like it’s sold out now online.
xo, Becs
http://www.stylewithbenefits.wordpress.com
I wish I could say ‘save’ because I know that’s the more sensible option. But whenever I go to forever 21, the quality of the fabric and construction make me cringe, they’re so bad! I know I’m a total enabler, but I say go for the E and J!
Oh no! I adored the skirt from Forever 21, but Becs is right…it’s no longer available online.
I’m all for cheap clothes, and the skirt is really cute, but after reading today’s article in WWD about F21 completely knocking off Trovata’s line, I was disgusted. F21 made a complete copy of every single item in their line and I am sure that Trovata is not the first and will not be the last knock-offed line. I would rather pass the chaotic store with clothes strewn everywhere and non-helpful sales associates and go full-price. At least I am giving the creative persons their due and not paying for ripping off someone’s ideas.
http://www.wwd.com/retail-news/forever-21-co-founder-defends-retailer-in-trial-2141195
it is a definite save situation. i have to say that i hate how much F21 rips off designers, without shame. but… i would also hate to pay that much for a skirt? you could take that same money and travel somewhere!
Tough call. F21 does rip off other designers and all their stuff is made in places that I’m pretty sure the employees aren’t working under the best conditions. But $250 is expensive. Maybe just think about how much you really want it. The E&J version is cute.
I think it really depends on how much you love the skirt. The E&J version is absolutely beautiful, and to be honest I don’t see much of a real similarity in the F21 one. You may want to check out this version from Bardot http://www.bardot.com.au/store/online-shopping?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=1176&category_id=25
Pretty similar, huh?! (Although I’m not crazy about the shiny fabric)
I actually love them both equally!
Definitely the save!
I actually like the Forever 21 one more (and look at that price!), although the Elizabeth and James one is less generic looking.
styleoverdose.blogspot.com
SAVE both skirts are absolutely adorable!
I like the Forever21 piece. It’s cute, practical and really easy on the wallet. But overall, I like it more regardless of what brand it is.
By the way, I’ve got an awesome watch to give away over at my blog. Check it out
awesome awesome awesome! i’m heading down to forever 21 tomorrow to snag that skirt! thanks chica!
xo katherine aka. urban flea
http://www.urbanfleadesign.com
Definitely a save situation. Especially for $11… if you fall completely in love, then MAYBE get the E&J!!
I adore that color – I don’t think I’ll ever get over tulip skirts either. Love this look!
elizabeth & james skirt on sale:
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=243630&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&LinkshareID=BolFSqx4S4U-59UkMpDzjFbteEgxUfqVtA
Save!
the draping gives so much more class and elegance with the Elizabeth and James skirt than the Forever 21 option.