Crave or Save
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?
77 comments
It is really nice, they are very similar.
In the last post with the white dress you are so fabolous. I love all: the dress, the shoes and your hair!!!
I had this dilemma when Alexander Wang came out with T by Alexander Wang. You know, the long super soft oversized tank with the pocket. I knew I would be able to find a replica at forever21 in a month, but I still wanted the real thing sooo bad even though it was such a simple plain piece.
champagnewishing.blogspot.com
Ohh they’re both cool…. the Elizabeth & James one does have the wow factor though!
A definite save! The draping is amazing on the Elizabeth and James version, but the F21 is just so close!
I also vote for save! I love the shape of it!
SAVE! Because you were attracted to the design and not necessarily the quality it’s definitely a save situation. Too good to pass up.
I vote for the crave. It has a little je ne sais quoi to it that the other doesn’t. IF you love the skirt so much I would get the more expensive one. If not then go for the F21 because it’s very similar…
I actually have the F21 skirt in blue and I love it–it’s a little more of a tulip skirt in person, and it’s really cute. But, I have to say: for 11 dollars, you could totally get both if you really love the other one.
Yea Emily, I LVOE your Crave vs Save posts
And I always have an opinion…
I am in love with the romantic Roman-esq draping of the E&J piece, but to save $250 – I think this one’s a no brainer. Go for the save & if you find yourself turning to it all of the time, then upgrade to the E&J for better quality, best of both world!
XO
save! most def.
I agree with Arlynn. For $11, you might as well buy it and if you love it, you can always upgrade if you made a “mistake”.
Yes, I’d go with the F21 version for now- if you really love it and wear it a lot, then get the E&J!
Definitely save…before I scrolled down, I thought the Forever 21 skirt was the more expensive one! Plus, its more narrow shape will probably be more flattering.
Good luck!
Unfortunately, I REALLY prefer the E&J version. The draping is so much more elegant.
I like the E&J skirt a little more (the shape is great), but I would definitely go for the F21 version… think about what you could do with the $250 you’ll save!
saave! i like the f21 one better
A definite save! Great find! This is one of those pieces I love, but would grow tired of soon enough.
Save! Its a trend piece so you dont want to spend alot! Love the skirts tho !
I think it’s a crave. I always find flaws in F21 clothing, and if you add up all the money you probably spend there in a year on clothing that falls to pieces, you probably have enough for the E&J plus something else!
I would say save, because this too shall pass, but that E&J skirt is definitely lovely the way it drapes.
i like the f21 better, too, actually.
a definite save! i love the silhouette of the forever 21 piece
I like the Forever 21 skirt better. And with all of your clothing options, how many times will you actually wear this skirt? The Elizabeth & James version isn’t different enough to warrant the extra $250. Save that money and buy some amazing shoes or a new dress!
In this case, I prefer the SAVE.
The E&J Dress just looks so overpriced….
I like the F21 because of the silhouette, but the draping on the E&J is gorgeous… I think I would go with F21 though just because it seems more wearable.
Well, the crave has the most wow-factor, but I think you should go for save…
You should definitely get the “save” version. You have such a great style, you can wear it and make it look like the “crave”. Love your hair in the previous post!
both are beautiful…but i would definitely go with SAVE
Ohh… this is a tough one.. I think I’d go with Save though. They are similar enough that if you are really missing the E&J you can always go for it since you only dished out $11 on the F21!
You could easily alter the F21 one to look more like the E&J one. Definitely save. Big difference in price there.
Definitely save. I think the F21 will skim the hips in a more flattering way. Though you don’t have to worry about that as much as I do
xo
My Super Sweet Fashion Diary
http://www.dafashionista.com
Definitely save! I have the F21 skirt and I’ve received many complements on it. I love the think waistband – kinda acts like a corset.
I would go with the $10 one! That is hard to pass up. You can use the money you save to buy something else designer
I totally like the F21 better… save!!
save – the waist cinching factor is my favourite part and it’s more dramatic on the F21 than the other.
i loves this blog!!
I’m going to have to go with CRAVE because the A. Wang draping just rocks!
xoxox,
CC
EEEEE! i have that skirt in purple! (the F21 version) i love it! it’s on my blog!
save, save, save!! I’m not a fan of the crave draping, and the save is just too good to pass up.
I actually prefer the Save. But I’m sure the quality of the Crave one is much nicer.
Definitely save! The skirt is so cute, but I think it’s even cuter when you get a great deal and can’t tell the difference! =)
i do think its a crave or save situation… but i would buy the cheaper alternative as long as the quality is up to standard and the it looks good on me…
If you go for the save, won’t it fall apart after wearing it a few times? That’s my experience with F21. Money down the drain…
If you want a piece that will last and survive…go for the crave.
Love your blog.
Before I scrolled down and saw where each of them were from, I actually preferred the right one, from F21 (:
Hiya, cupcake! I say save. Most definitely. I had the same thing happen with a pair of Loeffler Randall boots. I ended up buying a Seychelles version for a fraction of the price in two colors. Super comfy and girls always mistake them for the real deal.
Hmmm…I actually like the F21 one better this time. The draping looks good.
I would SAVE….265 is way too steep for a skirt! Plus the F21 seems to be more flattering!
Hmmm, the F21 probably won’t last as long as the E&J but at that price you could buy 10 of them lol! The quality might not be there but I just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much on a skirt so F21 it is!
SAVE!
Ok…in this situation I, personally would say save…or at least wait for a sale at Saks or Bloomies. I am very hippy & know that while the F21 skirt is very very cute, it would never look right on me. I love E & J…everything.
Oh, I just read my comment….I meant save, as in save the money up for a few months to buy the E & J….lol
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
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