Crave or Save
The LBD gets far too much praise in my book. Sure it’s just about the safest way to ensure that you’ll look sleek, sophisticated and slim, but it’s also predictable beyond belief. Enter the long, white dress. If you have any hint of a tan (via lotion, of course), it’s such a subtle way to highlight your skin and let your face be the focal point. When I saw this Red Valentino maxi number on Net-a-Porter.com, I immediately started envisioning the long tangle of chains I’d throw around my neck and the jeweled sandals that would complement it perfectly. My plans were immediately shattered as soon as I caught a glimpse of the price, but I happily shifted my attention towards Topshop’s similar lace dress.
What’s your take – is this a crave or save situation?
143 comments
Wow! I really love the lace top and subtle horizontal stripes on the Valentino, but I think I’d save the $900 and go with the Top Shop version. Think of all the necklaces you could buy to wear with it for $900! LOL.
Bre @ http://theredbungalow.blogspot.com
Ohhhh how pretty!
I actually like the Top Shop one better
http://www.dayinthelifeofaskygurl.blogspot.com
Lately I’ve been with the save.. I find myself looking for bargens or less expensive versions of something. Great post!
http://www.fashionofmysoul.blogspot.com
In this case definitely save… I mean come on… it’s practically the same dress!
XXX
http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/
definitely a save situation. white dresses always get dirty easily which is such a heartbreak so best not to fork out too much. that said the topshop one is really pretty!
Definitely a ‘save’ situation. Then you can splurge on accessories (that’s the best part anyways).xx
nah, i definitely like the valentino more.
I love the Valentino, but the love Topshop price.
Definitively a “save”. I love the Topshop one. And as “girlontheave” says, white dresses get dirty, especially on your underarms and the neckline, and tend turn yellow as you wash them, so I think it’s better not to spend a lot on white garments.
Totally save! =D
I like the Topshop version. It’s a dress you can wear every summer.
love the valentino, especiall with the bow but would never spend that much! the topshop version feels a little younger and more playfull with the buttons added! I think both are great choices but considering the damage the valentino would do to my wallet, definitely the topshop version
xox Vicky
Bikinis & Passports
Its times like this when you can be happy that affordable retailers like Topshop and F21 make similar items to the high priced designer pieces we all crave
I’d spend $900 on a leather handbag in a heartbeat, because I know it will stand the test of time far longer than a lovely white dress that I would most likely get dirty after one or two wears – but alas the Valentino is beautiful…
http://lolitalovesit.blogspot.com
defo save! =)
For me it’s a ‘crave’ – the Valentino is gorgeous!!
definitely a save!
you could even cut it into a mini dress when you dont want a maxi anymore – that wouldnt be an option with the valentino!
lynnnnn.blogspot.com
I love the Valentino one, but definitely save and get the Topshop version!
definitely save!
Save! ;D I like the topshop one better! Love your blog!
http://misskayses.blogspot.com/
XOXO
The Topshop one is definitely better !! It’s more chic. And more sexy with these buttons ;D I don’t like the cequins in Valentino dress. And those horizontal waists aren’t to good to look at; their connection with the cequins looks messy and just not good to me
Definitely Topshop 
Kisses ;*
save! the detailing around the waist of the topshop dress is so beautiful
as much as i love the valentino, this is def a save moment. in fact, the top shop version is probably more versatile!
its funny to say but I actually liked the topshop dress better!
If i saw photos of both with no names- I would definately pick the Topshop- Such a gorgeous design- Im sure the Valentino would feel incredible and the topshop one is fairly light and see-through up close! I would definately be saving. xxx
fashion clocked
Would really love it if you called by. Katie.xx
Save – i prefer the Topshop one – roll on summer!
Love the idea of a maxi dress, it’s so summery! I think the save option is your best bet, then you can spend more on accessories.
definitely topshop. a WHITE dress that costs nearly $1,000? that should only be your wedding dress. you want to be able to have fun when you wear it and not be afraid of getting a slight grass stain or dropping a strawberry on it.
i got a valentino dress last year – but i went for a very classic black dress that i’ll have forever. for easy and fun dresses that you want to be able to wear casually and not worry about messing up – i’d go topshop. xx
We like the version Topshop….kisses
http://www.gauchasnamoda.blogspot.com
Although I like the Valentino a little bit more, I say save !
If it isn’t for a special occasion…go with the Topshop. Feel good wearing it knowing you are such an astute shopper.
Love the Valentino but it’s a save for me all the way since it is only really good for one season a year.
Sadie at heyMamas
I prefer the Valentino but I’d definitely go with the Topshop one. Like a few other said, white get dirty so easily. I’d rather spend money on something that’s a bit more durable.
http://ginamichele.typepad.com/
oooh such a hard call. the valentino number is a clear winner in my book, when you put the two side by side, but separately, i think the Topshop dress is really lovely and obviously much more reasonably priced. Topshop it is!
love the valentino, especiall with the bow but would never spend that much! the topshop version feels a little younger and more playfull with the buttons added! I think both are great choices but considering the damage the valentino would do to my wallet, definitely the topshop version
+1
Awesome, awesome find. I love the steal version – and I picture the same accessories
flnw.blogspot.com
That Valentino has a better white color, but its too pricy
I’d definitely go with that Topshop
it’s far more affordable and it’s kinda look like Valentino
Castor Pollux
Pretty! Good “save” find, too! They’re practically identical!
Save save save! You’ll look just as great in the Topshop one and go wild with the accessories and shoes.
If I saw the dresses with no labels, I would pick the Valentino. However, for the price difference you are getting the same look with the Top Shop option and it is still very adorable!
http://www.beckschiclife.blogspot.com
SAVE FOR SURE!! i love that topshop dress, and I am always hesitant to splurge on white items since i am SO clumsy!!
xoxo,
F
lekisskiss.blogspot.com <– Texas gal bloggin fashion from NYC!
I would never spend $990 on something white. It would wind up covered in coffee and chocolate.
Normally I end up being a crave girl, but I really like the save one for once! lol
http://jammer10am.blogspot.com/
If you look at the detail in the Valentino version, it is really beautiful – worth a splurge ONLY if you can reasonably spare the $. This is a summer dress that you would have for many summers – as long as it stays clean and some of the commenters have mentioned!
save.. if you spill something on it you may take the bridge… with the $$$ you save get a variety if white dresses..
Save, and I never say that.
It’s a crave! I wish I could pull off a white dress right now, my Midwestern paleness says otherwise…
Save…the TopShop one is better. I’m sure the quality is not as good but I am also sure that a day might come where you will pull out that white Maxi and think it is time to let it go, then you won’t feel so bad because it is less expensive.
I would definitely do save! Though you might need a slip because Topshop is probably more sheer, and a good iron!
http://indramaticfashion.com
Save for sure. Even better, see if you can nab a vintage one!
Save. That dress is a must have.
definitely save. they are virtually the same. save the “crave” for something unique.. like designer shoes you just cant pass up!
Lindsey
http://couturerehab.blogspot.com/
I’m much fonder of pintucks and lace inserts than I am of sequins, especially for a sweet, romantic summer dress, so I’d lean toward the Topshop version. Although like Sally above, I’d lean toward finding a vintage version or even making my own.
Everybody Gets Dressed
I’d go with the save on this one! but that valentino sure is lovely…
definetly save!! Save a white dress crave for your wedding day.
Totally a save! I actually like the Top Shop version much better!
I prefer the Topshop version purely because of its simplicity. It’s long and white–no bells and whistles necessary!
http://seejaneworkplaylive.blogspot.com/
what self tanner do you use??
TOTAL SAVE!
I actually just bought a GORGEOUS long white dress from Zara for a very affordable price. I’d check out their selection as well!
xo,
Sonia
http://RunwayHippie.com
Save! I like the Topshop one better as well. x
http://www.fashionsnag.com
Save. No question! I just bought a white summery dress from theOutnet (during the $1 sale) and am excited to break it out (with a bit of a tan, of course!)
definitely save! I actually like the top shop version better the buttons are much cuter than the tie at the waist.
Save. Im not a fan of the sequins.
that top shop dress is so cute. It reminds me of a warm summer day….
http://blankwhiteframes.blogspot.com
they look literally almost the same! save!
I saw that dress in Topshop and it’s gorgeous! So flowy and really beautiful lace.
Save!!
xx
Nikki
I love a LBD for all those occasions you can’t wear white….. these dresses are great picks though……..
xxx
CEO
The I think the crave is a little cuter, but no way is it $905 cuter. Save.
crave ! even though i dont have money and love topshop ; =O
because it is such a classic to last forever, and white, despite its absence of real color loves to change color over time if it isn’t good quality, this is a valentino moment!
the topshop is a total steal! but still that valentino dress has a kiss of sophistication in it!
http://www.saturdaystylebykaye.blogspot.com
http://www.saturdaystylebykaye.blogspot.com
I would love to crave but in this case for what we are talking about I would say save all the way !!!
Save – they are equally beautiful
Love them both, but {of course} partial to the Valentino. Absolutely love everything in white for the summer! xxSAS
http://www.20somethingcupcakes.com/2010/05/white-party/
Definitely save. Anything seasonal should be a save..I only splurge on classics that are interchangeable seasonally….living in LA makes that easy to do
http://glamlatte.blogspot.com
Valentino.. WAY out of my budget.
Saw the Topshop dress in store. Not impressed. Thing with Topshop is, you could see the design and concept attempted in the clothing, but most of the time the material they use is of poor quality. That dress is no exception. Flea markets and thrift shops would probably have better quality white dresses at a fraction of the cost of the Topshop one.
Just sayin’
Save…
Whenever it comes to long white, whether it’s a coat or a dress, I go for less because I worry about it getting stained — especially with three boys.
save it girl – that top shop one is awesome.
I love a white dress for summer! So easy and perfect!! Seriously though, unless your uber rich, who can afford to drop almost a grand on one item. xo
http://www.hellopretty.net
Save or just go on etsy and find a handmade one that might be even better then the topshop one! I like one of a kind things!!
Love the white look though,
Maggie
although i do love the crave dress, i would have to go for the save
they look so similar! im a huge netaporter fan : )
heelsandinspiration.blogspot.com
save save save!
SAVE!! You can only wear white so much, so I say save the $900 and go somewhere fun…or buy several white pieces – then one great accessory! Cute dresses!
http://lindsaylovesitall.blogspot.com/
In this instance, save. I actually like the top shop version better.
Save! I like them both, but that extra $900 could be used on so many other things
i love the topshop one better as well (and its cheaper too)!
i love the topshop one better as well (and its cheaper too)! so its a win win situation!
http://www.economicalfashionista.blogspot.com
Totally a save! I’m sure there are differences in terms of quality of fabric, and cut, etc., but it’s not that big of a difference. I spend big money on shoes and bags, i.e., things I can wear for years and beyond. I would totally go with the save.
http://www.acozykitchen.com
Defnitely SAVE!!! And buy a bag with your savings !
-
xo
http://mandalyzing.blogspot.com/
It’s lovely, perfect for the summer!
I’ve got a similar one hiding in my closet, I think I’ve only worn it once, though
Save totally, Topshop and Valentino dresses are almost the same… so Topshop win!
http://glambitionworld.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/JessLouvain
I love the look of white on white, especially with summery, flowy pieces and I think Stella & Dot’s St. Tropez necklace would look AMAZING with this dress: http://www.stelladot.com/sites/jennyrat/productcatalog?page=productdetail&sku=N119
actually i think i would choose topshop:D
love the lace detail on both! save for sure:)
Totally save!
http://www.acozykitchen.com
Definitely Save!!! So practical and perfect to throw on in the spring/summer!
http://dinnerclubmd.blogspot.com/
Save! That topshop one is pretty close, and that price is like 1/6th of the Valentino…but they are both gorgeous
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/
hands down to save.
This is a must SAVE!
save! the topshop dress is way cuter!
SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!
Save all the way!
With a price like that, you gotta save!
A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984
Loove that topshop dress! I might just have to duck down there!
ooh definitely a save! i love the top shop dress!
http://www.carmenyee.com
Oh how I long for a tan so I could wear white summer dresses! That being said, I agree that the Topshop version is just as pretty and would be more versatile than the Valentino. Who can kick around the beach in a $995 dress?
Those dresses are both fabulous and absolutely beautiful! I loooooove long dresses…but especially white ones too! The Topshop dress looks just as good as the Valentino one…so, go with that!
Love the Valentino dress but love the price of Topshop. Save! Some fabulous accessories will bring life to the Topshop dress.
http://whattowearhowtowearit.blogspot.com/
Save save save!
xxMK
Love both of them! The Valentino unfortunately is the cuter of the two but not worth that price tag!! Like most said, I’d rather spend that money on a fabulous accessory liiikkkeee the Alexa bag! Thats where I’m spending my next $900+ not on a white dress!
Please check out my blog I just started
http://greenink5.blogspot.com/
Couldn’t agree more! Love both of the white dresses! I’ve actually launched the LCD (Little Colorful Dress) as a chic alternative (it’s a regular column in my blog, tagged LCD)
xoxo
dagny
Hi, I linked you in my blog. I like somethings I saw here
Valentino is the best! They are not comparable at all! The only thing is that not everyone has more than 900 dollars (I don’t), so let’s go for the other… Anyway I’m not crazy for both of them.
Sara C.
Save, save, save! They’re both gorgeous, but they look pretty similar…gotta love Topshop
Have to admit I like the Valentino better. But it’s a lot of money for a dress you might not wear year after year. Tough call.
I loooooove them both, but this would definitely be a save situation for me!!
save save! and put the rest of the money towards a vacation
http://asequindressatbreakfast.wordpress.com
definitely save! as much as i love white dresses, my messy self could never justify having one just to wear in the summer
The first time I spill chocolate ice cream on the Valentino would be the last time I could ever spend that much on an article of clothing. I’m sure I’d spill it on the other one too, but it would be less traumatic.
Total save situation. The topshop one is actually prettier than the Valentino in all honesty.
DEF a save.
The Valentino is gorgeous, but definitely save. Especially since it’s not really a “wear year round” dress in my book, like the LBD can be.
Save! White dresses spell disater for stains. Imagine dropping food down a Valentino number! Lucy Laucht
Love the white dresses and I like that you gave a high dollar option and a more affordable one…although I would want the high dollar option because of the bow!
smiles,
gina
SAVE! There are so many good-looking inexpensive white lace dresses out there =]
LOVE the Valentino and I’m sure it is so incredibly gorgeous in real life….the stripe detail makes it. But, for a white dress, I’d go with the save option.
Now you have me hunting for white dresses…
Alexandra
http://dressesforbreakfast.com
Save the dress looks amazing
SAVEEEEEEEEEEEE
The little black dress always looked better in white. -Bill Blass
SAVE
a definite save, save, SAVE situation!
what’s better than finding a replica of something you really want…that is WAY cheaper? both of these dresses are extremely gorgeous. however, i would have to agree with you on the first one being way too expensive. great job finding the second one. great dress, great store!
xoxo
http://sweatshirtdressshirt.blogspot.com/
I would go save. They are too similar to justify the difference
http://bigsizeonasmallbudget.blogspot.com/
I think I prefer the Valentino as it’s lighter and more white but the price tag is way too high so I would happily settle for the Topshop one. Are you buying it? It would look so good on you!
http://www.raindropsofsapphire.wordpress.com
haha- i actually prefer the topshop one, the valentino’s too formal
proof that expensive doesnt always have to mean better.
I totally would go for the Topshop version. Not the kind of item to splurge on.
Save!
And to save more, check out the $15 version at old navy: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=26519&vid=0&pid=752952&scid=752952012
And feel free to browse my bloggy blog:
http://daswhatshesaid.blogspot.com/
Save, save, save. Seems that most people are going with this option as well, and if you’re leaning more towards the Valentino because of the bow, why not get your crafty fingers flowing and add some mods to the top shelf version!
Love your Crave or Save posts…keep em coming!
I’m nominating you for The Sunshine Award because your blog is Positive and Creative…just like you!
http://whatiworetiptotoe.blogspot.com/2010/05/shower-people-you-love-with-love.html
The TopShop dress is so much cuter!
This look would so require some serious Jergen’s for me but I do love it. What a fab find — I love Valentino but must say that Topshop version is super cute.
xxoo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com
lovelove white, long, flowing dresses! I must say for those of you living in LA, do run over to the east side and check out Squaresville- on Vermont in los feliz- Such a fab thrift shop. Just picked up lots of floral items, long white dress, and acid washed shorts today for stunning prices
http://www.bellinisoiree.com
I would spend the 900$ I saved, because I bought the Topshop dress on shoes, jewelry like a necklace, earrings and rings, and a pretty bag to wear them together with the dress!
xoxo Sandra
http://glamirrorous.com
I just got the topshop one in the mail yesterday. Warning, it’s 100 percent unlined and see-through!
Thanks very much for sharing. It is quite useful.
i bought this from old navy http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=15292&vid=1&pid=730508&scid=730508012 love it! its so cute. and you save even more
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