This summer I’ve been swimming in a sea of embroidered denim cut-offs and delicately stitched separates. First seen on the runways of Gucci, Valentino, and more, this here-to-stay trend has trickled down from department stores to fast-fashion retailers, like Zara and H&M and even faster-fashion online shops like Asos and Topshop. Stitched with beautiful floral, animal or tribal motifs, there are embroidered pieces that appeal to women of all ages and tastes. And with colder temperatures only a few weeks away, I’ve already started composing my Fall wishlist, which is unsurprisingly abundant in embellished denim. What better way to stay cozy in the chilly Fall temps than bundling up in one of this season’s hottest embroidered denim jackets?
Take this jacket, for example. Perhaps it’s the effortlessly cool silhouette or the embroidered birds on the lapels, but I was instantly drawn to this blue Gucci stone-washed denim jacket. Uptown chic meets Downtown edge, this piece is truly one-of-a-kind. But with its jaw-dropping gold-tone metal studs, this jacket also comes with a hefty price tag of almost $5,000. So what’s a girl to do?
While I’ve certainly been known to splurge on big ticket items, there are so many similar stand-out styles in a more affordable price range. Below I’ve rounded up some of my favorite embroidered denim jackets, all of which are under $300. As it turns out, it is possible to look fabulous without going broke! Get a head start on Fall by shopping these looks.
It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with fancy footwear. In fact, one glance at my closet leaves most people wondering whether I even wear the same pair twice. A sale, you say? I’ll be at the store when it opens, credit card in hand while borderline foaming at the mouth. Ohhh Christian, Giuseppe, and Manolo, why must you taunt me with your irresistible eye candy? In an ideal world, retail therapy would be covered by health insurance, but who can afford to indulge in designer footwear while keeping up with ever-changing fashion trends? Fortunately, for those of us rendered penniless from last season’s splurges, fast-fashion brands are skillfully mirroring designer footwear to provide us with access to high-end designs at a fraction of the cost. Chloe (which also happens to be my daughter’s name) is one of my favorite designers for everyday casual footwear. Apparently many other shoe designers have gotten the memo, as the French luxury fashion house’s designs are some of today’s most replicated styles. As it turns out, imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery.
Take the Chloe “Lauren” suede espadrilles (above), for instance. These warm-weather flats are equal parts feminine and playful and the scalloped edges provide a whimsical update to the traditional espadrille silhouette. At $495, these beauties are inaccessible for most. So what’s a girl to do?
Crown Vintage “Bahamas” Espadrille Flats, $49 at DSW
Enter the Crown Vintage “Bahamas” flat. Like the Chloe espadrille, these are made from luscious suede and feature feminine scalloped detailing that differentiate it from most others of its kind. Best part – these shoes are available for only $49 at DSW. Buy them here before they sell out.
The Chloe “Isa” Espadrille Wedge Sandal
The Chloe “Isa” Espadrille Wedge Sandal, $625 at Mytheresa
It was truly love at first sight when I came across the Chloe “Isa” wedge while shopping at Nordstrom. I loved everything about it – the jute-wrapped wedge heel, the satin-finished gold-tone hardware, the oh-so subtle peep-toe, and the buttery-soft suede that cradled my foot ever so gently. After wiping the drool from my chin, I put these on my Spring wishlist and moved onto Bloomingdales. And that’s when I spotted “Adalyn,” Marc Fisher’s homage to the pricier Chloe wedge. Upon first glance these shoes look almost identical and only upon close inspection can one notice the discreet differences. For only $160, the Marc Fisher wedges are an affordable alternative with the same designer look.
Marc Fisher “Adalyn” Espadrille Wedge Sandal, $160 at Bloomingdales
It just so happens that Steve Madden has also jumped on the bandwagon with the release of his “Jaylen” espadrille wedge sandal, currently selling for only $60 at DSW. Who could argue with that price?
Steve Madden “Jaylen” Espadrille Wedge Sandal, $60 at DSW
The epitome of elegance and grace, the ballet flat is a classic shoe that will never go out of style. With its year-round wearability and versatility to match almost any ensemble, the ballet flat is undeniably one of the most important pieces in a woman’s closet. As a proud collector of Chanel ballerinas, you could say that I have elevated standards for purchasing flats. At first I was skeptical about the Chloe “Lauren” ballet flat and thought the scalloped trim may irritate the backs of my heels, but oh my, are these shoes comfortable! Priced at a whopping $495 at Neiman Marcus, these ballerinas are an investment piece. It can be hard to justify spending a small fortune on ballet flats, even if you painstakingly care for your shoes as I do.
The Chloe “Lauren” Scalloped Leather Ballerina Flat, $495 at Neiman Marcus
The Chloe “Lauren” Scalloped Leather Ballerina Flat, $495 at Neiman Marcus
Leave it to French Sole NY to introduce their “Jigsaw” ballet flat, a ballerina that bears a striking resemblance to the pricier Chloe shoe. Available at Zappos for only $200, these are a steal! But it gets better – the French Sole scalloped flats are actually featured on Gilt.com for a limited time for only $155. Sizes are extremely limited so get yours here before they’re gone!
The French Sole NY “Jigsaw” Ballerina, $200 at Zappos
Lullabies and Louboutins 