Top: Ann Taylor factory – size XXSP Cardigan: Ann Taylor – size XXSP (similar here and on sale)
Necklace: Pearls Bracelets: Banana Republic factory (similar here) and thrifted chain (similar here)
Ring: YSL arty – size 4 (buy here)
Glasses: Calvin Klein
Ring: YSL arty – size 4 (buy here)
Glasses: Calvin Klein
I’ll be starting a series where I show you how to re-create a look that you see online or in a catalog for less with items you already have in your closet. I was perusing in J.Crew’s latest catalog and fell in love w/this look. Here is my attempt at recreating it and putting my own spin on it. I don’t have any red pumps so I swapped it out for some nude ones (excuse the change of shoes). I want to show that you can have the same look but at a much lower price.
Model Outfit:
(image credit- J.Crew catalog)
Top: Similar cardigan (couldn’t find top online)
Skirt: Bright Blue Pencil Skirt
Shoes: Red Pumps
Bag: Red Satchel
I am still on the hunt for the perfect shade of red pumps to match my dark red Chanel flap but I think the nude CL’s worked nicely here. I added a statement ring and some arm candy, pearls and I could totally wear this to work. The difference in price on my outfit verses the J.Crew outfit is substantial (minus the Chanel and Loubie’s). Maybe when I have more time on the next post of this series, I will break down the prices to show you the difference. I am in the process of moving my business to a different location so needless to say, I haven’t had time to do much. Hope you enjoy this post π
A special thanks to Cee for finding this skirt for me. She was so sweet to let me know it was available in a 00P at her local store. I was able to call and have it shipped to me for free (with AT card)! My heart was pounding as I rushed to order it. She is so amazing and I am forever grateful! Thanks Cee! π I ended up getting this skirt for only $30 after my rewards and 40% off. You can see Jean and Sydney both style this skirt.
I am still on the hunt for the perfect shade of red pumps to match my dark red Chanel flap but I think the nude CL’s worked nicely here. I added a statement ring and some arm candy, pearls and I could totally wear this to work. The difference in price on my outfit verses the J.Crew outfit is substantial (minus the Chanel and Loubie’s). Maybe when I have more time on the next post of this series, I will break down the prices to show you the difference. I am in the process of moving my business to a different location so needless to say, I haven’t had time to do much. Hope you enjoy this post π
Great recreation Annie! That skirt looks fab on you, and love how you paired it with leopard!
Great series! I love the bright blue and the colour of your Chanel : )
I love the idea of this series! And after seeing this post, I am DYING to get my hands on the perfect cobalt skirt…it looks surprisingly great with the leopard print.
Annie, great outfit! I especially love your glasses. I have similar frames (though square) and it's tough for me to pull off glasses without nose guards because I have the typical Asian nose.
you look so sophisticated with glasses, annie! i love the recreation for less – you should start a series ~ ! catalogs are always so unaffordable but they give great outfit inspiration π
Thanks so much Tara! π
Thanks Jessy! I'm excited about this series and can't wait to do more posts on it! π
Hehehe Thanks RL! My glasses are super old and I actually got new Chanel ones about 1 year ago but then the company scammed me and it was all a big mess so I'm forced to wear my old CK's…. And these have nose guards too! I can't wear ones w/out because of the same reason! Darn typical Asian noses…LOL
you think so? I feel weird in them and only wear them to watch TV…LOL I agree- the outfits in catalogs are insanely expensive so I was excited to start this series π I love me a cheaper outfit! hehehe
Cute skirt – love the color of the bag!
You look super cute with the glasses, Annie. π I love this idea of catalog inspired outfit. Can't wait to see more of them.
When I see this picture, it reminds of Cher's post http://afashiondeliberation.blogspot.com/2011/11/hey-there-sailor.html. So funny. You need a bag like that to pull off the "messy look". lol
http://afashiondeliberation.blogspot.com/2011/11/hey-there-sailor.html
Great recreation! J.Crew catalog is definitely one of many sources that I find great inspiration from.
I love your version so much better than the catalog version! I think the nude pumps look better with it than red. I also love your Chanel bag. I just love everything about it!! π
Cute look, Annie! J.Crew is my ultimate source of inspiration as well. So many pretty pictures to drool over π I love the extra touch with the glasses.
Whoa! That's a great look for less all right. I love it.
LOVEEEEE! You've outdone yourself here because your version is much better! Also loving your glasses look – I just look like a big ol' geek in mine lol.
Love your look better! Is that cardigan currently at the outlets? Love!!!
cant copy jean anymore so you copy j.crew? creative.
I think the nude pumps are a good sub for the red, since they lengthen your legs. π Looking forward to price breakdowns in your future installments. π
I found your blog via Ann Taylor's twitter page and I have to say I'm so glad I did! I went thru some of your archives and every outfit you've put together is something I could only imagine doing for myself. I'm not in petite sizes myself. I was wondering if you've gotten any feedback from non-petite readers who try to recreate your looks?
Gorgeous and stylish – I LOVE seeing catalog looks recreated and personalized. This is such a great idea, Annie.
You mention 'getting the look for less'… I'm a little confused as you're wearing CLs, a Chanel bag, YSL ring and Ann Taylor items… Though I guess the blue AT skirt is 30% cheaper than the J.Crew one.
Anyway, maybe I just misinterpreted the whole "Look for Less" thing. If you're taking one item you love, and getting it cheaper elsewhere, then I can totally get that. I LOVE THIS IDEA!! More more =))
Thank you π
hahaha Thanks Vicky! I so wish I had a bag to pull off that messy look but the only thing I could find was a Chanel…LOL
Thanks Sydney! Gotta love J.Crew's catalog π
Awe Megan, you are too good to me! I agree about the nude pumps….glad I switched from my Aldo taupe to my Loubie's…LOL
Thank you! π
Thanks SPG! I doubt you look like a geek in glasses. I never wear my glasses (only for TV) …I feel really funny in them π
Hi Allyson! Thank you so much! The cardi is from the reg AT stores from months ago but there was a factory version that I did see a couple months ago at the factory. The shell is from the factory (last year)….hope this helps π
Thanks Carrie! I so wish I had time to do the price breakdowns….def next time:)
YAY! So happy you found me too! I actually have a lot of non-petite readers that are able to re-create my looks because mostly all my items are avail in regular sizes too:) Thanks for stopping by and reading!
Hi Aubrey! It's been so long! YAY! Yeah…I put minus the Chanel and Loubies and was really just focusing on the outfit…hehehe The skirt I got for $30, sweater $18, top was $21….:D Hopefully my next post of this series will make more sense once I break down the prices….and hopefully people can swap out the Chanel and pumps for something in the same color π
Looks great! I saw that outfit on pinterest and wanted to recreate it as well! I'll be keeping my eyes out for a beautiful blue pencil skirt like that.
I like the hair and the glasses look π
I LOVE this idea!! Thanks so much for starting this feature. Can't wait to see what else you come up with…and then what I can create π
Love it! Love this kind of post. Maybe you can even do a celebrity look for less =)
cant wait to see what you have to share next week!
Great job Annie! Maybe you have an excuse to get red shoes now LOL!
OMG I remember when that cargi from Ann Taylor. I almost bought it lol. It looks great with the blue skirt.