It is fact that I am not terribly good with math. However, I am good enough to know that the Matthew Williamson sequined dress I have been lusting over for months would result in divorce if I were to buy it. At $3995, it just doesn’t make sense for someone who would inevitably get apple juice and boogers all over the front of it (that is if it ever made it out of my closet in the first place). But that didn’t stop me from finding perfect earrings and shoes for it and purchasing it in my imagination. (Apparently using your imagination is very important for kids, which is all fine and good for my daughter who likes to pretend that Toy Story on Ice is putting on a production in our foyer every evening. At these times, I use MY imagination to pretend that Johnny Weir has come over to perform the lead role himself and we become BFFs and live happily ever after in a land filled with Birkin bags.) Imagination cost for the ensemble – $0. Real life cost – $4865.
Is it possible to find a suitable replacement at a fraction of the cost? Most certainly. Let me note here that I will never show “cheap” alternatives to designer fashions, as you almost always get what you pay for. And I will not have my Frenemob looking cheap. The down-to-earth alternative shown above is from Asos – and at $262 is not what you would call a bargain. Then again, you won’t look like you rolled out of a TJ Maxx bargain bin, so that’s a plus. The entire wallet-friendly ensemble will set you back $356.
So, did I go ahead and buy the lower priced alternative? No. I really just want the Matthew and not a similar look (as cute as it may be). But you know what? I can now tell my husband that I saved him $5221 today for not buying either! Take that Suze Orman.
Images: Pricey – Dress, Earrings, Shoes, Still Spicy – Dress, Earrings, Shoes
wish I had your willpower and clever thinking… you’re one smart cookie lady!