10.08.2009

Thrifty Thursday: Elizabeth and James Draped Tank for Pennies

I’ve always shied away from basic, body-hugging tanks. In my eyes, the style has often come across as phenomenally masculine; and the mere thought of someone labeling me as an individual who would wear a “wife-beater” as such tops are often referred to, has always sent shivers up and down my spine. No, I’ve always gone for tanks that are ethereal and flowy; feminine and dainty; stylish, yet ideal for a casual picnic in the park or a sophisticated evening full of poetry dotted with the occasional rhythmic beat of jazz mutedly playing in the background. A blouse with enough personality to commandeer a crowded room; yet leave you looking effortlessly ravishing. The Draped Tank by Elizabeth and James is such a top.

Silently seductive, that is the only term I can think of to describe such a stunning bit of accoutrement. Instead of showcasing your every curve, the Draped Tank manages to highlight your shape without clinging to the contours of your form courtesy of an elegant slub cut which seemingly cascades over your skin to create a hypnotic silhouette. Regardless of the fact that the elusory Elizabeth and James original is crafted out of a blend of cotton and silk, and the flattering scoopneck dips just low enough to accommodate a striking statement necklace, it is not these qualities which make this piece so covetable. No, that honor is attributed to the asymmetrical ruffled sheer overlay which virtually whispers sweet nothings in the wind with its flyaway construction.

But I’m getting ahead of myself, darlings. I have obviously fallen a corps perdu for this simpleton, which is a fact that will obviously lead to heartbreak, for at $165.00 I can honestly say that I certainly do not have the spare change lying around the house to indulge in this pretty. I do, however, have the $28.00 required to pick up h.i.p.’s Chiffon Overlay Racerback Tunic Tank, a covering which embodies the true essence and beauty of the Elizabeth and James Draped Tank, sans the hefty pricetag.

While slightly more transparent than the lot it is modeled after, the Chiffon Overlay Racerback Tunic Tank is every bit as flirty, fun, and cultured as the original; plus it’s available in three neutral tones – white, gunmetal, and black. Would you think me completely devilish if I snatched up all three?

What’s the verdict, lovelies…will you be thrifty or spend, spend, spend?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom for the pictures.


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46 comments

Couture Carrie said...

You have offered such a gorgeous alternative, darling; I think I will be thrifty this time!

xoxox,
CC

Tights Lover said...

I actually like the transparency of the h.i.p version. It makes it look a bit more stylish...

MizzJ said...

Wow can't believe the E & J one is $165!! That's just ridiculous. Definitely go buy the other one in all colors, it's a great piece!

Btw, I was wondering if you'd like to exchange links?

Christina said...

This is so pretty! I definitely agree on not liking to wear things that hug my body. I like to wear things that are loose :) It's so much more comfortable.

-xtina
www.thisisxtina.blogspot.com

Diane said...

such a great find!!!

Dina's Days said...

Indeed that is ideal for a casual day at the park. It's so feminine and soft, great find!

Erin said...

That's gorgeous... I'd have to go thrifty on this one. Tanks and t-shirts have a limited lifespan in my closet, and besides, I love the gunmetal grey!

Nikolett said...

Ooo, these are really cute! And I'm more of the thrifty type I'll admit, no matter how beautiful the $165 one is! I just wish the weather was warmer to pull these off without layering :) Beautiful finds!

Leah said...

I too don't go for the body hugging tanks. I prefer drapey tops which look feminine and pretty. Your choice is fabulous. Of course, I wouldn't spend more than a hundred bucks for a tank, that alternative is equally fabulous. And yes, we can get all the colors.

Pretty in a Power Suit said...

I agree..."wife-beater" is not something I want in my fashion vocabulary. But etheral is a definite yes. I love these for their simplicity and sweet appeal.
-Tawney

Taylor Sterling said...

I am trying so hard to save! It is so hard for me. The moment I tell myself I can't have something..I want it! Terrible. It's like with love. However, if I want good things in life for me and my future family I need to save!

The Blonde Duck said...

Thrifty, as always!

ana said...

Thrifty!! is so feminin and delicate... I love it

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

OMG, I love E&J, but $165 for a TANK TOP- that's insane!! Def the lesser version...good find!

C A said...

Thrifty, of course!!

MaisonChaplin.blogspot.com @ Baptiste Giabiconi by Lagerfeld

FASHION SNAG said...

I like the second one better. I would have to compare materials on this one, but I do like the transparency of the second version. I would maybe just get one of the second version in the white and see how the quality is and then if you like it, go back for more =)

FashionSnag

meraldia said...

I agree! Feminine outfits! That is what I crave for!

Sherin said...

I love these tanks. I have to be thrifty this time: it definitely looks better to me!

Sam said...

Oh yes - these are very pretty! I'm totally with you on the unforgiving nature of the tank - if I'm having a "plump" day they just look appalling!

E said...

Holy moley! I like the second one so much better! The sheer fabric looks so sexy, yet comfy!!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Fabulous alternative! I'd go for the thriftastic version. : )

Mimi said...

i do like tight tanks but loose and flowy ones are definitely great also. u don't have 2 suck in as much and worry how your figure looks. while quality and price are all good and dandy, i prize myself over a great deal at thrift stores and places like that. great post and thanks 4 ur great comment. it made my day!! :)

Style Search said...

i like, it is great find!!

KP said...

You are so good at finding these! $168 for a white tank is a bit much-even if it's fabulous-I'd say thrifty xx

All Women Stalker said...

Whoa! Too expensive. And to think you can easily DIY something similar.

-meream

Sweet_Tooth said...

As a dancer I love the flowing ballerina feel to these! I hope this trend really takes off because those tops look like you could sail away in them :)
x

Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSION said...

Love it! Perfect alternative, I actually prefer it! It reminds me of waves, for some reason. Which is always good, as I love the ocean! Great post!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm not surprised one of your hobbies is writing - you"re amazing!
girlwiththebowtie.blogspot.com

chic femme said...

I love tanks and this flowy one is so cute. Love the idea. :)

Fashion Cappuccino said...

I love to save so this is definitely a thrify find for me!! Love the idea of draped tank top! xoxoxoxo

Emily said...

thrifty for me :] and I'd go for all three colors!

Michael said...

I love simple and chic. It's jsut the way I like fashion! However $30 may STILL be too much for me.

Keith said...

I would definitely be thrifty if it was me. I hope you've had a great week. Take care. Enjoy your Friday and weekend. Cheers!

Anonymous said...

luhv that shirt!

Olive Tee said...

I love elizabeth and james! its amazing
olivias-pizzazz.blogspot.com
xx

Angela said...

great alternative.

phi-style said...

what an awesome find! who girl doesn't like a little bit of chiffon? =)

thanks for the comment!

zupu said...

This one is beautiful! You know I find it always strangely hard to find good tank tops even though they are so basic and important but when I do, I buy that model over and over again :)

Buona giornata cara!

Charlotte said...

This is soo cute! It has a bit of crop top effect which i totally love. I got to admit the first one is cuter, but the second one is much more affordable.

miriam said...

the first tank is gorgeous, love the draped cut!

not sure what i'll do, thrifty probably but spend, spend, spend could be a lot of fun!

daisychain said...

I actually prefer the thrifty version.

the NEO-traditionalist said...

"Slightly seductive" indeed. This is gorgeous. I can't keep reading your blog because I want to run out and buy everything! Pure amazing-ness.
XX Kate

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Loving both of these! I think I'll be thrifty this time! :D

The Beautiful and Glammed said...

LOVE this draped top, it's all about draping and layering this winter.

We'll be back!
Come take a sneaky peek chez nous...
Have a lovely weekend :) <3 TBAG

Anonymous said...

i agree to the comment about wifebeaters, it kindof scares me when people call them that. ick.
love the elizabeth and james tank though (:
bigcitydreams

kadler said...

Very cute... I just can't wear white! Too spill-prone, unfortunately :)

CuriousGirl said...

I definitely like the Elizabeth and James one better... but with the price tag, I would be MUCH happier with the cute alternative.

I'm guessing I would worry more about how much I spent on it whenever I wore it to make it worth it!

Definitely the h.i.p. top!

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