1.28.2010

Thrifty Thursday: Victoria Beckham Carmontelle Cashmere-Blend Dress for Less

Kitty cats, regardless of the type of standard style we embrace on a daily basis, there are those moments – however scant they may be – when we feel tormented with the urge to cast everything aside and be one with sophistication. To drop our denim for houndstooth; turn up our noses at slouchy, relaxed designs and seek out form-fitting frocks that showcase our feminine shapes; to make playful, childish prints a thing of the past and streamline our color palette in a way that is elegant and enticing to both our own senses and that of our many admirers. At times like these, it is our duty to turn to an individual who knows the true tricks of the trade for effusing posh, high class cosmopolitanism twenty-four/seven – that person, if you hadn’t already guessed my loves, is Victoria Beckham; or rather, her Carmontelle Cashmere-Blend Dress.

Darlings, Jackie O had her oversized sunglasses and petite pillbox hats as her claim to fame; whereas Victoria Beckham has the peplum dress – a cut which is universally flattering on an abundance of shapes and sizes, and is proffered so eloquently via the Carmontelle Cashmere-Blend Dress.

A round neck cinched with a self-tie at the nape streams daintily down one’s back concealing the zip fastening which ends right above the derriere – an elegant, yet enchanting embellishment which makes one look as if they were born in the painted-on style, as opposed to having slipped it on mere hours before; while ever so slight padding about the shoulders coupled with the stitch and vent detailing ornamenting the bodice add a kick of dimension to the design, displaying a cutting-edge aesthetic. Nevertheless, it is the dainty asymmetric bustle and peplum detailing adorning the waist which asserts itself as the honest to goodness piece de resistance of this flirty frock.

Even so, it is quite useless for one to spend little more than a handful of minutes gazing upon such grandness; for all it takes is one itty-bitty gander upon the $2,201.50 expense, and it is fairly obvious that such an expense is quite out of the league of the budget fashionista. That certainly does not mean that you must forgo such a fabulous style dolls; you simply have to scoop it up in a more affordable fashion – like that of Forever 21’s Peplum Knit Dress.

While a funky fuchsia as opposed to a far more muted gray tone, at $19.80, Forever 21’s Peplum Knit Dress extends the same type of savoir faire as the Beckham bit, with the inclusion of a few saucy augmentations, such as a contrasting zipper ornamenting the back and a shorter hemline – a duo of daring characteristics that keep your social grace intact whilst allowing you to be a little sassy!

What’s your bank account telling you to do, kittens? Will you be a big spender with Carmontelle, or play the role of the thrifty fashionista?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Net-A-Porter and Forever 21 for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Girl in Pearls Giveaway for your chance to win a freshwater pearl necklace from premiere Pittsburgh Jeweler Louis Anthony.
SHARE:

62 comments

www.janetteria.com said...

WOW! So fab!

Diane said...

i love both styles...definitely love F21's price more.
my only issue with both dresses is the length. personally, one is too long and the other too short. i'd love one to be in between...

KP said...

SO pretty-love these elegant dresses xx

Couture Carrie said...

I love the peplum, and I absolutely adoooooore Vicky Beckham's designs. I am going to have to be a big spender on this one!!

Lovely post, darling!

xoxox,
CC

P.S. Would you be interested in reviewing a cocktail dress by Alexia Admor? Email me at carriecalligraphy@gmail.com :)

Denisa L said...

the forever21 one is gorgeous:x

Anonymous said...

Love both styles and weirdly enough, I was in UK chain store New Look today and saw a dress which is almost identical to the VB dress! Unfortunately it's not up on their website though. :-(

Melissa Blake said...

Argh! Why is the color pink tempting me so much today????

Joanne said...

Hm, price prohibits the first, and length prohibits the second! I need to combine the two needs, more length, less $$ :)

M said...

Victoria can do nothing wrong... she might be a rich bitch, but her style is impeccable! I actually think the F21 option does not measure up that well - it's way too short for this style. The pencil skirt length is crucial to make it work, so I say spend, spend, spend! And don't forget to get some befitting statement jewelry to go with the dress... I can think of a couple of fab pieces I've seen recently, that would be just perfect! xoxox

Sootjeelina said...

I realy love that dresses :D

xoxo Sootjeelina <3

Leah said...

The F21 dress is gorgeous and the hot pink color is fun.

Mom Fashion World said...

You're right!
These dresses are really Victoria Beckham-ish
style. I love the gray dress so much!

Islandia Lane said...

Just came across your blog today and was looking back through some of your posts - LOVE your blog and your little 'about me' section - perfect - almost how I would describe me! I will check back to read more now!

Scientific Housewife said...

Wow, those are great!

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

I love the VB one... I am partial to that chic gray! But my wallet won't allow! :)

Theresa said...

Victoria Beckham is spectacular. The way she carries herself is just so sophisticated. That dress is gorgeous!

Kira Aderne said...

VB´s dresses are very chic!

Nikolett said...

Can I be a thrifty fashionista in the same colour as the other dress? Haha. Both of them are so gorgeous though. I used to adore Victoria Beckham back when she was Posh Spice, and now I still admire her style. Great finds, lady :)

K said...

Nice, and love that it's in pink!

SabinePsynopsis said...

What a find, Erika! If my maths serve me right we can buy 100 (!) forever21 dresses for 1 vb one (but if money was not an issue I think I would want to be posh...)

Dream Sequins said...

I don't know that I could get away with wearing something this long and lean... but I love the idea behind these pieces. :)

Jen said...

I MUCH prefer the Forever 21 version - maybe because I'm not really a fan of VB, maybe because I think it sucks her range only goes up to a UK14, maybe because the F21 version is just too cute! Much more youthful, laidback and easier to wear.

little luxury list said...

That VB dress is gorgeous! I'm checking out F21 and Next for these dresses too!

Ooh and dear when you're in town - SO many dessert places to go to, not just Serendipity, just let me know and it's on!

Sherin said...

I love the style of 'Shift'-esque dresses. They are so perfect for looking both professional and stylish, which is great for work. I have to say that I prefer Victoria Beckham's one. It looks like it would fit like a dream. Although, the very hefty price tag is pushing me straight to the Forever21 one.

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

The Victoria Beckham dress is lovely. However, I'm definitely going to be a thrifty fashionista and take the Forever 21 dress. I actually like it a bit better because it's much shorter than the Victoria Beckham dress. Which would be way more flattering on me. Plus, I can't resist the pink!

Anonymous said...

So awesome!!;))

Anastasia Schembri said...

They are both gorgeous but the Carmontelle is to die for....maybe worth the splurge!

Emily said...

while I would much rather have the more expensive dress, the inner cheap fashionista is screaming the f21 version :) So classic!

S.Elisabeth said...

Ooh I quite like both of them. While VB's dress is sophisticated and serious, Forever 21's in youthful and more fun!(and of course in my budget) I must go check it out!

The Blonde Duck said...

I LOVE the pink one!

Stephanie said...

I love VB, but you can't argue with the over 2,000 savings from F21.

noone said...

I like the pink better than the grey actually!

Anonymous said...

id really like the grey one, pinks too much for me :)

All Women Stalker said...

I'll go cheap and "edit" it a bit to give it VB's style. :)

Clare said...

Oh i love VB!! She is my absolute fave!! But i will totally go for cheap, this hot pink is pretty awesome!

Stéphanie said...

Fabulous style !

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Wowzer! Talk about a discount!!

ZANAH said...

I now want a Peplum knit dress!! :) Mon Mode Blog

Monica said...

i love the fresh look of these pieces!

thanks for your comment doll!

i am following!
i am obsessed with fashion as well :)
sincerely, the fashionista from thesilentswagger.blogspot.com

dancinginchiffon said...

love love love Victoria line!

Nubiasnonsense said...

I saw that dress in forever 21 the other day so pretty!

hope all is well =)

a cherry tree said...

I adore VB and I love a good stockman/shift dress - I've been wearing a few of late! They're no brainers ;) you can't go wrong!

I'd LOVE to have one of VB's dresses, they're genius and I think its fab she turned out such a great collection <3

What makes this one for me is the peplum - so flattering!

For me the F21 can't compare - I'll just daydream about the VB! :)

Have a fashionable, fabulous weekend hon!

<3 xxx

<3 xxx

MizzJ said...

Hmm definitely splurge option! The VB dress is pure no-nonsense rich bitchiness and I love it! The F21 is too young and trendy to compare.

Elizabeth Marie said...

I have too many curves for this! Like whoa but I think I like the VB better because of the length...

BUT the F21 price! Amaze.

Elle said...

i love the VB dress! i actually bought this ABS dress (http://chickdowntown.com/viewproduct.asp?ID=153957) as an alternative, but ya can't beat the price on the F21 version of course!

Meg said...

I prefer the VB dress, but love the price of the F21 dress!

Joanne Faith said...

Forever 21's version is cuter in my opinion, much more of a bargain for very much the same effect.

FashionJazz said...

wow these are gorgeous!! Hope u well and have a stunning wknd!!! xxx

Frannie said...

Can I just reiterate how Gorgeous! The VB dress is! If only...

miriam (Björn Borg) said...

that grey frock is so stylish, much love!

michelle_ said...

these dresses remind me of Blair Waldorf's styles .

t h a n k s . for your c o m m e n t s
hugs & kisses from
miCHELLE @ GLISTERS&BLISTERS

Bonnibella said...

I've seen VB wear the $2000+ dress and always thought there was a resemblance to Jackie O and now it's confirmed through your post.

Forever 21 is great with taking the trend and making it affordable to the masses. I'm purchasing the peplum knit dress for F21 and through you, Erika I'm now have a virtual personal stylish!

Leia said...

I actually prefer the F21 one! I wish there was an F21 nearer to where I live...!

dasha said...

i'd wear the grey. my mood of colour.

kids jewellery said...

Gorgeous pink dress! Love it!

jill said...

I LOVE your writing style! It's so sixties fashion mag with a twist. Such a delight to read.

I'm amazed that Posh has made it into the hearts and minds of American girls. Good for her! She's had such a rough time in the press here in the UK (still does) & the British media were kind of laughing at her wanting to go and make it big in America. I LIKE her clothes! And you've done a brilliant job of describing to us how the construction works. I find that stuff fascinating.

But because I am cheap, I'd go for the Forever 21. Besides, I'm not really a long pencil skirt girl - I would be if I had, say, a job, or reasons to dress like a grown up - but I know I can get away with minis & besides, I like pink. I do agree that it's just a bit too short for that shape - I feel three more inches would do the trick - but throw in the hot pink factor and the fact that it's like £12 in pounds - about the price of lunch - and there's no contest.

xoxo from Thrifty UK Fashionista

Fashion Court said...

i ABSOLUTELY love the pink dress!

Madeline Veenstra said...

I actually adore the pink version, so cute :)

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Sarah Whitney said...

I actually think I like the F21 version better, it looks younger and the pink color is fab!

u-ka said...

wow, such a nice dress! :] i think F21 looks better! ;)

Unknown said...

Just an awesome pics!! i really love your dressing style and as well as the color of your dress.

good weekend.
------------------
Men's fragrance

Aline said...

i love the original, but the f21 dress is cute!

© cat eyes & skinny jeans | All rights reserved.
Blogger Templates by pipdig