1.26.2010

Tightwad Tuesday: Nanette Lepore Whip It! Top for Less

Let’s face it darlings, embellishments are to fashion what fluffy pink frosting is to a standard vanilla cupcake – the true piece de resistance for taking something that is ordinary and making it blissfully extraordinary! Please don’t get me wrong here my loves; there is certainly something to say for a precocious plain white tee, or a simple pair of skinnies. But for those days when you want to sparkle without having to turn to ostentatious baubles that may stand in the way of you and the task at hand, the easiest course of action is to enlist the assistance of a design which dazzles on it’s very own; quite like Nanette Lepore’s Whip It! Top.

Studding may float coquettishly in and out of fashion; one day adored by all, the next cast aside as if the only place it belonged was hanging from a sales rack at an outlet mall in the middle of nowhere. Yet the Whip It! Top stands tall as its very own entity. It does not fall into the category of studding; rather it diversifies itself via its alabaster hue, which flirts between cream and white shades, and the antiqued paillettes covering the wide scoop neck and crisscrossing over the body – two contributions which create a juxtaposition between regal and romantic and rough and tumble.

Multifaceted in its aesthetic; the Whip It! Top features a design that is slightly confused in its crafting in the sense that it does not cater to one personality, instead choosing to embrace them all. One moment it is posh as it mingles with a pretty pencil skirt; the next it is rebellious, topped with a rugged motorcycle jacket. Yet in all situations it receives a standing ovation, being crowned the crème de la crème of any given style.

But really kittens, what is the point of going completely gaga over such a delicious design? No matter how you look at it, the Whip It! Top is nothing more than a piece of frippery to dream of during my moments of slumber, as the $248.00 price tag viciously reminds me over and over again. Forever 21’s Embellished Trapeze Top, on the other hand, is a beauty I actually have the funds for to make a reality.

While slightly less showy than it’s more expensive designer BFF, at $29.80, the Embellished Trapeze Top proffers an undeniable saucy bit of attitude that is sure to turn heads; whilst providing you with the chance to gloat about your incredible savings!

It’s up to you darlings…will you bite the bullet and splurge on Whip It!, or play the role of stingy seductress by saving with the Embellished Trapeze Top?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop 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.
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61 comments

Style, via Tia said...

Oh my goodness I just brought this top this weekend! The Forever 21 top that is because, I am a tightwad, lol. I guess great minds think alike. Excellent picks.

Daydream Believer said...

SO cute!

Gio Goi Casual Tops said...

Lovely pics! I love the top in the last pic!

Diane said...

love Nanette Lepore's top!

Scientific Housewife said...

Those are some cute shirts!

Rock Couture said...

Beautiful!

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

I do adore both tops. The embellishments on both are fabulous. How could anyone resist studding?! But I think I'm going to save this week and go with the Forever 21 top. It will surely look just as fabulous as the Nanette Lepore.

KP said...

ooh both are fun!! xoxo

SabinePsynopsis said...

Great finds, both! I just think I need a break from studs at the moment... But will be back, I know it!

Meg said...

I love the Nanette Lepore top, but the Forever 21 top is a great alternative.

Couture Carrie said...

Nice find, darling Erika!
I have been really impressed with f21 lately!

xoxox,
CC

Leah said...

The Forever 21 alternative is equally gorgeous. I love it.

Sootjeelina said...

I realy love them :D
I have to say, the first is nicer, but the Forever 21 top is amazingly cool as well :D

xoxo Sootjeelina <3

Anna Jane said...

Have I ever said you have a totally awesome writing style?
I like clothes with embellishments. Sometimes it's equally nice to keep it plain and simple, but the odd bit of sparkle really adds that extra something. These tops are lovely.

- Anna Jane xxx
(PixelatedBlonde.com

Posh Peach said...

I love how you always find great things in different price ranges! These are both very cute and edgy.

Unknown said...

Forever 21 always has good prices on stylish clothes! Great find Erika!

Sootjeelina said...

Thanks for your comment :D

xoxo Sootjeelina

Joanne said...

I like the idea of a top like this paired with something like a bomber jacket. The contrasting styles really serve to complement the other. Together they almost create a new fashion genre.

www.janetteria.com said...

Great alternative! :-)

sara said...

I would definitely go with the Forever21 option- still love the design, and love the price even more!

http://goldandcitrus.com/blogs/blog

FASHION SNAG said...

I gotta go with Nanette on this one. I love her stuff, but not the prices. A girl has to sacrifice somewhere. xo

www.FashionSnag.com

Midtown Girl said...

What a fabulous Tightwad pick, gorgeous girl!!

I love that Nanette Shirt, but the budget version - you simply can't pass up!!

That Chelsea Girl™ said...

Embellishments make me happy, like I'm wearing something no one else has...especially if I wear it a few years after making the initial purchase. Embellishments are easy to create at home, but I never have the time!
Thanks for the comment, I'll try to get some good SXSW photos just for you!

Unknown said...

I agree about that Nanette top--doesn't matter where you stand on studs, that tee is perfection! Her stuff is always going on sale at the Saks near my house--so dangerous!

Elizabeth Marie said...

Forever keeps stepping their game up! Def the tightwade one for me.

Jen said...

I do love the cheaper version. But Nanette Lepore! How could you refuse?! I love the overdose of studs and girly shade. Darling.

Sherin said...

They are both so adorable. I realised that I need to change my look a bit and am looking for more mature tops, and these are perfect. I definitely prefer the forever 21 one!

noone said...

I love forever 21 because they always have designs like the designer stuff but a bit different for a low low price!

Joanne Faith said...

To be honest I think the cheaper Forever21 top is prettier. I don't like the neck line of the Shopbob one.

& you are absolutely right by saying embellishments are like frosting!

Melissa Blake said...

OMG, I love the pattern on that one!! xoxo

39th and Broadway said...

Adorable tops but I can not resist speaking to why the Nanette Lepore piece should be splurged on. Besides the superior fabric and quality of construction, Nanette is one of the few designers who sill produces all her garments domestically in the NYC Garment Center. Not only that but she has worked tirelessly with the city, the mayor, and the CFDA to support the local fashion industry.

Forever 21 on the other hand uses overseas and domestic sweatshop labor, paying a NON-living wage in sub-par conditions so we can get cheaper products. I have a NYC blog with much info on the Garment Center but here is a piece on Forever 21's labor practices and anyone who shops them should see this.
http://www.39thandbroadway.com/made-in-la/

Bonnibella said...

Fabulous find Erika at Forever 21. I went ahead and ordered it because you're right, there is nothing wrong with a tshirt and jeans but sometimes we need a little sparkle.

Emily said...

I'd probably go with the tightwad option :) Such an adorable top.

Jessica said...

I do like the F21 option; it's a great alternative. Although, I do prefer the pricey version. What can I say? I like to overindulge on the embellishment sometimes!

Mimi said...

These tops are so pretty! I agree, embellishments are the toppings to a any piece of clothing. Great post, and have a great week as well!

Samantha said...

There are pros and cons for both - the knock off may be a hell of a lot cheaper, and no one knows how much you paid for it anyway, but the cheaper one is more likely to be worn by another person and tacky teenage chainstores often have rip-offs of the designer brands' item so it looks bad for you.

I sugget *making* your own decorative top! (Although, hey, it's how you wear it not what you wear). :)

Elaine said...

They are both so pretty!! I actually prefer the F21 top both for its price and its design!


clothedmuch.blogspot.com

Marz said...

Wow these are gorgeous tops. The Nanette Lepore one is my favourite.

Ps, I have a give away on my blog open to US and Canadian residents, so come and check it out!

-Marz

Victoria said...

Kinch is awesome, yeah ! :D
and I loove Forever 21 :)

Stephanie said...

oooh i think i like the F21 version even better!!

kate said...

she looks smart, the clothes is beautiful

Anonymous said...

I know a dress very similar to this! I love the studded embellishment

Clare said...

AWESOME find! I actually like the tightwad look better :)

Post Grad Hair Cut said...

Love that second top! Nice pics and nice blog!

Jennifer Fabulous said...

I love that top, but it's definitely not worth the Nanette Lepore price! So glad you found the tightwad version! :)

la petite fashionista said...

ooh very similar! i like the design better on the nanette lepore top, but i know i wouldnt splurge on it!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Your bargain alternatives never disappoint. I love the cut of both tops. Wanna sport them with some skinnies NOW!

Stéphanie said...

Erika ! That's adorable !

Jen Hsieh said...

i love these looks for less posts. you always manage to find the perfect, cheap versions of designer items. :)

Chicago Chic said...

Oh I love the F21 alternative and what a great price. So chic and elegant yet sassy! :)

xo
Rachel

Denisa L said...

the whip it one for me:)

Shopgirl said...

I love your blog - it always makes me smile :)) Even on a dreary morning in January in Wales!!

To prove it I have nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger Award!! http://sugarandspice-shopgirl.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-very-first-blogger-award-beautiful.html

miriam (Björn Borg) said...

i kind of wish that i didn't mind embellished trapeze tops. but just don't feel comfortable in it. looks good though!

B a la Moda said...

You are the best at finding "same" things at "different" prices.

xoxo
B* a la Moda

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Love both tops... I think I like the tightwad one better because it's a bit more simple. Works for me :)

Emz said...

Oh my gosh. I think the f21 top it is! I'm going shopping friday, maybe it'll still be in stores? haha. I love your picks!

Frannie said...

I love Nannette Lepore! I just can't afford her stuff! But I've definitely fallen for that too cute to be true Forever 21 top!

Aline said...

they are both cute, but that first one is just fabulous!

All Women Stalker said...

This is tricky. I love the sleeves of the expensive blouse but the F21 one looks like it will stand the test of time. Tsk tsk...Can't choose.

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