5.06.2010

Thrifty Thursday: AIKO Maripol Drop Back Top for Less

Kitty cats, there is a little-known secret about seductive style that far too many overlook when trying to channel their inner coquettish cutie. One need not display large quantities of daring décolletage; nor must you wear minis that make the world marvel at your legs that go on for days. The true hush-hush in regards to haute-couture is all found within two places…the shoulders and the back.

Darlings, you may feel undeniably scandalous and saucy in barely-there bottoms or tops that offer very little coverage; but the truth of the matter is that the epitome of flirty fashion is that which provides quite a bit more material, choosing to flash a little skin in unexpected places and ways. Case in point, AIKO’s Maripol Drop Back Top.

Like the eighties hairdo itself; the Maripol Drop Back Top is synonymous with the mullet – business in the front, party in the back. When viewed head-on, one may easily mistake the wearer as being accoutered in a standard, oversized French terry sweatshirt. Unglamorous, casual, and extremely low-key. Turn around and saunter out of sight, however, and your many admirers will be treated to a glimpse of your well-toned back, courtesy of the cowl embellishment which dips low, highlighting your athletic physique.

There’s no question about it, my loves; such a style is a come-hither necessity that will forever make you feel like a goddess regardless of any frumpy, unfabulous days that may come your way. Sadly, the $165.00 price tag is just as uncharming and unacceptable as sweatpants worn to a chic, black-tie soiree. No need to fret, however; for one can always rely on Victoria’s Secret.

While constructed out of cotton modal as opposed to French terry; Victoria’s Secret’s Cotton Modal U-Back Tee is a satisfyingly slinky substitution to AIKO’s ambrosial design. And at just $22.50, you don’t have to feel guilty for splurging on all nine colors – white, heather gray, purple crocus, candy pink, scarlet red, tango mango, beach blue, coffee bean, and black!

So mes chéris, what are you up to today? Will your AmEx take a beating with a splurge, or will you stay safe and thrifty with a frugal buy?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop and Victoria’s Secret for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Hickory Dickory Dock Giveaway for your chance to win an automatic watch from Orient Watch USA.
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75 comments

Couture Carrie said...

Gorgeous find, darling E!
Love that VS top!

xoxox,
CC

English Rose ♥ said...

I wish I could go on a splurge but i'm managing (just) to stick to my shopping ban!

Merci beaucoup for all your wonderful comments and continued support darling, it means the absolute world =]

Sorry it took so long to reply, I took a week's break from blogging - so good to be back!

Stay safe and chic ma chérie,
English Rose x
http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com

MrJeffery said...

love it!

Melanie's Randomness said...

Oh I will be definitely be buying the Victoria Secret one!!! Sorry Aiko that's too expensive. =P

Lola said...

I love it but how do you wear a bra with this?? Or is it just off-limits for busty girls?

Oana Roxana said...

Maripol Drop Back Top...Ha!I love it! A little time for DIY and I'll have my own.

Cara Kuhl said...

I just love this type of subtly seductive style ~ score!

ellie said...

wow, what a find. V.S. scores again in my court!

Melissa Blake said...

Hmmm, I might actually be a bit scared to wear that.

dasha said...

love it, want it!

J. said...

Saw this in the catalog - so cute!

Leia said...

Oh wow, I love it! Definitely a summer staple :)

Joanne said...

A little too daring for me. I'd have to have a camisole or a fitted tank on underneath!

Mabel and Zora said...

Love the top.

Cindy / Aka Chymecindy said...

Gorgeous!i love it.

Charlie said...

you saviour, ive been looking for a top like that! thanks!


VAMPIRES-AND-CARDIGANS.BLOGSPOT.COM – New Fashion Competition with a great prize!


xx

Leah said...

I think I want the nine colors of the VS version... this is just so fabulous! xoxo

meg said...

definitely a cool deal for summer at V.S.

Valerie said...

Definitely the save! I love the second top and you can't beat $22.50! So funny that you said that, I have an Alice + Olivia backless dress and I totally call it my mullet dress!

xo
Valerie

Unknown said...

I don't know how you do it girl. Always finding the perfect substitute. Well done!!

Yes, I'm sorry I had to be the bearer of bad news about the artificial coloring. I haven't had a starburst in about a year and I miss it. :(

Dorothy Souhuwat said...

hallo,,blogwalking here...
nice blog

Tiffany Kadani said...

I saw Kourtney Kardashian wearing a similar shirt and totally fell in love. I thought about making it but we all know that will never happen . I'm excited to purchase it now! It's the best summer top.

Sara said...

Great find Erika! I think that model looks like you, I was thinking that when I got the sale book awhile back lol. :)

Denisa L said...

I actually had something similar only it was teal and I used to wear reverse in layered outfits:)

www.janetteria.com said...

Great find! I love white!

Anonymous said...

The back on it is gorgeous! a must buy, splurge or not!
xxx

Style with Benefits said...

Love the mullet comparison... so true! Wow, the VS is a carbon copy of the more expensive one. Great find!

xo, becs

Clare said...

i just love the sleeves on the first one but at the price of the second one you can't really go wrong! good find! x

Anna Gray said...

That shirt is BEAUTIFUL! I ♥ it! =)

K said...

Wow..so hot without crossing into "hoochie" territory!

Jamie said...

You are so welcome for the award doll! You totally deserve it! Your blog is so unique, thoughtful and fun! Anyone who is having a bad day can pay you a visit for a dose of daily sunshine!!

Once again you found a thrifty deal that is actually cuter than it's more expensive counterpart! You've got skills!

And the legging thing...I think they look so cute on other people but for some reason, I just can't pull them off. I think I have too much hip for one woman. hahaha ;)

http://glamlatte.blogspot.com

Josie said...

It's a perfect match. Literally. I have no idea how you do this; you are AMAZING.
xxoo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

love it! i'd be thrifty and go for the vs one, i think it looks just as good if not better with the shorter sleeves.

and as for the striped bikini daria's wearing in the h&m campaign, i've already ordered it online, as i fell in love with it too :P

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

I actually like the Vickie's one, it's cute!

undomestic mama said...

I think I like the VS one more! Thanks so much for sharing!

Anonymous said...

beautiful backless top great design guys are so lucky to get free beautiful back view

Lisa Lisa Lisa said...

First off, I love love love showing off my back. I, personally, feel it is my sexiest physical feature. HOWEVER, my boyfriend isn't necessiarly into backs. I know, how disappointing. I'll save a shirt like this for a fantastic gals night on the town. Are you coming? We better coordinate and not wear the same back revealing top...

joei ♥ said...

oh wow. i'd wear this! perfect for the hot and humid weather over here :)


♥ joei
http://i.am/joei

Style, She Wrote said...

Great style steal! Can't believe it's the same style for nearly $100 less!

Artist said...

I like this style.

Kallie, Happy Honey and Lark said...

If I was a lady who didn't need a bra I would love this open back look. Thanks for your really sweet comment, it meant a lot to me :)

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Sexy top! I think it'd look so chic with white pants and some gold accessories this summer! :)

Shop N' Chomp said...

Safe and thrifty! :)

Luna said...

great top. i would wear that.

Emily said...

there's no second guessing, the VS one looks identical to the original!

Nubiasnonsense said...

Wow you really outdid yourself on this one they are almost identical ... Such a cute summer score

Clare said...

I love this top! I have been eyeing it on VA I want it for summah!! hahaha

xoxox

Francy said...

I love drop back tops! They are so chic and sexy.

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

What a great summer shirt!

la petite fashionista said...

i think the back is DEFINITELY underrated! i love this, but i don't know what kind of bra i'd wear with it?

Susu Paris Chic said...

I love the open-back pieces you are tempting us with! How funny, I just posted about showing some shoulder. I'm more a mini skirt than decolleté gal.

Claire Kiefer said...

I like the Victoria's Secret one at least as much--so pretty, I'm gonna be on the lookout for this one . . .

Eli said...

hello!!! nice blog...xoxo Eli

Winnie said...

I so want to shop but I am saving for my holiday in June...so I'm staying well away from any shops!

Sara Lee Bentley said...

Both of these tops are really cute and I think you might be converting me from my I'm-not-comfy-with-an-open-backed-shirt unwritten rule I seem to follow! Maybe I'll be brave and try one? I think I'll try the VS version because I love the kimono sleeves :)
xoxo

www.sarabbentley.blogspot.com

Audrey Allure said...

Love the dropped back look!

michelle_ said...

gorgeous stealll !!
love it !

hugs and kissess
glisters and blisters

stylefrontier said...

the top is nice and sexy
that's a great find!

have a great weekend!
join my giveaway if you havent :) 1205 giveaway
xoxo

Cindy Whitehead said...

either one the back is SO sexy!

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

I'm pretty sure I need that VS top! I love anything that shows off the back, so it's perfect! Plus, I can't believe it's only $22.50!

daisychain said...

You are the queen of thrifty alternatives!

Tamanna A. Shaikh said...

Whoa whoa whoa!! I love such sexy numbers!! Casual and yet soooo chic!! Perfect finds! :)

Iva Messy said...

I totally love the VS one way more Erika! Great find...AGAIN!!

Happy Friday! Have a super weekend!

Nikolett said...

Ah that Victoria's Secret one is amazing, love the sleeves ... wish I could rock a shirt like that! :)

J. said...

Hands down VS...They are far to similar to spend that much $...I think I'm going to order this...it's perfect for walking to the pool!

Maria at Bachman's Sparrow said...

What a great find dear! I do love backless pieces (seeing as my front it barely there ;) ).

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Whew...I need to get to workin' out again to wear that bad boy!

Andhari said...

My back is one of my body parts I'm proud of. I need one of those.

ps. Alessandra Ambrossio is hot!

MizzJ said...

Definitely going for VS on this one as I don't like terry cloth at all. You've hit it right on the money Erika, a backless shirt is such a classy way to be ridiculously sexy! Although it pretty much means the girls must ride free, so maybe white isn't the best color to wear this top in ;)

frockandrollonline.com said...

The thrifting option for SURE, although, the pricier version is equally gorgeous!

janelle said...

I love it! So simple too :)

sarah m said...

thrift version or pricy version..my mother would never let me rock this fierce top :(

but im sure if i could it would be FABULOUS!

All Women Stalker said...

Thrifted because the sleeves look cuter :)

Rick said...

Wow, does it get any sexier? Leaves room for the imagination while keeping it classy. Enough to drive a man wild! :)

Hope you had an amazing week, Erika. Last week was a crazy one in New York City all around, but it wouldn't be NYC if it wasn't huh? much love,

Rick

Mariel Torres said...

i LOVE shopping from VS... and i definitely love this top :)

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