Michelle's (Cheaper) Picks for Jenna's Picks for Fall

Ahh, it's that time of year. The summer sun is setting just a few moments earlier each night, the ocean water suddenly makes our ankles numb, and hot days turn quickly into chilly nights. We all know what's right around the corner. No, not football season (although I can't wait for that either), but the J. Crew fall collection has arrived! If any of you are on the J. Crew mailing list you've seen Jenna's picks for the fall, and they're splendid. But, as I reminded myself last night when a friend tried to think of reasons to justify purchasing the schoolboy blazer in the new collection, which would set her back $188 hard-earned Williamstown summer dollars, not all of us can afford to look as chic as Jenna will this fall.

Or can we? Of course you know the answer to that. Which is why I'm here to present:

Michelle's Guilt-Free and Checking-Account-Sustainable Picks for Jenna's Picks for Fall!

Let's take a look at my favorite piece in the collection, the Merino Maya Cardigan in deep amber. I've been going through an All Things Mustard-Colored frenzy as of late, and it just so happens that I have already found my own cheap (and wonderful) version of the Merino Cardigan. Here's the comparison:
J. Crew Merino Maya Cardigan in deep amber:
Cost: $88.00
Plus ShippingOr, we have the Wet Seal Basic Cardigan in mustard (sorry the quality is so poor):
Cost: $12.90
Shipping: Free! Until the 14th!

I can testify to this cardigan because I happen to have purchased it myself. It's comfy, cute and I plan to remove the buttons (plastic, mustard-colored) and replace them with some dark brown wooden ones to give it a little push (fashion-) forward. The material may not be as soft but it will certainly free up your checking account to make a few other fall acquisitions!

Next up we have the enticing Wool Flannel Schoolboy Blazer in pearl gray. It comes with metal buttons and soft wool flannel, which is no doubt super in this fall. But the price is enough to make you a little nauseous as you put in the order...Here's the comparison:

J. Crew Wool Flannel Schoolboy Blazer in pearl gray:
Price: $188.00
Plus Shipping
To take the edge off the guilt of this would-be splurge, try instead the Gap Shrunken Schoolboy Blazer. It's almost half the price and although you're sacrificing on the wool flannel you get the same basic look for a lot less--complete with the wonderful metal buttons.

Gap Shrunken Schoolboy Blazer:
Cost: $98.00
Shipping: FREE for Gapcard members

Next we have something even I'm having to hold my reins in for: the J. Crew Silk Evening Primrose Brynn Dress in burnished olive. It's strapless, falls at the knee, a-line, and purple...everything a truly great dress should be. The question is, is it worth a couple work days' pay:


J. Crew Silk Evening Dress in burnished olive:
Cost: $158.00
Plus Shipping

I've found both a solid and patterned alternative to this dress, both from my favorite place to find great dresses, Forever 21: The Ruffled Petal Dress... Forever 21 Ruffled Petal Dress in purple
Cost: $27.80
Shipping: FREE with a purchase of $75 or more

and the Forever 21 Dainty Flower Chiffon Dress in purple:

Forever 21 Dainty Flower Chiffon Dress in purple:
Cost: $24.80
Shipping: FREE with a purchase of $75 or more

And of course after all these staple wardrobe pieces, no fall collection would be complete without the jewlery, which Jenna advises should be "piled on" (and I agree!) Here's a sample saving when accesorizing:

The J. Crew Golden Orb Ring was pretty enough to grace the prime image spot for this post, and I fully intend to buy my alternative version!


J. Crew Golden Orb Ring:
Cost: $50.00
Plus Shipping

I found this Snow White Glass Pearl Ring on Amazon for a good deal less than the J. Crew ring, and still think it's gorgeous:Glass Pearl Ring:
Cost: $19.87
Shipping: $2.50

Clearly these alternatives aren't exactly the same as the J. Crew items, but they're pretty close and not much lower in quality...and certainly just as cute! And the fun is that, at least what I would do, is pick one of these items to splurge on (the dress! the dress!) and actually buy from J. Crew, but get the rest cheap! (Hint: that means you get more!)



[Images from J.Crew,Wet Seal, Gap, Forever 21]