Zara vs. Balmain Fall Winter 2010 Mens

Below: Balmain on a budget? Zara's Balmain inspired military insignia navy blazer (Special edition)...

Below: Zara's version and Balmain's version... See below...

Below: The ultra gorgeous Balmain Homme version from Fall Winter 2010..

Below: It's a 'special edition' from Zara...

Below: With gold buttons and even the military insignia...

Below: Or this navy stripe destroyed tee from Zara which resembles Balmain's real deal (see below)...

Below: Comes with military insignias and elbow patches...

Below: The real deal from Balmain...

Balmain Homme Fall Winter 2010 Mens On A Budget...

Balmain looks must be one of the most most copied brands for fast fashion brands such as H&M and Zara. Being street inspired, Balmain looks are easy to replicate. Bad news for Balmain, good news for consumers... since Balmain pieces costs an arm and leg any day.

I spotted these Zara pieces which closely resembles Balmain Homme's Fall Winter 2010 mens collection. A navy double breasted jacket that has been on my 'want' list for many months...but I cannot seem to justify paying that exorbitant amount of £1,888 (approx. SGD3910) for a winter coat. Zara is here to save the day! Their 'inspired' version is crafted in jersey material and comes with all the gold buttons and even the military insignia (except Zara's on the upper arm while Balmain's is featured on the lower arm). It's more than 20 times less of Balmain Homme's price at SGD179.

And if you like the destroyed navy stripe tee by Balmain Homme... Zara again has a long sleeve tee that is almost 80% like the real deal. Except it comes with military insignia on both upper arms and features elbow patches. What makes the most difference is the pricing of Zara's SGD59.90 vs. Balmain Homme's approx. SGD550.

So what will you choose? I got both... in Zara:-P Of course, Balmain Homme's version is far superior in quality and craftsmanship. But if you just want to get into the trend...Zara will suffice for the moment:-)

Source: Balmain, myMANybags

Tri-coloured Boat Shoes: D&G vs Superga

Below: D&G's Tri-coloured Boat Shoes (US$490)


Below: Superga's Tri-coloured Boat Shoes (UK 77 pounds)

D&G vs Superga Tri-coloured Boat Shoes

Just as I have posted about www.my-wardrobe.com's new menswear site launch...I surf thru their offerings and found one item that I got excited about! It's dandy on a dime time!

D&G Tri-coloured boatshoes: US $490 (sold at D&G stores)
Superga Tri Coloured boatshoes: UK 77 pounds (sold at www.my-wardrobe.com)

If you ask me...both look really similar and unless you have too much extra $ to spare, go for the D&G. But if not, the Superga version looks equally fabulous to pull off the nautical look!

Amazing...dun we love shopping for less?:-P

Source: D&G boat shoe pic from www.men.style.com

The Material Boy #202

Marc By Marc Jacobs Sky Blue Lambswool Cardigan

Dandy on a dime. Belt tightening..yes? But compromise on style....NOOOOO!

Who doesn't want to recreate luxurious runway styles from top labels but do it at a fraction of the price? Inspired by these tough economic times, I have decided to add a new sub-category call 'Dandy On A Dime' tagged on posts which I have 'hunt' for cheaper alternatives to the pricier ones as spotted on runway of top labels.

First up, Gucci's runway looks for Spring Summer 2009. All those multi-coloured wool cardigans are adding dandyism and colours to the ensemble. I love those blues and turquoise hues. Refreshing colour palette for the eyes and captures the essence of a sun drenched holiday in the tropics. However, knowing Gucci, those TDF cardigans will probably be made from luxurious materials like cashmere or silk which jacks up the prices up to at least SGD $1000 a pop. So I am going to pass on that amidst these belt tightening times.

To recreate the look and capture the colours and styling of these Gucci looks without robbing a bank, I found a gorgeous alternative from Marc By Marc Jacobs yesterday. Check out this lambswool cardigan from Mr Marc Jacobs. It's sky blue (I tweak the colour from a pic off www.saks.com) and in the same family of bright hues, you can pull off Gucci at a fraction of the price!

This cheery and soft Marc By Marc Jacobs Sky Blue Lambswool Cardigan costs only SGD $469, which should not burn too big a hole in your pockets. Wear it with pants with summer flower prints or white trousers and you got the Gucci look! How's that for 'saving money'?:-P

Source: Model shots from www.frillr.com and www.saks.com

Retail price: SGD $469. Where to buy: Marc By Marc Jacobs Boutique at Takashimaya