Navy

Real vs. Steal – Balmain Double-Breasted Wool-Twill Blazer

January 30, 2019

Can we please have a moment of OMG!-silence for this AH!-mazing Balmain blazer? Consider me obsessed big time. If there ever existed something such as the perfect blazer, this gold-buttoned double-breasted navy wool-twill blazer which comes with Balmain’s signature razor-sharp silhouette would definitely be one of them. Just take a look at how gorgeous and effortlessly elegant all the beautiful ladies below look in their Balmain-adorned outfit ensembles. Perfection! I’d even be willing to splurge on a classic fashion staple such as this blazer, but its price of $2.050 is just beyond any common sense. My credit card does not approve.

Balmain Double-Breasted Wool-Twill Blazer, $2.050 || Neiman Marcus

Also available at Net-A-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue, S|Sense, Moda Operandi, Luisaviaroma, Selfridges, Stylebop, Harrods, Farfetch, MyTheresa, Vestiaire Collective & The Real Real.

Celebrities, Fashion Insiders & Style Bloggers Love Balmain

Celebs, fashion insiders, IGers and personal style bloggers have all been spotted wearing a Balmain Double-Breasted Wool-Twill Blazer.

Boden Addlestone Double-Breasted Blazer

Update (01/30/2019): Found these fab, Balmain inspired double breasted blazers at Boden today and wanted to share them with you as I think they would be a great alternative to the pricey designer original. Which one is your favorite? Mine is the navy version.

Boden Addlestone Double-Breasted Blazer, $180 || Boden

Also available at Boden (UK), Boden (DE) & Boden (FR).

Vero Moda Sail Tailored Blazer

Update (01/30/2019): Also how beautiful is this navy blue tailored blazer by Vero Moda? It exuded the same luxurious designer look à la Balamin, but comes with an affordable price tag of £50/€49.99. Such a good dupe, isn’t it?

Vero Moda Sail Tailored Blazer, £50/€49.99 || Vero Moda

Also available at Bestseller, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.es, About You, Otto & Zalora.

Star by Julien Macdonald Tux Jacket

Update (01/30/2019): This Star by Julien Macdonald tux jacket which comes in either black or white would also be a great Balmain look for less option, don’t you think? Currently on sale for £20.70 only, steal deal alert!

Star by Julien Macdonald Tux Jacket, £20.70 || Debenhams

Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific Double Breasted Wool Blend Blazer

Update (12/23/2018): Stumbled upon a bunch of new Balmain inspired military-style double breasted blazer jackets including this wool-blend one by Halogen which is part of the capsule collection with style blogger at large Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific. Her look for less version comes in either black or rose pink and costs ~~$169~~ (now on sale for $101.40).

Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific Double Breasted Wool Blend Blazer, $101.40 || Nordstrom

A New Day Open-Front Blazer

Update (12/23/2018): Also spotted this open-front double breasted jacket by A New Day at Target which comes in either navy or black and costs only $17.49 (clearance price). Super steal deal alert!

A New Day Open-Front Blazer, $17.49 || Target

M&S Collection Gold Button Jacket

Update (12/23/2018): Stumbled upon another Balmain dupe version by M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer. The chic and preppy double breasted blazers come in either black or navy with gold buttons and are very reminiscent of the pricey Balmain designer original, don’t you agree? Price: $102/£65. Also available in petite sizing.

M&S Collection Gold Button Jacket, $102/£65 || Marks & Spencer

River Island Double Breasted Tux Jacket

Update (09/01/2018): Came across these super stylish Balmain inspired double breasted blazers at River Island which come in 12 different colors and cost between $70-$150. Love the variety here!

River Island Double Breasted Tux Jacket, $70-$150 || River Island

Also available at River Island (UK) & River Island (EU).

Lioness Palermo Military Style Blazer

Update (09/01/2018): Also spotted these budget-friendly Balmain-esque military-style blazers by Lioness today. They come in various colors and cost $88.

Lioness Palermo Military Style Blazer, $88 || Shopbop

Also available at Amazon, Revolve, David Jones & The Iconic.

Banana Republic Double Breasted-Fit Bi-Stretch Blazer

Update (01/02/2018): Discovered this khaki green military style blazer at Banana Republic today and it instantly reminded me of its designer counterpart by Balmain. Price: $168.

Banana Republic Double Breasted-Fit Bi-Stretch Blazer, $168 || Banana Republic

Also available at Banana Republic (EU).

Esprit Double Breasted Military-Style Blazer

Update (01/02/2018): These double breasted blazers by Esprit are also another fabulous and affordable alternative to the pricey designer version above. They come in either navy, red or black and cost €99.99 (now on sale for €54.99).

Esprit Double Breasted Military-Style Blazer, €54.99 || Esprit

M&S Collection Gold Button Double Breasted Jacket

Update (10/11/2017): Spotted this super fab Balmain inspired military-style blazer by M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer today. It only has 2 instead of 3 rows of gold buttons, but the overall design is still very reminiscent of the Balmain jacket above. Price: £49.50/$78.

M&S Collection Gold Button Double Breasted Jacket, £49.50/$78 || Marks & Spencer

Also available at Marks & Spencer (US).

Camilla and Marc Dimmer Double-Breasted Blazer

Update (10/11/2017): If you’re willing to spend considerably more to get a high-quality blazer similar to the Balmain one, check out the Dimmer jackets by Camilla and Marc which are admittedly quite expensive at $699 AUD, but possibly worth the investment. Also love that they come in so many gorgeous colors!

Camilla and Marc Dimmer Double-Breasted Blazer, $699 AUD || Camilla and Marc

Also available at The Iconic & David Jones.

Club Monaco Jowdie Peak Lapels Button-Front Crepe Blazer

Update (10/11/2017): Another rather pricey Balmain blazer dupe is the Jowdie jacket by Club Monaco which retails for $298 (now 30% off: $208.60).

Club Monaco Jowdie Peak Lapels Button-Front Crepe Blazer, $208.60 || Neiman Marcus

Also available at Club Monaco & Shopbop.

PrettyLittleThing Pari Double Breasted Military Style Blazer

Update (10/11/2017): Another possible alternative would be these military-style blazers I found at PrettyLittleThing which are obviously Balmain dupes, but soooo much cheaper at £40.

PrettyLittleThing Pari Double Breasted Military Style Blazer, £40 || PrettyLittleThing

Forever New Libby Double-Breasted Blazer

Update (10/11/2017): I also like these blazers by Forever New which look like they’re of decent quality and would make great Balmain look for less dupes. Also love that they come in a variety of colors!

Forever New Libby Double-Breasted Blazer, $69.95 || The Iconic

Also available at Forever New.

Dorothy Perkins 3 Tier Double Breasted Jacket

Update (10/11/2017): Still haven’t found your Balmain blazer dupe favorite yet? Then how about this one from Dorothy Perkins? It has all the key military style details but is so much more affordable at $75.

Dorothy Perkins 3 Tier Double Breasted Jacket, $75 || Dorothy Perkins

Lipsy Military Tailored Button Blazer

Update (10/11/2017): Lipsy has a few cute military-inspired blazer options that would be also be suitable for a look for less. This tailored jacket for example retails for £66 and is also available in white.

Lipsy Military Tailored Button Blazer, £66 || Next

Farage Maddison Double-Breasted Jacket

Update (10/11/2017): Another pricey but fab Balmain look for less option! These blazers are by Farage, come in navy or khaki and are currently on sale for $440 AUD.

Farage Maddison Double-Breasted Jacket, $440 AUD || The Iconic

New Look Military Blazer

Update (03/07/2017): Spotted this super fab navy Balmain blazer look-alike at New Look today. Not too shabby for £34.99, don’t you agree?

New Look Military Blazer, £34.99 || New Look

Miss Selfridge Military Blazer

Update (03/07/2017): And here’s another set of Balmain inspired military-style blazers! These ones were found at Miss Selfridge. Available in either black or orange for £39.

Miss Selfridge Military Blazer, £39 || Miss Selfridge

Bardot Tailored Blazer

Update (02/23/2017): Discovered yet another lovely Balmain inspired tailored blazer today! It’s by Bardot, comes in various colors and is currently on sale for less than $80.

Bardot Tailored Blazer, $71.40 || Amazon

Also available at Lord & Taylor & Revolve.

Hunkydory Cora Double Breasted Blazer

Update (01/24/2017): Stumbled upon this admittedly pretty pricey, but pretty awesome Balmain dupe by Swedish brand Hunkydory. You like this one?

Hunkydory Cora Double Breasted Blazer, €439.95 || Hunkydory

Tahari ASL Double-Breasted Ponte Knit Jacket

Update (01/24/2017): This double-breasted blazer by Tahari ASL is also a great budget-friendly alternative to the expensive Balmain jacket. It’s currently on sale for $63.95 and comes in an array of beautiful colors including navy, black, white, wine red and rose pink. Absolutely looooove this budget find!

Tahari ASL Double-Breasted Ponte Knit Jacket, $63.95 || Tahari ASL

LOFT Double Breasted Blazer

Update (01/24/2017): Also found this navy double breasted blazer at LOFT and it instantly reminded me of the Balmain one. It misses a few buttons to qualify as a designer dupe, but if you’re fine with a Balmain “inspired” design, this $128 (now on sale for $69.99) blazer would be probably a good buy.

LOFT Double Breasted Blazer, $69.99 || LOFT

MANGO Boton Double-Breasted Blazer

Update (12/06/2016): OK, so I spotted this beautiful Balmain dupe at MANGO and just had to share this gorgeous nautical inspired navy blazer with you! Actually, I liked this one so much I ordered it for myself a couple days ago and I’m so happy I did because it’s the best Balmain dupe I’ve found and owned yet! Definitely worth the $79.99 price tag (sale price)! If you like this blazer, you better don’t wait too long as I’m pretty sure this beauty of a blazer will sell out in no time!

MANGO Boton Double-Breasted Blazer, $79.99 || MANGO

Also available at MANGO (UK) & MANGO (EU).

White House Black Market Trophy Double-Breasted Blazer Jacket

Update (12/06/2016): At White House Black Market you can also find a pretty neat Balmain inspired blazer aptly called the Trophy Jacket. The double-breasted blazer comes in petite sizing and various colors and costs between $47.99-$150.

White House Black Market Trophy Double-Breasted Blazer Jacket, $47.99-$150 || White House Black Market

Missguided Double-Breasted Military Style Blazer

Update (12/06/2016): I’ve also stumbled upon a third set of Balmain inspired military-style blazers at Missguided which look so much like the real deal but cost only $51 and come in various lovely colors such as nude, white and blush. Love these affordable blazers! Pssssst, US students get a 30% (!) student discount (offer may end soon though)!

Missguided Double-Breasted Military Style Blazer, $51 || Missguided

Also available at Missguided (UK) & Missguided (EU + International).

Stylekeepers You Set Me Free Double-Breasted Blazer

Update (08/01/2016): Just discovered this spot-on Balmain dupe by Stylekeepers in a beautiful khaki green for $145 AUD. If you prefer a more classic color, check out the Sweet Success blazer which looks similar to this one and comes in black.

Stylekeepers You Set Me Free Double-Breasted Blazer, $145 AUD || The Iconic

Banana Republic Nautical-Style Basketweave Blazer

My personal favorite Balmain look for less alternative is this nautical basketweave blazer I discovered at Banana Republic recently. All the important Balmain details are there: a fitted silhouette, double-breasted front, gold buttons and a beautiful deep navy color. BR’s version has a couple differences such as a different material, but they’re rather minor and overall it’s still a gorgeous and budget-friendly alternative for the pricey Balmain blazer. Especially so if you take advantage of the 50% off sale promotion which is currently running at Banana Republic because it cuts down the price of this blazer down from $169.99 to $84.99 (that’s a saving of $2.300,01 compared to the real deal). Super steal deal alert!

Banana Republic Nautical-Style Basketweave Blazer, $84.99 || Banana Republic

Veronica Beard Hugh + Leon Dickey Jacket

Now these nautical blazers (Hugh, $645, and Leon, $545) by Veronica Beard are probably the closest matches to the real deal Balmain in terms of overall design, but they do cost more than $500, so they rank as my current second favorite Balmain dupes. You would save a whopping $1.840 by opting for the Veronica Beard version though, so I still consider this blazer to be a pretty good bargain nonetheless!

Veronica Beard Hugh + Leon Dickey Jacket, $545-$645 || Veronica Beard

Also available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Net-A-Porter & Shopbop.

Brooks Brothers Wool Double-Breasted Blazer

Another gorgeous blazer and pretty awsome Balmain alternative is this lovely navy blazer by Brooks Brothers. The key details are spot-on Balmain, Brooks Brothers is known for their high-quality tailoring and did I mention this beauty of a blazer is currently on sale for $274 (was $548). Sure, it’s not a steal at that price, but it might be worth the investment because a navy blazer is so versatile.

Brooks Brothers Wool Double-Breasted Blazer, $274 || Brooks Brothers

Vero Moda Military Blazer

And here’s a little little something for all you European Balmain lovers out there! These military-inspired double-breasted blazers by Vero Moda are a pretty spot-on Balmain dupe for less than €50 (sale price). You’re welcome.

Vero Moda Military Blazer, €44.95 || Vero Moda

J.Crew Double-Breasted Blazer

Not available in navy, but these blazers by J.Crew also reminded me of the Balmain one above because the design and silhouette are so similar. If you’re all about the navy color, check out this other J.Crew blazer which I found at J.Crew Factory for $79 (sale price!).

J.Crew Double-Breasted Blazer, $198 || J.Crew

Missguided Military Style Blazer

If you really want to snatch a steal deal here, these Balmain inspired blazers by Missguided which cost $56 might be a considerable look for less option. It’s just too bad these don’t come in navy.

Missguided Military Style Blazer, $56 || Missguided

Also available at Missguided (UK) & Missguided (EU + International).

Image source(s): Net-A-Porter, Boden, Debenhams, Nordstrom, River Island, Shopbop, Marks & Spencer, PrettyLittleThing, Forever New, Lipsy, Dorothy Perkins, New Look, Miss Selfridge, Zalando, Tahari ASL, LOFT, MANGO, White House Black Market, The Iconic, Banana Republic, Forward by Elyse Walker, Vero Moda, J.Crew, Missguided

Celebrity Look 4 Less – Blair Waldorf in Hervé Léger

November 11, 2017

In one of the Gossip Girl episodes called “The Grandfather”, Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) wore an unusually sexy, figure-hugging Hervé Léger bandage mini dress with white criss cross inlays. However, Blair’s risqué dress was tamed with a cute beige embellished Joie cardigan and a cute nautical Tomassini necklace.

[rating:4.5/5]

Who?	Leighton Meester/Blair Waldorf
Where?	Gossip Girl, “The Grandfather”
When?	Season 2, Episode 19
What?	Hervé Léger Fall 2008 navy strapless dress, Joie “Moore” cardigan, Tomassini nautical necklace

Silvian Heach Strapless Mini Dress

Update (11/11/2017): Can’t believe I managed to find another Hervé Léger dupe after such a long time (last find was from 2011)! This strapless mini dress is by Italian brand Silvian Heach and costs $149. What do you think, is Hervé Léger still relevant in the fashion world of 2017?

Silvian Heach Strapless Mini Dress
($149, YOOX)

Betsy & Adam Strapless Satin Sheath Dress

Update (04/05/2011): Almost 2 years later a new Hervé Léger look-a-like popped up today. Yay! By Betsy & Adam. Price: $168.

Betsy & Adam Strapless Satin Sheath Dress
($168, Nordstrom)

Dave and Johnny Strapless Bandage Dress

Update (09/27/2009): Here’s yet another Hervé Léger knockoff for you. By Dave and Johnny.

Dave and Johnny Strapless Bandage Dress
($130, eDressMe)

Dorothy Perkins Black Insert Panel Tube Dress

Update (08/17/2009): Found yet another Hervé Léger knockoff for all my European readers. By Dorothy Perkins. Currently on sale for £15!

Dorothy Perkins Black Insert Panel Tube Dress
(£15, Dorothy Perkins)

Atria Strapless Mini Dress

Update (08/17/2009): Found another Hervé Léger knockoff by Atria.

Atria Strapless Mini Dress
($138, eDressMe)

Jessica McClintock Strapless Taffeta Dress

Covet the body-con dress, but don’t have a $2k budget? You’re in luck because this strapless taffeta dress by Jessica McClintock is a great budget-friendly Hervé Léger alternative. The dress may be black instead of navy, but otherwise it has the same length, cut and detailing. It’s also currently on sale being marked down from $150 to $90. Who else smells a great deal here?

Jessica McClintock Strapless Taffeta Dress
($90, Amazon)

Real vs. Steal – Isabel Marant Bekett High-Top Sneakers

May 1, 2017

So I think this is the first time, after more than 3 years of writing this blog, that I feature a sneaker here on In Their Closet. Of course, it couldn’t be just any ordinary sneaker for this occasion, no, it had to be a “fashion sneaker” naturally, the most popular one being the “Bekett” / “Bekket” velcro sneaker by Madame Isabel Marant at this time. Personally, I both like and hate them; I’ve never been too fond of sporty looking shoes, but these exude that cool kid vibe and how clever is the hidden built-in wedge? Genius.

Isabel Marant Bekett High-Top Sneakers
($655, Luisaviaroma)

Also available at Forward by Elyse Walker, Farfetch, S|Sense, MyTheresa, Net-A-Porter, Italist, Selfridges, Vestiaire Collective & The RealReal.

Celebrities Love Isabel Marant

Celebs such as Gisele Bundchen, Miranda Kerr, Alessandra Ambrosio, Beyoncé Knowles, Ashlee Simpson and Anne Hathaway have all been spotted in Isabel Marant Bekket High-Top Sneakers.

Shiekh Ella-02 Velcro Hidden Wedge Sneakers

Update (05/01/2017): Just happened to discover another Isabel Marant Bekett dupe after such a long, long time! Check out Shiekh‘s Ella-02 which comes in either black faux suede or blue denim and costs only $44.99. Steal deal alert!

Shiekh Ella-02 Velcro Hidden Wedge Sneakers
($44.99, Shiekh)

Rosegal Faux Leather Velcro Hidden Wedge Sneakers

Update (02/24/2015): After a very long time I managed to come across this Isabel Marant Bekett dupe at Rosegal today. Super budget-friendly at under $40, too!

Rosegal Faux Leather Velcro Hidden Wedge Sneakers
($36.37, Rosegal)

Candie’s Wedge Sneakers

Update (07/15/2013): Also found these hidden wedge sneakers by Candie’s which are a great Marant Bekett alternative for under $25!

Candie’s Wedge Sneakers
($23.99, Kohl’s)

Heart Soul “Iona” Wedge Sneakers

Update (07/15/2013): Just discovered another great Isabel Marant wedge doppelgänger! Check out this hidden wedge sneaker by Heart Soul. Also available in other color combos.

Heart Soul “Iona” Wedge Sneakers
($16.99, DSW)

Aldo “Numata” Velcro Wedge Sneakers

Update (02/11/2013): Found yet another Bekket alternative. Check out this velcro wedge sneaker by Aldo!

Aldo “Numata” Velcro Wedge Sneakers
($39.98, Aldo)

Xti 25619 Velcro Strap Wedge Trainers

Update (01/13/2013): Xti has also a very Isabel Marant Bekket inspired wedge sneaker version in an array of colors such as black, silver, gold, brown/white, taupe/white, etc. And these are currently on sale!

Xti 25619 Velcro Strap Wedge Trainers
(£45, Amazon.co.uk)

JustFab “Keena” Wedge Sneakers

Update (11/05/2012): Just stumbled upon this budget-friendly Isabel Marant Bekket look-a-like in black by JustFab. Only $54.99!

JustFab “Keena” Wedge Sneakers
($54.99, JustFab)

Skechers SKCH Plus 3 “Raise Your Glass” Wedge Sneakers

Update (09/24/2012): Found a new very Isabel Marant inspired wedge sneaker at Skechers. $49.74 (sale price!) and also available in various other colors and color combinations including an all black version.

Skechers SKCH Plus 3 “Raise Your Glass” Wedge Sneakers
($49.74, Amazon)

Xhilaration “Kahsha” Wedge Sneakers

Update (08/24/2012): And here’s another fab and super affordable Isabel Marant Bekket look-a-like by Xhilaration that looks a lot like the Steve Madden version, only this one is made of faux leather.

Xhilaration “Kahsha” Wedge Sneakers
($17.48, Target)

Steve Madden “HILIGHT” High-Top Sneakers

Update (06/24/2012): The king of designer inspired footwear, Mr. Steve Madden, has now a very close Isabel Marant alternative available called “HILIGHT”. As you can see from below it comes in a variety of colors.

Steve Madden “HILIGHT” High-Top Sneakers
($79.99, Amazon)

Also available at Nordstrom Rack, Shoes.com, Nordstrom & Steve Madden.

Schutz “Hanna” Fashion Sneakers

Update (07/29/2012): These wedge sneakers by Schutz lack the high-top, but otherwise they’re very similar to Isabel Marant’s Bekket kicks. Wish they were cheaper though!

Schutz “Hanna” Fashion Sneakers
($215, Amazon)

Nine West Lana 200 High-Top Sneakers

Update (03/10/2012): Just stumbled upon another great Bekket alternative. These high-top sneakers by Nine West retail for $79.99 (sale price!) and are also available in baby blue.

Nine West Lana 200 High-Top Sneakers
($79.99, Zappos)

Jean Stone Faux-Suede High-Top Sneakers

Update (01/28/2012): Found more exact though faux suede Isabel Maranat Bekket look-a-likes by Jean Stone.

Jean Stone Faux-Suede High-Top Sneakers
($124.20, YesStyle)

Ash “Cool” Suede Lace Up Wedge Sneakers

If you’re looking for Bekket coolness but for a budget price, try these suede sneakers by Ash. They do have a few differences, but overall share the same look and the hidden wedge. Available in black & white, taupe & white and pink & white.

Ash “Cool” Suede Lace Up Wedge Sneakers
($225, Shopbop)

Cheap vs. Cheaper – Sole Society Lyriq vs. Merona Ginnifer Navy Suede Ankle Booties

December 7, 2016

Go Shopping:

CHEAP: Sole Society “Lyriq” Heeled Ankle Booties, $99.95
CHEAPER: Merona “Ginnifer” Stud Button Heeled Booties, $37.99

Sole Society “Lyriq” Ankle Booties are also available at Nordstrom & Amazon.

Image source(s): Sole Society, Target

Real vs. Steal – Tory Burch Adonis Two-Tone Elastic Espadrille Wedges

January 31, 2015

This sporty sailor style by Tory Burch is really starting to grow on me. At first sight, these espadrille wedges seem to be simple but on the contrary they are anything but mundane. The two-tone colors – navy and white – create a distinct color palette and are very versatile. I love how both Kristen Bell and Megan Fox paired them with blue denim, really drawing attention to the wedge. There are infinite wardrobe possibilities, and any look can be easily achieved. From polished ladylike wear to boho chic, I think we can all agree that these are magnificent. And though they may be sold out, we have several almost identical matches below!

Tory Burch Adonis Two-Tone Elastic Espadrille Wedges
($195, Shopbop)

Joy & Mario “Lola” Ribbon Strappy Espadrille Wedges

Update (01/31/2015): Spotted another lovely Tory Burch Adonis alternative! Check out these strappy striped wedge espadrilles by Joy & Mario. Also available in various other lovely color combinations.

Joy & Mario “Lola” Ribbon Strappy Espadrille Wedges
($74.95, Shoebuy)

MIA “Renegade” Wedge Sandals

MIA does a nice job mimicking the wedges above; seemingly with every detail in place. Priced at only $19.98 (sale price!), one can truly immerse in luxury without having to stray from the budget, and searching for a sold out shoe. If you are in search of an exact Tory Burch look-a-like, then these “Renegade” wedges may just be the ultimate find.

MIA “Renegade” Espadrille Wedge Sandals
($19.98, Amazon)

Tommy Hilfiger “Venice” Espadrille Wedges

Adding to the mix, are these Tommy Hilfiger “Venice” Espadrille Wedges. Though the two-tone concept is incorporated, the colors are out of order with emphasize on the white strip. Also, these wedges are available in blue with green for a more colorful and vibrant look. The sporty sailor style is still evident in both color versions, but I think that the blue with green has more of a casual appearance. Regardless of your preference, these are definitely up to par with the real deal and are quite affordable, too!

Tommy Hilfiger “Venice” Espadrille Wedges
($35.97, Amazon)