Friday, March 6, 2009

A Worthy Substitute: Old Navy for J.Crew

J.Crew's Elizabeth halter (item #95001) is a very beautiful piece, but also comes with a high price tag for anyone shopping on a budget or just looking to save money. It retails for $88, and is occasionally on sale (when they have any available) for $59.50. They are available on eBay starting around $50ish dollars, but the sizes and color combinations are limited. [I have a few of these halters, and hope to do a review on them at some point.]

What makes the Elizabeth halter special, in my opinion, is its collar. The ruffle is frilly enough to be feminine, but not so frilly as to be overwhelming, or make you look like you should be in the 16th century. The silk is also very delicate and light.

Old Navy offers an online-only style, the Ruffle-Trim Shirt (item #646156), which Old Navy describes as such:

For those days when you wish your job was outdoors! This breezy ruffled shirt, fashioned from lightweight cotton batiste, is ready for work or play.
For everyday wear, I prefer cotton to delicate fabrics like silk, satin, chiffon, etc., so I think this shirt is a great find! I can see wearing this both to work and out for dinner, and am seriously considering using my Gap rewards to add this to my wardrobe. The collar detailing is not as elaborate as J.Crew's Elizabeth halter, but I think that could be an advantage in the sense that you don't have to fluff or spray starch the collar to get the frilly look you want.

And while the J.Crew Elizabeth comes in some very pretty colors, I simply love lavender, and think it is a great color for spring. Old Navy also offers it in a blue flower print. Colors and details are below.

What do you think? Do you like this shirt? Do you think it is a worthy substitute?

5 comments:

Buffy Alten March 6, 2009 at 7:34 PM  

HELL NO!

JTS March 6, 2009 at 8:17 PM  

hi kirbydog! Do you dislike the shirt itself, or don't think it's a good substitute?

Anonymous March 14, 2009 at 6:01 PM  

I think the Old Navy top LOOKS cheap (as their clothes in reality usually ARE)and their colors/pattern is no where near in quality comparision to JCrew's piece. However, I personally would never shop at an Old Navy. Their clothing never lasts more than 3 months, never fits, is poorly constructed and of poor materials.

JTS March 16, 2009 at 11:08 AM  

Hi hoffnung - I have never had any quality or fit issues with Old Navy's pieces. I think they are a nice, affordable alternative, especially for basics, like tees and tanks.

Anonymous November 8, 2011 at 11:20 PM  

Wow what snobs.
I haven't shopped at either place for a long time. But the last time I did, I found J Crew quality just as low as Old Navy but costs about 4 times more. They are both sourced overseas. If you want REAL quality but not overpriced, shop Nordstrom t.b.d and Savvy.