▎❝ Designer dupes: from runway to sale rack. ❞

Every once in a while, it pays to know too much and fashion is no different. My expert eye is so versed in the subject that I was able to find an unexpected steal on the sale rack when I visited TJ Maxx. You know what I mean when you’re shopping and you see something that you feel like you’ve seen before but you just can’t quite place—style deja vu, if you will. Was it on the runway or the woman you saw at the mall in front of you line? You’ve seen it somewhere; you just have to remember.

Now I know that summer is over and it doesn’t seem like we should still be discussing swimwear but the end of the season is the best time to find deals. Shop off season and save coin. We know this. So, if you notice someone buying a parka in July, don’t judge them. They’re getting a good deal and they’re just preparing for winter. Maybe they’re going skiing in Aspen, you don’t know. Leave them alone—eyes on your own cart.

Trina Turk vs Versace Jeans Couture

I found two Trina Turk swimsuits and a matching pair of cover up pants that were originally; $172.00, $182.00, and $162.00 respectively. Not only did I get them on sale for; $39.99, $39.99, and $29.99, but they were in a familiar print that resembles a vintage halter dress from Versace Jeans Couture that I had hanging in my closet. It is one hell of a dupe and styled the right way, I could pass it off as a Versace outfit simply because the pattern is so similar to the Versace dress. It’s not just the pattern that makes it a good dupe though, it’s also the fabric, the texture, and the vibrancy! It’s all a very close match. Both of these swimsuits also have chunky gold detailing much like other Versace pieces which only adds to the illusion. If I saw it online and it didn’t have a tag, I’d truly think it was Versace.

Well, I was delighted! My mother thought that I was overreacting in my glee until I got everything home and raced to show her the dress that I was talking about incessantly in the store. Once she saw it, she was shook. This is why it’s important to know your designers. You might just find something off the rack that’s a good dupe and it might even be on sale.

Honestly, I could style an entire Versace inspired look with the pieces I got and because the prices were so low, I was able to get two separate swimsuits that I plan to wear as bodysuits—yes, you can do that and I will talk about it later—and that pair of pants that I won’t be using as a cover up around the pool but rather as part of an imitation jumpsuit that I can change the top on by switching out the two swimsuit bodysuits. So many outfits, so many options. I feel like barbie!

Know thy fashion

Learn your prints. Know your cuts. Pay attention to detail. Understand which fabrics are the go to’s of different designers because it helps you know which ones to invest in. Remember, trends always have a revival. Almost anything tweed could be a dupe for Chanel and monochrome prints are a staple of Karl Lagerfeld. If it’s bright, baroque, and bold, it might have been inspired by Versace. Styled the right way, you can emulate these designers with clothes a fraction of the cost while still achieving high fashion.

Often times smaller brands are reliant on bigger labels to determine seasonal trends. If one of the top fashion designers sends something down the runway, it’s bound to hit the rack somehow. Another thing that tends to happen is old trends and fabrics repeating themselves in modern clothing. For example, I’m pretty sure that the Versace dress I’m referencing in this post is vintage—I can’t remember for sure but I bought it thrifted—while the Trina Turk swimsuits and pants are brand new. This is a perfect example of something coming back into fashion and I’ve seen it happen frequently. Designers are still inspired by each other no matter how much time has passed. Know thy prints. Learn thy colors. Style thy dupes.

When I style these pieces, I will be sure to add pictures of the looks that I create but for now, enjoy a close up comparisons. Good luck and blessings on your shopping adventures. Keep this pattern in your mind in case you happen to see it again and if you do, be sure to snag it for yourself knowing that it’s Versace approved!