Dare to Compare

Style - Dare to Compare

While Oscar de le Renta designs do have a certain class and undisputed quality, I dare you to compare them to White Mountain's rummy boot in brown suede.

Oscar de le Renta's suede leather knee-high boots feature two gold-tone, military buttons with stud details. White Mountain's brown suede leather rummy boots are also military-inspired with their triple-button gold-tone detailing.

Oscar de le Renta's suede leather knee-high boots feature a timeless almond toe and small rubber wedge heel that measures 1 inch tall (perfect for icy, wet, and slick winter surfaces). White Mountain's brown suede leather rummy boots also feature an almond toe, and their outsoles are also entirely rubber.

Both pairs of boots sound super similar, yes?

Until you check the price:

Oscar de le Renta's suede leather knee-high boots will run you 800 dollars. White Mountain's rummy boots? 83 dollars.

_{Oscar de le Renta suede leather knee-high boots, $800, Net-A-Porter}

_{White Mountain rummy suede leather boots, $83, Zappos}

Style - Dare to Compare

Check these two necklaces, one by fashion house Lanvin, the other by America's - and Michelle Obama's - favorite, J.Crew.

Sure the J.Crew necklace is almost 750 dollars cheaper, but that's not the only thing that makes it appealing.

While Lanvin's two-strand necklace features glass pearls and crystals, J.Crew's version boast brass and copper-coated resin beads.

Lanvin's two-strand necklace features taupe lace and a satin outside layer, while J.Crew's features 59 inches of rayon grosgrain ribbon. Bonus, because we all know that grosgrain stands up way stronger over time than lace and satin, so it will last longer.

The glass pearls on Lanvin's necklace are netted together, but J.Crew's beads are strung together with Russian gold-plated chains.

And finally, Lanvin's piece is available only in taupe, but J.Crew's galaxy necklace comes in black, antique stone, or dusty blossom. And I love the dramatic effect of those copper-coated beads!

_{Lanvin two-strand pearl necklace, $850, Net-A-Porter}

_{J.Crew galaxy ribbon-and-chain necklace, $78, J.Crew}

Style - Dare to Compare

Summer is the perfect time for styling a dress, and I find cotton/jersey blends to be both comfortable and chic. This bandeau style would be quite fitting for bargain shopping at a tourist-y farmers market or strolling beachside.

When I first saw this bandeau dress by Splendid, I knew it would be completely comfortable. The brainchild of Moise Emquies — a former lawyer — Splendid t-shirt dresses have been around since 2002. The great part is that most pieces from Emquies’s first collection still wear stylish today, so chances are you’d wear this dress for seasons to come. Done in a brightly-coloured cotton, — I’m loving that berry shade! — this Splendid dress features an elasticized bandeau top, a cute drawstring waist, and fully functional buttons down the front. The dress falls just above the knees, and has pockets that hit on the hips. (Pockets on the hips aren’t entirely flattering, but if thinner figures can definitely wear this look).

If you’re more figure-conscious, I’d lean toward this similar style dress from Victoria’s Secret. The pockets on this VS dress are on the front, so eyes will naturally fall to your center, instead of your hips. Just like the Splendid dress, Victoria’s Secret features an elasticized bandeau top and drawstring waist. The buttons down the front are faux (which I actually prefer), so the dress just slips on and off. Though it’s not on sale in a berry shade, this dress is available in a vivid green and white.

And pricing? I thought the Splendid dress was a bargain — only 70 dollars! — until I saw the price at Victoria’s Secret. For less than 20 dollars, I’d shop at VS for this bandeau dress.

Splendid bandeau dress, $168.70 $70, Net-A-Porter.com

Victoria’s Secret knit bandeau dress, $38 $18.99, VictoriasSecret.com

Style - Dare to Compare

The great thing about a woven tote is that whether made from plastic or the softest nappa leather, it looks classy. I’m loving both of these over-sized totes by Bottega Veneta and Banana Republic — from rich brown colouring to spacious interiors, either tote is worthy to be carried.

Bottega Veneta – a design house famous for styling woven leather in various functions – makes a mean tote. Italian construction translates into high-quality, both inside and out. The interior of this woven tote is lined in suede, with pockets for cell phones and other daily essentials. Outside is a sea of soft nappa leather, set off by brasstone hardware and a stylish push lock closure.

While it’s a no-brainer that Bottega Veneta’s nappa leather creation is the more expensive of the two, Banana Republic’s budget-friendly version of the woven tote is certainly comparable. Though it’s not all baby-soft nappa — the metallic weave is 100 percent plastic — Banana Republic’s large carry-all does have 100 percent leather handles. It boasts plenty of interior space, with hidden pockets and a cotton — not suede — lining (making it easier to clean). Outside, it features brasstone hardware. Banana Republic’s woven tote is also available in a flashy silver.

Bottega Veneta dark brown woven leather large lock tote, $2224, Bluefly.com

Banana Republic metallic large woven tote, $178 $124.60, BananaRepublic.com