Dare to Compare

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

Style - Dare to Compare

Save the colour, don’t these two cardis look similar? You’ve got to love Victoria’s Secret for their spot-on style. What their products lack in quality, they make up for with bargain pricing. On the opposing side, Theory makes a high-quality garment, but — like anything in life, — quality will cost you.

What I love about this Theory cashmere cardigan is the colour. Bright, lemon yellow is the perfect way to freshen up any piece in your spring/summer wardrobe. I also like the short, ribbed sleeves and tunic length — how perfect for pairing with shorts or even over a summer dress! Made from 100 percent cashmere, this cardi is dry clean only, which isn’t exactly convenient — especially in busy summer months.

That’s why I appreciate the easy maintenance silk and cashmere blend – READ: Wash and wear — of this Victoria’s Secret cardigan. Designed in four colours – cactus green, hot pink, raspberry, and colbalt blue –this Victoria’s Secret sweater is the same tunic length of Theory’s sweater. It has long sleeves, making it a more versatile option for cooler weather, but features the same front slash pockets and plunging v-neck as the Theory option.

And pricing? One of these cardis retails for over 300 dollars; the other retails for under 20.

You’ve got two guesses.

Theory Gwyneth cashmere cardigan, $325, Saks.com

Victoria’s Secret silk and cashmere cardigan, $58 $16.99, VictoriasSecret.com

Style - Dare to Compare

Animal prints are classic; although they’re frequently stamped on trendy pieces — 50s wasp-waist skirts and platform heels – an animal print sweater is a piece you’ll keep in your wardrobe for several seasons.

I love a chic, fitted cardi done in a neutral print, like these designs by Bruno Manetti and Forever 21. Bruno Manetti’s animal print cardigan is pure cashmere, done in a v-neck design. It has long sleeves and a fitted body that flares slightly at the bottom. Buttoned up with eight mother of pearl buttons, it’s a worthy buy for just under five hundred dollars.

If you think Manetti’s cardi is overpriced, I advise you check out this design from Forever 21. Certainly not cashmere — it’s 100 percent cotton — this animal print cardigan features a round neck and three-quarter length sleeves. Almost like Bruno Manetti’s design — except fake, – this Forever 21 cardigan features pearl buttons.

The prints on both sweaters are similar, though the Bruno Manetti cardigan has a more varied pattern.

So which animal print cardigan would you girls buy, if you had to choose?

Bruno Manetti animal print cardigan, $495, Vivre.comAnimal print cardigan, $31.80, Forever21.com

Style - Dare to Compare

Dressing right for this spring and summer is all about including some tribal influences and safari style in your wardrobe. 2008’s classic uniform includes anything done in a crisp khaki — jackets, shirt dresses, or skirts – cinched with a fabulous skinny belt in a bright colour. I’m loving khaki skirts that hit just above the knee, done in a darling double button design.

One of my three favourite items from his spring 2008 collection, Marc Jacobs has designed a sweet signature skirt for his Marc by Marc Jacobs label. Check out the details: A subtle herringbone stripe, a bubble shape — thanks to some strategically placed pleats, — and hidden side slit pockets. For just under two hundred dollars, this skirt is a wardrobe staple you’ll wear for years to come. I especially love the almost mini-, almost mid-length which is short, but still work-appropriate.

For a more affordable thirty dollars, you could snatch up this safari skirt from Ann Taylor LOFT. (But hurry! Sizes are disappearing FAST!) Certainly not as intricately detailed as MJ’s creation, this design wears like a pencil skirt, but is actually slightly A-line in shape. Ann Taylor LOFT’s safari skirt features a convenient hook-and-bar closure and functional double buttons. It also has front welt pockets that are quite visible — which in my opinion makes the skirt look poorly made,– and unlike the Marc by Marc Jacobs safari skirt, this design features button-through back besom pockets. Some will find this figure-flattering; others will not.

While Ann Taylor LOFT makes a good product, I’d have to say that I prefer the Marc by Marc Jacobs safari skirt. What about you girls?

Marc by Marc Jacobs herringbone stripe skirt, $188, Net-A-Porter.comAnn Taylor LOFT belted safari skirt, $49 $29.99, AnnTaylorLOFT.com