The Emergence of Cool Cheap Fashion
It's difficult to say who did it first. Which retail brand decided that there was a big market for fashion forward people, who wanted catwalk styles for high-street prices. Whoever they were, the idea was brilliant and has taken major flight with the likes of Zara, H&M, TopShop and River Islands popping up all over the place.
While in most instances being associated with 'cheap' isn't a good thing, in these it is, because cheap doesn't refer to the style but rather the price. And while it might also refer to the quality of the product, these brands have managed to find a way to make that not matter- option and turnover. When it comes to brands like H&M or Zara you have to grab items as soon as you see them because there is a good chance that they won't be there in a few days. With so many products to choose from and such low prices they have managed to justify using lesser quality fabrics.
The difference between fake designer and cheap imitation is huge. This is another point that the above brands hit right on the head. A lot of trendy people want runway style but they don't want counterfeit copies They want to be able to throw on items or sport accessories that are in vogue, but they still want their look to be authentic. The problem with copies is that they aren't true. They are pretending to be something. A cheaper version of a look rather than an actual product solves that problem. It means that anyone can have runway style while being authentic.
The best way to rock a stylish look for less is to combine inexpensive pieces with one or two signature items. And if you're going to splurge on something designer you may as well invest in something that will last like jewellery, a winter coat or a handbag. Classic items like that let the world know that you value fashion, that you're willing to invest in it and that you understand style. If you then combine your designer handbag with an H&M maxi dress or your Ralph Lauren blazer, with a quirky pair of cheap cufflinks, you'll only get more snaps for being able to look like one million pounds while having only spend £200.
Cheers to those high street brands who got it right and made great fashion accessible to all. We don't want to have to spend, we don't want to have to mimic and you've made it so that we can be in vogue without doing either.
About the Author
Thompson London offers the discerning and style-conscious man the opportunity to select beautifully made cufflinks and accessories, at very competitive prices. For more on cheap designer cufflinks visit http://www.thompsonlondon.com/Cufflinks/View_All
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