Look for Less: Paris Hilton
Photo Courtesy of okmagazine.com
Photo Courtesy of okmagazine.com
On February 24, 2010, Paris Hilton dressed fabulously while heading to a meeting with her lawyer. Although this socialite has on a plethora of accessories (sunglasses, earrings, belt, 2 rings, bracelet, leather jacket, tights, bag, shoes!), the look is surprisingly understated for the heiress, as the bold colored geometric dress is balanced by the fact that her add-ons are all black. Want her chic and sassy look, but aren’t willing to pay Paris Hilton prices? Shoebuy.com offers so many options for fabulous black accessories, that I’ve compiled your ultimate look-for-less comparison shopping guide, which I’ll be calling Real, Deal and Steal! The four accessories I’ll be focusing on are her patent leather platform pumps, rectangular bag, wide, waist-cinching belt, and rhinestone-embellished sunglasses. Please keep in mind that all prices listed are as of March 3, 2010.
Real:
Unfortunately, the Real price level is reserved for only Paris herself. After extensive searching of the most fanatical online Paris Hilton webpages, I regret to inform you that I could find NO information as to where Paris purchased all of the glamorous accessories that she wore on Feb. 24, so I cannot give you an exact price estimate. However, Ms. Hilton does wear a size 11 shoe, and it has been stated that she is forced to buy nothing but designer footwear (usually Christian Louboutin or Gucci) to keep her over-sized feet looking dainty and stylish. Shoebuy.com does carry Paris Hilton’s own line of shoes, and what do you know, they do come in sizes 11! What a considerate lady.
Price Tag: Honestly, if I had to guess, probably thousands. A pair of basic designer platform pumps can run you about $800, sunglasses maybe $300, you get the picture. It all adds up pretty quickly.
Deal:
If you are willing to splurge in moderation, but definitely not willing to pay Hilton-level prices, then the Deal price level is what you are looking for!
This basic black pump from Jessica Simpson features a fierce stacked heel and a front platform, which serves the dual purpose of looking trendy, and also making the incline on your foot just a little bit less severe. The best part is, these will run you only $78.95, which is pretty reasonable for your go-to pair of black heels, a wardrobe staple.
This Mad by Design bag is a favorite of mine. It is structured, chic, made of eco-friendly bamboo, and costs a reasonable $64.95. Plus, I absolutely love the handle.
Paris’s bling is conspicuously absent from these shades, but in my defense, the shape and color are spot on, Etienne Aigner is a great brand name, and at a mere $39.95, they aren’t even the cheapest sunglasses on this list!
For some serious waist-defining action, this belt by Jumeau is the perfect choice to add structure to any outfit. It is available in 14 different colors and features bold, decorative hardware. For $73.95, this belt will supply the finishing touch if you want your outfit to get noticed!
Price Tag: $257.80 – There you have it, probably for less than the cost of Paris’s sunglasses, you can snatch up an entire wardrobe of accessories!
Steal:
If you are crazy about the look, but are only willing to pay absolute rock-bottom prices, the Steal category is the place for you to shop!
In all honesty, I actually like these Bordello platform pumps better than the more expensive ones in the Deal category! These are significantly cheaper, at $59.45, but offer a shinier leather and a more dramatic platform, which makes them much more similar to the pair worn by Paris.
This rectangular clutch by Prezzo is extremely affordable at $31.95, and is a superb match to the purse carried by Ms. Hilton. It features a magnetic closure, removable shoulder strap, and quilted texture on the shiny patent material.
This eyewear features the rhinestones that were absent from our Deal category, but because these Steve Madden sunglasses are made of a pink-tinted plastic, I actually prefer the more expensive shades. Still, for a mere $36.45, these sunglasses are a bargain and a great match!
At a paltry $25.45, this Kaymen belt is much more casual than both the one found on Paris and the one in the Deal category. Even so, it is also available in black, as well as subtle silver or gold options, and any variety would add a touch of interest to finish off a thrifty fashionista’s outfit!
Price Tag: $153.30 – There you have it! We were able to shave off over $100 from the Deal category, and still maintain the fabulously glamorous inspiration from Paris Hilton’s chic ensemble.
I hope you have enjoyed Real, Deal, and Steal, and encourage all of you to do comparison shopping of your own! With the wonderful selection at Shoebuy.com, it’s really not difficult to be thrifty and fashionable!
Lauren Z.
