Guest blog by -- Julia DiNardo , the founder/editor of Fashion Pulse
We've definitely taken notice that for being in high school, Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl sure has expensive taste! We've spotted her toting several different Chanel and Celine bags this season, and are just wondering how real high schoolers, and fashionistas alike for that matter, can get the look without the ultra-high price tag. We've found several versions of Chanel's quilted bag and Celine's messenger-style, crossbody bag seen on the show that will make you proud to be a frugal snob!
Let's start with the quilted bag: you can easily get the Chanel bag look, starting at just $45 (matching tweed jacket and skirt not included). (Jump for more!)
We really liked the plushy look and ivory color of this Quilted Parachute Flap Bag ($49, Baghaus.com, also available in black) and this Tianni Quilted Camera Case ($45, Endless.com) is perfectly suited for a night out on the town, carrying only your dearest essentials.
If you are just overly obsessed with quilted bags and willing to make more of an investment, the
Serpui Marie Matilda Quilted Leather Satchel ($260, also Endless.com) will give you more room to constantly tote about everything but the kitchen sink, or the Heather Hawkins Holiday Small Bag ($289, Harmony Lane) recreates the classic bag into a funkier addition to your wardrobe via its eye-catching aqua hue. For a quilted, style done anew, our number one pick is the
Drake Quilted Small Shoulder Bag ($150, Banana Republic); it still has quilted and chain hardware detailing, but maintains a new, taller silhouette and exposed, slightly oversized zipper that is very of-the-moment.
Switching gears to Serena's ultra-chic Celine bag, we've managed to come up with several alternatives that maintain an Upper East Side Gossip Girl aesthetic while not overdoing it on the credit card.
Our first find, and one of our favorites due to the variety of color selections (we love the quilted patent grey) is the
Jessica Simpson Latitude Crossbody ($42.90-$98, Endless.com), which has a decent amount of pockets to stash stuff in, and offers versatility in shape and function.
Similarly, the Bruno Rossi Foldover Bag ($252, Dillard's) comes in a rich red color and sturdy yet supple calfskin leather, while the
Francesco Biasia 'Aeryn' - Calf Leather Flap Shoulder Bag ($425, Forzieri.com) in "fox" is pretty much a dead-ringer for the original Celine bag.
Some other options that won't break the bank but mimic the look are
MICHAEL Michael Kors "Austin" Small Messenger Crossbody Bag
($198, Macy's) and the worn-in leather look of the
Lucky Brand Jeans "Leather Foldover" Bag
($178, also Macy's). So, as we just discovered, the look (no comment on the lifestyle) of a Gossip Girl is completely attainable! -- Julia DiNardo is the founder/editor of Fashion Pulse -- visit the site for daily updates on trends, runway collections, industry buzz, beauty, and more.
It's good you list cheaper alternatives. If I had a daughter (teenaged), I would steer her away from watching shows like Gossip Girl because I'd dread the fashion consequences or Christmas wishlists. Shows like Gossip Girl, when they're syndicated around the world, probably give the wrong impression of the average American high school girl in the same way that Australian TV shows do in Europe. I had a few relatives in Greece tell me, 'But you people are loaded!' and I had to laugh.
Gossip girl seems to have turned into sex and the city!
Nice to list cheap alternatives for Serena's bags, but Blair really wear the most expensive ones.
I don't watch Gossip Girl but I do like how you found inexpensive alternatives to what they have on the show. You shouldn't have to go broke just to look good.
Shopping Tip - Drake Quilted Small Shoulder Bag ($150, Banana Republic) is on sale for $49.99!
Yay! I got the Drake Quilted Bag. I couldn't resist. It's so stylish and for $49.99 I couldn't pass it up!
Yay! I got the Drake Quilted Bag. I couldn't resist. It's so stylish and for $49.99 I couldn't pass it up!
i just feel like gossip girl is the high school version of sex and the city.
but i'm so glad to see you all find some affordable AND good quality alternatives. :D
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