Bailey 44 lookalike - irl pics

I blogged about these dresses before...

Day Dresses by Anthropologie
Day Dresses by Cha Cha Vente

Bailey 44's tiered stripes dress vs. Macy's Cha Cha Vente dress


...but noooow I have irl pics to share. On the left is the Bailey 44 dress in orange, obvi. I tried it on 2 months ago. At the time I thought the M was a good fit. Even though my body hasn't changed much -- in fact, my stomach might be bigger -- I would go for a size S instead. The price is high on Bailey 44 dresses, but the fabrication and way the dresses hug your body make it seem worth it. I can't say for sure they're worth the price because I haven't owned/worn/washed one.

On the right is the Cha Cha Vente look alike available at Macy's. It's $68 and on sale for $54.99 thru 1/12. You can click right on the site to see available coupons. And you're a cardholder, your rewards coupon work on this brand. The fabric is thinner on this dress than the Bailey 44. However, it didn't feel totally cheapie, trashy thin, whatever that means to you. Lightweight is a good way to describe it. However, I can't say I have confidence it will last more than a couple of washes. On the other hand, I would expect the Bailey 44 to hold up well given the fabric and, of course, the price. It's very, very comfortable and felt good on the body. I wouldn't say this is a trendy item because I do feel that stripes are always in style. Also, a well fitting dress is always in style. However, I can't say that I would want to wear it for more than a couple seasons. So if the Bailey 44 is out of your price range, definitely consider this one. Thumbs up for a good knock off. Oh, I'm 5'2" and 130+.

ETA: After posting, I remembered I had this photo to share as well. I put some text onto the pic, in an attempt to show how the edging is uneven. I noticed it a little bit from afar in the mirror. However, it was only in one or two places and I don't think it's something a non-clothes horse would even notice. The issue is that some of the stripes veer off of the edge of the material. They didn't take care to ensure that each stripe is complete all the way to the seam. Some of the stripes seem to fall off and that's because of the way the material is cut. This may not make sense as you read it and the pic may not help. It's something you might only notice upon close examination, in person. It didn't bother me enough to dislike the dress. I still think it's a great knockoff.

To answer my own question that I posted below. I think this is a dress that I would only wear a few times. One thing about cheap clothes is you hope they don't fall apart while you're wearing them. I think this would hold up and not fail while I'm out. I see winterizing it once or twice in the next couple of months. Then wearing it a couple times in the spring. I would like consider the concept/silhouette a forever keeper dress, but I'm sure my attention will be grabbed by the next new thing and I would be over this one. So, the cheaper version is just fine for me. Check it out on Ginger Girl.

Also from Bailey 44

Dresses by Anthropologie
Cocktail Dresses by Anthropologie

layered column ($178)

pieced column ($178)

How do you feel about choices like this? Do you go w/the cheaper version, pay for the more expensive one or pass on both if the expensive one is out of reach?

Chime in...
♥
***************************************************
p.s. Remember Ebates. Click here to join.