If you’ve been eyeballing a few things on Everlane’s website recently because of the fall and winter items they have in stock, you’re not alone.
I have been eyeballing them too. But I’ve been curious to know how they compare to some similar items I have found at the thrift store for a fraction of the price.
Does the quality compare? Does the style compare? We’re going to find out.
So today we’re doing an Everlane haul versus the thrift store.
I’ll be giving you my Everlane review of three popular and pricy items from Everlane while styling them. And then I’ll be comparing them to similar items from the thrift store to see how they stand up to scrutiny.
The Cropped Alpaca Cardigan
The first item up is Everlane’s Cropped Alpaca Cardigan, which retails for about $100 USD. It’s “dupe” if you will, is a 1970’s or 1980’s crochet sweater from the thrift store that I paid about $10 for.
I’m in love with this cardigan. Honestly, it is such a beautiful, classic piece that is the perfect weight and is oh so cozy.
You will love this if you get it and it comes in various shades. I ordered an XS small because it runs really big. So size down one size for a perfect fit.
Although this cardigan is a beautiful piece, there are some real drawbacks. First of all, it is a blended material, not 100% alpaca. Secondly, because of this, it is already pilling or balling after only a week of wear.
Granted, I did wear this on repeat for two weeks straight. However, I feel that if you’re going to invest $100 in a sweater it should hold up to repeated wear.
If you don’t mind putting it on rotation and not wearing it as often as I did, then you will love this sweater!
The Modern Leather Jacket
Next up is The Modern Leather Jacket in Storm Blue, which retails for $298 and I will be comparing it to my thrifted Brooks Brothers black leather jacket.
First, the pros: The style is incredible. The look, the feel, the zipper details, and even the lining is great. I think that this is a perfect, classic staple in any wardrobe especially if you get it in black.
The cons: it is a snug fit and would probably look best in a size larger than you normally wear because the shoulders slop slightly. This design ends up looking a little rounded on the shoulder which I do not think is all that flattering.
It could just be me so keep that in mind.
The pockets are roomy and nice, but the top of the pocket seam hits right at my nipple. Don’t love that.
Other than that I think this is a great buy and if you’re on the hunt for a classic minimalist leather jacket this is the right one.
But if you can’t invest nearly $300 on a leather jacket, then you might consider looking at the thrift store. My black leather Brooks Bro. jacket normally retails for about $400 and I got it for about $40.
It’s a simple, modern style most likely from the late ’90s or early 2000s.
The Tapered Square Toe Slingback
Finally, we’re talking about the most lovely shoe, The Tapered Square Toe Slingback, which retails for $165. It’s a handmade Italian leather shoe, made in Italy.
My final word on this shoe is: get it.
It’s beautiful. Only size up half a size if you have very wide feet. The look is stunning and simple and could easily go with anything in your wardrobe. My dream is to have a pair in each color that they make.
Comparing this heel to a boot isn’t totally fair, but you know I’m doing the best I can here! In my mind, I was comparing one black shoe to another.
For the money, comfort, and quality, these Nettie kitten heel booties from Splendid are a great buy even when you buy them at retail price. This boot normally retails for about $140, but I got it at a discount shoe store for about $30 – $40.
My goal is not to get you to stop shopping retail, but to think about looking to balance your purchases with new and second-hand. Thankfully, Everlane is a great company and they are focused on sustainability. So you can also trust that when you shop with them, you are getting well-made and ethical items.
LEANDRA X MANGO Faded Relaxed Jeans
If you were curious, the jeans I’m wearing in the video are not ethical but are super cute. They’re from Leandra Medine’s Mango collaboration. I had to size up to a 6 from a 4 because they’re the most high-waisted jeans I’ve ever tried on. Made with 100% cotton, they are the perfect balance between rigid cotton and soft cotton.
These jeans are button-fly and do have a large gap in the waist but are snug through the hips if you’re looking to get a pair. But they are such a cool vintage wash and cut. If you don’t have wider hips like me, stay true to size.
All-in-all, I’m in love with them!
Thanks for watching and being here! Don’t forget to leave a comment below letting me know which items from Everlane you’re scoping out!
Michele Hamby says
I Live in the surrounding Knoxville area where are some of your favorite thrift stores
Brianna Lamberson says
Hi, Michele,
I love Karm the most because they have so many locations. No matter what thrift store you go to, you will have to be open to hunting to find the good stuff. You might also like the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. They have a nice big selection. Happy hunting!