6/9 Sunday Showdown

J. CREW VS. CHARLOTTE RUSSE
Maxi Dresses

In the cut-throat world of name brand and fashion fast comes one the biggest fashion dilemmas. Name brand and designer clothing means better quality material, more wear, higher prices and let's not forget the pleasure of being able to say it's name brand. Fast fashion means cheaper prices, less wear, can be considered a fake, knock-off or copy and is probably made from a blended material.

J. Crew

Speaking of this fashion dilemma comes the dilemma between J. Crew and Charlotte Russe. This is the second summer season maxi dresses have been trending. Unlike other dresses that can be casual with prints or formal with beading, all maxi dresses are meant to be casual. The similarity shared between all maxi dresses would lead one to believe the price difference between the two maxi dresses from J. Crew and Charlotte Russe shouldn't be all that different.

Charlotte Russe

A J. Crew Collection silk maxi dress costs $398, and a solid halter knit maxi dress from Charlotte Russe costs $19.99. The J. Crew maxi is more of a straight-cut dress and has no body or shape. It appears loose and ill-fitting. I feel like it needs a belt or some kind of tie at the waist to give it more body. The maxi dress from Charlotte is more of an empire dress with the halter neckline. Because of the empire waist, the ruched lines contrasting downwards and the strings to tie the halter yourself, the dress from Charlotte Russe has a much more appealing body and fit to it.

With that being said, name brand or fast fashion or whatever label you want to give the two aside, the dress from Charlotte Russe is the better purchase. Financially, this dress is more economical. Fashionably, this dress is more stylish. The dress from J. Crew is much too bland and should not be listed at almost $400. The dress from Charlotte Russe is simple and chic, appealing and fits nicely and is more budget-friendly. Dilemma avoided; Charlotte Russe makes a better maxi dress.