^{Image via GOOP}

Social media outlets were all a-twitter this week regarding Gwyneth Paltrow's newsletter GOOP. GOOP is a newsletter (and website) where Paltrow shares her favorite places to visit, recipes, advice and inspiration from celebrity friends, and her random thoughts on topics important to her. This week, GOOP featured Gwyneth's choices for spring essentials.

The collection was full of simple, yet modern pieces that were are versatile and perfect for the season. Paltrow teamed with shopping site Net-a-Porter to offer these wardrobe essentials for purchase. The only problem" These "essentials" total over $18,000 ($16,434 for the clothing and shoes alone!). I doubt you can afford such a wardrobe, I know I can't. I usually hate "Dress for Less" articles because they pick pieces that may be similar, but don't give the same effect when actually worn.

However since I do believe Paltrow's "essentials" do make for a creative yet wearable spring and summer wardrobe, I scoured the 'net for pieces that give the same effect, but are available for much, much less.
As that phenomenal jewelry can be found easily at your favorite discount retailer and is far more personal of a choice, I have decided to focus on the shoes, bags and clothing suggestions from GOOP.

Here are my suggestions to get a $16,000 look for less than $750 (and every item except two is under $100!). And always, check online for coupons and promotional codes; you may be able to get this look for even less!



Maxi dress

The important things to get from Goop's choice of dress is that it's slouchy, made of silk so it's breezy and easy to dress up and down. Though this choice is tie-dye instead of a solid color, it still gives the same effect and will coordinate in the same manner as Paltrow's choice. This version isn't cheap, but it is a piece that can take you from the office to the farmer's market to your cousin's garden wedding in style. It's the type of piece that could easily be worn every week, all summer long.

Michael Kors Villa Tie-Dyed Racerback Maxi Dress, $139.99 at Macy's

Dressy blazer

Paltrow's choice of dressy blazer has strong shoulders, and a slouchy yet refined silhouette. In crepe, it is a piece that can dress up the maxi dress, but could also be worn with jeans and a cami for a great look for a night out on the town. This jacket from Urban Outfitters gives the same effect but for far, far less.

Kimchi Fabric Crepe Jacket, $59.00

Chunky Fringed Sandal

The Marni sandals Gwenyth Paltrow chose for GOOP had a lot of flair with their fringe detail; get a similar look for less with these ruffled wedges from Charlotte Russe. $30.00



Neon tank

One can't go wrong with Old Navy's classic tanks for only $8.50. The color "Power Surge" is a great neon to add an accent under the silk dress.

Embellished flat sandal

I love a flat embellished gladiator-style sandal for summer. It's a comfortable yet chic choice for maxi dresses, and anything that needs a more elegant shoe. Payless is always a great place to find designer inspiration for less; these sequin-embellished sandals for $19.99 are a great alternative to the Antik Batik choices from GOOP.
 



Denim Pencil Skirt

Again Old Navy comes through with a popular denim skirt style for far less. $29.50

Slouchy tee

The tee featured in GOOP was slouchy, lightweight, with a scoop neck and soft versatile neutral color. This tee from Ann Taylor LOFT has all these attributes, with a much nicer price. $34.50

Twill Jacket

Ann Taylor LOFT also provides a substitute for the Etoile Isabel Marant twill jacket. Both have 3/4 sleeves and a soft, feminine styling. The LOFT lightweight cotton peplum jacket is a mere $65 compared to $455.

Coral-colored Satchel

This is not the cheapest alternative out there: this style bag is the 2011 version of the Balenciaga motorcycle bag and can be found in most any fabrication and price points at your favorite retailer. However, I chose this version because it is made of real leather, which means it will wear better than most faux versions. At less than $90, this bag is still a real bargain, with a classic style that will transcend the seasons.

Peep-toe Booties

Target's shoe collection has improved with every season; last year they had amazing options for knee-high boots; this season they are rocking with their sandal and summer shoe selection. These peep-toe stiletto booties in the tan suede for $34.99 are a phenomenal alternative to the almost $1,800 option featured on GOOP.



Classic Bikini

I own a bathing suit from Lands' End Canvas and can attest for their high quality and high style for less. This adorable triangle bikini is in a similar color and style to the one on GOOP, is a suit that will be stylish for many summers to come and only costs $34.50.

White Denim Shorts

Cut-off denim shorts have come back en vogue in a big way; they are easy to wear, available at any price point, and really give a beachy, boho vibe to simple tees and tanks. These shorts from Hurley Girl have the same details as the ones featured on GOOP but are less than $20.




Silk Shirtdress

This Calvin Klein shirtdress offers the same breezy shape and summery colors as the Etoile Isabel Marant version featured in GOOP, but is currently selling for less than $100 at Macy's.

Oversized Blazer

The Stella McCartney blazer featured on GOOP is gorgeous, unique, and over $1,000.00 What to get from Paltrow's choice is that you can transform the look of a girly floral sundress by pairing it with a masculine linen blazer. Get the same effect for far, far less with this linen blend blazer from Forever 21 for only $27.80.

Straw purse

This straw bag from Ann Taylor is an elegant but far more budget-friendly alternative to GOOP's Alexander McQueen purse. Though the price isn't the lowest of the set, this is a classic style purse that can give you years of style; pair with your favorite LBD to add a spring touch for day weddings. $128

Double belt

This double belt from Urban Outfitters gives the same look as the Ralph Lauren Black Label version, but at a much sweeter price. $34



Striped Cardigan

Don't judge a store by its cover; when I tell people I purchase most of my wardrobe from Nordstrom they think I must be rich. Actually, Nordstrom carries some excellent brands like Halogen that are budget-friendly and jam-packed with style. The Halogen Stripe cardigan for $49.00 is a perfect layering piece for spring and will coordinate just as well as the Aubin & Wills version on GOOP, but for a third of the price.

Bucket bag

Yet again Old Navy delivers with this classic bucket bag for only $15.00 By having it black with brown trim, it actually is more versatile than Paltrow's choice, and less likely to show dirt.

Leopard flat sandals

Leopard print is an unexpected neutral that adds whimsy to an ensemble without competing for the limelight. The same holds true with a metallic or snakeskin sandal; these silver rope sandals from DV Dolce Vita will add glitz and glamour to your basic shorts and tees, look great with sundresses and capris and cost only $69.00.

Alison Gary has over ten years experience as a personal shopper, stylist, and visual merchandiser. Her blog Wardrobe Oxygen provides fashion advice to all women, regardless of age, size, budget, or lifestyle. She is a full-time working mother, blogger, wife, and frugal fashionista located in the Washington D.C. area.