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Popular 'It Girl' Brands Reviewed: Pros, Cons, and Are They Really Worth It?

Published on October 6, 2024

Popular It Girl Brands Reviewed

Key Takeaways from AlexaSunshine83's Review

  • Aritzia: Trendy basics, but overpriced and lacking sustainability. Alexa thinks the style is too simple for the cost.
  • Selkie: Beautiful, whimsical designs but made from polyester. Alexa would prefer more sustainable materials.
  • Princess Polly: Cute and trendy on social media, but lacks quality. Alexa finds their clothes overrated.
  • Djerf Avenue: Nice quality, pricey basics. The vibe is great, but Alexa feels it's missing something.
  • Reformation: Strong designs with sustainability claims that don't fully add up. Alexa is disappointed by the limited sizing.
  • UNIF: Vintage-inspired styles that Alexa loves, but only buys secondhand due to high prices and questionable sustainability.
  • Frankie's Bikinis: Stunning patterns and celebrity collaborations, but Alexa isn’t sure about the quality for the high price.

Are trendy brands really worth it? Let’s take a look at what makes these brands great or not-so-great, based on AlexaSunshine83’s latest rankings.

Is Aritzia Really Worth the Price Tag?

Verdict: Overhyped and pricey

AlexaSunshine83 starts her ranking with Aritzia, a brand known for trendy basics and a minimalist style. It’s often seen as a go-to for a polished, casual look, but Alexa isn’t impressed. She’s never bought anything from Aritzia because the pieces are basic (not in an exciting way, just plain) and expensive. She also thinks if a brand has high prices, it should at least be sustainable. As she says, "If a brand is gonna have higher prices and they aren't sustainable and ethical, what's the point?" Aritzia ends up in the “yawn” tier—it just doesn’t excite her.

What Makes Selkie Dresses So Special?

Verdict: Dreamy designs but material concerns

Alexa loves Selkie for its whimsical shapes and romantic patterns. But there’s a problem: Selkie uses polyester, which is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum. For the $200+ price, Alexa thinks they could do better. She says, “If I’m gonna pay $200 for a dress, I don’t want it to be made out of plastic.” She suggests using natural materials like organic cotton or Tencel instead, which are better for the environment. Selkie ends up in the “cute but missing the mark” tier—Alexa loves the look, but the fabric choices could be improved.

Is Princess Polly Living Up to Its Instagram Hype?

Verdict: Trendy but lacking quality

Princess Polly is “extremely overrated,” according to Alexa. She talks about a popular Princess Polly dress she found at a thrift store, which had loose threads and poor stitching. While their clothes look cute on social media, the quality just isn’t there. Still, she understands why people like the trendy styles that influencers promote. In the end, she puts Princess Polly in the overrated category—cute on Instagram, not so great in person.

Does Djerf Avenue Hit the Sweet Spot?

Verdict: Pretty good but pricey basics

Owned by the ultimate “it girl” Matilda Djerf, Djerf Avenue is all about aesthetics. Alexa has tried a few pieces and says they are nice quality, but they are mostly basics with a high price tag. She loves the brand’s vibe and mentions her Djerf Avenue bedding as a favorite. But overall, she feels it’s missing something, so it goes in the “cute but missing the mark” tier.

Should You Believe the Hype About Reformation?

Verdict: Sustainability claims don't quite stick, but the style is strong

Reformation is a mixed bag for Alexa. The brand claims to be sustainable, using eco-friendly fabrics and carbon-neutral shipping, but Alexa isn’t convinced it makes a big difference. As she says, "Technically nothing is the most sustainable except buying secondhand." Alexa loves their silhouettes and designs, but finds their lack of extended sizing disappointing. She ranks Reformation as “cute but missing the mark”—great style, but they need to live up to their claims.

Is UNIF Still Cool or Just Overpriced?

Verdict: Vintage vibes but secondhand only

UNIF has a cool vintage-inspired style, which Alexa loves. But she only buys their clothes secondhand because the new prices are too high and she’s not sure about their sustainability. She thinks the pieces she owns are well-made, but she puts UNIF in the “cute but missing the mark” category. Also, she really dislikes their new logo, calling it "absolutely terrible."

Are Frankie's Bikinis Worth the Splurge?

Verdict: Gorgeous designs but hefty price

Frankie's Bikinis has beautiful patterns and designs, and celebrity collaborations with Sydney Sweeney and Gigi Hadid make them even more popular. Alexa loves the patterns, but she’s unsure about the quality and whether they’re worth the high price—up to $200 for a bikini. In the end, Frankie's Bikinis ends up in the “cute but missing the mark” tier.

Editorial Opinion on AlexaSunshine83's Review

AlexaSunshine83's video is honest and straightforward—she's not afraid to be critical about overhyped brands. We appreciate how she shares both the good and bad about each brand, looking at both style and ethics. Her honesty makes the ranking relatable, especially for anyone tired of brands that look good online but don’t deliver in real life. Plus, her sense of humor is on point (did we mention her dislike for UNIF’s new logo?). You can watch her full review here.

Want a Shopping Experience You Can Trust?

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