8 Amazing Fashion Finds that Will Save You Serious Cash (PHOTOS)
What's with designers still jacking up the price tag on every garment they put together? It's still a recession, guys. AKA we ain't got no money to buy that stuff -- didja not get the memo or something? We (and by 'we' I really mean 'me') can't afford all these expensive clothes. Still, a girl loves to shop, know what I'm sayin?
And I just can't drop cash like Hollywood stars can. So it's like, hey Kim, can I just borrow that Elizabeth and James top? Or at the very least, MK & Ash, can I stand next to it at the store & take a photo with it?
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There's a way to solve this designer dilemma though. I could make my own clothing, but hell, who has time for that? Not I! How about ... shopping for the looks I love at safer prices. Hell yeah. Here's how:
Jimmy Choo vs. Tahari Carly
Would you really want to step out in $300 flats (top)? When it comes to shoes, your best bet is to find a pair in your price range so that bad weather, rain, snow, and smelly feet don't send your budget over the top.
Shop the Jimmy Choo Whirl Cap Toe Flat ($299.95) from Neiman Marcus.
Shop the Tahari Carly Flat ($69.95) from DSW.
Alexander McQueen vs. Forever 21
Shop for tops with versatility -- and things you'll definitely commit to wearing more than once. Also, these high end frocks (like the McQueen top on the left) are often too over-the-top for our day to day routine (like the one on the right).
Shop the Alexander McQueen Floral Lace Blouse ($2,695.00) from Neiman Marcus.
Shop the Puffed Sleeve Lace Top ($11.50) from Forever21.
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Elizabeth and James vs. Forever21
OK, confession: I bought a $50 top and I never wash it. I don't want to ruin it. Like this $265 Elizabeth and James blouse (left) ... would you ever put it anywhere near a washing machine? No. Didn't think so. To top things off, these two peasant tops are already so much alike that everyone will just assume it's high end.
Shop the Elizabeth and James Pintucked Chantal Blouse ($265.00) from Neiman Marcus.
Shop the Essential Pintucked Button Up ($16.80) from Forever21.
Dolce & Gabbana vs. Forever 21
When you shop with a high-end style in mind, you won't always find an exact replica 'cause, duh, designers aren't doing the same thing. I love the colors on the Dolce & Gabbana (left) floral print pencil skirt, but the retro, slimming panel skirt from Forever 21 (right) is much more figure flattering.
Shop the Dolce & Gabbana Floral-Print Pencil Skirt ($925.00) from Neiman Marcus.
Shop the Floral Panel Skirt ($14.80) from Forever21.
Theory vs. Urban Outfitters
The Urban Outfitters top on the right just looks more comfortable, amirite? The colors are softer and there's even detailing on the neckline. Why even bother trying on the high-end top?
Shop the Theory Gerine Contrast Blouse ($235.00) from Neiman Marcus.
Shop the Chandi & Lia Triple Collar Blouse ($69.00) from Urban Outfitters.
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Anthropologie/Urban Outfitters
Anthropologie vs. Urban Outfitters
If you're drawn to this Anthropologie sheath (on the left) because of the abstract detailing and the soft color scheme, bear it mind they're not the only company hitting this trend. Urban mimics the look (on right) with a different color way and a dropped waist. It makes the frock less stuffy and uptight.
Shop the Satin Garden Sheath ($228.00) from Anthropologie.
Shop the BB Dakota Lala Dress ($90.00) from Urban Outfitters.
Christopher Kane vs. BDG
Alright. Jeans. Here's the problem: jeans are different when it comes to every body type. Here's the payoff: jeans are different when it comes to every body type. That said, I bet Christopher Kane (left) is not the only designer who knows how to dress for your badunkadunk.
Shop the Christopher Kane jean ($995.00) from Neiman Marcus.
Shop the BDG Cigarette jean ($68.00) from Urban Outfitters.
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Rag & Bone vs. Fergalicious
If you haven't been previewing the selection of boots and booties, what the hell have you been doing with your time? You could play it stupid and buy these delicious Rag & Bone booties for $495 (on left) or you could scoop up an identical pair for $60 (right). Your call.
Shop the Rag & Bone Harrow Ankle Strappy Bootie ($495.00) from Neiman Marcus.
Shop the Fergalicious Lucky Bootie ($49.95) from DSW.
Do you have any tricks for keeping the cost low on clothes?
Top image via henryjose/Flickr
Written by Kylie McConville for CafeMom's blog, The Stir.
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