Category Archives: Luxury Look-Alikes For Less

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: An Oscar de la Renta Belt Vs. A Bargain $9.50 Belt!

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It’s been a while since I posted something in Luxury Look-Alikes for Less & what better way to do that than with a belt? I’m always drooling away on the Neiman Marcus website & Oscar de la Renta is one of my favorite designers to check out from season-to-season.  I found the alligator-embossed leaf belt ($750.00) in peanut which had a really great thickness to it, which would look perfect over a sweater dress or help jazz up an LBD.

However, since the price is out of range, I found the linked front stretch belt ($9.50) in cognac from Charlotte Russe. Although the bargain belt does not have the leaf accent, its natural hue is rich & would cinch in your waist when wearing a sheath dress or for a tunic top over leggings.  It can dress up something as casual as an oversized tee or help make a ruffled blouse & pants more casual for day time. Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-ALikes for Less: Chandelier Earrings from Nordstrom Vs. Forever 21!

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Every Style Darling has an opinion about jewelry, if it should be genuine, or that fashion jewelry makes a statement about their personality & getting something cute for a bargain is essential.  I, of course, go with the latter mantra.  When it comes to earrings, I’m very much a novice, sticking to studs myself.  However, after seeing Sofia Vergara’s staggering emerald chandelier earrings at this year’s Emmy awards, I’m loving this decadent style, although I’m not wearing it.

When researching to find some luxury look-alikes for less, these chandelier earrings came up, although they are different in tone, but the luxe appearance of stones makes for a stylish neutral to any LBD or blouse & jeans outfit.  They’re an instant go-to for putting together a look for a wedding, or transforming your work outfit into something cocktail-ready for an evening event.  Not to mention, there’s a big price difference between the earrings as well.

@Nordstrom, you can find Kendra Scott’s ‘Trista’ stone chandelier earrings ($51.90), which are reduced from $78.00.  If you’re a Nordstrom shopper, you should know then that there are 2 days left to earn double rewards points through your membership! The beaded chandelier earrings ($4.06) from Forever 21 are marked down 30%.  If you shop around for jewelry on the site regularly, start clicking since the 30% off sale is for THREE DAYS ONLY!

Do these danglers do it for you?  How would you wear them?  How much are you willing to spend on such a timeless & elegant pair of earrings? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Lace Peep Toes Inspired by Lea Michele & Zoe Saldana in Christian Louboutin!

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In cleaning out my stacks of magazine clippings, I was very inspired by the adorable Christian Louboutin lace & leopard heels, which are no longer available.  I always remembered Zoe Saldana wearing them at last year’s MTV Movie Awards & Lea Michele modeling them with a gorgeous mini Marchesa dress in an issue of 2010’s In Style. 

I was doing some clicking around Shop Style & nothing makes me happier than looking through the rows of evening shoes.  I came across these 2 Lips Too peep toe heels ($49.95) in black, ivory, & purple @DSW.  I love the details in the lace, feather, & jewel embellishment.  It makes for the perfect finishing touch to any ladylike look. These were unintentional finds that reminded me of the dainty & ladylike Louboutins.  Even though they don’t have that animal-inspired touch, any of these shoes could be paired with a sexy leopard dress.

Check out previous Luxury Look-Alikes for Less posts featuring Pippa Middleton’s ballet flats, Alexis Bittar earrings, & capped toe pumps! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Pippa Middleton’s French Sole Ballet Flats!

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If you don’t know who Pippa Middleton is, then you live under a very unfashionable rock!  I’ve been keeping up with her street style since she’s the most talked about British sister, making a major splash in the style blogosphere!  Not to mention that she very proudly demonstrates how to wear some of her favorite pieces over & over again, you know like the rest of us do! Case in point, these red ‘Hortense’ ballet flats by French Sole, which cost £104 (that’s Euros).  That’s an awful lot of money to spend on a pair on these flats, which are available in fifteen different colors & styles.  Imagine how many pairs of shoes you can buy for that much money! Hmm… sounds like an upcoming blog!

Anyway, red flats are the perfect way to add a splash of personality to a casual look when you’re out & about.  Just look at Pippa in these images above, wearing a blouse with a scarf & black pants, a belted dress with a shoulder bag, printed shorts with a blazer, a plaid shirt & skinny jeans, & a pretty LWD.

For under $40.00, I’ve found seven pairs of luxury look-alike red flats from Zappos ($39.90), ALDO ($39.98), Target ($19.99), Payless ($16.99), 6PM ($14.95), Charlotte Russe ($19.50), & Gap ($34.99).

If you’re a fan of Pippa’s check her out in a Darling of the Day post here & a Basics for a Bargain post here! Also, if you’re crazy for flats, then head over to Style ABC’s (x3) for some fashionable flats, Quickie Darling Deal & Steal for a look at my favorite flats, NYC Street Style for some fall-ready flats, The Stylish Five for ALDO flats on sale! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Black & Gray Patterned Cardigans from Bloomingdales & Forever 21!

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I know I haven’t posted any of my own outfits on here yet, but I will & when I do, you’ll be seeing a lot of cardigans! It’s probably my favorite finishing piece to a look.  Some may say that cardigans are frompy or for old ladies, but I love that they’re more delicate than bulky jackets & come in so many different forms.

I saw the C by Bloomingdale’s Fair Isle open front cardigan ($152.00) @Bloomingdale’s & loved the color combination, but it was out of my price range, even though it had been marked down from $190.00. This is something so effortless to wear with a basic pullover & my favorite dark denim jeans on a fall afternoon running errands.  I even love how the picture is styled with a long pendant necklace- exactly what I would wear!

However, since we’re talking about patterned cardigans, I have to bring up the black & gray knitted geometric cardigan ($34.90) from Forever 21.  At first glance I thought the two sweaters were identical.  Alas, they are not the same, but since I love wearing black & gray during the cooler months.  Don’t ask me why, I think it makes me feel warmer!

Both can be worn to add some texture to an outfit of a silk shell & pencil skirt, or wide leg trousers with a turtleneck.  There’s over $100.00 worth of savings between the two items, money that can be well-spent elsewhere, don’t you agree?

What do you think of cardigans?  Do they regularly rotate in your wardrobe?  Which would you wear?  Which would you actually buy?  Take a look at the last Luxury Look-Alikes for Less post, featuring Alexis Bittar vs. Jennifer Lopez for Kohl’s earrings!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Earrings by Alexis Bittar Vs. Jennifer Lopez for Kohl’s!

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I just so happened to be clicking around on the Intermix site, which sells the jaw-droppingly stylish brands like Zac Posen, Diane von Furstenberg, & See by Chloe.  I knew that I hadn’t made a jewelry-based post in a while, so I took a click on over to the earrings & found so many gorgeous luxury pieces by designer, Alexis Bittar.  Personally, I’m not a big earrings Style Darling- I wear my glasses everyday, therefore I stick to studs so that my head doesn’t look too much like a Christmas tree.

Anyway, I found two pairs of chic drops which reminded me of Jennifer Lopez’s line @Kohl’s, for which I’ve written amply about here & on Culture Mob. In looking at the prices of Alexis Bittar’s very elegant earrings, I knew that they were out of reach since I’m on a super tight budget (I’m planning my next trip to Italy in January & I’m in super savings mode- especially after my last dress purchase!).

The concave teardrop earrings are $245.00 & the oval chain link pave crystal earrings in rose gold are $210.00.  While I highly recommend these styles to go with an LBD, blouse & skinny jeans look for a girl’s night, or a cocktail dress for a late-night party, they’re out of budget.  If you’re seeking just as dazzling earrings without the genuine gold price tag, take a look at the gold tone mesh drop earrings on sale for $21.00 (originally $28.00) & rose gold tone simulated crystal drop earrings for $15.00 (originally $20.00), both by Jennifer Lopez for Kohl’s. The latter pair is also available in gold tone & silver tone for the same price too!

Since I’m not quite at the point where I can drop a few hundred dollars on a whim for jewelry, it is nice to look around & see what’s out there.  I receive emails from the official Alexis Bittar website & frequent her fun & fashion forward blog as well.

Check out previous Luxury Look-Alikes for Less posts where you can shop for less expensive items similar to major brands like Dolce Vita, Salvatore Ferragamo, & Kate Spade!

Where do you find your favorite fashion jewelry pieces?  Would you wear rose gold drop earrings?  Do you like Jennifer Lopez’s line for Kohl’s?  Are you familiar with the Alexis Bittar brand?  Give me your feedback & comments! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Suede Ankle Boots by Dolce Vita Vs. Forever 21 Boots Under $30!

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I’m definitely a boot girl & I love a boot with some platform too.  Of course, this isn’t necessarily safe for an icy winter night, but we all suffer for fashion in some way or another, don’t we?  I haven’t posted in Luxury Look-Alikes for Less in a while, but these were the first ones I found in a very quick search.  I love finding a bargain look-alike, especially one with a price difference of over $200!

If you’re browsing around Neiman Marcus, ready to drool over the gorgeous, expensive fashions, then you’ve probably seen the Dolce Vita suede platform boot for $245.00.  They have a 5″ heel & are also available in hot pink! Yes, these are made in Italy & deserve all the acclaim for being fabulous, but is this a budget-friendly investment?

Enter Forever 21‘s suedette ankle boot with a 5.5″ heel.  They cost a mere $27.80 & although these are in grey, they’re still equally as fashionable as their black & pink luxury counterparts.

What would you wear these with?  Is the super high platform too scary for you?  How much would you spend on boots like these? Check out our previous Luxury Look-Alikes for Less posts, including cap-toe pumps, jewelry, & plaid tops! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Cap Toe Pumps Worn by Sarah Jessica Parker, Lake Bell, & Ashley Greene!

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One of the biggest shoes trends this fall is a cap toe pump.  No one’s saying to give up your pointed toe platforms or towering round toe slingbacks, but perhaps as an upgrade beyond peep toes, the answer is cap toe (also to solve any procrastination in getting that pedicure!).

Here we have some celebrity inspiration from which to draw, including Sarah Jessica Parker attended a press event in Moscow for her upcoming film I Don’t Know How She Does It.  She paired her cap toe pumps with an elongating Prabal Gurung sheath dress & megawatt smile.  Also, Lake Bell showed off some skin in a Cushnie et Ochs peek-a-boo dress at a screening of A Good Old Fashioned Orgy in Los Angeles.  She accessorized with M.C.L. By Matthew Campbell Laurenza cuff, a black & gold clutch by Lena Erziak, & Salvatore Ferragamo pumps.  Lastly, Ashley Greene supported Ferragamo’s latest collection wearing the designer head-to-toe, including the two-tone cap toe pumps.

While the Ferragamo brand cap toe pumps run anywhere in the ballpark of $700 @Nordstrom & Prada makes a square toe version for $650 @Neiman Marcus, there are other affordable means by which one can sport the trend & maintain a proper style budget. Go to Victoria’s Secret to see the Bebe brand pointed toe pumps in fuchsia, blue, & black for $99.00.  If you can’t commit to just two colors, try the colorblock suede pumps from Charlotte Russe for $35.50. For a softer touch of lace, there’s always the blush faux leather & lace pumps from AMIClubwear & you’ll also find the black & blue glitter pumps, both for $29.99.  If you want to show your wild side, the lace & animal print bowed pumps from GOjane are only $27.50 & would look fierce with an LBD.  @ASOS, you’ll find the striking yellow court shoe with the stud toe cap for $47.57.  Last, but not least, Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano has expanded his exclusive collection for Payless with the pearl platform pump for $59.99.

Do you own any cap toe pumps?  Do you like this trend?  Who do you think wears it the best?  Have you seen this look on anyone else?  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: The Big Jewelry Post Featuring Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, & More!

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Who doesn’t love fashion jewelry?!  For starters, the real thing is fabulous, but when you can find luxury look-alikes like these, who’s thinking about dropping some serious dough?

During my search, I came across these blue-stone hoop earrings.  One pair is $695.00 @Bergdorf Goodman, whereas the other comparable pair is sold @Kohl’s by the Candies label for under $10.  These are the perfect pop of color to bring out any eye color, especially with a boldly printed maxi dress, or if you’re sporting a ruffled blouse & skinny jeans for date night!  Next, if you’re looking for animal-inspired accessories, check out the Ikat bangle by Kate Spade from Neiman Marcus, however it runs $128.00, whereas the white leopard option is a mere $5.80 @Forever 21.  If you’re wearing solids like a sultry red, or a bright cobalt mini dress, here’s where animal prints work best in your accessories.

If you’re into two-finger rings, a la Gwen Stefani’s Rock Steady phase, check out what designers Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen have designed for their label, Elizabeth & James.  The sea urchin two finger ring costs $175.00 @Bloomingdale’s, but is comparable in the rock star chic sense to the Candie’s crystal two finger ring from Kohl’s for $11.20.  Lastly, I wasn’t intentionally looking to feature a second pair of earrings, but I couldn’t get over how similarly these drop earrings are & just had to make room for them! Between Nordstrom & Forever 21, both pairs show off gold tones, but vary in price from $4.80 all the way up to $262.00!  These are the perfect finishing touches on a look with upswept hair or a messy ponytail!

Check out our previous Luxury Look-Alikes posts for more great affordable ways to recreate these stylish finds!  Is there a piece that you’re looking for, but can’t find for less cash?  I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do my best to try & find it!  Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Pencil Dresses Inspired by Olivia Wilde, Dianna Agron, Emma Stone, & More!

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Pencil dresses are the perfect way to accentuate your figure!  What’s even more fabulous about a dress like this is that you can show off some serious leg without worrying about a short hemline.  No matter your accessories (platforms, peep toes, belts, or chandelier earrings), a pencil dress recalls Old Hollywood & never goes out of style.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon star Rosie Huntington-Whiteley dons a feminine lace Dolce & Gabbana frock with neutral stilettos to a press event in Shanghai.  The softness of the lace details adds dimension, as well as creating a longer legline.  Emma Stone is trendy in a belted black lace pencil dress by Tom Ford, paired with Fred Leighton jewelry for the New York premiere of Crazy Stupid Love.  The Change-Up star Leslie Mann rocked a LWD with sequin accents by Marchesa with a gold clutch & Jimmy Choo peep toes.  Dianna Agron promoted Glee in a velvet Stella McCartney peplum dress & towering YSL platforms.  Lastly, super Style Darling of the moment, Olivia Wilde of Cowboys & Aliens went siren red in a knee-length Antonio Berardi pencil sheath with satin Brian Atwood pumps.

I’ve selected some super cute & affordable pencil dresses that are the foundation to any cocktail or work look.  We’ll start with the printed belted sheath dress from Macy’s by Charter Club, which costs $44.99.  If you break out your store card & check your local newspaper for coupons, you can reap the rewards of this great deal that can be made to look more professional with a blazer or jazzed up by switching the belt for something metallic.  Also, click here to see this dress is available in sizes 14W – 24W.  Next, @Victoria’s Secret, you can find a form-fitting tee midi dress for $59.50, that can be dressed up or down with just a few simple accessories, but really makes an impression as a stand-alone LBD.  Kohl’s sells this illusion brush stroke dress by AB Studio, which looks like a blouse & pencil skirt, but it is put together in one fashionable piece for only $41.30.

For my fuller-figured Style Darlings, I did find a mega sexy red dress from Torrid which runs in sizes 16-26.  No wonder it’s called Stop Staring! Red Millions Dollar Baby Dress, although it costs $120.50 (which is a lot for our budget, but this is definitely a dress that you can get a lot of miles out of for work or a wedding!).  It can be downplayed for a day at the office with a printed cardigan or simply worn for a fancy night out with black patent pumps, like those pictured.  Over @White House Black Market, I came across an affordable steal of a dress- the white jacquard strapless dress for $39.98, marked down from $158.00! It’s perfect to wear this season or it can be saved for the holidays with a sequined bolero cardy.  Over @ASOS, this cafe creme cowl front pencil dress costs $46.55.  The dress just calls out for a subtle, but complimentary animal print, like a leopard belt or chunky cut-out booties.  Also, it kind of reminds me of the slinky, nude dress that Carrie wore on her first date with Big in the first season of Sex & the City!

For more celebrities wearing pencil dresses, check out Rachel McAdams & Uma Thurman at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival in Red Carpet Review, as well as a Darling of the Day post featuring Sophia Bush wearing Ann Taylor. For more Basics for a Bargain, check out my post on pencil skirts inspired by Jennifer Lopez & Kate Bosworth, as well as denim dresses like those worn by Pippa Middleton & Reese Witherspoon! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Super Strappy Black Gladiator Sandals from Barneys Vs. Mandee!

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If you’re looking for some super sexy strappy black gladiator sandals for a cocktail dress or your favorite little black dress, then check these out!  However, I was soooo enchanted by a pair from Barney’s, but couldn’t get past the $675.00 price tag.  Naturally this is b/c the brand of the ‘Zaira’ is Loeffler Randall, which is also available @Zappos, Neiman Marcus, Singer 22, & Nordstrom.

However, as a Style Darling on a budget, check out Mandee for these four-inch strappy cone heel sandals.  They only cost $15.00 & while the two pairs of sandals are not identical, they’re pretty close in concept.  Think about how much you buy for $675 & why in the world would you want to spend that much on one pair of shoes (unless of course money was not an issue)?

When I look for shoes, it’s all about getting the most for my money.  As a regular on the Mandee website & in their stores, I’ve found their shoe selection very reliable in comfort & style.  Not to mention all the discount rewards you can earn just for having the store’s credit card! Check out previous Luxury Look-Alikes for Less posts for more great affordable & stylish finds! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: White Tiered Peasant Skirts from Theory Vs. Forever 21 & Target!

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It’s been a while since I went on the prowl looking for luxury items & their less expensive look-alikes!  While ending my time here in Southampton, I noticed quite the array of peasant skirts in the mix & why not celebrate the summer with a fresh, crisp white tiered maxi skirt like these?

However, (starting from the left to right) I found a Theory brand skirt @Bloomingdale’s.  It was marked down considerably from $295.00 to $132.75, but on a Style Darling’s budget, that just won’t do!  While on the prowl for affordable skirts to fit Style Darlings of all sizes, I happily came across this middle one from Forever 21 for $19.80.  As we move to the far right, a plus-size look-alike skirt has been discovered @Target by designer CALYPSO for $37.99!

By finding these comparably priced afforadble items, you’re saving anywhere between $95 to $113!  With that money, you can invest in the entire outfit by finding tanks tops or basic tees to match up.  Also, a skirt like this calls for some serious splash & that can be found in espadrille wedges or platforms sandals- anything with a tropical flower pattern will do!  Also, take advantage of the simplicity of the skirt, like images show & throw on beaded bracelets, stacks of bangles, or layer over your top a chunky necklace to get a real summer feel!

Which items are you seeking in a less expensive form?  Do imitation designer shoes make you giggle?  Check out our previous Luxury Look-ALikes for Less posts to see the other fabulous finds that could be invading your wardrobe without hurting your wallet! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Lace Pumps From $33 – $758!

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If you’ve got a summer evening wedding coming up, I always say: Go for some lace pumps!  But what if you don’t already own a pair, then it’s time to start shopping.  If you’re first step is to check out what’s online & where, then take a deep breath b/c we’re spanning across MANY different price points here.  I know I’m always looking for something stylish & affordable, which is why I turn to some of my favorite resources like GOjane, 6PM, & Windsor Store for budget-friendly special occasion items!

However, if you take a look at the image to the right, you’ll see that three pairs of these lacey shoes are very pricey.  This (I guess) makes sense since we’re dealing with designs by Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, and Elizabeth and James (by the Olsen twins).

Some advice: Don’t ever do all-over lace, unless it’s in something by Dolce & Gabbana b/c otherwise it’ll look cheap or like lingerie, or like both!  Lace pumps would look very demure with your favorite little black dress, or perhaps something ruffled.  Of course when you’re doing lace, you can go a little more sexy with them by picking out a peep toe pair for your most flattering cocktail dress, or try dressy shorts with a silk tank to wear with the cut-out pair.  Maybe even dress up a romper or separate the pieces of a skirt suit to make it look happy-hour-ready with pumps like these!

What do you like to wear lace pumps with?  Which are your favorite bargain shoes stores? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Drop Earrings by Swarovski Vs. New York & Company’s $20 Pair!

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While I’m more of a stud earrings girl myself (what with always wearing my glasses & headbands so frequently), I do love checking out drop earrings, especially for fancy occasions. Although I have none coming up, I was inspired to search around the Swarovski website & check out their jewelry line, when a fellow Style Darling cried out for some help trying to find luxury look-alikes to another pair of gorgeous crystal earrings by the famous brand.  Even though I was unable to find near replicates to the fabulous pair that she selected, I did happen to notice a correlation between a pair of earrings that had caught my eye during my recently documented trip to New York & Company.

The more expensive pair sold at Swarovski goes for $75.00, which is a good investment in jewelry for anyone on a budget, however compared to the equally as gorgeous pair sold at New York & Company, you’d be spending $19.95!  Usually I have a link up to show which is which over the images, but in an effort to sir up some online style browsing, as well as some much-needed feedback, check out the links within the text here.  Which pair would you buy?  Would you trust your jewelry more to Swarovski for a special occasion or are you always looking for the best bargain even if it’s in a CZ? Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: A Michael Kors Peep Toe Platform Vs. A GOjane Super Deal!

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I was so pleased to find these (sort of) look-alikes!  One pair is just over $30 from GOjane & the other is a big whopping $850.00.  That’s of course b/c of the label: Michael Kors.  Although one is a buckled peep toe platform & the other is a bow back platform, you can still achieve the same sense of a covered-up ankle.  Sometimes I think this style of shoe cuts off the legline, but both pairs are also available in nude & there, you really can’t go wrong.  That’s when the style became a focal point of illusion.  For example, take a look at Rachel Bilson back in February sporting peep toe shooties.

An ankle wrap peep-toe platform is sexy for lace shorts & cowlneck top for a dressy occasion.  Or go casual chic in a jersey tank, city shorts, & a linen hobo bag. Even mix & match different pieces like a plaid button down with a zippered mini skirt! Why not try a lacey tee with black skinny jeans & a ruffled blazer!

If you’re in constant pursuit of finding affordable & stylish shoes, subscribe to the GOjane emails!  If you’re looking to learn more about the designs of Michael Kors, check out Neiman Marcus, where this item is sold.  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Animal Print Espadrilles by Jimmy Choo Vs. A Darling Charlotte Russe Deal!

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Espadrilles are perfect for warm weather days.  The natural feel & look of shoes like these make for a chic way to finish off a lightweight summer dress & bangles, a casual day in a sleeveless shirt, khaki shorts, & a shoulder bag, or for a date night in a dolman top & pencil skirt.  What I love most of these two items is the animal print, which is an interesting contrast against fashionable textures like denim, linen, or cotton.  Of course snake & leopard prints are very different & so are the colors in the shoes, but here we have two adorable heels, but the difference in price is in the hundreds of dollars!  One style is a fabulous Jimmy Choo creation that goes for nearly $400 @Neiman Marcus & the other is a super steal @Charlotte Russe for $32.50. What animal prints are you loving this season?  Where are your favorite places to shop for spring deals?  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Blazers by D&G Vs. Steve Madden!

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In for Spring is white… & white blazers do the trick for nearly any outfit!  You’re in luck b/c I’ve found a gorgeous white blazer- make that two.  Clearly, you can see the label in the image to the left, by Dolce & Gabbana‘s D&G brand.  The one to the right is by Steve Madden.  You can then guess which costs nearly $800 & which is affordably under $50.  Of course when it comes to a finishing piece like a jacket, you want to make an investment, but while we’re Style Darlings on a budget, perhaps the Steve Madden one (which can be found at Zappos) is the best choice for your mini skirt, tank, & peep toes.  Check out Net-A-Porter for more fabulous Dolce & Gabbana designs, as well as our previous Style ABC’s (x3) post which features the glam Italian duo!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: LBD from Nordstrom Vs. a $39.98 Pick from Macy’s!

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While Macy’s is considered in many ways a luxury retailer, part of what I love about the store is the great deals on very wearable items without sacrificing any quality.  Take for example a splitneck LBD & here you have one from Nordstrom for over $100 by Eliza J & another from Macy’s for under $40 by AGB.  The only difference is that one shows off a vintage feel with a jacquard fabric, whereas the other is a functional cotton blend.  Both are elegant for many occasions with bright pumps, a neutralizing blazer, or fabulous tights in the fall.  Scroll over both images to find out which is which!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: A Black Croc Wallet for $225.00 Vs. $10.80!

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Everyone has differing tastes in wallets because you have to consider size, functionality, & appearance.  Something neutral & textured like a black croc wallet is perfect for any time of year with any look (except for something glamorous like a ball, naturally).  Here we have two very similarly looking wallets, however one is genuine leather & goes for $135.00 by the luxury brand Furla, sold @Bluefly & its retail price is $225.  Whereas, the other just as stylish & lovely affordable faux leather (animal friendly!) wallet costs a mere $10.80 @Forever 21!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: Cynthia Vincent @Bloomingdales Vs. Wedges from Mandee!

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One of my favorite spring shoes is a wedge, perfect for elongating the legline, while also giving that extra support to my foot.  Part of the beauty of springtime is the variety of outfits that you can wear with a wedge like this, including a button-down & pair of chino shorts, a mini skirt with a blouse, a casual romper, & even a grafitti-inspired dress.  Scroll your mouse over these shoes to see which is $350.00 by Cynthia Vincent, sold @Bloomingdale’s & which is an affordable $32.00 @Mandee.  Regardless of cost, both sites offer free emails to receive excellent discounts & news on all the latest sales!  Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: House of Harlow 1960 Ring Vs. Forever 21!

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Nicole Richie‘s House of Harlow 1960 collection contains a wide variety of vintage & tribal-inspired pieces of jewelry, as well as other accessories & clothing by Nicole’s other line Winter Kate.  Both brand names are named after her daughter, Harlow Winter Kate Madden.  You can items from this line sold at high-end retailers like Revolve Clothing, Shop Kitson, & Shop Bop. Trends in these styles are very popular for the spring to pair with flirty florals & masculine plaids.  One of these rings costs $95.00 & the other is a mere $3.80 @Forever21. Take a look at the entire Fall 2010 House of Harlow 1960 jewelry collection, courtesy of In Style.  Also Forever 21’s entire jewelry line is just one click away, ranging from $1.50 to $24.80! Happy Styling!

Luxury Look-Alikes For Less: A Calvin Klein Little Black Dress!

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When in doubt, you always have a little black dress for any cocktail occasion.  Audrey Hepburn solidified the classic black dress with Breakfast at Tiffany’s & since then, designers have created little black dresses in every which way.  While this spring is all about the LWD (little white dress), I came across this Calvin Klein design (left) with some special pearl beadwork, sold at Bluefly.  It’s simple & elegant, perfect for an after work affair with a stack of bangles & metallic heels, however the $80+ pricetage may set you back.  The dress on the right is a Studio 1 design.  I bet you’re thinking, who is Studio 1?  Well, it’s a designer of women’s clothing sold at KMart.  Before you judge or skip reading the rest of this blog, keep in mind that it is a look-alike item for a fraction of the cost, at $12.59, on sale now marked down from $59.99.  You’re not very likely to come across a price like that for a Calvin Klein dress.  You can even get some sexy lace tights & strappy heels from Payless & not even come close to the $80 of the first dress. For some LBD advice, take a look at In Style‘s  Find Your Little Black Dress Style, as well as Elle‘s profile on Jennifer Aniston’s LBD choices! Some of my favorite LDB looks include Victoria Beckham, Zoe Saldana, Demi Moore, Scarlett Johansson, & Heidi Klum.  Happy Styling!!

Luxury Look-Alikes for Less: Fabulous Lanvin Flats!

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For a fresh take on evening or to dress up a casual day look, why not go for a jeweled ballet flat? While checking out this delightfully informative & stylish post by Marie Claire, I was inspired to reinvent a previous post about these gorgeously feminine Lanvin navy flats.  They are quite the hefty investment at $760.00, but with a little online surfing, there’s a great variety out there for inexpensive look-alikes.  Instead of knee-high boots with dark tights & a sweater dress, or ankle boots with skinny jeans & a flyaway knit, this embellished option will turn heads. 

                                       

Some of my favorite sources for great, fun flats include Payless, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal, & Forever 21.  Which stores do you love to shop in for flats?  Which brand is your go-to when it comes to comfortable shoes?  Any comments, questions, or suggestions are always welcome!  Happy Styling! 

Fashion Flashback: Marilyn Monroe & A Casual Look!

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Since I’ve recently finished reading Blonde: A Novel by Joyce Carol Oates, Marilyn Monroe has been on my mind. Not only am I intrigued by her iconic status as a movie star, but also how influential her style still is today. Young starlets today continue to channel Marilyn’s curly blonde locks & sexy pin-up silhouettes on the red carpet. As Marilyn’s life was riddled with personal demons & rocky relationships, her life was tragically cut short & Hollywood lost one of its shining stars. We have preserved images of the forever-young beauty to inspire us for evening looks, weekends in the country, & daytime. Marilyn’s richly porcelain skin glistened against sexy whites & rich creams. Her voluptuous curves screamed sex appeal & lush femininity in sweetheart necklines & pencil dresses. Her blend of All-American & sultry radiated in dark denim & belted outfits with heels.  Here’s an effortless three-piece look that the misunderstood comedienne pulls off in true Hollywood style:

While this is a black & white image, here’s something understated that I found to represent Marilyn’s minimal off-camera style:

   

Top (American Apparel), Pants (Forever 21), & Shoes (DSW).

Keep an eye out for more blogs on Marilyn’s timeless style, as well as flashbacks of Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Leigh, Jean Harlow, & many more!  Happy Styling!