Are you balling on a budget these days? We’ve all been there. I know we’re all looking to spruce up our spring wardrobe after coming out of this deep winter freeze without breaking the bank. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of luxury designer items. What I’m not a fan of is spending exorbitant amounts of money for of-the-moment items. I invest in closet staples that will outlast trends but I do opt for lower prices items from fast fashion and mid-tier brands. You ask me often to offer a selection of designer dupes so you can ball on a budget. I’ve heard you loud and clear.
Before I dive into some of my favorite designer dupes for spring, let’s make one thing clear: never pass off dupes as the real thing. I like to give credit where credit is due and also share my cost-saving fashion advice with friends and strangers. I’m not going to blatantly wear knock-off Gucci shoes and pass them on as the real thing.
There are five designer items that have become seasonless and will surely still in “IN” this spring and summer.
ONE // I’m sure you’ve seen the Shrimps Antonia bag all over Instagram. This pearl embellished bag is such a statement and can dress up any look. It also retails for $695 because of fine craftsmanship. I found a dupe on Amazon for $69 and it’s as gorgeous as the original without the high price.
TWO // You’ve seen me rocking these heart-shaped glasses in multiple colors and I’ve made it clear to you that they are dupes of the Saint Laurent LouLou Sunglasses, which retail for $420. I bought them from Amazon for $9.99. They are such fun sunnies that flatter all face types. I tend to lose sunglasses so I don’t like investing in designer pairs that are sure to end up missing.
THREE // Ahhh Chanel! I’ve had my eye on the Chanel cap-toe slingbacks for years but have never been able to justify the $875 price tag. Yes, I know it’s Chanel but I wasn’t sure I would get enough wear out of them. I bought a dupe of these slingbacks from Franco Sarto last year and fell in love. The shoes have been a go-to for most of my outfits. I am currently saving up for the real pair from Chanel.
FOUR // The famous Carrie Bradshaw engagement shoes! I’ve loved the Manolo Blahnik Hangisi shoes since seeing them on Sex and the City 2 movie. They are iconic. They’ve become a staple in the closets of my fashionable women and come in various colorways. I, however, still love the original blue. The shoes are also now available in varying heights, including gorgeous flats for all-day wear. At just under $1000, these killer heels will definitely murder my bank account. I found a dupe on Amazon during my holiday campaign for the retail giant last year. The EKS pumps are similar to the Manolos and come in various colors as well. They retail for under $50.
FIVE // Accessories designer Lele Sadoughi is famous for her pearl headbands, which are actually on my spring accessories list. She also has a collection of crystal lily earrings that are such a statement. These beauties come in various colors but the white evokes the spirit of spring. The original retails for $198, a price that might not be palatable for many. Amazon has a dupe of these earrings for under $11 and in three other colorways.
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So there you have it, my first installment of must have designer dupes. Leave a comment and let me know which other items you would like me to find dupes of. Until then, stay chic!
