Budget Buster vs. Bargain Buy: A Bit of Blue

Happy New Year everyone! In my first post of 2012 I am revisiting one of my favorite topics Budget Buster vs Bargain Buy this time pitting Alexander Wang's Prisma Tote against Gap's Leather Travel Tote.

L-R: Alexander Wang Prisma Tote- $685, Gap Leather Travel Tote- $125

As I hunker down to brave the remaining winter months I'm banking on colorful accessories to break through the bay area grey and these bright blue totes definitely fit the bill. Like most, my pockets are feeling a little anemic after the holiday spending spree, so even though I L-O-V-E the Alexander Wang version with the awesome metal details it is just not in the budget. The Gap version is the same great color and MUCH more budget friendly. Not into blue- well you are in luck the Gap Travel Tote is also available in orange, pomegranate, and yellow.

Budget Buster vs. Bargain Buy: Kori meet Haydin

The Alexander Wang Kori Off the Chain Boot is just that- Off the Chain and it seems like the folks at Senso took note when designing the Haydin boot. Both styles achieve androgynous cool with the cut out and chain detail adding the perfect amount of edge and attitude. The Kori has been sold out for months but don't fret because Haydin is available now at Solestruck for a fraction of the price.

Budget Buster vs Bargain Buy: Jeffrey Campbell Edition

Left: Prada Platform Brogue $795
Right: Jeffrey Campbell Ad Long $165

Some say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. While I am not sure that everyone in the fashion industry would agree there is something to be said about making high end fashion ideas accessible to the masses.

While I find knock offs that try to pass as the real thing super annoying sometimes I am on the fence about brands that take high fashion ideas and turnout something similar ( sometimes very similar) at a much more reasonable pricepoint.  The peeps at Jeffrey Campbell, on the other hand, seem to have no problem with this practice whatsoever. In addition to their own unique designs they continually turnout lower priced versions of designer footwear.

I am currently lusting after their Ad Long, an excellent stand in for the Prada Platform Brogue that I have had my eyes on. In addition to the Ad Long I've included some other JC imitators below for your viewing pleasure and I'll leave it up to you to decide if they are cool or not.

Left: Charlotte Olympia Bananas is My Business Shoe $1700 

Right: Jeffrey Campbell Fruit Bowl Shoe $159

Left: Yves Saint Laurent Gipsy $795

Right: Jeffrey Campbell Jenna $145



Budget Buster vs. Bargain Buy: Neon Lasercut Clutch

Top Left and Bottom Right: Christopher Kane Leather Laser Cut Clutch
Top Right and Bottom Left: Deena and Ozzy Laser Cut Clutch

I love fashion and inevitably each season I develop a mad crush on many of the lovely pieces that float down the runways although I know I will never be able to afford them. It is almost as if the insane price tag makes me covet them even more. One of my favorite designers, Christoper Kane, sent some of the most lust-worthy items down the runway for S/S 11. I was especially smitten with the neon lasercut leather and lace pieces.

 Naturally, my heart skipped a beat last week when I came across a clutch version of the neon lasercut leather sold exclusively on Net-a-Porter. While the $530 price tag is only a fraction of the apparel items in the collection it is still, sadly, WAY out of my budget. Lucky for the bargain hunter in us all Deena and Ozzy has turned out a worthy look-alike that is a mere $39.

When I find a bargain item that helps me recreate the runway looks I love I feel like I have won the lottery. For that reason I have decided to start a new regular feature called Budget Buster vs. Bargain Buy to share my discoveries.

Hope you enjoy!

Photos via Net-a-Porter and Urban Outfitters