this vs. that: red + black buffalo plaid

shirt: Target // jeans: Forever 21 // shoes: Target // watch: Michael Kors (on sale!)
earrings: Oh, Hello Friend // lip color: Revlon "Fire + Ice"

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Lately I've been all about comfort, which for me turns out to be a button up shirt, jeans, and flats for work. Being the bargain shopper that I am, I was able to put this outfit together (details above) for a total of $72.88 (shirt, jeans, and flats).

Now let's take a look at some nearly identical pieces that aren't quite as wallet friendly: J. Crew Factory Flannel Shirt, J. Crew Cece Flats, and J. Brand Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans...totaling $370.50.

Wow. Just remember ladies...it pays (or rather saves) to shop around! And PS...these genuine leather flats from Target are wayyyy more comfortable than the near identical version from J. Crew! Bonus!

xoxo,

this vs. that: fall boots

1.  left: Old Navy // right: Rag + Bone
2.  left: Old Navy // right: Madewell
3.  left: Target // right: Frye

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Sorry riding boots. It's been real, but I think it's over. It's not you, it's me...and my heart now belongs to ankle boots.

Jk, jk. I could never give up completely on my favorite riding boots (which just happen to be the Madewell Archive boots pictured above), but ankle boots are just so easy! Easy to slip on, easy to find the perfect fit (I don't know about you but I probably tried on about 30 pairs of riding boots before I found some that fit my short little legs), and overall they're much cheaper!

Can I just share with all of you how much I love these Old Navy Strappy Ankle Boots (so much so that I got them in both brown and black)! They're amazingly comfortable...and the best part is, they're less than 10% the cost of the Rag + Bone version! Seriously, it's a no brainer!

What are you leaning towards this fall...ankle or riding boots? Have you found any new favorites yet?

xoxo,

this vs. that: summer accessories

1 - Stella + Dot necklace ($59) // Michael Kors tote ($298) // Tory Burch sandals ($175)

2 - World Market necklace ($10) // Walmart tote ($19) // Payless sandals ($30)

Happy Monday! August is officially here, which sadly means that summer is drawing to an end in just a few short weeks. However, that doesn't mean that you can't stock up on summer essentials, and it definitely doesn't mean that you can't still find summer bargains!

Today's "this vs. that" post is inspired by a few items I've picked up over the summer after finding bargain versions of designer pieces. I own all three items on the right, and I'm perfectly happy with each of them. Sure, I'd love to have the Tory sandals on the left, but I was ecstatic to find a similar pair at Payless for a fraction of the price! Check it out for yourself...the items on the right are almost a tenth of the cost of the designer version on the left!

Have any of you scored any great bargain pieces this summer?

xoxo,

this vs that: when life gives you lemons

1. kate spade // 2. banana republic // 3. ann taylor

...you make them into a dress!

Fruit prints are everywhere this season, from J. Crew, to ModCloth, to Target, and everything in between! Lemons are personally my favorite...something about the fresh lemon patterns...and they remind me of Betty Draper's wardrobe!

Here I've found three beautiful lemon-printed dresses at varying price points. Personally, the Banana Republic version is my favorite, and it comes in petite!

Which version would you wear?

xoxo,

this vs. that: fresh florals

1. kate spade bracelet // kate spade earrings // J. Crew clutch // kate spade dress // J. Crew Factory heels
2. Forever 21 earrings // Forever 21 bracelet // DSW clutch // Forever 21 dress // Payless heels

It's been a long time (as in over nine months) since I've featured a "this vs. that" post! For those of you who may not remember, this is a regular feature where I put together two very similar outfits...one at a higher end price point, the other at a much more affordable price point. Just my little way of showing you ladies that it doesn't take a lot of money to look great!

Since florals are everywhere this season, I wanted to feature a popular kate spade dress alongside a much more affordable version! Which outfit do you prefer?

xoxo,

this vs that: striped dress + pink heels

1. Ray Ban sunglasses via J. Crew, Kate Spade earrings, Kate Spade Saturday dress, Kate Spade heels  |  2. Forever 21 sunglasses, Target earrings, Forever 21 dress, Mossimo heels

xoxo,

this vs. that: striped tee + shorts

1. Kate Spade Tali Sunglasses, J. Crew Painter Tee, J. Crew 3" Chino Shorts, Banana Republic Nicola Platform Wedge |  2. Forever 21 D-frame Sunglasses, Forever 21 Breton Striped Tee, Old Navy Everyday 3.5" Shorts, Mossimo Cork Wedge

Happy Wednesday! Here's a little inspiration for some warm weather shopping...at a discount!

xoxo,

this vs. that: coral dress + wedges

1. J. Crew Camille dress, Michael Kors chronograph watch, J. Crew Bubble necklace, J. Crew Seville wedges  |  Forever 21 A-line dress, Ily Couture Statement necklace, Target Merona watch, Target Merona wedges

Today is the first day this year that I have not had to wear a coat to work! In honor of this monumental event, I'd like to share a great spring outfit...and a near identical one that you can purchase for a fraction of the price! Or if you're like me, you already have similar items in your closet, and maybe you just need to pick up a pair of wedges, or a new necklace.

What's on your spring shopping list this year?

xoxo,

this vs. that: graphic sweater + skinny jeans

1. J. Crew Gold Bangles, Kate Spade Heart Earrings, J. Crew Cashmere Sweater, J. Crew Perfect Shirt, 7 For All Mankind Jeans, J. Crew Leather Ballet Flats  |  2. Forever 21 Bangles, Forever 21 Heart Earrings, Old Navy Graphic Sweater, H&M Shirt, Forever 21 Classic Skinnies, Target Merona Cap Toe Flats

Layering a sweater over a classic button up has always been a wardrobe staple for me. This is a combo I'll often wear with slacks, a pencil skirt, or skinny jeans and flats as shown above.

However, sometimes this combo can feel a little stale, or a bit too "preppy." This season I've seen a lot of "graphic" sweaters, and I don't know about you, but I couldn't justify paying almost $400 for the J. Crew version shown above and I wanted to find a reasonably priced version (since I don't think this trend will be around for long).

I've put together two similar outfits above, down to the smallest details. I own several of these H&M button-up shirts and they fit amazingly well! In addition, if you've never tried a paid of the Forever 21 skinny jeans I highly encourage you to try a pair the next time you're there. Seriously, they're only $10.80 and fit, look, and feel just like some of the more expensive brands I've owned.

Happy shopping!

xoxo,


P.S Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin since Google Reader will be gone in a few months!

this vs. that: navy + pink

1. Kate Spade Long Necklace, Kate Spade Pendant, J. Crew Jackie Cardigan, Kate Spade Bow Belt, J. Crew Factory Pencil Skirt, J. Crew Ballet Flat  |  2. Forever 21 Charm Necklace, Target Beaded Necklace (also seen here), Old Navy Cardigan, Forever 21 Bow Belt, Target Pencil Skirt, Old Navy Ballet Flat

 
What made me first start thinking about starting a blog was comparing outfits such as this one above. For years I've admired brands like kate spade and J. Crew, but at times could not afford, or justify spending $$$ for similar styles I knew I could find at place like Target, Old Navy, Forever 21, etc.

This is a perfect example of finding a great look, but only spending a fraction of the price you'd pay for the big labels. Seriously...that Forever 21 heart necklace on the right is only $1.80!!! It's adorable, and not all that different than the $58.00 version I found at ms. spade's. Sorry kate spade and J.Crew, I love you, but I love saving money more! ;)

I'd love to hear what you think...leave your comments below!

xoxo,

this vs. that: crossbody purses

1. kate spade  |  2. Forever 21  |  3. Marc Jacobs  |  4. Target Merona

I know many of you bloggers always include a purse with your outfit photos, but as some of you may have noticed, I don't...reason being, I rarely carry a purse! That's right...I hate carrying a purse! I find them to be inconvenient, heavy, and I end up carrying stuff around that I just don't need.

A few years back I started using a wristlet as a purse, which works for me because all I usually need is my ID, debit card, lip gloss, and keys. However, I have been known to leave my wristlet on register counters, bar tops, etc (thankfully never for long though!). Lately I've noticed crossbody purses in stores and on blogs and decided to try one out. They're perfect for the girl who doesn't want to lug a huge purse around, but doesn't quite trust herself with a wristlet (ie...ME!).

Here are a few different options ranging from "this vs. that." I hope you enjoy!

P.S. Have any of you found any great "this vs. that" comparisons lately?

xoxo,

this vs. that: chambray shirt + red skinny jeans

Happy Friday! This is the first in a new series I'll be posting weekly..."this vs. that." I'll be highlighting a pricey outfit, alongside an alternative, much more affordable outfit. I hope you enjoy!

1. J. Crew Chambray Shirt, J. Crew Toothpick Jeans  |  2. Target Mossimo Chambray Shirt, Wal-Mart LEI Skinny Jeans

So, I'll admit I'm a huge J. Crew fan. I've always loved their classic styles, bright colors, and clean lines. However, I am not a fan of their prices...and I usually only purchase from J. Crew if it's on sale, or it's truly a one-of-a-kind piece I know I won't find elsewhere.

On the other hand, this is an outfit that can easily be re-created for a fraction of the price. I actually purchased both items from look #2 and they're great (post coming soon)!

Moral of the story...affordable fashion is out there, and it's easy to find if you know where to look! Have any of you found any great "this vs. that" deals lately? Email me or post your comment below!

xoxo,