Splurge vs. Steal – Navy Floppy Hat

By Whitney

Lauren and I have been discussing my purchase of a floppy hat and I am annoyed at myself for not getting into this sooner.  I was into this Rag and Bone hat that I featured last week but what I wasn’t loving was spending $200 on it.  I really loved the navy and was sad when I decided to be budget conscious on an accessory (WHO HAVE I BECOME????).  While on a trip to Nordstroms taking a break from this absurdly intense project I’m on, I saw this navy floppy hat that I loved instantly.  It was $38!!!  Now I am cool like my chic friends Anne and Lauren.

Splurge:  Rag and Bone Wide Brim Fedora – $195

Steal:  Nordstrom Floppy Hat (comes in 5 colors and I don’t know why it won’t screenshot in navy!) – $38

Splurge vs. Steal: Lace Up Flats

By Whitney

Aquazurra shoes are everywhere right now and for a very good reason.  I spotted these flats out on Saturday night in cobalt blue and I had to say, I was jealous.  I can’t  imagine the piece in the back to be so comfortable but it’s a great fall trend.  Enter Topshop’s version of the lace up flat.  Save yourself a few pennies (and blister bandaids) and pair with your skinnies to step your outfit up a notch.

Splurge:  Aquazzura Christy Flat – $695

Steal:  Topshop Kingdom Flats – $100

Splurge vs. Steal – Textured Girly Skirt

By Whitney

Ugh.  This Tibi skirt.  I dream of it.  It’s so perfect and would look so gorgeous with a matching neutral top or a black sweater or anything.  J’adore.  What I don’t love is the $550 price tag so when I saw this version of the skirt at JCrew I knew it was a must!!!  I showed it in pink because it’s the easiest color to see the cool texture but it also comes in a crisp white.  These skirts require heels in order to really pull them off but they are the perfect spring addition.

Splurge:  Tibi Ribbon Bow Skirt – $550

Steal:  JCrew Laser Cut Midi Skirt – $128

Splurge vs. Steal – A Chic Printed Pleated Skirt

By Whitney

When looking at the pleated skirts last week, I found some fun ones with colorblocking that could be a different touch for your office outfits.  This Theory skirt is pretty and would look great with just a plain white silk blouse.  A very easy outfit.  I didn’t love the price tag so when I came across this Halogen version, I thought it was a perfect substitute.

Splurge:  Theory Zeyn Midi Skirt – $475

Steal:  Halogen Sunburst Skirt – $79

Splurge vs. Steal – Cable Turtleneck

By Whitney

When the weather gets colder, sweaters seem to be the perfect solution.  We all could use a cozy sweater and Vince is always my first spot to shop for them.  They’re soft, fit perfectly and last forever.  I love this Vince sweater.  It’s just such a classic.  The only bad part about Vince sweaters are the price so when I came across this Halogen option, I knew it was a must.

Splurge:  Vince Cable Knit Sweater – $395

Steal:  Halogen Cable Knit Sweater – $70 (under $100 find!!)

Splurge vs. Steal – Black & White Bow Blouse

By Whitney

You really can never have too many blouses that go with work and play.  I have a few that are my go-to’s and they vary in price points – JCrew to Zara to Rebecca Taylor to Phillip Lim. Everything.  I love Maje and I saw this top and thought how great it would be for a simple black pencil skirt to work or under a blazer with black skinnies on a casual Friday.  I love these bow blouses because they look great with my hair up in a bun (i.e. I’m tired and don’t feel like washing my hair).  Then I saw the Zara version and didn’t even think of why I would spent $200+ extra on the same top.  Zara’s version comes in other colors too but the black and white is a classic.  Why mess with tradition??

Splurge:  Maje Gustin Contrast Bow Muslin Top – $260

Steal:  Zara Shirt with Bow Collar – $50

 

Splurge vs. Steal – Winter White Sweater Dress

By Whitney

Winter white is one of my favorite classic looks for fall and winter.  Practical it is not but let’s be real here, I’m not known for being practical.  I tried this Mason sweater dress on at Intermix with black tights and booties and it was just awesome.  So thick and cozy but I couldn’t spring for the price.  While on one of my PP research breaks, I saw this version of the dress at Nordstroms and really couldn’t even justify buying the Mason one after seeing it.  It’s a perfect substitute at a great price point (under $100 IS PRACTICAL) and you won’t feel that guilty if you only wear it a few times.

Splurge:  Mason by Michelle Mason Sweater Dress – $398

Steal:  Treasure & Bond Sweater Dress – $88

Splurge vs. Steal – Black Leather Jacket

By Whitney

I love a leather jacket.  My friend/PP Superfan Abby asked for some leather jacket advice and here are my thoughts:  if you see one you love that is amazing and classic (i.e. drapey, waterfall, gorge color) you should buy it.  However, if there is something about it that seems a bit trendy, find one for less.  That’s how I feel about this amazing VEDA jacket.  I love the statement collar but will I really wear this one year in and year out?  I’m not sure so I am finding one for less.  Cusp has their own line these days that is stellar.  I love their faux leather jacket (also lined so it will actually be warm) and I really think this one is well worth the price.  I love how cute it would be over a fun dress on a Saturday night or simply paired with a t shirt and jeans.

Splurge:  Veda Max Classic Jacket – $895

Steal:  Cusp by Neiman Marcus Faux Leather Jacket – $128

Splurge vs. Steal – Knit Blazigan

By Whitney

I own a lot of tweed blazers.  My reason being that they take me to work and they take me to play.  Not much gets me to both in the formal setting but when I saw this Joie cardi/blazer combo (blazigan? cardiger?) I thought it had to be added to my collection.  My very stylish colleague was wearing this Renvy jacket yesterday and when I saw it on Gilt, this was a no-brainer savings.  The tweed combined with the leather accents is gorgeous!  Loving both of these and how easy they pair with an all black outfit.

Splurge: Joie Jacolyn B Tweed Jacket- $398

Steal:  Renvy French Terry Leather Trim Blazer – $120

Splurge vs. Steal – Ear Cuff Request

By Whitney

A while back my friend Lindsay and I had a convo about ear cuffs.  Another reader requested the same convo so I felt it was due for a post.  Ear cuffs are definitely a statement accessory and while I’m always supportive of a statement, these are definitely not for the faint of heart.  They’re growing on me though and I was asked to find a cuff that isn’t going to break the bank.  Obviously my first stop was Baublebar and I found this great ear cuff for $32.  I mean what a great way to try a trend and keep your spending in check.  Dannijo (the queen sisters of cool) of course have a gorgeous version of this trend and I’m loving that too.  Ugh so many ear cuffs, so little time.

Splurge:  Dannijo Gwendolyn Ear Cuff – $220

Steal:  Baublebar Winged Crystal Ear Cuff – $32