Look for Less: Gianvito Rossi Velvet Ankle Boots

Alright guys, I'm sure you all have seen these fancy schmancy boots somewhere at one point. They've been trending hardcore in the fashion world so I pretty much see celebs and stylesetters wearing 'em left and right online or in print.  Rossi's Brandy ankle boots are available in blue, gold, and black for a steep $1,075.  Now, if you have the money and want to splurge on these boots, feel free to do so, but for those of you who want the look for less, I've found a solid alternative for a fraction of the price.  

Amiclubwear sells a super cute pair online for $29.25.  They were originally $64.99, but they're currently on sale so y'all are in luck.  I got the olive colored ones, but they're also available in royal blue and black.  Here are some important details for you guys!  They're made of a velvet texture and have a pointy toe with a side zipper closure (just like the originals pictured above).  They have a chunky heel with a cushioned footbed and are approximately 4" high.  I got them in 6.5, and they fit me perfectly!  No need to size up or down - these are true to size.  

These boots seriously look exactly like the splurge pictured above, especially from afar.  Personally, I wouldn't drop the cash on the designer version, but that's because a., I'm not a millionaire, and b., I'm probably only wearing these in the winter - the weather kind of sucks here (lots of snow and whatnot) so they'd most likely get ruined.  I'm curious to hear what you guys think though.  Would you go for the splurge or the steal?

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I haven't done a look for less in quite some time now so I'm extra excited to share today's find with y'all.  Mansur Gavriel's bucket bag ($595) is an exquisite yet pricey classic made of tanned black leather.  It comes with a detachable wallet, adjustable strap, and customizable interior - you choose from 8 different shades. Due to its popularity, the bag has sold out completely - it's apparently being restocked later this year? Who knows when though!  Lucky for you guys, I found a fabulous alternative for a fraction of the price.  

Baginc sells a similar piece HERE for $109, which is $486 cheaper (!!!) As you can see, it looks a lot like the Gavriel, and by "a lot," I mean pretty much identical.  Let's talk differences though! The designer-inspired version is made of calf leather and is slightly smaller than the original - here are dimensions for you guys:  11.8" H x 9.8" W x 5.9" D vs.  12.25" H x 10" W x 6" D.  It doesn't come with a detachable wallet, and obviously, it's missing the Mansur Gavriel logo.  If those aren't dealbreakers for y'all, I highly recommend this bag!  It's super cute and versatile - perfect for daily wear. If you get sick of carrying your everyday tote, you can swap it out with this!  

What do you guys think of this look for less?  Is this something you would carry?

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Look for Less: Steve Madden Fringe Booties

I'm totally excited to share today's post with you guys because I haven't done a "Look for Less" in AGES.  For those of you who have been following along, you all know that I'm utterly obsessed with my Shoetopia fringe boots - I styled them HERE not too long ago.  How is this relevant, you ask?  Well, I went window-shopping recently, and I saw these Steve Madden booties at the mall.  I couldn't help but notice how similar they were so here we are!

The SM booties (pictured above) are currently selling for $99.99, while my shoes only cost $36.99 + free US shipping.  Since I've worn both pairs, I can give you guys an accurate breakdown.  The differences between the two are small, but let's discuss them anyhow.  Let's start with color! They're both taupe, but as you can see, the SM version is darker.  Obviously that boils down to personal preference, but in my humble opinion, the lighter color's easier to style.  Moving onto heel height, SM's version is 3" high, while Shoetopia's is 3.25" high.  I go with the latter again - since they're equally comfy, I prefer to have the extra quarter inch.  Note: both have side zips.

The main difference lies in the fringe detailing - which you can see clearly in the shot above and below - and material.  The SM version is made of part-suede (the top segment), while Shoetopia's is faux-suede.  Some may actually prefer the latter since it's animal/vegan friendly, and as a plus, there's fur inside for max comfort and warmth.  All in all, I'd go with the "steal."  The design's equally cute and comfy so I can't really justify spending the extra $63.  That's up to you guys though!  Clicky HERE if you'd like the purchase the "splurge" and HERE to cop the "steal."

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Look for Less: Beach Bunny Swimwear

Alrighty y'all, summer's comin' and that means it's time for sexy @$$ swimwear.  I've always been a huge fan of Beach Bunny swimwear, and I thought it'd be fun to find a fab alternative for you guys.  The first two shots are from the BB website.  Love, love, LOVE the lace trim - super sexy and flattering for sure.  For those of you who want to save some cash but get the same look, keep scrollin'.

Freakin' adorable but $200+? *sniffle* FYI: you can browse their collection here if you'd like.For $23.64, you can get a totally adorable L4L at +AMI Clubwear.  I own the bikini pictured below & also have a purple lace two-piece from Beach Bunny.  They honestly pretty much look the same except my look for less has a pucker back bottom.

Also available in three other colors:  red, pink, and fuschia.

What do you guys think of my L4L - yah or nah? Let me know if you'd like me to find an affordable alternative for you!

PS.  Don't forget to enter my current giveaways HERE.  I'm raffling away some seriously awesome swag.

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Look for Less: The Chanel Boy

A while back, I spent (basically) all my money on a Chanel Boy bag.  I had admired the brand for SO long - ever since I was a kid - and I had finally saved enough moolah to buy one.  I was hella poor but giddy like a 5-year-old opening presents on Christmas day, ha.  

It was def. an investment - in case you guys were wondering, I have zero regret  - but I work two jobs in addition to blogging full-time, performing, and studying for a doctoral degree AND second master's so treating myself is a necessity, ha!  My occasional splurges and at-home spa nights keep me sane and HAPPY.

  

With that said, not everyone can afford a boy bag hence I jumped at the opportunity to review Bag Inc's Chanel-inspired medium leather bag.  It's made of high-quality leather and has antique silver metal hardware.  To be honest, it really does look like the real deal from afar, haha.  What gives it away is the logo.  If you're lusting over the original design, this version is a GREAT alternative.  Available here for $109 (versus $4500+) in several colors.  

If you have any questions, shoot me an email (sensiblestylista87@gmail.com) or leave me a comment below.  I own both so I can give you feedback/advice.

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Look for Less: Christian Dior Quilted Cap Toe Heels

Lusting for these sexy Christian Dior cap toe pumps but don't want to dish out $725? Yeah, I'm just gonna go ahead and say "you're welcome" in advance because I found you guys a KILLER look for less.  Before we talk about my very "sensible" (hardy har har) alternative, let's examine these heels. They're black (obvi), 4" high, and made of quilted leather. Now, these babies are totes sold out online, but if you'd like to drool over more pics, clicky here.

Now, let's move onto exhibit B.  These equally sexy heels are available at +AMI Clubwear for $20.34 (!!!!) I own these shoes personally so I vouch for these loves (again, obvi).  These kicks literally look IDENTICAL to the Christian Dior's pictured above, minus the leather.  The faux-leather is on point though - you'll be PLEASANTLY surprised with the quality.  I promise you'll adore these heels - perfect for day AND night, work AND play, so on and so worth.  Basically they're awesome, and you'll wear them all the time.

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Look for Less: House of Harlow 1960 Chelsea Sunglasses

YAY! It's time for another "Look for Less".  I absolutely LOVE sharing these posts. I'm definitely going to do more of them in the future - perhaps on a weekly basis.  Anywho, for today's post I featured House of Harlow's stunning Chelsea sunnies. Celebs like Miley Cyrus and Nicole Ritchie have been spotted wearing these trendy shades (pictured below).

These photos are obviously not mine, haha!

Here's a close-up for you guys!  Don't these sunnies ooze hollywood glamour? *swoons*  These shades are amazing...and pricey ($138 to be exact), BUT I found an amazing alternative for y'all because I'm so "sensible", haha.

TA-DA!  These fab cat-eyes are available at +FREYRS for $9.95 HERE.  Now, I'm no mathematician but $138 vs $10?  Yeah.  Serious winning goin' on for sure.  Trust me when I say Freyrs is on point - their sunglasses seriously don't disappoint.  I legit LOVE every pair they send me. Designer quality for a FRACTION of the price? I think yes.  

FYI: I own these personally... like all the other picks I present to y'all in my "Look for Less" & "Find of the Day" series'.  I would never recommend something I didn't love myself.  Please let me know if you guys have any questions by commenting below, tweeting me, whatever.  I'm pretty much active on every social media platform so I'm easy to get in touch with *smiles*

What designer pieces are you lusting for? 

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Look for Less: The MIlly Bikini - Triangl Swimwear

Alright guys, I know it's been a while since I last did one of these posts but better late than never, right?  Super excited to share today's look for less!  I'm sure y'all have seen the famous Milly bikini from Triangl Swimwear at some point.

Definitely one of the SEXIEST swimsuits I've seen.  Love at first sight for sure, ha!  The black trim = so fancy.  This stunning two-piece is available for $89 + a flat rate of $20 for shipping.  $109 for a fab two-piece isn't unreasonable per se, BUT I found y'all an AMAZING alternative on +OASAP and just had to share.  It looks exactly like the Milly, and I own it so I can vouch for the quality.

I featured it HERE last summer! Here's a pic from the post...

It's actually my favorite swimsuit!  Heads up, the Oasap version is NOT neoprene - just letting you know!  If you're lookin' for that specific material, go with the Triangl version.  This stunning suit is available HERE in different colors for $18.77 + free shipping.  FYI:  shipping takes 10-25 days so remember to be patient.  

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Look for Less: DVF Zarita Lace Dress

I haven't done a "Look for Less" post in a while so I thought, why not?  For today's blast, I'm sharing a fab find with you guys!  I've always been a HUGE fan of Diane von Furstenberg, but let's be real here errbody.  You gots to spend serious moolah to score one of her designs SO I've found y'all a SWEET affordable alternative because I'm all sorts of helpful.  

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Splurge vs. Save

Alright ya'll, for today's post I'll be sharing my favorite knock-offs with you guys.  Credit Card Insider asked me to blog about my fave looks-for-less, and I very happily obliged.  You guys know I'm all about the affordable choices (99% of the time, ha).  Anywho, I'll be sharing my three knock-off bags with you guys!

1.  Celine Trapeze Multicolor

LEFT ($2000+) / RIGHT ($52)

Sorry guys, I couldn't find the exact price for the designer version, but I know it's well over 2k. Anywho, I won this bag from TLNIQUE a while back.  She was hosting a giveaway with The Quiet Riot, and I was the lucky winner.  It probably looks familiar - I've styled it in several different outfit posts. HOWEVER, I think I have an even better option for you guys!  

Chicwish sells this exact knock-off HERE for only $61.97.  It's slightly more expensive than the one I'm carrying, but I think the quality is better - I had issues with the magnetic clasp on my QR version.  My beige bag from Chicwish has been amazing though!  I say spend a few more bucks to get the most bang for your buck.

2.  Phillip Lim Pashli Crossbody

LEFT ($750) / RIGHT ($32.99)

I've been DROOLING over this Pashli bag for MONTHS so when the gorgeous Elissa from LucyMint sent me this designer-inspired crossbody, I jumped for joy.  Seriously though, ha. I carry this bag everywhere.  It's one current faves!  See how often I've been featuring it? Anywho, clicky HERE to buy it yourself...

LEFT ON HOUSTON / THE PLEATED SKIRT / THE TIERED CHIFFON DRESS

3.  Celine Trapeze Nude

Remember the nude trapeze I mentioned previously?  Yeah, here you go!  Isn't it FAB? Clicky HERE to purchase this baby from Chicwish.

I mean, look at this bag?  How could you NOT love it.  OH, and clicky HERE for my Ombre Maxi post.

What do you guys think about designer knock-offs?  Are looks-for-less a do or don't?

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