Spring Bag Outlook

As much as I love clothes, I firmly believe accessories can make or break an outfit. There's nothing like a chic purse to bring an outfit together. This spring, I'm really loving the palette of nude, blushes and white, mixed in with pops of bright color like a rich cognac, turquoise or floral print. Below are some of my favorite picks for spring (including one of my own recent purchases) along with a coupon code for 20% off a great accessories website!

Farrah Satchel

I think this Farrah Satchel in blue (but more of a turquoise) is a great statement purse in my opinion. I love the gold accents and how they pop against the colorful material. This purse also looks big enough to carry a multitude of things and is probably great for traveling- I love the double compartment and gold zippers. It's $68, but you can use the same SHOP20 code to get a 20% discount!

MOLTZ handbag

I love this cute purse from Aldo. It's listed under "handbags" on the website, but I've seen it in person and it looks more like a small shoulder bag to me. The floral print is equal parts adorable and trendy, and I'm a sucker for chain straps because I think they look both edgy and chic. The leather trim ties it all together and at $35 I think it's definitely a piece worth adding to your spring wardrobe. TIP: You can save 10% off your purchase if you sign up for their VIP email list. It's quick, easy and free!

Celest Satchel (in Navy)

The Celest Satchel from Shop Suey Boutique is a dead ringer for the $10k+ Hermes Birkin tote that all the celebrities wear. The Celest comes in five different colors, including cream, black and gray. It's already a steal at $68, but you can use the same SHOP20 code from above and get 20% off. They occasionally have this tote in solid colors, but for now it looks like it's only in available in the snake-skin fabric.

I love this chanel-inspired purse from ASOS. The quilt style, along with chain strap are classic, while white is effortlessly chic and perfect for spring/summer. Admittedly, my go-to color is always black, but since it was sold out I decided to go for something more seasonal. Besides, it was on sale for $21.52. ASOS also includes tax in their prices and shipping is always free with NO minimum spend required.

Jeffrey Campbell Look-a-likes

I have been lusting over Jeffrey Campbell shoes ever since I saw some strap wedge sandals by the designer at Free People. At almost $250 I wasn't about to shell out the money, and even when they dropped down to $130 I couldn't bring myself to justify the purchase. JC has only grown as a label since then, with their signature shoes having sky-high wedges and chunky heels, but with cute oxfords and flat sandals incorporated as well. Below are some shoes that look very similiar to Jeffrey Campbell but at a fraction of the price.

The Jeffrey Campbell Nena sandal was seen on a lot of celebrities last summer and look both comfortable and chic. The beaded mettalic detailing adds a unique-ness to the shoe, while the flat sandal ensures comfort through long summer days.

{image via payless.com}

Liverpool Sanadal, Z London, Payless $29.99

The Liverpool Sandal available at Payless have the same metallic bead detailing and overall design as the Nena's. If they compare in comfort I'm not sure, but at a third of the price they certainly give the Nena a run for its money.

Jeffrey Campbell Mary Roks, $124+

The JC Mary Roks are wedge booties that a friend of mine has and one of the shoes I've been wanting most by the label. I have a hard time spending over $100 for a pair of shoes, even if they are good quality. While I do think Jeffrey Campbell shoes are very reasonably priced for 'designer' shoes, finding a near identical shoe for almost a quarter of the price is very exciting.

{image via urban original}

Bumper Zena-21 Perforated Peep Toe Wedge, $34.40

These peep toe wedges from Urban Original look identical to the Mary Roks and cost less than $35. I am very tempted to buy these and if so, will do a review to see if they match up to the designer shoes in quality and comfort.

$15 dollar store

Sele Fitted Rose Bustier Dress, $15

I was looking for a bustier floral dress and found this one on 15dollarstore.com. I'm not sure if the purple and green is for me, but I think the style is cute and--even better--the website actually has some really cute stuff! I am personally partial to Romeo & Juliet Couture and Chinese Laundry so I was surprised they actually carried those brands (other brands include Necessary Objects, Rampage, and XOXO). Absolutely everything on their website is $15 and sometimes less. They don't have the largest selection, but they seem to constantly be adding new inventory so it's definitely worth a look. The sunglasses are Chinese Laundry, the booties are Dollhouse, and everything else below is Romeo & Juliet Couture.

shop sunglasses

shop shoes

shop cape

shop tunic

shop dress

{all images via 15dollarstore.com}

Designer Dupes

Balenciaga, Giant City Silver, $1795

I love this Balenciaga bag--a favorite of the Kardashian girls and other celebrities. However, I could never--and would never--pay over $1000 for a purse.

Jocelyn Satchel, $58

Shop Suey Boutique (an L.A. based store) has a ton of celebrity inspired purses at reasonable prices--many of their bags are $58 or less. Their Jocelyn Satchel is basically a dupe of the Balenciaga Bag. It also comes in several colors, such as the pretty plum above (yes, it is available in black).

N.Y.L.A. Shonda Clog Boot, $160

Okay, these aren't exactly designer shoes, but I've seen a ton of these style boots and I still wouldn't pay $160 for them. Besides, I saw these and knew I had purchased my own for a fraction of the price! Note: You can currently get these on sale at dsw for $59.94.

Spring Shoes, LeBaugh boot, $29.99

Spring Shoes' Lebaugh boot boasts the same chunky wood heel and lace-up style, but I think the hardware detailing and straps make it an even cuter option. I have these myself and absolutely love them. They're comfortable and stylish, and just like the NYLA boot available in black or brown. I paid $40 for mine, but they're on sale now for $10 less!

Steve Madden Caryssa Pump, $89.95

I personally am a fan of Steve Madden and see any purchase there as an investment. However, I don't have the kind of money to spend $80-$200 every time I want a new pair of shoes. I've made several purchases from Urban Original and have found their shoes to be of the best quality for the buck (in comparison, amiclubwear has cheap shoes but their quality is pretty cheap, too). The nude pump is a wardrobe staple for any girl, especially as spring approaches. The Steve Madden Caryssa Pump is the quintessential platform pump, but at $89.95 it is a bit steep.

Nicole Patent Round Toe Pump, $21.20

The Nicole Patent Round Toe pump by Urban Original has the same high heel, platform and glossy nude finish for a fraction of the cost. Reading through the reviews, the shoe seems to please in person as well, and at $21.20, you can't really go wrong.

Designer Looks, not Designer Prices

So, inspired by such blogs as The Budget Babe and just fashion blogs in general, I've decided to start my own. I am obsessed with clothes and makeup, but I don't have a ton to spend on these things (although I, probably too often, over-indulge read: over spend in these things). I'm dedicating this blog to my style, but also to "the look for less". The title of the blog post above is discount store Marshall's mantra, and mine as well. I don't think you have to spend a million bucks to look like one.

I think one of the biggest shopping thrills is finding a bargain, and I'm going to share mine with you. Comments, critiques, any feedback is welcome. I'll also take requests if you're looking for a certain style on a budget.