I still remember the first dress I bought from Anthropologie...light grey frills...satin on the top half with a lace overlay...chiffon on the skirt bottom...complete with thick spaghetti straps and a v-neck. That was a major purchase! But what I recall even more clearly is rummaging through a rack at disheveled clothes at Forever 21 months later and stumbling onto the a knock-off of the same dress. "Are you kidding me?" My heart sank into my gut.
It's one thing to run into designer dupes like a knock-off Rebecca Minkoff or a Chloe look-alike, but to find almost identical items from stores I shop regularly is a different story! Below I'm sharing my "dupes of the day" (DOTD 😉), where you can purchase the cheapest version of the items, and tips for avoiding being totally duped when adding new pieces to your wardrobe (hopefully avoiding that gut-wrenching feeling I've experienced too many times).
[Click on each item's image to shop]
Shop the look...
Top: Forever 21 | Satin bomber jacket: Forever 21 | Skirt: Last Call | Shoes: ASOS (similar here) | Earrings: House of Harlow 1960 (c/o Rocksbox ((free month trial with code JESSICASHEPPARDXOXO)) | Lipstick: NYX
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A MILLIONAIRE TO DRESS LIKE ONE
- Do your research. If you're looking to make an expensive purchase, dig around online to see if there's a similar item for a cheaper price.
- Have a spend vs. save strategy. Some items are worth the price! These are long-lasting items (think a timeless pair of boots, a fabulous winter coat or a leather jacket). If it's a trendy item that you might not wear for years to come, consider a cheaper option so you have some room for the statement spends.
- Know when it's good quality. Just because it's expensive doesn't mean it'll hold up! I've had numerous Free People pieces fall apart on me. Learn how to spot high quality items if you're taking the plunge on a high-priced piece.
- Learn to spot the spendy look. I like to shop cheap items that look expensive and mix them with investment pieces. On the flip side, many expensive items don't look expensive. Train your eye to pick the spendy looking pieces from cheap stores. That gives an overall ritzy look without breaking the bank!
Much love xo
Jess
Jessica Sheppard's blog is part of an affiliate advertising program. If you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or any related social media platforms, I may make a commission from that purchase. All opinions are my own and gifted items are disclosed with c/o.
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