Designer Influenced Spring Accessories for Less
Luxe-Looking Bags and Shoes on a Budget
There’s something about brand-new bags and shoes that mark the beginning of spring -- the weather is warmer, the colors are brighter and the same boots that one has been wearing all winter tend to appear dull and worn (no matter how good of shape they’re still in.)
But with a nod to finances, many singles and families this year can’t afford a new designer purse or expensive pair of shoes, let alone multiple pairs. An emerging trend this spring is to capture the elegance and simplicity of designer accessories without having to spend the big bucks.
There are plenty of inexpensive alternatives to the many designer looks one may covet for spring.
Tote Bags
Desired Look: Big slouchy bags, such as Balenciaga
Alternative: Banana Republic has an abundance of choices when it comes to large soft tote bags. Most are solid neutral colors, such as “taupe” and “dust”, although there are a few available in patterns such as faux python. The minimal hardware make the bags appear more expensive than they are (actual prices range from $200 to $350.)
Even cheaper: Forever 21 has a huge selection of ultra-affordable, designer-influenced slouchy tote bags. A rule of thumb for such inexpensive bags is that the less embellishment and hardware, the less “cheap” the bag will appear. An example of this is the $24.80 Angelica Hobo Handbag, a slightly plain faux leather hobo with a braided strap. It’s available in two neutral colors, taupe and black.
Designer Wristlets
Desired Look: Wristlets by designers such as Marc Jacobs
Alternative: Coach is still the go-to brand for quality wristlets -- their claim that their bags will last a lifetime is serious. Their wristlets are available in a giant selection of different colors, fabrics and patterns, from traditional Coach “C”s in both plain colors (black, khaki) and brights (melon, fuchsia), to bold baby blue or lime green patent leather, to signature stripes. General prices run from $80 to $120, and the investment is highly worth it.
Even cheaper: Target has a plethora of wristlets from the brand Mossimo, in shades of grey, blue and black. Some are patent leather, others mimic popular soft pebble leather. The prices, which range from $16 to $20, can’t get much lower.
Jeweled Flats
Desired Look: Bejeweled designer flats
Alternative: London Sole, the Santa Monica, CA-based shoe store, has a loyal following for good reason -- their flat shoes are creative, comfortable and lower-priced from look-a-like designer versions. Anyone can order from their website, which boasts a wide variety of dainty flats in metallics, fabrics and various colors. Current new arrivals include everything from gold python, taupe lizard, kamo fabric and aqua or beige double-quilt. Prices range from $150 to $300.
Even cheaper: The trend of designers creating labels for Target continues, and one of the masters of shoes is currently showing his work at Target. Sigerson Morrison for Target’s Rocksie Jeweled Flats come in silver, purple and aqua. The metallic fabric features large jewels on the front. Prices started at $20.99 but some can be found on sale for as low as $7.49.
Mossimo Target Grey Patent Wristlet
|
London Sole Kamo Fabric flat
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Home & Style
Latest Articles