Getting "The Look" for Less

If you're like me, you've often experienced the exhilaration of seeing some absolutely amazing piece of clothing, jewelry or accessory only to have your hopes of owning it crushed once you've peeped the price tag.  Nowadays there's no need to curse your meager funds because there is almost always a cheaper way to create the look for less money.

The season's most popular trends are often copied at various price points because the fashion industry realizes that while many of us would like to own the latest styles, not all of us can afford to spend a small fortune on them.

Check out these items and their less expensive alternatives:

The shoes on the left are by Giuseppi Zanotti ($455). The shoes on the right can be purchased at Bakers.com for $60.

I fell in love with these retro looks featured in the September 2010 issue of Vogue:

              
Want that dainty red leather bow belt?  Well, it's Prada, and it's $355! But you can get the look with these copies for much, much less:

Saksfifthavenue.com ($85) and Asos.com ($11)

If you are digging the leather harness trend...

Zana Bayne is the "goto" designer for a variety of stylish harnesses and belts. 

A Zana Bayne basic harness such as the one on the left will cost you $100. A similar style like the one on the right can be purchased for $27 at Asos.com.

So you see, there's no need to fret if your budget doesn't allow you to support the current hot designer's ridiculously lavish lifestyle.  With a keen eye and a little patience, you too can rock designer looks for a fraction of the cost.  =)

- S.