Getting the look for less!

I'm always browsing my favorite fashion blogs and oogling over the awesome designer pieces that I would love to get my hands on. Unfortunately, they're a bit out of my price range. (Still on that college girl budget!) While I hope to afford some of these items someday, that doesn't mean I have to miss out on the trends now.

Fortunately, I've been spotting a few items lately that resemble those designer pieces. The list is growing, so I feel compelled to share them with my fellow broke girls! Who doesn't love a good dupe?!

The first time I saw this All Saints skirt I fell in love....and then my heart was instantly broke when I saw the price. Then my heart was all stitched up when I saw this skirt at Express for $60! Hello gooorgeous! I was unsure of what size I wore so I went to the store to see it in person. The fit is awesome and the skirt is so comfortable! Score!! Can't wait to dress it down with a white tee and my beat-up Converse.

I can remember it like it was yesterday....I first saw one of my favorite bloggers wearing these Louis Vuitton shoes and I loved how versatile they were! They're a classic style, but the metallic cap toe gives them an awesome edge. It goes without saying that they were out of my price range.

I was so pumped (pun intended! I crack myself up.) when I saw Worthington's version at JCPenney's! For $37, they're a steal!

I have spotted almost every fashion blogger I follow wearing these Valentino "Rockstud" heels. From jackets to sweatshirts and rings to heels, I am a sucker for everything studded! The trend is very in right now, and while I wish I could drop these shoes in my shopping cart, it's just not going to happen.

Alas, another JCP find! Cosmopolitan has done a great job of re-creating this look with their pointed toe heels. They're a little bit more tame, but they definitely give you that rockstar look. Great for the office or a Friday night out. You can find them for $40!

I saved the best for last. Since I graduated college and started working, I decided I was going to make my first big purchase. And like any responsible girl, I decided that big purchase was going to be a designer handbag. I'd been searching all corners of the internet for the perfect bag that was going to be completely worth the (copious amounts of) savings. And I found her. This beautiful Stella McCarney bag was exactly what I was looking for.

I'm still attempting to save for that bag, but until I spotted this bag at Zara, nothing compared. I know the look is slightly different, but it's the first bag I saw that wasn't designer that I dramatically said, "I need that!" I truly felt like I was getting the look for less! For $130, it will most definitely hold me over until I gather enough nickles and dimes to grab the Stella...which will be a long time.

If you're anything like me (broke), dreaming of Valentino shoes and designer bags is just that--a dream. Thankfully, so many stores have done an excellent job of putting out items that are just as fashion forward, and you will still be able to afford rent! If you've found any dupes yourself, don't hesitate to share! Us girls-on-a-budget have to stick together, right?

Happy Shopping!