16 June 2022

Designer “It” pieces … and their less spendy sisters

Farm Rio dress, in stock here | Schutz sandals, designer version here and here | Balenciaga Bag, on sale here

Designer “It” pieces … and their less spendy sisters 😉

Ok, here’s the deal: you can easily wear a simple outfit like a white tee, jeans and a jacket. But, if you add just one designer piece, like a great handbag or a glam pair of sunglasses, you’ll instantly bring your look up a notch or two! Next thing you know, your outfit is more stylish and polished … it’s now elevated. This is the art of high/low dressing, and many of the fashion girls who catch your eye on Instagram or Pinterest have this mastered!

Today’s post is all about beautiful designer “it” pieces … AND their less spendy sisters. These more affordable counterparts are no less stylish or high quality than the designer ones; in fact, there are many great options in all price ranges, which makes getting the look attainable for most everyone. After spending many years in the designer departments at Nordstrom, I learned that mixing it up within your wardrobe is the key to finding your own style. Incorporating both high and low pieces is something I do myself almost every day, and I highly recommend it to all of you. Keep reading to see all the hottest items right now — I know you’ll find something you love!

P.S. If you’re new around here and want to stay up to date on all things stylish and the bound-to-sell-out items we ALL need, then subscribe here and never miss a post! You can check out my Instagram Reels videos here.

Recent blog posts ICYMI …

6 Stylish Staples That Polish All Your Summer Outfits 

What I Found For You: New Arrivals This Week! 

 

Street style inspo

 

Images via Pinterest

 

 

Bottega Veneta Pouch bag

Image via Pinterest

   

Left: Bottega Veneta bag | shop here and here | Right: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Bottega took the world by storm a few years ago, and every fashion girl was wearing a Bottega shoe or handbag. This pouch was on my radar for years … I almost went for it, until I saw the Mansur Gavriel version for a third of the price! It’s still one of my favorite bags to date. Loeffler Randall also has a version, and I love the gold chain detail.

 

 

Balmain blazer

 

Me | JLo

 

Left: Balmain blazer | Right: 1 | 2 | 3

A Balmain blazer is the ultimate luxury piece to own — so stylish and cool, but so spendy! I’d love to own one someday, but it’s a little out of my price range. So, on a trip to LA, I spotted this Balmain-inspired one and knew it had to come home with me. The hidden zipper and all the dickey options make this Veronica Beard blazer a top pick. L’Agence also has a version here and here, and the brand Generation Love has beautiful options. You can’t go wrong with any of these!

 

 

Hermes Oran & YSL Tribute sandals

Image via Pinterest

 

Left: Hermés sandal | YSL sandal | Right: 1 | 2 | 3

These have been the “it” sandals for a while now, and both YSL and Hermés make the best ones. Talk about the perfect shoe that literally goes with everything! You can see a great selection here and here. I have both the YSL Tribute and this year I updated the Sam Edelman version in the patent tan leather – love them 🙂

 

 

Gucci rubber sandals

Gucci sandals | Dior Dway slides

 

Left: Gucci slides | Right: 1 | 2 | 3

I splurged on these Gucci slides last year, and I’m really glad I did. I’ve worn them with many different outfits, and they’re surprisingly comfortable. These Jeffrey Campbell ones are really good versions, and so is this version and this one too. I have several friends who own these and love them!

 

 

Foundrae

 

 

Left: Foundrae necklace | Right: 1 | 2 | 3

Talk about one of the coolest jewelry brands out there, Foundrae has become a well-known luxury brand and like all heirlooms, each piece tell a story. I wandered into a well known local boutique here in Portland, Twist, and little did I know the Foundrae collection was incredible, and now I’m eyeing this one! Luckily for all of us, I found three necklaces that are more affordable!

 

 

Gucci camera bag

Gucci camera bag

 

Left: Gucci camera bag | Right: 1 | 2 | 3

The Gucci camera bag is an all-time favorite, and you’d be surprised how much fits into this smaller crossbody bag. There’s a great selection here. All of these more affordable camera bags are super cute and will complete any outfit! If you haven’t bought one yet, grab one now. You’ll wear it every day, I promise.

 

 

Manolo Blahnik & Christian Louboutin clear strap sandals

White top | Jeans | Schutz sandals

   

Left: Manolo Blahnik sandals | Christian Louboutin sandals| Right: 1 | 2 | 3

These clear-strap sandals are an all time favorite, and I’ve been wearing the Schutz version for the last two years. They go with everything, and lately I’ve been thinking about splurging on either one of the styles above. They’re timeless and they make your legs look extra long:)

 

 

Golden Goose sneaker

Treasure & Bond sweater | Madewell jeans | Golden Goose sneakers

  

Left: Golden Goose | Right: 1 | 2 | 3

Golden Goose sneakers are another “it” shoe, and they can be hard to buy since they sell out almost immediately. These days, there are many other good versions, including the brand P448, as well as this style by Sam Edelman. Comfy, go-with-everything, stylish. Who could ask for more?

 

Cute Straw tote

 

Image via Pinterest

 

Left: Jacquemus | Right: 1 | 2 | 3

I love straw totes, they work with every outfit, hold everything you need and are so stylish. I’ve been carrying this Loewe tote everywhere — the Jacquemus is a bit spendy but is equally as good. Find one you love and it will complete all your summer outfits!

 

 

Mach & Mach shoes — spendy and sparkly

 

Image via Pinterest

  

Left: Mach & Mach | Right: 1 | 2 | 3

Paris-based designer Amina Muaddi launched her first collection during the early days of lockdown, and it immediately sold out, even though no one was going anywhere! Since then, everyone is jumping on the party shoe trend, and Mach & Mach is another similar brand that keeps selling out.

 

 

Bottega Veneta sandals

Image via Pinterest

 

Left: Bottega Veneta Sandal | Right: 1 | 2 | 3

Bottega has pretty much inspired every shoe in the past few seasons. Look for square-toed sandals in all heel heights — flat, mid-heel or high. They’re spendy, but so chic — and a key style to own for every outfit!

 

Thank you for reading xx

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