In My Humble Opinion, These Bags, Dresses, and Shoes Are as Good as Designer

long coat cardigan trouser shoulder bag outfit

Photo:

@deborabrosa

I love a luxurious, designer item, as much as anyone does. They are true investments for good reason, often made using top notch production processes and the best materials on the planet. Too often than not, my budget doesn’t match the price points though. I love a good, end-of-season sale, where you really can dig through the markdowns and find some real gems, but let’s face it—at full price, I generally can’t hang. So, I make it my mission to find stellar, contemporary items throughout the season that are just as good as designer, in order to satisfy my taste for luxury goods without compromising my savings account. How else will I be able to afford a vacation every now and again, am I right?Since quality is important to me, I look for pieces that are still well-made, timeless, and generally use good materials—think real leather, over faux—that will get me the most bang for my buck. At the moment, I have an obsession with handbags, dresses, and shoes. I’ve found these categories offer a lot of opportunity to spring for something cool and chic, without having to pay upwards of $1k or more. Structured bags, classic dresses with a twist, and pointy shoes—like knee-high boots and kitten heels—are all at the top of my current shopping cart lists (and I have a hunch, you're going to love them too). Take a peek below, to see what I am shopping for right now.

BAGS WITH SERIOUS STRUCTURE

long coat cardigan trouser shoulder bag outfit

Photo:

@deborabrosa

This bright, cherry red is sure to break up the winter doldrums. 

A lady bag at $70? I am sold. 

This has Y2K vibes written all over it and I am here for it. 

This one is made from recycled materials.  

It's giving me '90s, shoulder bag at its finest. 

This looks way more expensive than the price tag. 

CLASSIC DRESSES WITH A TWIST

How cute are the jeweled buttons on this one? 

I love a winter white (but it also comes in black, if you prefer). 

This chain link belt is really selling it for me. 

Comfortable and practical. All I want in a dress right now. 

This isn't your grandma's tweed dress. 

I am all about a scoop neckline at the moment. 

What is better than a timeless, ribbed dress? 

I can't wait to wear this with the sheerest, black tights possible. 

SHOES THAT GET TO THE POINT

sunglasses, furry coat, black pointy knee high boots outfit

Photo:

@kitkeenan

I would pair these with a sock now and barefoot, come spring. 

A sexy, little kitten heel to pair back to jeans, dresses, and skirts. 

Suede boots are always a must-have, in my book. 

I am stepping it up with white shoes this season; a departure from my classic black. 

A little bit of a splurge, but totally worth it. 

How cool is the western-style, cap toe on these? 

These are destined to be my new, going out boots. 

Again, white shoes are sparking so many styling ideas. 

I can't get over the delicate bow on these.