Champagne Fashion Taste But Beer Budget? Here’s a Solution!

I admit it.   Even though my closet is full, I’m endlessly on the lookout for new accessories, shoes, or a handbag.  But sometimes my budget doesn’t allow for that trendy and spendy new purse in the window display.  While it would be nice to have unlimited funds for fashion spending like my favorite celebrity, that’s not reality for most of us.   No worries, though, because there is a solution.

No sooner does that mega $$ item debut in the fashion mags than it becomes the inspiration for lookalikes that are within reach of almost all of us.   Take, for example, handbags.  The original might have a price tag on it up to several thousand dollars.  A good quality alternative that mimics all the attributes of the original can be had for a fraction of that, such as these Louis Vuitton designer Inspired handbags.

Of course, there are a few things to ask yourself and to watch for if you’re going to go with designer inspired items. Here’s how to get the best value for you shopping dollars.

What is Designer Inspired?

A reputable designer inspired item has been created exactly the way the name suggests.  While it may mimic the original, the original is simply inspiration.  But because of the style, and the quality, it often is mistaken, at least at first look, for the original.

Just as you might admire and imitate the hair, makeup, and look of your favorite fashionista, designer inspired fashions are, as the cliche says, the sincerest form of flattery.

Why Go With Designer Inspired?

Obviously, the short answer is the price.  But if that was the only motivation, you might end  up with one of the street-peddled $35 pieces.  To go a little deeper, here’s how one 27-year old professional woman puts it:

“I don’t think that I could ever justify or feel okay with dropping thousands of dollars on a single purse. Even if I managed to have a lot of extra money floating around, I could think of a million better ways to use it.  So, my ‘compromise’ was seeking out high-quality replicas… because as long as it was convincing enough, I would be satisfied.”

That really resonates with me, because while there’s times I want to present the best image of success and confidence possible, I also have that frugality that was instilled by humble beginnings.   And a mother who taught moderation in all things.

How To Shop For Designer Inspired

The basics of shopping for designer inspired items isn’t much different that any other shopping.  Common sense should be your first rule.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  If your intuitive voice says something isn’t right, listen and act accordingly.  Other than that, follow these tips:

• Check for material descriptions.  Faux (fake) or genuine?  Look for variations in spellings of common words that might mislead you into thinking it’s leather when it’s really leathar or leatherette.  Whatever those are.
• Do your due diligence.  Check online, especially social media, for what kind of experiences others have had with the manufacturer or website.
• Look for more detailed information on items.  If there’s little more than “green handbag,” the green is more likely to describe your face when you receive the item.
• Check for guarantees of satisfaction and quality, as well as return policies.  As much as possible, get a sense that they’re concerned about customer experience and want to have you return in the future.

Buying designer inspired fashions can be a great way to up the look of your wardrobe.  With some careful shopping and a clear idea of your motivation and purpose, you can end up with a closet that looks like a million bucks . . . for a lot less!