Saturday, October 23, 2010

Mixing High End Designers with Affordable Brands

Most readers know that I don't ever pay full price (with the exception for Chanel, Christian Louboutin's and Louis Vuitton) and I love a bargain! Who doesn't love a great deal? I always shop the sale racks and wait for discounts, coupon codes or anyway to save a buck! Another way I save money is through ebates- sign up here to get cash back on your online purchases!
Dress: F21 Blue Lace dress (similar HERE)
Belt: Brown Leather Twisted skinny belt- XS
Pumps: Ann Taylor Porcini Pumps-size 5 (sold HERE)

A high end brand I love is Louis Vuitton. I got the LV Alma handbag late last year. It's shape is iconic and dates back to the 1930's. I love how it holds it's shape when sitting or when being carried. Some of the LV speedy bags don't hold its shape- especially when carried which I am not a big fan of. I like to carry my Alma handbag when shopping so my shoulders aren't weighed down and the size of this bag can hold so much! I love that I can wear it with a casual outfit or a nice suit for work and it just looks so classy!

Click below to see my first talking youtube video!
I love to mix and match my brands! This year I invested in a pair of Christian Louboutin's and as steep as the price tag was, I think it was definitely worth it! When my Aldo black pumps were worn literally into the ground, I figured instead of buying another cheapie brand, I would splurge and get the Christian Louboutin Simple 100 pumps in black. I definitely want the bone color  but that will have to wait. I just love love love the shape and heel of these pumps. Not only is the rounded toe perfect but the heel height isn't too high or low and is perfect for the work place.  I wear these for work with all types of brands from Forever 21, H & M, Ann Taylor, LOFT, Banana Republic and many other brands!

Dress: H & M Sheath Dress- size 2  (similar HERE)
Purse: Chanel Medium Flap Purse
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Simple 100 Pumps- size 5/35 (sold HERE)

I also got a new Chanel Classic Medium Flap purse for my birthday from hubby! We spent 9 hours at the Chanel Boutique but it was totally worth it!  I have only used it a few times and it sits perfectly in it's dust bag and box. I have 2 Chanel purses, one is the Grand Shopper Tote which I love for work because it's huge and fits everything. The Chanel Classic Medium flap purse is nice because it's the perfect size and proportion for petites! When wearing Forever 21 or H & M, I love toting a Chanel purse because it just adds elegance and style to any outfit!

Sweater: Vince Fushcia Cashmere Cardigan- size small (sold HERE)
Top: LOFT Cascade Ruffle Floral Shell- size XXSP (sold HERE)
Skirt: BEBE tweed skirt- size 00
Belt: Nine West- size XS
Shoes: Tory Burch Angela Pumps- size 5

Cashmere is not a brand of oh do I love myself some cashmere! I have one Vince fuschia cardigan that I wear all the time. It comes in XS and S but the small fits me pretty well. This style also comes in purple- so cute! 

I don't think there is anything wrong with mixing high end brands with more affordable brands. In fact- I think it's genuis! So don't be afraid to mix and match F21 or H & M even though the quality is sub-par..sometimes you can create a very stylish look by just adding a nice designer piece!
Which designers or brands do YOU mix and match? 
I'd love to hear and share ideas!