DUPES DUPES DUPES

​Okay, not all of us have the disposable income to be able to have every designer piece we are coveting in our possession. I certainly don't. That doesn't mean that I don't want to wear these styles or participate in the trends that high fashion is pumping out. That is where dupes come in.

I know some people are against dupes, which is fine, do your thing. I do want to go on the record here and say I appreciate the design/style/craftsmanship of the designers creating the original designs for these products. I rely on dupes for trendy, of the moment pieces that I am not going to invest a ton of money to wear for one or two seasons. I don't need the quality of a LV bag that is going to last me a decade if I am buying a style that I'll be over by next year. For the pieces I need, I will invest and I do invest in these brands that I love. To each their own, just wanted to share my philosophy.

Amazon is my GO TO SPOT for the best dupes for trendy pieces. I love these options for accessories and especially for traveling. Even if you do own the 'real thing' packing these lower cost alternatives can reduce the stress of lost or damaged items in your luggage. Also, with sunglasses for example, I am not going to bring $200 sunglasses on a boat excursion and most likely lose them. But $15 Gucci dupes? You bet. See, it is all about the convenience, the savings, and making these styles accessible.

Here are some of my favorites at the moment that have made it into constant rotation in my wardrobe.

​So, I know I mentioned sunglasses and I am a firm believer in purchasing some cheaper shades for adventures.

These are two that I purchased a bit before my most recent trip to Florida and I love them. Both are under $20, and so far have held up nicely. Also looked very cute in my opinion.

​These headbands are another favorite purchase. They're Gucci dupes and I CAN'T GET ENOUGH. I know I've posted about them like 10 times so far, but it's because I love them that much. They are also under $10 so you can ride out the headband trend while staying under budget.

​Shirts are something I just recently started getting from Amazon and I am very confused at why I didn't do this sooner. If you are looking for something super high quality that is going to become a heavily worn and heavily washed piece -- don't go for these. But, if you are looking for a blouse to go with a specific outfit or for a certain look for an event or something. Definitely recommend. A personal fave right here...

​The Gucci belt. The Gucci belt that every fashion blogger in the universe seems to have. #blessed, I got a real one as a birthday gift from my mother in law, but before I was making it work with Amazon finds. Anna from Lifestyle By Anna Elizabeth got me hooked on this one I am wearing here. 

​Unfortunately, that specific one isn't available anymore, but there are some other great ones like it. Even if you have the authentic Gucci belt in a basic color, you can always grab a dupe in a more exotic pattern or print as well. You won't wear it as much as a basic style, so the quality doesn't matter as much.

​Last, let's talk bags. Specifically bags that you really want to be cute, but won't use as much as your everyday tote. Aka for me right now, backpacks and fanny packs. I ordered this LV dupe backpack for my trip to Disney last month, hoping it would be decent quality to tote around for a few days. It actually turned out being pretty good quality and I plan on using it to travel with in the future. The one I've linked below isn't the same exact one (that one is no longer available), but it is very similar. I love that it has multiple pockets, easy to use zippers, and if it gets dirty I don't really care because it is under $25. 

​Fanny packs are also the it thing these days but with no doubt will be out in a few seasons then back again when our future children are 20. Fashion is cyclical baby. Guess my semester at FIT paid off. I am not going to splurge on a design fanny pack unless I see them as a long term resident in my closet. Truth is, right now I don't. That could change, but for the time being, this one from Amazon will do just fine. 

One of my favorite bloggers Anna (Lifestyle by Anna Elizabeth), who I mentioned earlier, just did a giveaway on her Instagram for a super cute LV dupe that I have added to my wish list. She also always has great recommendations for affordable style and is one of my go to's when I am looking for some outfit inspo. If you were into this post, definitely follow along with her as well!


What are your favorite dupes right now? What items are you trying to save on instead of splurging for the real deal?


xx