Calling all bargain hunters! You don’t have to spend a lot to look great. We love a good Save vs. Splurge around here; there is something gratifying about finding a look you love for less. We’ve rounded up a few of our recent finds and in some cases it’s hard to tell which is the “save” and which is the “splurge”. Most of these saves are under $50, a fraction of the splurge price.
There are lots of new trends out there (denim shoes, high rise/wide leg pants, clear plastic shoes). It’s hard to know what trends will work for you, so shopping the “save” lets you try it out without a huge investment. Then, if it works, you can upgrade!
Plus, there’s been a lot of shopping lately. Between Prime Days, NSale, kids going to college and vacations, it feels kinda good to find a deal. 😉
1 // Crossbody Camera Bag – Madewell vs. Target
The Madewell purse is real leather, the Target bag is vegan. Straps are similar and same size, they hold the same amount. Both of these bags are perfect for travel. If you plan to use the bag every single day, we prefer the splurge of leather, it holds up better. If it’s just a vacay or date night bag, vegan works.
2 // High Waist Pants – Paige vs. Gap Factory
Same color, similar fabric — the Paige pants have a fuller, cropped leg; the Gap Factory is a slim straight leg. Both high rise, the Paige pants have a piping detail down the center of the leg. Army green is going to be a big color for fall and winter, add these to your fall must have list and you will be right on trend.
3 // Quilted Tote – MZ Wallace vs. Amazon
Very similar in size and construction, the Amazon bag’s shoulder straps are slightly different. The MZ Wallace bag comes in 10 colors, Amazon’s comes in 3. Both are quilted nylon. Megan uses the MZ Wallace bag as a carry-on and it also makes a great overnight bag. If you missed it, we have a roundup of all our favorite travel bags on the blog.
4 // Denim Espadrilles – Stuart Weitzman vs. Lucky Brand
Platform and heal height are the same on these two. Colors are very similar, the straps are slightly different. Denim everything is trending in Europe and you know what that means — it will be trending here next. These Lucky shoes are a great way to dip your toe into this trend at a very affordable price.
5 // Tiered Dress – Anthropologie vs. Amazon
The Anthro dress is made from a better/sturdier fabric and the color is more vibrant, comes in multiple colors in regular and petite sizes. The Amazon dress comes in pink or blue. This style dress was all rage with the ladies when Christa went to Sea Island. (Read all about her trip here.) Most women styled the dress as a cover up. How cute is that?
6 // Initial Pendant – Nordstrom vs. Amazon
Both necklaces are gold plate over stainless steel, Amazon necklace is 24″, Nordstrom is 16″. Christa loves hers and always gets tons of compliments on it! These would make great girlfriend birthday gifts. See more of Christa’s favorite gold jewelry here.
7 // Woven Tote Bag – Dragon Diffusion vs. Amazon
The Dragon Diffusion bag is woven leather (comes in tan and ivory), the Amazon bag says it’s leather (full disclosure we don’t own this one) and it comes in 13 pretty amazing colors. Both can be worn over the shoulder.
8 // Ultra Soft Blanket – Barefoot Dreams vs. Amazon
Both SUPER soft and snuggly. The Barefoot Dreams is made with slightly nicer yarn, both wash well and truthfully our kids can’t tell the difference.
9 // Clear Block Heel Sandal – SCHUTZ vs. Target
Megan has both of these and prefers the Target pair, she has wider feet than Christa. The SCHUTZ are just a tad too narrow for her. The Target shoes are made from identical materials, and have a one strap design which makes them more comfortable on her feet. Target pair has a 1/2 inch shorter heel. And we all know that Christa LOVES her SCHUTZ sandals and recommends them!
10 // Oversized Sunglasses – Christian Dior vs. BP
If you are just going for the “look” of the chic Jackie O. glasses, go for the BP glasses. The CD pair has higher quality lenses but honestly both frames are plastic. See more of Megan’s favorite sunglasses here.
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Hi, loved this save vs splurge post. Christa is a knockout in the dress at the end–so cute. The #7 woven save bag is vegan leather (not leather).
I miss the recipes. I know you’re cooking…c’mon spill the beans (or pasta or grilled chicken).
Thanks for the feedback. There is a recipe post next week. Stay tuned! I posted a question on the Amazon listing for the woven bag. The description says it’s leather but it probably is vegan leather.