The Best of Save vs. Splurge

At Style Among Friends, we clearly love a good dupe and a bargain (especially with sandals, apparently!!). We’ve rounded up our save vs. splurge posts and are sharing them here – plus a few new ones!

What can we help you find next?


*NEW* CHRISTA: If you love Serena and Lily and that coastal look for your decor (but don’t love the price tags), you’re in luck on Amazon. I searched “Serena and Lily throw pillows” on Amazon and came up with so many great dupes at a fraction of the price. This lookalike is 18″ x 18″ (and the Serena and Lily is 20″ x 20″) – beyond that, it’s hard to tell the difference. Links: save pillow cover vs splurge pillow cover.

save vs. splurge pillow

*NEW* MEGAN: This Cult Gaia clutch is like a piece of art. So pretty and pretty expensive. There are a few colors in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for $245.99. But we found this one on Amazon that looks *almost* as good as the original. Pro tip: These clutches are TINY, like super duper small.

save vs. splurge clutch

CHRISTA: Hard to tell the difference between the $820 splurge sandals and the $36 save sandals! For only $36, you can add these fun look alikes to your wardrobe for special occasions. And no one will know but you!

save vs. splurge fashion heel

CHRISTA: The Tory Burch Miller Cloud sandals definitely have a cult following online, but for the $238 price tag, they just weren’t wowing me. I spotted these by Dolce Vita this spring, and for a fraction of the cost and more comfort, they’re a winner in my book! I love the light blue to wear by the pool. And, as a bonus, for about $40 a pair, you could afford a few of their other cute colors! (Pro tip: I normally wear an 8.5, and the size 8 in the Dolce Vita fit well.)

save vs. splurge sandal

MEGANBirkenstocks are not just for the hippies anymore. For those with achy feet they are a life saver and I must say the color and style selection has greatly improved since the 90s. If you’re not totally onboard with this investment piece ($99.95), try this one that looks very similar and has over 40k reviews ($29.99)!

save vs. splurge comfort sandal

MEGAN: We could all use a little more gold sandal vibe in our lives right now, but maybe not the $237 splurge sandal. How cute is this save version? How about with a one shoulder goddess style dress on a tropical vaca? Or jazzing up jeans and tee shirt for movie night? The possibilities are endless and for under $30 I might start giving them to my friends as birthday gifts. From Cinderella, of course.

save vs. splurge flat sandal

MEGAN:  If you are in the market for a dress up shoe that goes with everything from jean to ball gowns, this splurge sandal is your girl. Lucky for us, Amazon is serving us an amazing dupe.

save vs. splurge dress heel

MEGAN: Several of you requested info on a dress I wore to the Coldplay concert. Unfortunately it’s an older Madewell dress (might I suggest you stalk Poshmark?). We found two similar dresses, one on Amazon and the other is Mi Golondrina. It’s the perfect Save vs. Splurge.

save vs. splurge dress

CHRISTA: I replaced our toaster with this super cute retro toaster that’s under $50. And it’s a great “save” version of this pricey “splurge” retro toaster!

save vs. splurge toaster

CHRISTA: I purchased this splurge pair (over $50) a few years ago, but found the save pair (under $15) for our vacation in April. A two pack (black and tortoise) of the save pair is under $20! I can toss them in my purse, my pool bag, my car – no worries!

save vs. splurge sunglasses

MEGAN: If you’re a haphazard sunglass stasher like me, consider the save version of these summer essentials. Your wallet will thank you when you scratch them. They are both polarized and look very similar, even the cases they come with look the same! One pair is north of $250 the other is under $25. Can you tell the difference?

save vs. splurge sunglasses

CHRISTA: I love crossbody bags, especially in the summer. It just seems right to travel lighter when you’re out enjoying the warmer weather. These two bags are great options, and are still big enough to hold all your essentials. The Tory Burch splurge bag is $498, but the Lola Mae bag from Amazon is only $21.95 (with many of the same features and same size) – and it has 1,950 five star reviews on Amazon!

save vs. splurge purse

MEGAN: It’s no secret I’ve been rocking the white sneaker look and I did a lot of research before I bit the bullet. The splurge pair I tried is the cult fav Alexander McQueen white sneaker. They have a thicker sole, clean lines (no markings) and a hefty price tag ($580). I tried them on and they were great, but my budget did not agree. When I was shopping on Amazon, these Steve Madden beauties landed in my cart. I must say after wearing them on the college tour circuit (a true test if there ever was one) they are very comfortable and give the same vibe for a fraction of the price ($75).


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Comments

  1. Barbara Donovan wrote:

    Great research on getting an alternative to high price items. The Serena and Lily pillow and Amazon find look identical.
    Nice job ladies!

    Posted 7.26.22
    • Christa wrote:

      It’s fun shopping for the great dupes! Let us know if you’re looking for anything!

      Posted 7.26.22

Comments are closed.

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