Have you ever heard the phrase, “Champagne taste on a beer budget?” I think that applies to most of us, at one point in time or another. Sure, you could buy an area rug at Walmart but you really, really want that $1,100 Serena & Lily version. You like your Ford Escape alright but you’ve got your sights set on a Range Rover. Bissell makes a good vacuum cleaner but that Dyson sure is sexy.
See what I mean? We can usually do just fine at the price point we can afford but why do we always want more? The same goes for fashion, which is the theme of this article. These are designer-inspired pieces so good you won’t even find yourself longing for more: joggers at less than half the price at Lululemon, Ray-Ban-reminiscent shades for less than $16, and hair barrettes that might have you screaming, “Versace, Versace, Versace” (in my Migos voice). Save some dough below while looking designer-ready on a dime.
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You Won’t Burn This Bra
Lululemon has developed a loyal following — and for good reason. The products are well-made and useful for a variety of sweaty activities. But, for me, as great as their gear might be, I’m not paying $68 for a longline bra, especially when the Amazon version is 69 percent cheaper. These come in nearly two dozen colors and sizes up to XXL.
Leggings Are Life
I live in my leggings — a full eight days a week. I suppose I feel comfortable doing that because I only give $20 for mine compared to the more expensive $118 Lululemon version. The buttery soft alternative on Amazon has a high waistband and ankle-length design with more than 20 colors to choose from. And, at this price, you can literally afford five pairs compared to one of the pricier versions.
Dress To Impress
Are my eyes deceiving me or is this the exact same dress with a price difference from $500 to just $25? This strawberry midi dress is the spitting image of the Lirika Matoshi design for a fraction of the price. Puff sleeves, a mesh design and a belted waist are the same on each. The only thing that separates the two is more money in your pocket.
Your Future’s So Bright You Need These Shades
I never, ever, never buy expensive sunglasses because I either lose them, smash them in my bag or sit on them. These square polarized sunglasses are a $16 version of the more expensive $161 Ray-Bans and the only way you’ll be able to tell them apart is the absence of the tiny Ray-Bans logo. (And, is that really worth an extra $145?)
Go For Some Joggers
Joggers are like the fancier cousin of leggings and I am here for it. Of course, Lululemon has its own $128 version but you can get the same look for less than $30 a pair on Amazon. These have a high waist, tapered legs and banded ankles, with 10 solid basic colors and a few patterns to choose from. If you’re looking for comfy, look no further.
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The best deals selected by the 22 Words team for you.
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The best deals selected by the 22 Words team for you.
Hoop, There It Is
Hoop earrings are as classic as diamonds and Levi’s but you don’t have to drop a bundle to get a great pair. These lightweight chunky hoops are a mirror image of the Jennifer Fisher version that carries a $285 price tag. Choose from white, yellow and rose gold; actually, choose all three because you can have a trio for $42 and not feel a bit guilty.
All Jacketed Up
Meet your new favorite full-zip jacket, an ode to a Lululemon favorite but at a much more palatable $30-ish dollars. Long, curved seams create a slimming look (always a win), storage pockets give you room for your earbuds, and the “nude tech” material is lightweight and breathable for yoga or errands. With nearly 30 colors to choose from, you could have a new jacket each day of the month.
Give Me A Ring
Like most women, I’m completely smitten with Cartier jewelry but unless I win the lottery (which I don’t play), I’m never going to splurge that significantly. This love friendship ring looks virtually identical to the $2,450 Cartier version for less than $10. Choose from a variety of finishes, some designs with small hearts and a very inclusive size chart, which is often hard to find.
You’ve Got Good Jeans
I don’t keep up on designer jeans much, mostly because they’re not built for folks like me. But, I do love a good deal so I had to share this Revolve alternative for 80 percent less than the name-brand version. This pair of asymmetrical jeans feature a straight leg and relaxed fit with four washes to choose from — all for just $40.
Laced Up
How can something as small as a bralette cost so much money? There’s not $38 worth of fabric involved in the Free People version on the left. I’ll save my dough and go with the $24 version, which looks almost exactly the same. These are all kinds of stretchy, lacy and strappy, perfect to throw under a cardigan or casual top.
Lounging Around
Loungewear shouldn’t be expensive. Who wants to lounge around in a $300 outfit? The sheer guilt I would feel would be enough to make me no longer want to lounge. The three-piece set on the right runs between $44 and $51, depending on the options you choose from the nearly 30 available colors. Word of advice? Peep that colorblock version; it’s perfect for spring.
The Power Of The Purse
This purse hack looks like one of those “hidden picture” graphics. Look to the left and look to the right; can you spot the difference? Yeah, neither can I. The Bottega Venetta on the left will set you back nearly $2,700. The JBB woven version on the right is only $45. These bags, which come in seven different colors, are refreshing for spring right around the corner.
A Flare For The Dramatic
How are you supposed to “namaste” if your bank account is on “E” because you spent $50 on your bootcut yoga pants? You’re not, that’s how. These cross-waist leggings have that modern waist design, a flare leg and a non-see-through (important) fabric. With more than 30 colors to choose from in sizes up to XXL, your savasana will never be sweeter.
Puffer, The Magic Dragon
$3,000 for a puffer jacket? Not when I can have a suitable replica for less than $70. This windproof jacket is soft and warm with ribbed knit cuffs, side zipper pockets, a stand-up collar and a modern cropped fit. It also enjoys an oversized style so it looks chic and up-to-date. These come in 16 colors and four sizes that are roomy enough for a bulky sweater underneath.
Bodycon Artist
House of Sunny nailed it with this bodycon dress but then Seyurigaoka came along and turned a $117 dress into a $20 option. Designed with a deep V-neck halter and a sexy backless design, this colorful knit tank dress is giving me summer vibes with a tropical drink on a boardwalk at the beach. There are short and long styles here to choose from.
In The Trenches
Spring’s right around the corner but winter is holding on for dear life. This fuzzy fleece trench will get you through the last cool days of this year and be waiting for you next year. You’ll feel especially savvy knowing you spent only $120 instead of the Max Mara version that runs nearly $4,000.
Be A Good Sports Bra
Today’s sports bras are cute but remarkably expensive for no reason at all. This strappy padded workout top is a sub-$20 option that rivals the $50 Lululemon version. Made with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, it has removable cups for shape and coverage and crisscross back straps that let you twist with ease. Enjoy multiple solid colors and some cute patterns, too.
To The Max-i
Go ahead and show a little skin in this cut-out maxi dress that you’ll feel extra special in for less than $20. The alternative, a near-identical Cult Gaia option that retails for just under $300, is known by Serita and is a TikTok favorite. The Amazon version will fool even your fashion-savvy friends for 95 percent less than Cult Gaia is asking.
On Pins And Needles
Some of my favorite “this-looks-like-that” finds are in the accessories category, which is where these coin-adorned barrettes fall with a price tag of less than $9. The alternative from Versace doesn’t cost an arm and a leg but you could have both the gold and silver versions on Amazon for half the cost. One reviewer called them “so darn cute … and saved her so much money.”
Phone Home
Phone cases seem to run anywhere from $7 to $700 these days, depending on your make and model. MSCHF’s $56 phone case is pretty in line with current prices but the Lonli Edition alternative on Amazon is half the price and all the rage. Made with genuine European leather that will beautifully patina over time, it’s available in black and brown and is MagSafe-compatible.
These Electric Slides
Consider this your pre-summer reminder that it’s time to get your tootsies in shape for all the sandals and slides about to be in your future. These Hermes-esque flat band slide sandals are a drop in the bucket price-wise at just $34 (compared to $600). I love sandals that can be dressed up or down and these fit the bill perfectly.
Sweater Weather
I love it when something is “98 percent less” than another option because it basically feels like I’m getting it for free. In this case, it’s this square-neck ribbed sweater for less than $30 that I seriously prefer to the $1,200 option (that looks like someone forgot to make a neck for). There are a dozen neutral and vibrant shades to choose from.
Boots And All
You could look like one of the Mario Brothers for $1,000 or you could look like one of the Mario Brothers for $100 and I think I can guess which is more likely. The big red boots taking over the internet are available on Amazon much cheaper than you’ll score a pair from MSCHF (if you can even find them). Be on-trend now at a fraction of the cost.