GUEST POST: DESIGNER VS. AFFORDABLE FASHION OPTIONS

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

Since I've been away without power, I have an informative guest post for you this weekend!

Let's face it, from time to time, even we affordable fashion lovers have our eye on a designer piece that we long for or save up to buy as a treat from time to time...something I did when purchasing my Rioni Travel tote a couple months ago.

Here are a few tips to help you decide when that might be best and a way to having that designer option at a more reasonable price! :)

DESIGNER VS. HIGH STREET AFFORDABLE FASHION

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When you’re out shopping, what are you lured to more – high end designer gear which exudes luxury, or affordably priced high-street imitations? The battle between the designer and the high-street is one which is routinely fought, with plenty of fashion casualties made along the way, so how do you decide which option is best? 

THE PRICE

You see a pair of beautiful shoes that you simply must have but unfortunately they come with a hefty price tag attached. You go next door to find a similar pair of shoes for $79, a fifth of the price. Whilst the budget-conscious are likely to succumb to the latter option, there are ways to get your hands on the brand name without paying through the nose for it. Plenty of retailers now stock popular options, such as Ted Baker shoes, for affordable prices so the choice between designer and high-street doesn’t have to be such a big issue. Often, the trick is knowing where to look. You’ll want to shop in a reliable retail outlet rather than an unknown company – thus preventing you from being lumbered with poor quality, knock-offs. Always shop with someone who you’re comfortable and confident with and remember to look online as well as in physical stores. A number of retailers are now available exclusively online, which allows them to keep their prices as low as possible. 

INDIVIDUALITY

If you go out clubbing in the latest dress, shoes and jacket to arrive on the high street then chances are a dozen other clubbers will be wearing the same clobber, right? This is when the designer shops can prove to be advantageous over high street fashion. As designer brands are more exclusive and considerably pricier, the chances of a handful of girls wearing the same dress to a party are significantly slimmer. Designer fashion items, in this sense, boost greater individuality compared to the more mainstream, high street alternatives. For those unable to stretch their finances to afford a full outfit of designer clothing, why not supplement a few choice pieces with high-street options? That way you can create a look which is totally unique and which embodies the best of both worlds. 

QUALITY

Whether designer items are better quality than high street products is debatable but generally speaking products that have a bigger price point will use better quality materials and manufacturing processes. Where this is true, paying a three figure sum for a new jacket that will last you three seasons wear may be a more cost-effective solution than paying a two-figure sum for a jacket that will only last one season.

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Thank you all again for your patience, and I truly hope to have power and be fully back online as soon as I can!

Have a Wonderful Weekend and I'm thinking of all of you who are still suffering the effects of Hurricane Sandy...it will get better! :)