Bargaining Power.

I am a selective splurger.  I will typically save up and buy a new pair of statement shoes once a season (just pulled the trigger on these after drooling over them, and the big bow trend more generally — eep!  September can’t come soon enough!); a fab designer dress for a special occasion every few months (which of these should I go with?!); and a high-end handbag/pair of sunglasses/wallet/accessory of some kind once a year.  But, for the most part, I try to bargain hunt to get the look for less.  Aujourd’hui, I’m sharing eight of my favorite #budgetbuy versions of more expensive, trendy styles on the market right now.  (I also recently shared some affordable ways to get the look of street style starlets.)

Bargain No. 1: The Ruffled Shirtdress.

Poplin/shirting/stripes have been errrrrywhere this season, and I’m loving all the feminine detailing so many of them boast, from flared sleeves to asymmetrical necklines to ruffles.  For example: this striped, ruffled shirtdress from Alexis ($585) is so my style — perfect for Church on Sunday or a backyard BBQ (that back!!), especially with some espadrilles.

Get the look for less with this crisp white Banana Republic ruffled pretty ($98):

Bargain No. 2: The Pom-Pommed Mule.

I’m sorry if you’re tired of hearing about mules (I recently shared a ton of my favorite bow-topped styles)…but I recently discovered the hot new footwear line Sanayi 313, and have seen their mules on a few street style stars, a la this chic pea:

You can snag her pom-pommed flats from Sanayi 313 here ($715) —

— Or you can get the look for less with these babies from Mango ($80)!

Bargain No. 3: The Asymmetrical Statement Top

This Self-Portrait top is the epitome of cool right now ($410).

Get the look for less with this H+M top ($39):

Bargain No. 4: The Gingham Maxi Skirt

OK, so gingham is maj this season–but how about the gingham maxi skirt?!  I am obsessing over these three street style looks, especially Leandra Medine in the third snap with her baller Mark Cross Grace bag (d.i.e. over that bag.  DIE I tell you.)

You can get these looks for less with this J. Crew maxi skirt ($188) or this ASOS steal ($53).  Incidentally, J. Crew’s boxy new Edit Bag ($98) channels the structure/shape of the Mark Cross Grace bag nicely for a fraction of the price.  I like it in that pastel pink hue.

P.S. — Lisa Marie Fernandez has a stunning midi-length gingham beach skirt I’ve been eyeballing for awhile for $325.  Love the bow at the waist!

Bargain No. 5: The Marabou Slide

I can already tell these are going to be polarizing for you lovelies.  A few of you chic peas have shared that you’ve already bought the Brother Vellies Lamu slide ($285 — more sizes/colors here and here) — these are quickly becoming a cult classic, and I personally deeply respect you for snagging these pupperoos, even if, in a year, we look back and scratch our heads in disbelief.  FASHUN, y’all.  I mean, really:

But HEY — if this trend intrigues you, but not to the tune of $285, I got you, boo.  These ($69) nail the look for much less.

P.S. — Somewhere out there, Mr. Magpie is cringing and hoping I decide to let this trend go quietly by into the night.

Bargain No. 6: The Floral Blouse

This is well-worn territory at this point, but florals are also a spring must.  (Every time I write about florals, I think about Meryl Streep in “The Devil Wears Prada” saying: “Florals.  For Spring.  Groundbreaking.”)  I’ve featured this Rebecca Taylor blouse ($195) like 3498 times already, but it’s just the perfect shape and pattern.  

Nordies has a very similar version available for $75, but I recently snagged this $30 steal from H+M to get the look at a true bargain.

Bargain No. 7: The Asymmetrical Ruffle Top.

OK, I could do a whole effusive post over the awesomeness that is the label Rosie Assoulin (ugh, the ruffles! the femininity! the over-the-top flounce and flare of it! — and, I mean this dress?!  Dead.  Die.), but this top in particular caught my eye ($1,695).

Check out this Zara lookalike, which nails the asymmetrical, flouncy, ruffled, patterned look for less ($39!):

Bargain No. 8: The Embroidered Top.

Mama mia, there are a lot of statement tops in this post.  So much goodness out there right now.  But the final one here is the boho embroidered blouse that hot line March11 popularized last season or the season before:

These babies cost a pretty penny — $700 to be exact, for the style shown below.  Gulp.  (Though, I just found out they’re about to launch a diffusion line with more affordable styles — scroll down to my #turbothot section — YAAAS.)

If you want the look for less, Gap to the rescue!  Check out this $69 steal!