Splurge vs. Save: Luggage Love

Anyone love the movie The Wedding Date? I thought so. Durmot Mulroney is the bees knees in my book. Dr. B might be left to the wind if fate ever put us together in the same place. If you've seen the movie, you'll likely remember the perfectly sophisticated robin's egg blue luggage that Debra Messing's character had for her trip across the pond. I recently came across an equally classic and travel-tempting brand, Globe-Trotter. Established in 1987 in Germany, but relocated to the UK in 1932, Globe-Trotter manufactures truly timeless travel accessories. I love the throwback aesthetic. I would gladly take any of these along on any of my travels. 

Despite their true beauty, I'm not a character in The Wedding Date nor do I have over 1,000 pounds to spend on a carry-on. And we here at C & C don't like to leave a girl without strong alternative to a good splurge. Enter Diane von Furstenberg. Of course the queen of fashion can cure our out-of-reach suitcase blues. The DVF Hardside Spinner Luggage is absolutely adorable at a fraction of the price - and it too comes in a range of colors.  

Bonus with this set, it actually leaves you some money to spend on globe trotting! Happy travels! 

Splurge vs. Save

I've been a bit shoe obsessed lately, and today I'm sharing a Splurge vs. Save that you don't want to miss! 

A friend of mine has these Tory Burch sneakers, and they are super cute! They are also $165, which is a lot for a non-performance "sneaker". 

Tory Burch Flat Slip On Sneakers - Jesse $165

Conveniently, another friend has these! They are nearly the identical shoe. They are equally as cute, and she says they are really comfortable.  And the price is only $49.95. 

 B.P. 'Twiny' Slip-On Sneaker $49.95

I used a $50 gift card I got from my mom for Christmas, and these beauties should be arriving on my doorstep any day now! 

Splurge vs. Save

I have been admiring gold footbed sandals for a while now. They are clearly a hot trend this season, and I can't help but fall for them. That said, I wonder will I be so head over heels next year? 

I really like this pair from Sam Edelman, especially the texture in the gold. SE makes great shoes, and they are usually very comfortable. But, for a trend, I'm not sure I want to spend $100. 

 Sam Edelman Adora $100

Enter Target. Every summer I end up buying a "cheap" pair of trendy sandals from Target and wear them non-stop. 

Mossimo Doris Footbed Sandal $29.95

I bought these Doris sandals earlier this week and am definitely don't feel any need to splurge. They fit well are super comfortable and cute!  I am usually a size 8.5 and bought the 8.

Another score for the Bullseye Boutique!

Splurge vs. Save

I've had summer shoes on my mind lately despite the fact that the official beginning of summer is months away. We are going to Paris at the end of August, and I've been thinking a lot about what cute and comfortable shoes I could wear to walk the city. 

In my online browsing, I came across these Loeffler Randall Espadrilles. They come in black and tan and black and white. I really like them, but the $195 price tag is a bit more than I had in my head since I do have other shoes in my closet that would work just fine. 

Loeffler Randall "Mara" Espadrille $195

Later in my online browsing I came across nearly the identical shoe, which also comes in the same two color ways but is half the price. 

 Halogen "Sandy" Espadrille $89.95

I do like the Loeffler Randall pair a bit more, but $100 more? I'm not sure. I plan to go to Nordstrom later this week to try both on, so I will be sure to report back. 

So, what would you do, splurge or save?

Also, as you may have seen on Facebook, Katie is out of commission for a few months, and I would love a little extra support on the blog. So, I am looking for readers who might be interested in writing a guest post. Please email cardicouture@gmail.com with your ideas! 

Splurge vs. Save

You know we love anything "Chain link" here at C&C. Our obsession started with the Angela Caputi bracelets, and now it has moved to necklaces. We love the Angela Caputi necklace (post here), and I have been coveting a larger version from Diana Broussard for months now. Remember when I first saw it on RHWNYC, and a reader helped me track it down (post here). 

Unfortunately, the $250+ price tag made the Diana Broussard version unrealistic. The price seems a bit ridiculous for resin. When I saw this photo of blogger Beth of Seersucker and Saddles, I was hopeful she had found an equally as large but less expensive version. I mean...she's wearing two of them. That must make them affordable, right?

Right! You can get these amazing acrylic necklaces from Ily Couture in 5 colors, including the white for only $34. It's almost too good to be true! 

With a price that good, why not buy two or three or all five? I placed an order last week when they were offering %40 off! 

Splurge vs. Save

One of these shoes costs $59.95 and the other only $24.99. 

Can you tell the difference? My guess is "no".

The top pair is the Steve Madden Ecentrcq, and the bottom is the Target Mossimo Dedra. They are nearly the same shoe, but the Target slip-on is half the price. Let's be honest...next year this style will be "so last year." So, I'm pretty sure you are better off spending less and putting them to rest after a season.

I was at Target over the weekend and tried on the Mossimo pair. I nearly bought them but decided not to. I'm kind of regretting the decision. If I find myself there again, and they still have my size...they might just come home with me.

I will keep you posted!

Spluge vs. Save Take II

Last week I shared with you an affordable substitution to the fabulous Joie Sandals that Katie recently purchased (post here).

Well, today I have an even less expensive option. So, let's start at the beginning and break this down from high to low.

First, the Joie Nice Sandal at $125

Next, from Naya, the Crescent Sandal only $69 (and on sale for $50.99)

And this week's even less expensive, and equally as cute option, from BC Footwear the "Gotta Try" Thong Sandal for only $44.95. They come in fun colors too! 

So, if you weren't sold at $69...maybe $45 is more to the likings of your budget! Happy Shopping (again)! 

Splurge vs. Save

Last week Katie shared with you her favorite summer sandal, the Joie Nice Sandal (post here).

For those of you who can't justify $125 for a new pair of summer sandals (Katie got hers on super sale), I found a great, and less expensive alternative. Actually, my friend Heidi found them. So thanks Heidi H. for helping your fellow C&C readers save some money!

Let me introduce you to the Naya Crescent Sandal.

They are the same style, they come in multiple colors, and they are only $69! Heidi loves hers and has been wearing them non-stop. So with a strong product endorsement and a price nearly half that of the Joie sandals, what are you waiting for?

Splurge vs. Save

Slip on kicks (a.k.a sneakers) are HOT this spring! I've had my eye on a few pairs...remember these?

Sam Edelman Becker $110

Well, I never pulled the trigger, but I have since been admiring other varieties of the style. How about these, the Vince Preston (only a mere $195)

Or the woven leather for $295! Seriously $295, for a pair of slip on sneakers?

As you know, we pride ourselves on finding the hottest trends for the coolest prices (oh wait...that's Payless). 

Anyway, because we love a good deal, once again, I am sharing a great find with you, the Ashton from ShoeMint! They come in 4 colors and are only $59.98. 

And not to make you feel bad, but yesterday ShoeMint was running a special where they gave $40 off every purchase, so I scored these in tan for only $19.98! I know, don't hate me for not sharing this sooner! I do have a life. 

Even without the discount, they are a great deal! And ShoeMint does give a discount to first time buyers, so you may have that going for you! As a side note, for those of you not familiar with ShoeMint, it is a "membership", so make sure that if you order something and you don't want to continue that you cancel your account! 

Happy Shopping! 

Splurge vs. Save

One of these black jumpsuits costs $498 and the other is only $29.99 

Can you tell which is which?

I am guessing that just by these photos, you can't. I don't think I could. And here's the good news, I am pretty sure that if you were to buy the "Save" option, most people wouldn't know the difference either.

So....which is the "Splurge" and which is the "Save"?

Well, this one costs a pretty penny....

Elie Tahari Madison Silk Jumpsuit $498

And this one...well, it's from Target and by buying it, you will save you a whole lot of pennies! 

Mossimo Women's Rolled Sleeve Jumpsuit $29.99

Splurge vs. Save

Today's splurge vs. save is for all my Portland peeps!

We still have at least a month of summer left, so there are still plenty of opportunities to wear flip flops, and one of my favorite brands is Havaianas.

This Slim pair comes in a variety of colors and sells for $26.00 on Zappos...not super expensive, but I found you a better price! Earlier this week I found the exact pair (offered in pink, gold, turquoise and black) for only $13.00 at Costco!

For anyone interested, I got mine at the Costco by Nike in Beaverton, but I would imagine they are offering them at all stores, maybe even outside Portland!

Here are my new flip flops and freshly painted toes!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Splurge vs. Save

One pair of these shoes costs $275 and the other pair only $54.95. Can you guess which is the more expensive of the two?

Click on the photos to find out which shoe is the "splurge" and which is the "save". Bottom line, they look incredibly similar and achieve the same look, but one of them is far more affordable than the other. Comment below to let us know if you guessed right!

Splurge vs. Save

It's summer, and that means it's sandal season. Kate Middleton put L.K. Bennett on the map, and I don't doubt that the Duchess would wear these on a yacht somewhere. 

L.K. Bennett 'Bondi' Sandal

But, if you aren't up for the $195 price tag, the Rampage Women's Rangler Sandal, which comes in four colors, are a definite summer success! Ranging in price from $30 to $21, these will go with shorts, skirts, capris, and maxi dresses. You really can't go wrong.

Splurge vs. Save

We've had fantastic weather here in Portland this week, so I've had shorts on my mind! This Splurge vs. Save is for everyone who needs to update their collection of summer shorts. 

Who doesn't love J Crew? They offer 3", 4" and 5" chinos. These are the 5" shorts (see below). What I don't love is the $45 price tag. Although, they are having a big sale right now, so you can get them for less. 

Despite the sale, I won't be stocking up on J Crew chinos this summer because I already got myself three pairs of these Merona 5" Chino shorts (white, grey and khaki). 

Why pay $45 when I can pay $18 (or $12 online...they are on sale right now). They come in eight fabulous colors! I am seriously considering ordering the pink and blue too. These shorts are so versatile, comfortable and the price couldn't be any better. Get yourself to Target and stock up! 

Splurge vs. Save

The seahorse print is a theme throughout many pieces in the J Crew summer collection, this Boy Shirt being one of them.  

 

While it's definitely cute, seahorses might not be the pattern of choice for years to come. Let's just say it's not quite as classic as gingham, so $88 is a bit much for a "trendy" piece. 

Leave it to Target to offer a similar style at a fraction of the price. This Merona Lawn Shirt is only $23, and I actually think it is cuter. The print is smaller and not quite as distracting. I like it so much, I already bought one.

Here's a quick shot of the shirt with some Merona shorts I also purchased! 

Make sure to look out for future "What I Wore" posts to see how I style my new seahorse shirt!