I love adding little bits of designer fashion into my wardrobe, it gives my look an overall chicness, but I only have to splurge on one item if done right. No one will be able to tell if those black dress pants are Banana or Barneys, but they will know if you painted the bottom of your heels with a red sharpie. Here are my tips to get designer pieces for less, as well as some of my favorites items that can be dressed up or down!

1. Shop thrift stores
Sorry Goodwill doesn't count. Find a good thrift store with unique items near you, these are the places you dig around and could find a vintage Louis Vuitton or pair of gently used Jimmy Choos. Try using http://www.thriftstorelistings.com/.

2. Find steals on ebay
Ebay is one of my favorite sites, because people usually want to get rid of their items. Check out my tips for buying on ebay here, and also when searching for designer items, try misspelling words (i.e. "louis vutton") as other users won't be searching the misspelled listings and there will be little competition for bidding.

3. Browse discount sites
Sites like www.Ruelala.com work with high fashion companies to create awesome deals. Be sure to sign up for emails so you can get online when they go on sale, they always sell out fast. Other good sites are Tradesy, Heels, and Bluefly.

Some of my favorite pieces that can be elevated or added to a casual look to chic-ify!



There's some iconic pieces we just will always recognize. What's your favorite designer piece? Ever gotten an amazing steal?

Well kids the second episode of everyone's favorite fashion challenge aired last night, and I already have some strong feelings about our contestants (note the some, seriously like a quarter of these people have no personality). Let's start with the best;

Ashley - Too adorable for words. Her first outfit was stunning and something I would definitely wear, (although I was a bit worried by her mustard poncho in ep. 2) and her confidence and natural beauty are so apparent.

Candice - Fun loving and maybe the most mature out of the group, her style is so eclectic and put together boldness.

Edmond - Ok is he the only one really realizing it's a competition? I like his strategic thinking, and although his first dress was pretty bland, his wedding dress in the second episode was to die for, it was just gorgeous.

Kelly - At first her loud attitude and consistent F-bombs turned me off, but now that I've seen more of her, I think she has some super unique views that aren't the cookie cutter a lot of other contestants want to fit into.


And darlings....the worst!

Amanda - If something isn't easy she really can't do it. She really gives off this rich city girl vibe who just went to FIT for funsies cause she adores Lauren Conrad. I see lots of big skirts with fitted waists in her future.

Blake - Groan. I could not stand him from the first moment I saw him. You're not adorable, you're not fabulous, you're ignorant and obnoxious. Cannot wait for the moment he is gone, I think his designs are just made crazy with everything he can think of (which isn't much).

Merline - She really seems like she tries so hard to be different, it's giving me a headache...along with all those thrown together prints. Nothing she's shown so far has wowed me, and I think her overthinking and trying to make everything super architectural will put her in a rut and be her demise.

Who's your favorite designer so far? The competition seems pretty loose right now, I don't see any one frontrunner, but do you?