Get it for way less - Chloé Bow-detailed Asymmetric Silk Blouse

Gorgeous, stylish designer clothing is unattainable for many of us but luckily there are many budget-friendly versions out there that can achieve a very similar look for much less than the original designer price.

This beautiful Chloé bow-detailed asymmetric silk blouse was a part of the Fall 2009 collection and retailed on Net-A-Porter at £1,295.





Chic, elegant and feminine, this blouse was worn by quite a few stylish fashion-lovers including Anna Dello Russo (below), the Fashion Director-at-Large and Creative Consultant at Vogue Nippon. She paired the blouse with a bright orange feather-detail silk Rochas skirt and a black and gold Louis Vuitton Speedy bag.




Below is a lovely and affordable alternative by ASOS which has similar features to the Chloé blouse such as the nude, silky fabric, asymmetric style and detailed sleeve. Granted, this ASOS blouse is missing the bow-detail on the arm which is what makes the Chloé blouse extra special but I still think it's really great deal.

ASOS Cut-Out Sleeve One Shoulder Top
Price: UK£22.00 (US$39.05)

Get it for way less - Christian Dior Extreme Cutout Sandal

The Sex and the City movie may be old news to some of you by now but since I was only able to watch it a couple weeks ago, it's still pretty fresh in my mind.

Like most people, I was enamoured with the wardrobes of all the characters, Carrie's in particular. One of Carrie's many statement accessories was her killer Christian Dior cutout heels which she sported with many outfits. They're so bold and well, you know, beautiful that I just couldn't keep my eyes off them!

photo courtesy shoewawa.com

However, these hotties are strictly eye candy to me since they retail at nearly US$800. Sure, they're awesome but I really don't have that kind of money to shell out on a pair of shoes...or anything else for that matter.

Christian Dior Extreme Cutout Sandal
Price: US$780.00
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod58350015&parentId=cat16010735&index=0&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000009cat000019cat8590745cat13510750cat16010735

Luckily for those of you with financial limitations like me, I found a very similar pair on GoJane for just under US$30!

I've seen a lot of knockoff versions of the Christian Dior sandals online but these are by far the least expensive versions I've found. They may not possess the superior quality of the originals but at this bargain price, they're a pretty decent buy.

Leatherette Stud Cut-out Heel
Price: US$26.99
http://gojane.com/28068.html

Get it for way less - SS08 Lanvin Dress

Nothing can compare to a real Lanvin, but many of us would have to pawn our families and other possessions to get our hands on one of those beautiful, billowy dresses from their Spring/ Summer 2008 collection.

photo courtesy style.com

Bebe, who seems to be to clothing what Steve Madden and Bakers are to shoes, has a very similar, less expensive version available online.

It has the same features as the original Lanvin; strapless neckline, pleated, billowy body, bright colour and a ruffled, asymmetrical hem. The only difference in design is the fact that the Bebe dress is belted beneath the bodice.

Ruffle-Hem Maxi Dress
Price: US$169.00
http://www.bebe.com/gp/product/B0014QX0I8/sr=1-17/qid=1212662510/ref=sr_1_17/104-8022857-1967157?ie=UTF8&fontColor=&node=&m=A2FMOXN01TSNYY&totalItemIn1Page=&startIndex=0&displayPageNum=1&bbBrand=core&field-clothing-size=&keywords=pink%20dress&firstPageItemNum=0&title=&restPageHasColor=0&myViewID=results&displaySalePrice=1&displayItemNum=&standardPageSize=12&size=20&rh=k%3Apink%20dress&page=&bgColor=

Get it for way less - Christian Siriano Blouse

Did anyone else catch the fabulous Christian on last week's Ugly Betty episode? The Project Runway diva brought his fierce flavour to the show along with his amazing designs.

Not only the models were outfitted in Siriano creations however, as he also custom designed the outfit Amanda (played by Becki Newton) wore for the episode.

I had to stream this episode online as I missed it when it showed on T.V. When Amanda appeared for the first time, I kept rewinding it to look at that gorgeous blouse she was wearing!




This black, ruffled, puff sleeved beauty is now being auctioned off on the Clothes off our back website where the bid is now at US$550.

I don't think there's a girl on this planet who wouldn't love to own this blouse (there probably is but for exaggeration purposes...). Unfortunately, not all of us can afford it and the bids are only going to get higher.

Luckily, I found a similar, much less expensive blouse online at Bebe.




It costs US$69 and of course it's not nearly as gorgeous as Christian's but for the price, it doesn't do too badly at all.

Obviously there are a few differences such as the fact that there are no ruffles at the neck and this one is short sleeved as opposed to Christian's long sleeved version. If this a problem, maybe wearing them with long black arm bands might work to complete the look.

Other than that, I think it looks pretty close.

Get it for way less - Yellow cut-out top

Don't you just love it when you find something that is almost identical to a designer item but only for a small fraction of the cost? There's nothing to describe that thrill I think. I spotted a pretty Catherine Malandrino yellow top with cut-out detail on another blog and my eyes popped at the price. I know designer clothing naturally is expensive but that doesn't make my starving pocket feel any better when I see something I like but can't get.

Luckily, I found a strikingly similar top while browsing the Lulu's Fashion Lounge website (I love this store!) and I had to share it with everyone. Without further adieu (cheesy drumroll please), the Splurge vs. Steal below.

SPLURGE




Catherine Malandrino Cut-Out Trim Top - US$345
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/28098



STEAL

Sunshine State Eyelet Top - US$31.00
http://www.lulus.com/products/Sunshine+State+Eyelet+Top/8315.html