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The Look for Less
Chloe Carlina Dupes

When it comes to designer items I am not normally that bothered (except when it comes to vintage Mulberry handbags), I like to see the collections and be inspired but I am a total cheapskate! Sunglasses especially, I love the look of designer but I tend to buy Primark styles - clumsy person + a toddler usually equals breakages so I can't justify spending a fortune. The Chloe Carlina sunglasses have doing the rounds for a few seasons now and while I thought they were cute the £300 price tag was a major turnoff.

Enter the world of Instagram - an inspiring (sometimes expensive) place and when Cara @babblestyle shared this amazing find yesterday I had to 1. Buy a pair before they sold out & 2. share them with you. They are the best sunglasses dupe I have seen in years! I know the conversation around dupes is a volatile one, some people believe that buying a dupe style is the biggest no no ever but for me finding pieces that allow me to access a designer look for my budget is very important. However I will only buy pieces that are a genuine inspired by, anything with a designer logo on it that isn't the real deal is where I draw the line. 

Chloe Carlina Dupes: the sunglasses

Next Rose Gold Statement | Chloe Carlina Round

These will be a marmite product - statement sunglasses aren't everyone's cup of tea but honestly I am in love ♡

These beauties are from the high-street giant Next and look so much more expensive than they are. The sunglasses have a gorgeous rose gold frame (although I think they look more soft gold than rose but still beautiful), cushioned nose pads and they fit the face well, I have a pet hate for glasses that don't fit properly and you are forever pushing them up your nose. These also have Next's filter category 3 lenses, giving high protection levels against sun glare as well as 100% UV protection. The only real difference between these and the Chloe pair is these are slightly smaller in frame size, actually making them a much more wearable style I think. The delicate shaping of the metal around the frames and level of detail on the arms are beautiful and almost identical to the designer pair plus did I mention that they are only £15!!!! Gorgeous oversized 70's bohemian style and perfect for the summer sunshine.

Below are a few images I had saved on my Pinterest - I was subconsciously drawn to the statement vintage styling of the frames.

Chloe Carlina Dupes: my inspirationImage credits: Header / Inspiration Images 1/2/3/4/5/6

I will say though if you like them, buy now as I really don't think these will be around for long......

Buy my pretties, Buy!

♡

Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin' to keep up to date with new posts!



 

The Best Chloe Carlina Sunglasses Dupe

Chloe Carlina Dupes

When it comes to designer items I am not normally that bothered (except when it comes to vintage Mulberry handbags), I like to see the collections and be inspired but I am a total cheapskate! Sunglasses especially, I love the look of designer but I tend to buy Primark styles - clumsy person + a toddler usually equals breakages so I can't justify spending a fortune. The Chloe Carlina sunglasses have doing the rounds for a few seasons now and while I thought they were cute the £300 price tag was a major turnoff.

Enter the world of Instagram - an inspiring (sometimes expensive) place and when Cara @babblestyle shared this amazing find yesterday I had to 1. Buy a pair before they sold out & 2. share them with you. They are the best sunglasses dupe I have seen in years! I know the conversation around dupes is a volatile one, some people believe that buying a dupe style is the biggest no no ever but for me finding pieces that allow me to access a designer look for my budget is very important. However I will only buy pieces that are a genuine inspired by, anything with a designer logo on it that isn't the real deal is where I draw the line. 

Chloe Carlina Dupes: the sunglasses

Next Rose Gold Statement | Chloe Carlina Round

These will be a marmite product - statement sunglasses aren't everyone's cup of tea but honestly I am in love ♡

These beauties are from the high-street giant Next and look so much more expensive than they are. The sunglasses have a gorgeous rose gold frame (although I think they look more soft gold than rose but still beautiful), cushioned nose pads and they fit the face well, I have a pet hate for glasses that don't fit properly and you are forever pushing them up your nose. These also have Next's filter category 3 lenses, giving high protection levels against sun glare as well as 100% UV protection. The only real difference between these and the Chloe pair is these are slightly smaller in frame size, actually making them a much more wearable style I think. The delicate shaping of the metal around the frames and level of detail on the arms are beautiful and almost identical to the designer pair plus did I mention that they are only £15!!!! Gorgeous oversized 70's bohemian style and perfect for the summer sunshine.

Below are a few images I had saved on my Pinterest - I was subconsciously drawn to the statement vintage styling of the frames.

Chloe Carlina Dupes: my inspirationImage credits: Header / Inspiration Images 1/2/3/4/5/6

I will say though if you like them, buy now as I really don't think these will be around for long......

Buy my pretties, Buy!

♡

Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin' to keep up to date with new posts!



 
The Michael Kors Rhea backpack

Still on the hunt for the perfect, stylish backpack (although I love my ASOS one from last summer), I have been looking for something classic and everyday but still looks fashionable. A style that appears to be hanging around for a while longer, the backpack is fast becoming the fashionistas choice for convenience and ease whilst keeping its chic edge. Now i know the Michael Kors Rhea backpack has been around for a while now, and I am probably a little late on the band waggon but it is a great day bag, with a subtle rock chic edge that toughens up any everyday look - especially nice balancing out a feminine dress.
Main image credit: adelaacanski 

Always on the look out for a good designer dupe, I was surprised to stumble across this one whilst browsing on Ebay - what do you think, not a bad dupe?

The Studded backpack - Michael Kors or Dupe

So the Michael Kors Rhea comes in at around £300, which is reasonable for a designer bag but still a lot of money.
The Ebay version is a much more reasonable £22 plus £2.95 P&P.

I already had high expectations for this bag, after a super quick two day delivery (only paid for standard Royal Mail), and my first impressions are...love it!

A great everyday size to fit all my essentials in, whilst not making me look like I am about to go to school or trek across the Himalayas - with the perfect length straps that means it sits comfortably in the centre of my back. Made from a great quality leather look PU, soft and supple with a nice textured finish, not the horrible cheap shiny PU like most cheap bags are made from. With large gold zips and hardware (not the cheap brassy kind either), and plenty of internal pockets to keep your stuff organised - the usual mobile phone pouch and a large zipped pocket. 

My only two slightly negative comments would be that the Michael Kors Rhea comes with 3 separate compartments, whereas the Ebay version only has one large compartment but with multiple openings, meaning you cannot separate out your stuff. Also I wish it had a key clip inside so I didn't have to rummage around for my house keys, but my big pompom keyring has helped to locate them easier. Not what I would class as deal breakers for me, but something to consider if you do decide to purchase this bag.

All in all this is a great dupe, definitely worth a look if you too have been lusting after the Michael Kors version, especially as the only real difference is that the dupe has no branding. This style does also come in a couple of other colours including Tan & grey, and as I said above delivery was really quick.

What do you think? Be sure to leave me a comments below...
_____________

  Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin' to keep up to date with new posts!

The Look for Less: Michael Kors Rhea Studded Backpack

The Michael Kors Rhea backpack

Still on the hunt for the perfect, stylish backpack (although I love my ASOS one from last summer), I have been looking for something classic and everyday but still looks fashionable. A style that appears to be hanging around for a while longer, the backpack is fast becoming the fashionistas choice for convenience and ease whilst keeping its chic edge. Now i know the Michael Kors Rhea backpack has been around for a while now, and I am probably a little late on the band waggon but it is a great day bag, with a subtle rock chic edge that toughens up any everyday look - especially nice balancing out a feminine dress.
Main image credit: adelaacanski 

Always on the look out for a good designer dupe, I was surprised to stumble across this one whilst browsing on Ebay - what do you think, not a bad dupe?

The Studded backpack - Michael Kors or Dupe

So the Michael Kors Rhea comes in at around £300, which is reasonable for a designer bag but still a lot of money.
The Ebay version is a much more reasonable £22 plus £2.95 P&P.

I already had high expectations for this bag, after a super quick two day delivery (only paid for standard Royal Mail), and my first impressions are...love it!

A great everyday size to fit all my essentials in, whilst not making me look like I am about to go to school or trek across the Himalayas - with the perfect length straps that means it sits comfortably in the centre of my back. Made from a great quality leather look PU, soft and supple with a nice textured finish, not the horrible cheap shiny PU like most cheap bags are made from. With large gold zips and hardware (not the cheap brassy kind either), and plenty of internal pockets to keep your stuff organised - the usual mobile phone pouch and a large zipped pocket. 

My only two slightly negative comments would be that the Michael Kors Rhea comes with 3 separate compartments, whereas the Ebay version only has one large compartment but with multiple openings, meaning you cannot separate out your stuff. Also I wish it had a key clip inside so I didn't have to rummage around for my house keys, but my big pompom keyring has helped to locate them easier. Not what I would class as deal breakers for me, but something to consider if you do decide to purchase this bag.

All in all this is a great dupe, definitely worth a look if you too have been lusting after the Michael Kors version, especially as the only real difference is that the dupe has no branding. This style does also come in a couple of other colours including Tan & grey, and as I said above delivery was really quick.

What do you think? Be sure to leave me a comments below...
_____________

  Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin' to keep up to date with new posts!

Chloé Susanna boots

If money were no object, i would love nothing more than a wardrobe full of designer shoes - unlike bags, where i will always go for something classic and timeless, i love the fun element that designer shoes bring to an outfit especially if they are from brands like Sophia Webster, Valentino or Manolo Blahnik. There are a couple of pricey pairs sat on my wishlist, but top of that list are the Chloé Susanna ankle boots. Not a new style, these beauties have been around for a few years now but that is a good sign - they have stood the test of time, becoming a cult classic and to my excitement have sparked a trend for ornate buckled boots on the highstreet for AW16....

Now lets get real here....at around the £800 price point, these boots are an investment piece and no matter how much i love them, i do not have the money to spend on adding them to my wardrobe....i am definitely more Primark than Prada. So i have found some great highstreet dupes, that are much more purse friendly and all under £100!

Chloé Susanna dupes


Oddly not my normal style of ankle boot, i usually go for something with a heel and that are a little more feminine, but i just love the edgy styling of the Susanna and the attention to detail in both buckles and the toe embellishment. Plus they look gorgeous styled with both jeans and dresses, adding a little edge to a really feminine outfit. Now I know the Topshop pair isn't a traditional boot but i loved the modern twist and mixed textures on the upper so much, i just had to include them, plus they would be a great pair for warmer weather.

While scrolling through my feed, i was really inspired by two Instagram lovelies and their outfit of the day shots, styling the boots with mini, midi & maxi dresses effortlessly #wardrobejealousy...be sure to check them out.
@emmarosethatcher & @wearsmymoney


Chloé Susanna Instagram ladies

Which pair of the dupes would you go for?

Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin' to keep up to date with new posts!


The Look for Less: Chloé Susanna Boots

Chloé Susanna boots

If money were no object, i would love nothing more than a wardrobe full of designer shoes - unlike bags, where i will always go for something classic and timeless, i love the fun element that designer shoes bring to an outfit especially if they are from brands like Sophia Webster, Valentino or Manolo Blahnik. There are a couple of pricey pairs sat on my wishlist, but top of that list are the Chloé Susanna ankle boots. Not a new style, these beauties have been around for a few years now but that is a good sign - they have stood the test of time, becoming a cult classic and to my excitement have sparked a trend for ornate buckled boots on the highstreet for AW16....

Now lets get real here....at around the £800 price point, these boots are an investment piece and no matter how much i love them, i do not have the money to spend on adding them to my wardrobe....i am definitely more Primark than Prada. So i have found some great highstreet dupes, that are much more purse friendly and all under £100!

Chloé Susanna dupes


Oddly not my normal style of ankle boot, i usually go for something with a heel and that are a little more feminine, but i just love the edgy styling of the Susanna and the attention to detail in both buckles and the toe embellishment. Plus they look gorgeous styled with both jeans and dresses, adding a little edge to a really feminine outfit. Now I know the Topshop pair isn't a traditional boot but i loved the modern twist and mixed textures on the upper so much, i just had to include them, plus they would be a great pair for warmer weather.

While scrolling through my feed, i was really inspired by two Instagram lovelies and their outfit of the day shots, styling the boots with mini, midi & maxi dresses effortlessly #wardrobejealousy...be sure to check them out.
@emmarosethatcher & @wearsmymoney


Chloé Susanna Instagram ladies

Which pair of the dupes would you go for?

Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin' to keep up to date with new posts!



I am sure you will have all seen the amazing dresses from Self Portrait, the premium brand that took Instagram by storm last year. After seeing some of my style icons sporting this midi white lace dress I like many i am sure, fell in love. Just the right amount of flesh on show but still uber feminine and chic but at over £300 i do not have the money or occasion for such a piece. I was however excited when i found a great highstreet alternative - midi length, white with layered lace detailing, overall a pretty good dupe don't you think?

Highstreet white lace dress

The dupe is from River island and coming in at £80 is a much more purse friendly way to wear this lace style, white dress. Not quite as beautiful as the original but definitely has potential - with cut out detailing at the waist and shoulders, it would make a lovely summer dress. Hoping to find in-store soon so i can try on (keep watching my Instagram will post pics).

Self Portrait £330 or River Island £80

Would you save with the River island version or splurge on the original self portrait style? 

Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin' to keep up to date with new posts!

Save or Splurge: The White Lace Dress


I am sure you will have all seen the amazing dresses from Self Portrait, the premium brand that took Instagram by storm last year. After seeing some of my style icons sporting this midi white lace dress I like many i am sure, fell in love. Just the right amount of flesh on show but still uber feminine and chic but at over £300 i do not have the money or occasion for such a piece. I was however excited when i found a great highstreet alternative - midi length, white with layered lace detailing, overall a pretty good dupe don't you think?

Highstreet white lace dress

The dupe is from River island and coming in at £80 is a much more purse friendly way to wear this lace style, white dress. Not quite as beautiful as the original but definitely has potential - with cut out detailing at the waist and shoulders, it would make a lovely summer dress. Hoping to find in-store soon so i can try on (keep watching my Instagram will post pics).

Self Portrait £330 or River Island £80

Would you save with the River island version or splurge on the original self portrait style? 

Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin' to keep up to date with new posts!


Not normally a sunglasses person, I think the launch of the Dior So Real sunglasses totally passed me by but somehow these have recently caught my attention. I am happy to spend money on bags or shoes but sunglasses are the thing I regularly loose or break, so spending more than £20 on a pair (+£300 in fact) just isn't going to happen. However these sunnies have become a firm favourite with celebrities and the fashionable elite such as Olivia Palermo, and have filtered down to the UK highstreet with some great dupes now available. 

With its distinctive styling - no nose piece and statement brow bar these sunglasses are a bold accessory and come in a variety of colours. At present I have found both black and tortoise versions on the highstreet, from River Island and good old Primark at purse friendly prices and as far as dupes go these are pretty good.

Dior sunglasses dupes from the highstreet

Dior £335-370 or customize your own at MyDiorSoReal
River Island Black & Tortoise £14 / Primark £3

I know for some people dupes are not worth it and they would rather have the real thing but personally i like that brands are releasing "inspired" styles that allow those of us that don't have lots of money to buy into the latest trends and IT items. However i do want to add while i like a good dupe, counterfeit items are another matter - I believe that as long as there is no branding on an item claiming that it is actually made by a designer, then it is a dupe, not a fake and for me this is acceptable. 

If you have seen my latest Primark haul you would know that I bought the tortoise pair and I have say love them and for £3 if I loose or break them, I can replace easily. Also based on this gorgeous shot from the blog elliesfavouritethings taken at the SS16 press day, Primark will also be releasing this gorgeous pastel version with gold hardware (along with some other great statement styles) - keeping my eyes peeled for these, need in my life!


Are you a sunglasses person? Would you buy the Dior pair or have one of these highstreet dupes caught your eye?
Would love to hear from you...

Dior Dupes


Not normally a sunglasses person, I think the launch of the Dior So Real sunglasses totally passed me by but somehow these have recently caught my attention. I am happy to spend money on bags or shoes but sunglasses are the thing I regularly loose or break, so spending more than £20 on a pair (+£300 in fact) just isn't going to happen. However these sunnies have become a firm favourite with celebrities and the fashionable elite such as Olivia Palermo, and have filtered down to the UK highstreet with some great dupes now available. 

With its distinctive styling - no nose piece and statement brow bar these sunglasses are a bold accessory and come in a variety of colours. At present I have found both black and tortoise versions on the highstreet, from River Island and good old Primark at purse friendly prices and as far as dupes go these are pretty good.

Dior sunglasses dupes from the highstreet

Dior £335-370 or customize your own at MyDiorSoReal
River Island Black & Tortoise £14 / Primark £3

I know for some people dupes are not worth it and they would rather have the real thing but personally i like that brands are releasing "inspired" styles that allow those of us that don't have lots of money to buy into the latest trends and IT items. However i do want to add while i like a good dupe, counterfeit items are another matter - I believe that as long as there is no branding on an item claiming that it is actually made by a designer, then it is a dupe, not a fake and for me this is acceptable. 

If you have seen my latest Primark haul you would know that I bought the tortoise pair and I have say love them and for £3 if I loose or break them, I can replace easily. Also based on this gorgeous shot from the blog elliesfavouritethings taken at the SS16 press day, Primark will also be releasing this gorgeous pastel version with gold hardware (along with some other great statement styles) - keeping my eyes peeled for these, need in my life!


Are you a sunglasses person? Would you buy the Dior pair or have one of these highstreet dupes caught your eye?
Would love to hear from you...

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