Buy This, Not That
Are you a diva? (I know you are) Going for that "it" look or fiending that "it" product, but on a budget? I'm here to help with this month's product round-up! Please note: I acknowledge that often you get what you pay for. This list is for purposes of finding most-wanted products or something like it without breaking the bank.
1. Boots: Ugg ($150, Ugg) v. Lamo ($40, QVC)
Lamo
We all know what Uggs look like. How CUTE are these Lamo faux fur wrap boots though!? I have these (and Uggs) and although the difference in product quality is noticeable (Uggs make you feel like you are walking on a cloud tbh), these Lamo boots are SUPER cute, affordable and wayyy less expensive than Uggs. I have had them for a few seasons and they seem to last as long as my Uggs have too. Score, divas.
2. Rain Boots: Hunter ($150, Hunter) v. BP ($65, Poshmark; Nordstrom)
Hunter.
BP.
These BP boots look the EXACT SAME as the Hunter boots above (at least to me they do). I have tried BP on in stores and they definitely feel the same as my Hunter boots. These are a no brainer bang for your buck, designer look-alike swap. They also come in a cute all black with white stripe design down the back of the boot and, of course, other colors like Hunters. Go check them out.
3. Booties: Saint Laurent rock studded booties ($995, Nordstrom) v. Soda ($40, Amazon)
Saint Laurent.
I get it, this color goes with every.thanggg. - but so do these:
Soda.
I have these Soda booties and I love them. I dress them up (for casual Fridays at work with skinny jeans and a blazer) or down for a casual night out . They are versatile and one of my favorite go-to ankle boots. TjMaxx also has a similar pair by Franco Sarto for slightly more in stores now.
4. Make-up Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter ($31, Sephora) v. e.l.f. ($3, Target, Walmart, Amazon)
I have tried both of these setting sprays, and I prefer the e.l.f. makeup setting spray. It works better than its overhyped Urban Decay counterpart. Don't bother wasting your money on the more expensive version when you can get a better version for much less. Also - you can get the e.l.f. setting spray with a makeup brush included on Amazon right now. #savings
5. Make-up Sponge: Beauty Blender ($20) v. local drugstore ($1)
Ah, yes, the thing that looks like a giant egg sponge. The way this thing blends makeup is spectacular. I know a lot of people have their opinions about the quality of the Beauty Blender version, but I've tried that, as well as the $1 "no-name brand" from Walmart and it gets the job done just as well. I do not understand why you would insist on spending $20 for a tiny sponge like thing when you could spend $1 for the exact same thing, but to each their own I guess. Just know you're wrong.
6. Highlighter: Nars Illuminator ($30, Sephora) v. Benefit Cosmetics ($18 for 3 pack, Sephora)
Grab this steal while you can - these highlighters have been out of stock for a while. They also last for a long time and a little bit goes a long way. Hayyy.
7. Hair Products: TjMaxx.
In case you are new to the Marshall's, HomeGoods, or TjMaxx scene (all TJX companies), these stores are the sh*t (thank you, mom, for teaching me your ways). I can spend hours, literally hours in these stores without realizing it. They sell everything from clothes to (designer) purses and shoes, luggage, home goods, you name it -- at ridic discounted prices. I shop there for everything, but specifically, I always get my shampoo and conditioner and any hair treatments like serum or mousse from TjMaxx. You can buy salon quality products at crazy discounted prices, sometimes more than 50% off. Recently, I bought a Redkin keratin shampoo 34 oz. bottle for just $9.99. Wild. Just make sure that the bottles have not been opened previously and are sealed, and ask the cashier at check out whether the price is the most recent sale mark-up on the tag (they change them daily sometimes).
8. Fringed Cardigan/Sweater: Rebecca Taylor ($106, Nordstrom) v. Joseph A fringed cardigan ($27, Nordstrom Rack)
They look the exact same. THE EXACT SAME.
9. Dresses: Rent the Runway
This one isn't so much a comparison of one specific dress as it is a general review of my experience using Rent the Runway. It's awesome. For example, if you are going to a wedding and need a dress but know you aren't going to wear it again after that, why spend tons of money on a dress? This website offers tons of designer dresses that you can rent for a a few days. You can also order a second size for free when you rent a dress. Costs can vary depending on the designer and they have everything from casual to formal wear. Check out their website to see their full terms and conditions.
10. French Press: Williams Sonoma ($49.95, Williams Sonoma) v. Linkyo ($25.99, Amazon)
I know, a french press isn't a beauty product, but there's no denying the importance of coffee. I love a good cup o' joe and the Linkyo is a great, cheaper (and cool looking) alternative to the more-expensive Williams Sonoma version.
Williams Sonoma Stainless-Steel French Press 34 oz.
LINKYO Stainless-Steel French Press 34oz.
There you have it, friends! Hopefully you got some good tips to maintain your diva status while keeping some $ in the bank. Thanks for reading!