Mixing High End Designers with Affordable Brands

Most readers know that I don’t ever pay full price (with the exception for Chanel, Christian Louboutin’s and Louis Vuitton) and I love a bargain! Who doesn’t love a great deal? I always shop the sale racks and wait for discounts, coupon codes or anyway to save a buck! Another way I save money is through ebates– sign up here to get cash back on your online purchases!

Dress: F21 Blue Lace dress (similar HERE)
Belt: Brown Leather Twisted skinny belt- XS
Pumps: Ann Taylor Porcini Pumps-size 5 (sold HERE)

A high end brand I love is Louis Vuitton. I got the LV Alma handbag late last year. It’s shape is iconic and dates back to the 1930’s. I love how it holds it’s shape when sitting or when being carried. Some of the LV speedy bags don’t hold its shape- especially when carried which I am not a big fan of. I like to carry my Alma handbag when shopping so my shoulders aren’t weighed down and the size of this bag can hold so much! I love that I can wear it with a casual outfit or a nice suit for work and it just looks so classy!

Click below to see my first talking youtube video!

I love to mix and match my brands! This year I invested in a pair of Christian Louboutin’s and as steep as the price tag was, I think it was definitely worth it! When my Aldo black pumps were worn literally into the ground, I figured instead of buying another cheapie brand, I would splurge and get the Christian Louboutin Simple 100 pumps in black. I definitely want the bone color  but that will have to wait. I just love love love the shape and heel of these pumps. Not only is the rounded toe perfect but the heel height isn’t too high or low and is perfect for the work place.  I wear these for work with all types of brands from Forever 21, H & M, Ann Taylor, LOFT, Banana Republic and many other brands!

Dress: H & M Sheath Dress- size 2  (similar HERE)
Purse: Chanel Medium Flap Purse
Shoes: Christian Louboutin Simple 100 Pumps– size 5/35 (sold HERE)

I also got a new Chanel Classic Medium Flap purse for my birthday from hubby! We spent 9 hours at the Chanel Boutique but it was totally worth it!  I have only used it a few times and it sits perfectly in it’s dust bag and box. I have 2 Chanel purses, one is the Grand Shopper Tote which I love for work because it’s huge and fits everything. The Chanel Classic Medium flap purse is nice because it’s the perfect size and proportion for petites! When wearing Forever 21 or H & M, I love toting a Chanel purse because it just adds elegance and style to any outfit!

Sweater: Vince Fushcia Cashmere Cardigan– size small (sold HERE)
Top: LOFT Cascade Ruffle Floral Shell– size XXSP (sold HERE)
Skirt: BEBE tweed skirt- size 00
Belt: Nine West- size XS
Shoes: Tory Burch Angela Pumps- size 5
Cashmere is not a brand of oh do I love myself some cashmere! I have one Vince fuschia cardigan that I wear all the time. It comes in XS and S but the small fits me pretty well. This style also comes in purple– so cute! 
I don’t think there is anything wrong with mixing high end brands with more affordable brands. In fact- I think it’s genuis! So don’t be afraid to mix and match F21 or H & M even though the quality is sub-par..sometimes you can create a very stylish look by just adding a nice designer piece!

Which designers or brands do YOU mix and match? 
I’d love to hear and share ideas!
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  1. I have a thing for accessories, so all my high-end purchases are bags and shoes =P I agree that Chanel goes with simply everything! Is your flap lambskin? It looks so luxurious =) I'm thinking of possibly splurging on a pair of CLs too, but I don't know if I should stick to the classic styles (like the simple) or go for something more out-there? My bank account says this might be my only pair haha.

  2. I can't watch the video for some reason. it says embedding disabled by request. i sooo want a chanel bag, but that splurge will have to wait for a while. as for CL's, they are so beautiful, but I have heard they are uncomfortable?

    http://leena1021.blogspot.com/

  3. i've heard that even the most cush of fashion moguls should mix designer with more affordable brands and you have this covered! you make f21 look quality!

    <3 angie
    Pandaphilia

  4. Thanks for sharing! Wish I could mix high and low, but most of my stuff is low and low :T Sigh, someday… I agree with not going over 3 inches on the heels, anything past that would just look like you work on the street instead of the office 😛 I kid I kid

  5. I can't watch the video either! Same reason as Leena said above! 🙁

    I don't have anything high end but would love to some day! I love when people mix and match high and low end, makes me believe it's a achievable for me LOL!

  6. I do essentially what you do with pairing Chanel's with high street pieces for work since splurging on plain black sheath dresses doesn't make sense for me. You look gorgeous as always, I love that Cashmere cardi on you.

  7. Oh wow, you look absolutely ADORABLE in the video!!! Thank you for doing the video.
    I don't own any high end stuff. Can't justify the ROI. 🙂 Too practical since I am an engineer. I'm more focused on quality than name brand I guess. But I love the Channel purse in your picture. One of those days!

  8. @Cee- you should TOTALLY splurge and get yourself a pair of CL's! You will not regret it! And for sure get something classic and simple like the simple 100's. I looked at every style and decided it was best to stick to something that will never go out of style! And you can wear it more often when it's a classic look:)

    @Leena- sorry about that! I was having some youtube issues:) I am still new to this video thing so I am learning as I go!!!

    @Angie- awe thanks girly! You are sweet! As much as I want to hate F21- I sometimes find some great finds!

    @FashionableAsians- there's nothing wrong with mixing affordable with affordable:) And def 3- 3.5" tops for the office!

    @curls-and-pearls- sorry about the video. I am so not good at all this new techie stuff! Hehehe And don't worry, you don't have to have high end designer stuff to look good:)

    @Elle- I am lucky I am in a business that I am forced to dress up and have nice things:)

    @Vicky- I hear ya about the quality but Chanel, LV and CL's are definitely of high quality and I can't help myself! Hehehehe

  9. Ohmygosh I love the F21 lace dress! It fits so perfectly and I love the length.

    I would love to get more into high end stuff. The only thing that appeals to me right now is the Balenciaga moto bag.. one of these days 🙂

  10. I really liked your video! I am a big fan of mixing high end and low end, because i think if you have a great looking purse and pair of shoes, your dress can be from Target and you look super expensive and put together as long as the dress fits well! I love to wear designer jeans with inexpensive tops as well for a nicer casual look.

  11. I'm all for mixing high and low. I'm more of a bargain hunter and I love shopping at H&M and off-price stores like Daffy's, TJMaxx, Filene's Basement, Century 21, and Marshall's. Quality does not necessarily correlate with price. I haven't found a luxury designer piece worth retail to me but if I were to spend more, it would be on handbags and shoes. Things like a versatile, sturdy, stylish work handbag and a good warm winter coat are worth the money!

  12. Thanks for going to the trouble of doing a video – it was like watching a clip from a fashion segment on E 🙂 I am very much a deal hunter except when it comes to a few key accessories (love Balenciaga, LV, and Burberry) so I love mixing everything together.

  13. A video! I much prefer this to the pics because I can see your outfit in 3D. I didn't like that top in the pic but now that I can see it in action, I love it. I've been wanting that Alma forever but, being a mom, cannot justify purchasing one instead of something for my kid. My hubby says to get over it but…

  14. That’s a really great video of you and it’s taking your blog to a whole new level, congrats! If you just try and view the video from the homepage there is an error, but if you click the heading of the blog to go to the actual page the You Tube video should come up just fine.

  15. I LOVE your Chanel Medium Flap Purse! I don't own a designer bag just yet, but I hope to purchase a Chanel one day. Great video post!

  16. love your video, you are too cute! And yes, I totally mix my high end with low end stuff, it's the only way to do it! Invest in bags and shoes and the rest will look fab 😉