Splurge Versus Save: 6 Designer Buys I Want and the Cheaper Alts That Are Just as Good

There are a million things I could—err, should—be spending my money on right now. Things like, oh, I don't know, paying off my credit card and contributing to my 401K. I may not be able to say that I'm an expert on when to spend money, but in my seven years as a fashion editor, I can wholeheartedly claim to be an expert on how to spend when it comes time. So sorry to my dad, who constantly lectures me on setting up an investment portfolio, but if it were up to me, I'd be diverting assets to investments far chicer than the Dow Jones—the ones I have in mind come from Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Alaïa.

This season, there are several designer buys I'm itching to splurge on, and if I had it my way, they'd each be en route to me as we speak. But the reality is that my wallet and my taste are two different sizes, so to fill the void in my heart for each of them, I've made it my duty to source the less expensive alts that capture the same energy. Whether you're shopping on a budget like I am or just curious which items are making my splurge list, continue for the six fashion investments I'm emotionally invested in along with several more budget-friendly options that won't leave as large of a dent in my wallet.

The Splurge: Loro Piana L19 Bag

Like most of us, I, too, was deeply invested in Sofia Richie Grainge's wedding wardrobe, but the piece I still can't get my mind off of is the Loro Piana L19 bag that featured in her honeymoon looks. To me, the vanity case style is the perfect evening bag that can easily be dressed up or down and I've made it my mission to hunt down similar styles that look as good but won't set me back a month's rent.

The Less-Expensive Alts

The Splurge: Carven Sheer Skirt

I think I speak for the entirety of the Who What Wear editorial team when I say that Louise Trotter's Carven is everything we want to wear right now. From the square-toe mules to the quirky pendant necklaces, everything is refined and modern but oozing cool at the same time, especially the sheer skirts. There was no shortage of styling inspiration on the runway, where the otherwise tricky skirts were made to feel approachable layered over mini dresses and underneath billowing trench coats. Now, I'm on the hunt for one myself (or, at least, a decent replica).

The Less-Expensive Alts

The Splurge: Celine Triomphe Sunglasses

Celine's Triomphe Sunglasses are the style set's shades of choice this summer and I love how the metal frames add a jewelry-like finish without being too bold.

The Less-Expensive Alts

The Splurge: The Row City Sandals

You may know The Row's platformed Ginza sandals as the reigning It thongs of the past several years, but designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen debuted a new flip-flop silhouette that's even simpler and sleeker. The City sandals, as seen in the S/S 23 collection, feature a thinner but still substantial sole that, as the name suggests, is ideal for city life.

The Less-Expensive Alts

The Splurge: Khaite Axel Belt

Another day, another Khaite belt to lust after. As if I wasn't already pining for the studded Benny or sculptural Julius belts, the newest addition to the family has arrived in the form of the Axel, a leather belt finished with a gold-tone buckle. On the runway, it was cinched atop a pair of leather shorts, but I can also see it used to elevate a simple trousers and tee moment.

The Less-Expensive Alts

The Splurge: Manolo Blahnik Maysale 50 Mules

Manolo Blahnik's iconic Maysale mules are a fixture in the wardrobes of celebrities and fashion girls from Paris to New York and back again. The timeless silhouette is one I've long been crushing on, in particular, this delicious brown suede iteration that feels a little bit different.

The Less-Expensive Alts