Ideal vs. steal: White pumps

It would seem as though this post is perfectly timed with the "white shoes for Easter Sunday" issue. But trust me, this is an accidental timing sort of thing because I do not play by those rules. I would wear white shoes year round instead.

In fact, I hesitated on posting this now so it wouldn't look like the Easter theme was my motive, but honestly I am just obsessed with white pumps lately and I couldn't wait to post this any longer. I think I've been wanting a pair since September, but just haven't made that leap of a purchase yet. (probably because I just spent $135 on climbing shoes instead...oh priorities.)

Anyhow, if you're like me and you're loving the look of white heels these days, here's an affordable option for you from DSW. I mean, yes, ideally we'd all love to own a pair of Manolo's like these, but for a fraction of the price, you can get another pair that looks pretty darn similar. Which you know sounds really good to me!

Ideal vs. steal: Camo pants

After seeing this super cute and casual, yet oh-so-stylish outfit on Sincerely Jules, I finally came around to the idea of camo pants as a great wardrobe choice. And although this R13 pair that WWWD suggested are an ideal choice, they are also obviously way out of my price range. However, I think this pair from Old Navy (for only $32.00!) might do just the trick.

Editor's note: If Old Navy is already out of your size, you might look into these from American Eagle or this pair from Charlotte Russe.

Ideal vs. steal: Metal belt

I've been obsessed with gold accessories (mostly jewelry) for a while now. But gold adornment on belts is something else entirely. It's just a tad new for me. I think it all started with a rad purchase I made at the Brooklyn Flea last fall—a black stretchy belt with gold Native American headdresses as the closure. Um yeah, awesome.

Anyhow, I had started noticing a lot more gold cuff type jewelry recently that I was drawn to and then the other day I saw a photo of girl in a black jumpsuit with a belt that looked like a gold cuff. I was smitten immediately; and thus the obsession began.

So I did some searching and found this beauty from INTERMIX, but I was certainly not smitten with its price tag. And that's when I found this pretty amazing and almost identical metal cap belt from Necessary Clothing for only $8.99. Too bad Christmas is over and I can't put it on my wish list! But at least at this price I can purchase it for myself.

Ideal vs. steal: (p)Leather leggings

I bought these faux leather leggings from ModCloth about three months ago and I was so incredibly nervous when I got them in the mail. What if they didn't fit me well? Or what if I just looked ridiculous in them?

Well, it turns out I shouldn't have been worried at all. They fit like a glove and I think they look pretty amazing on. And as it turns out, they are also incredibly versatile. Don't believe me? Just check out this article from WhoWhatWear on the many different ways to style (p)leather leggings. Reading it made me crazy excited that I was smart enough to buy a pair before the fall.

And while I would love it if I could afford a pair of real leather leggings like this Joseph pair, I'm more stoked on the price and fit from these at ModCloth. So go get your own pair of (p)leather leggings. You will be amazed at how often you'll be able to wear them and not look like you're trying to be Sherrie in the Rock of Ages.

Ideal vs. steal: Sunglasses

It's good to have friends who live in New York City. While you do miss them like crazy, the benefits aren't too shabby. They always have great stories, you have a free place to crash when you go visit and  they can send you awesome shopping purchases from on-the-street for pretty cheap.

When my friend Peach comes home to visit from NYC we all ooh and ahh over her wardrobe (but let's be honest, we did this when she lived here in Bham, too). There's always at least two items she has on that I take note of to find something similar.

This past summer, we all made a big scene over her big sunnies that she wore while in town for a friend's wedding. At the time, I had no idea these were "inspired by" by the Prada Baroque 55mm round sunglasses. I just knew they were hot hot hot and I wanted a similar pair.

So when it came time for my birthday present in September, guess what I got in the mail! Of course I was stoked, but for me, as the budget-lovin girl that I am, the best part of her present was that this version only cost $5.00 on the street.

And while I can't personally say that ideally I'd spend the $290 on the real thing (because I'd probably lose them or scratch them within a day), I think there are some people out there who would. But if you want the "steal" of a version, see if you can't round up a friend in NYC to send you a pair!

Ideal vs. Steal: Leather shorts

Madewell leather shorts vs. Topshop Perforated Faux Leather Shorts.

I know it's starting to get chilly out there, but I think these faux leather shorts can work year round. I'm picturing them right now with a big cozy sweater and booties to get through fall and later with tights and a sweet bow tie blouse and a big pea coat.

And while ideally, yes, I'd love to have this $300 dollar pair from Madewell, it's just not in my budget. But for less than $70, you can snag this steal of a look-alike from Topshop.