Save vs. Splurge On Some of My Favorite Spring and Summer Pieces

 My closet is a good variety of expensive and more affordable items. I’ve been doing a save vs. splurge series over on Instagram for the last year, and wanted to share some more affordable versions of my favorite things for spring and summer today!  

 

Have you seen my save vs. splurge series on Instagram? I compare a more expensive item to a “dupe” or a “save” version and give my opinion on what’s better.

You can see an example of a video RIGHT HERE. Today I wanted to take this series to the blog and show you some of my most popular comparisons.

 

Save Vs. Splurge

1. Rhode Lulani Dress: $575 | Boden Felicity Midi Tea Dress: $120

• Last year I attended an event as a guest speaker and wanted something that I felt amazing and confident in while I presented. I stumbled upon this spectacular Rhode dress, and even though it was a major splurge, I’m so glad I bought it cause it is spectacular and I felt incredible in it. The colorway I have is sold out, but they come out with new prints fairly often. However, if you’re looking for a similar dress at a more affordable price point, I linked a few similar options below:

 

2. Spanx AirEssentials Cropped Set TOP and BOTTOM: $246 | Amazon 2-Piece Cropped Loungeset: $44

• If you haven’t felt the Spanx AirEssentials fabric, honestly you MUST. It is the most magical, soft, pillowy fabric that is an absolute dream. I could live in these pieces everyday. The original Spanx AirEssential loungeset is the best, and they just came out with a cropped pant version which is perfect for the warmer months. These pieces are absolutely a splurge, but they hold up so beautifully and are just a delight to wear. Also my code MERRICKXSPANX works for 10% off and free shipping! However, if you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, check out THIS SET RIGHT HERE.

 

3. Madewell loafers – $158 | Madden Girl Lug Sole Loafers: $20

• Loafers are one of my favorite styles of shoes to elevate any outfit and these ones from Madewell are super comfy and go with everything. They’re true to size, and the lug sole is trendy but it’s not too chunky so they’re a pair that will last for years! Sadly they’re mostly sold out everywhere (hoping for a restock at some point), but if you’re looking for a similar and more affordable pair, CHECK OUT THESE ONES.

 

4. Madewell Greta Flats: $148 | Amazon Woven Ballet Flats: $60

• Ballet flats are so popular right now and although I was hesitant about jumping on this trend cause most are ugly in my opinion, I found these from Madewell and the square toe and the slim strap and everything just works for me. I now have them in three styles — black rhinestone (from the holidays), leopard calfhair, and this fun woven option for spring and summer. They’re a fantastic shoe that is comfortable (took about 2 wears to break them in fully) and adds a little special something to any outfit. But if you’re looking for a similar pair that’s a little more affordable, CHECK OUT THIS PAIR.

 

5. Mille floral top: $163 | Amazon Floral Top: $20

• I love a few great “better than basic” kinds of tops to wear during the spring and summer. The kinds you can throw on with a pair of jeans or shorts, or wear with a skirt and just feel pretty and pulled together. This gorgeous Mille top is one of those pieces, but it’s definitely a splurge. If you’re looking for something similar, CHECK OUT THIS SIMILAR OPTION, and I’ve linked a few more similar ones below!

 

6. Anthropologie linen pants: $130 | Lauren Conrad Linen Pants: $36

• I bought this pair of linen pants last year for our trip to Europe and wore them a ton of times after that. They’re so comfortable and super versatile – the kind of pants that you can absolutely dress up and down. But if they’re a little more expensive than you want to buy, THIS PAIR IS SIMILAR!

 

7. Boden tiered maxi skirt: $150 | Nine West tiered Maxi Skirt: $28

• I’ve been so into bright colors and prints this spring and am so in love with this pretty bold skirt from Boden. It’s tiered, has pockets, can be dressed up or down, and adds a bit of fun to any outfit! But it’s also a higher price point, so I’ve linked a few similar options below that are at more affordable price points.

 

8. Spanx striped dress: $138 | H&M Linen Striped Dress: $39

• I just got this dress (and did a styling session with it RIGHT HERE), and it’s a perfect one and done dress for the spring, summer, and into fall. It’s the same crazy comfortable fabric as #2 in this list, and is the kind of dress you can throw on and feel like you’re wearing pajamas or a blanket all day. But it’s also a higher price point, so I’ve linked a few similar options below that are more affordable!

 

 

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

• Where to Buy Great Basics on a Budget

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