Expense vs. Cheap: How To Shop Smarter for Spring

I am a stylist and I have to (yes, HAVE TO wink wink) buy what's "in" for each season. I am also self-employed and single (gasp). The two combined don't allow me to purchase my entire Wish List on my Net-a-porter account. Moment of silence if you will.

I found 3 things that I wanted to purchase for Spring. After about an hour of research, I found practically the same items on other sites for more than half the price. Style for cheaper at last!

Guiseppe Zanotti's leather platform sandal for $740 vs. Go Max Platform sandal with studded detail for $49 at Piperlime.com



Sexy slinky dress by Vivienne Westwood for $315 vs. Victoria Secret cowl back slink dress for $58




Strapless black Jumpsuit by Sonia by Sonia Rykiel for $600 vs detail pleated jumpsuit at Spiegel.com for $129

S/S:11 Trend #1 - Sweet Threads

I am bananas for this trend (had to)! With all of the fruit print fabrics that have collected dust over the years in the fabric stores, women might be fighting for all of the cherry and banana print cottons to create their own frock for cheap. (I'm looking recreate the citrus blouse from Stella). An apple a day keeps the fashion police away (Come on, too many play on words with this trend).