Classy, Sassy, and a Bit Bad Assy

dresses

I’ve had this gorgeous royal blue pleated dress sit in my closet unworn for almost a year now because David would always make fun of me saying it’s too formal to wear out to anything we go to on a day to day basis. I’d literally put it on to go out to a casual dinner, and before I get a chance to make it out the house with it on, he’ll ask that I change because I look way too overdressed for the occasion (LOL). But sometimes, I just have days where I want to play dress up for no particular reason. Nothing better than walking out feeling classy, sassy, and a bit bad assy! Anyone else with me on this one?

When I saw this dress as part of Maison Jules’ collection last year, I knew I had to have it. I’ll get the bad news out of the way — since I waited so long to wear (and shoot) this dress, it’s now sold out but I’ll be linking to a few similar ones that I also love down below. This dress reminds me a lot of Oscar De La Renta’s designs, which I absolutely adore. The bright cobalt color is perfect for summer and all year round really, in California.

The pleats on the sides of this beauty complete it for me. It adds just enough sophistication and class without making the dress feel too busy. As far as accessories go, I like to complete the look with either a white pearl necklace or a white statement necklace, a gold watch, and maybe a ring or two. Here in the desert where you can never get away with ditching the sunnies, these Oliver Peoples aviators have quickly become an everyday staple for me.

I also wanted to share with you two amazing designer dupes I recently discovered. After splurging almost $5k on a small limited edition Chanel boy bag, I can’t help but find myself wanting more and more. I’ve hit my spending limit for a while now, so until my next big splurge, I’ve gotten my hands on a quality dupe of the Valentino rockstuds in nude, and a white quilted bag that closely resembles the Reissue bag by Chanel. I am extremely impressed with the quality of both dupes.

Considering the fact that I can be sort of clumsy when I walk sometimes (just busted my ankle this past weekend in fact), these heels have done me pretty well so far. I actually purchased these a few months back. I discovered Kaitlyn Pan on Amazon while doing my typical online shopping, and learned that her line carries many great dupes of popular styles and luxury brands. These shoes are very well-made and super comfortable to walk in. Pointy heels are normally a pain for me because I have wide feet and toes, but not these ones! The affordable price point has me tempted to purchase a few more in other colors I’m dying to own. While there’s a time and place for luxury items, I feel that you can still shop smart & find quality shoes that are equally stylish for a fraction of the price. Since the wear and tear on my shoes is a lot greater than my bags, I like the idea of being able to replace my shoes as often as needed without putting a dent to my bank account. Compared to the $1k price tag on the Valentino rockstuds, I would say that these $114 alternatives are just as chic!

So far, I’ve gotten the chance to cross the classic Chanel boy bag off my dream bag list, but not the classic quilted white Chanel bag yet. David and I agreed that he’d upgrade his computer and camera before my next big purchase… so for now, I decided to get this dupe from Amazon that looks basically identical to the real thing. I’ve even had people ask me if I got another Chanel bag! Honestly, it’s harder to tell unless you look really closely (doesn’t say Chanel on the clasp obviously) because the quality and stitching is amazingly done. This is a great bag to wear on an everyday basis rain or shine, and I love that I don’t have to obsessively worry about potentially ruining a Chanel bag. The best part is, I can still walk out in style for just $115 (compared to $2-3k). Again, at this price point, I can afford to replace it if I wanted to. Realistically speaking though, this bag is just buying me some time before I welcome home my next Chanel baby. My Christmas list is already quite full even though we’re still months away from the holiday. 😛

What are some of your favorite designer dupes? I’d love to check them out!

Photos by David Potter

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92 Responses

  1. Those dupes look amazing! I totally would have thought they were both the real deal if you hadn’t said anything. This dress fits you perfectly and I love the color! Simply breathtaking ❤️❤️❤️

  2. I need that dress in my lifeeeee! It totally does look like Oscar de la Renta. I can’t believe they don’t have it anymore 🙁 I totally would have gotten this same exact dress! It’s hard to find formal looking clothes that actually look good and not overly formal but I feel that this one can easily be styled up or down. You look oh so classy!

    1. Sorryyyyy 🙁 I meant to shoot this dress shortly after I got it but I don’t know why it never happened! Then I moved out of LA and all the packing and unpacking sort of just put me off schedule for a loooong time. But hey, better late than never! lol

  3. I love this dress on you! The color is so amazing on you and your tan! It is such a chic and classy dress and perfect for date night, church, brunching and more. I LOVE this Chanel dupe! I literally thought it was a Chanel bag! I am a huge fan of white bags and this one is a winner. The studded heels really add the final touch too! Beautiful look! xoxo, Christine
    http://dailykongfidence.com/

    1. Lol there are literally a million Chanel bags I’d love to add to my wardrobe but currently saving up for some more important things unfortunately LOL. For now this wonderful dupe will do! 🙂 Thank you Christine!

  4. Yasss girl! I totally agree, there’s nothing wrong with getting all dressed up even if there’s not particular special occasion but just ’cause. You look so gorgeous in that dress! I’m loving the chic and sophisticated vibes. Fab find on the quilted bag!

    xo, Jo

  5. I’m so into bright colors recently, and this royal blue is so beautiful, especially the way you styled it! I also really like your choice in accessories, keeping it clean and elegant with the white necklace and bag. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment on my last post<3

  6. I absolutely love to play dress up too babe!! Loving the royal blue on you with your beautiful skin ton. You should definitely wear it more and also that dress so classic and elegant. That whit bag is fabulous

    xoxo
    Marcy

    1. I’m glad you like to dress up too Marcy! Isn’t it fun? Haha as someone who doesn’t go out often I feel I don’t exactly need a reason to dress up 😉

    1. Aww thanks Ayana! I’m glad you like this dupe. There are so many great ones out there. After investing in a Chanel bag a couple months back, I’m definitely not in the market to make another $5k splurge for a while haha. For now, this gorgeous dupe will do!

  7. Those are really nice dupes! I wouldn’t have known those weren’t rockstuds unless you said something! I love the blue of that dress as well. So vibrant and pretty!

    Karin | truncationblog.com

    1. Thanks Karin! Kaitlyn Pan makes some pretty amazing designer dupes. Not only do they look like the real deal, they feel like it too! Comfort is key above all 🙂

  8. This color looks extremely good on you! Wow, and the pictures are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
    Thank you for the dupes too 🙂
    You’re beautiful!

    senhoritadeise.com/do-you-take-yourself-seriously

  9. Girl, everyday should be a runway. The dress is quite pretty but I also think it can be worn in the daytime and for a night out. It all depends on the styling. And can we talk about the necklace real quick?! It’s a beautiful statement piece.

  10. I love everything about this look! Royal blue looks so good on you, it’s also a color that I like to wear. It’s almost unbelievable that your purse is a dupe! You nailed this look!

  11. How pretty! Glad you finally wore it and shot the look to share with us! You’re right…sometimes you do have to dress up for yourself!
    Also, you found some amazing dupes! I wrote a similar post recently when I got a dupe of a jumpsuit from Intermix. Saving cash is is always a plus!
    xo, LA
    brownpaperdoll.com

    1. I’m so glad you’re on the same wavelength with the dupes Lauren! I couldn’t agree more — saving money is a good habit and while designer pieces are good to have, it’s not always necessary.

  12. This dress was seriously made for you! The color is stunning! I can’t walk in high heels either girl but I might just risk it for those fab shoes!
    Kyla
    Wanderlustkyla.com

  13. You look absolutely stunning in this dr as! The fit is so chic and the Cobalt Blue is gorgeous! Love that bag and I just bought a those shoes myself!
    Ellie | @scotch.and.stilettos

  14. Completely in love with this dress!! You are definitely classy, sassy and a HELLA ton bad-assy 😉 I adore those heels!! I can never pull those off since they’re pointed toe LOL but YES I’m all for dupes! I really want a Chanel dupe cause I have yet to bite the bullet on splurging a little for myself HAH! But it is SOOO rewarding to just treat yourself.

    With love, Jenn
    https://www.jubilantdose.com/lantern-fest/

    1. YES GIRL omg. It really does feel great to treat yourself every once in a while! I felt amazing and did not regret buying my black Chanel bag LOL. But the white one will have to wait and for now these dupes are plenty perfect! As for the shoes — I’m normally not a fan of pointed toe shoes because I have pretty wide feet but this pair is oddly comfortable! Definitely very well-made. 🙂

  15. I actually love you in royal blue Sharon! It looks so good against your tan girl.

    Also drooling over your Chanel bag <3<3 I think I'm going to have to settle for dupes for a while until the baby is here and we get all our big expenses out of the way! Save your money and buy a ticket to Oz and visit me instead 😉

    Helen xx
    http://helenchik.com

    1. Thanks Helen! I will save money and visit you in Oz soon don’t you worry! But I think by the time I make my way there I won’t just be visiting you — your little one too! hehe xx

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