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
92 Responses
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 ❤️❤️❤️
Aw thanks Denise! You’re too sweet xoxo
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!
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
I absolutely think this color is gorgeous on you! The style and fit is also perfect for both causal and formal outfits. What a great addition to your wardrobe 🙂
Thank you Mariann! Indeed this dress makes a perfect addition to my wardrobe!
I am in love with this dress! This is my favorite color ever and looks amazing on you.
Thanks Marissa! I am a fan of this cobalt blue too 🙂 especially for clothing!
Royal blue is definitely your color babe!! Love how you styled this simple dress to look more elegant and ladylike 🙂 Hope you have an amazing weekend <3
XO, Jessi
https://www.mywhitet.com/style-classic-white-button/
Thanks Jessi! xx
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/
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!
Love this color on you! And that designer dupe bag is right up my alley!
xx Su
http://www.missminussized.com
Thanks Sush! I’m still really surprised by the quality of the dupe haha
In love that cobalt blue color. The dress is so pretty and perfect for work or a night out and looks amazing on you. Great details too love.
Thanks Fawn! I am a sucker for all things cobalt blue. I love the way it pops!
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
Thank you so much Jo! I’m glad that you’re on the same wavelength! Sometimes it’s just fun to dress up 🙂
Love this dress and color on you. Beautiful with white bag. I can see why you feel a little sassy.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Thanks Gracie!
That dress is so pretty, love the colour! Sometimes it’s kind of nice to be overdressed though, just for the sake of being dressed up 🙂
xx
So true babe! Couldn’t agree more xx
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
Aww babe, thanks so much for always being so supportive and kind to me! Appreciate it 🙂 xx
loooove the dress!
Thanks Karla!
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
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 😉
Such a gorgeous dress! That blue color is stunning and goes so well with your figure and skin tone! It would be perfect for work!
xo,
Brittany
http://www.theblistblog.com
Thanks Brittany!
What a stunning color on you!! Love this look!
Thanks babe! Glad you like the look!
You look gorgeous in royal blue girl!!
Lauren
http://www.basicbabelauren.com
Thank you Lauren 🙂
Gorgeous color on you! That blue is everything honestly. As for dupes, I am absolutely following this post to see some dupes suggestion. My budget is not set up for a 5K bag, but I would absolutely do a dupe. Great recommendation on the one you are wearing. It’s gorgeous.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thrifitingdiva.com
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!
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
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 🙂
I love this look! The purse is especially cute! xx
http://hollyhabeck.com
Thank you Holly!
I think your dupes are spot on! I absolutely love this dress — both the color and the side pleats. Beautiful!
Thanks Patricia! I’m glad you like my dupe choices xx
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
Thank you so much darling! xo
Gorgeous, thanks for the links to other dresses, too! This is why I always hesitate to clean out my closet. You never know when you’ll need something fabulous!
I know right? I’m a hoarder! Lol trying to get better though and sell some things on Poshmark! xx
Those dupes are to die for. You really nailed it! Thank you for sharing all of these wonderful items with us!
Thanks Emily! Glad you love them as much as I do!
I love the color of your dress and those shoes are fab, great look for fall!
Valerie
Thank you so much Valerie!
The cobalt dresses are a great colour to offset the harsh summer heat by adding a splash of cool hues especially with that pearl necklace. It’s so cool you found so many affordable dupes for the shoes, and the bag! It’s amazing how much we spend on a label when theres perfectly good dupes at a fraction of the price,
Bernice | IG @bunnybernice
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/09/12/Lyst-Summer-Dress-Favourites
Couldn’t agree more babe! I can definitely appreciate a good designer piece but it’s not alwayssss necessary haha!
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.
Amen to that girl! Everyday is a runway for sure 😉
Loveeeee this dress! it’s just so timeless.
Thank you Hannah! I am a sucker for timeless pieces.
This dress is gorgeous on you!! Love this color!
Thank you Ashley!
I love this blue color on you!
Thank you Jenny xx
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!
Thanks Laura! Appreciate it xx
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
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.
I love the design of your website. What tools did you use? Thanks for the dupe idea
Thanks darling! My boyfriend designed my website for me haha! I’m glad you like it 🙂 xx
This dress is beautiful! I love this color on you!
XO
Lee Anne
http://www.lifebylee.com
Thank you honey xx
such a sharp pop of blue, love how you paired it with white accessories!
http://www.layersofchic.com
Thanks babe! I usually keep it simple on accessories but felt it was appropriate for this look!
This color looks amazing on you! LOVE it paired with that white bag!
Thanks Ashley! Glad you like the ensemble!
You look amazing! That colour looks amazing on you! xx
simonehjulmand.com
Thank you so much Simone!
I love this look!! Not only do you look amazing, but you’ve managed to find some amazing dresses and dupes to go with this post!
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
Thanks Jordan! Glad you like the look! xx
Girl, you are so inspirational!!! I LOVE the dress, the color of it is just stunning and I could never tell from the photos that the bag is a dupe! Also, how cool is the layout of this post?
Have an awesome day!
xx Kris | https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Awww Kris you’re the sweetest! Thank you so much for your kindness and support. Means the world to me!
This bright blue dress is gorgeous!
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Thank you Amanda! I love it too!
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
Thanks Kyla! These heels are actually really comfortable and I think you’d rock them!
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
Yayyy! I’m glad you like the shoes and were able to get yourself a pair! xx
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/
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. 🙂
Lovely post and outfit! 🙂
https://barbiegirl06.wordpress.com
Also, I nominated you for the mystery blogger award! More info in my latest post. 🙂
Ohhh! You’re so sweet babe! I’m heading over to your blog to check it out now, can’t wait!
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
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
Yes, this outfit is super cute and classy. It fit you so well.
@rachelvogttrends http://rachelvogttrends.com/
Aw thanks Rachel! xx