Mixin' n Matchin' - Stylista Esquire

As expected, I love my designer duds. But let’s be honest, most of us have champagne taste on a beer budget. Even if you ARE able to afford tons of high-end designer items, who doesn’t love a great deal?! I am a firm believer in mixing investment pieces with lower-end finds. Yes, you are thinking the word “cheap,” but I hate that word! In my opinion, “cheap” can apply to both expensive and lesser-expensive items. If you focus on quality, fabric, and cut, then a dress from Forever 21 can look just as chic as Chanel.

Ok, maybe that’s going a little too far, but you get my drift.

These blush nude Valentino Rockstud pumps have been on my wish list for such a long time, so I have no shame in revealing that they were my first purchase after starting my job. They are the most expensive shoes I own, and I can’t imagine buying a more expensive pair of shoes for the rest of my life. I am attempting to justify them for the following reasons:

1. They are one of my most comfortable pair of shoes. TRUTH. I have worn them for almost 10 hours straight (my cousin’s wedding) and my feet lasted all night!

2. Blush nude goes with everything.

3. The studs pop, but are still subtle.

4. They go with formal dresses, casual outfits, jeans, leggings, etc.

Convinced yet?? I also love the ivory pair and black pair, but I will contain myself. There are lots of other shoes to buy! For those who like the style, there are tons of inspired rockstud shoes. I will list some below. Also, check out eBay and Poshmark, where you can find deals on second-hand shoes [even ones that have never been worn!].

Banana Republic Trench Coat (almost identical)

Forever 21 Gray Ribbed Dress – similar here and here

Valentine Patent Leather Rockstud Pumps – great inspired versions here and here

Now onto the rest of the outfit. A trench coat should be a staple in a girl’s closet. I wear mine in the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons. This Sandringham Burberry trench is another item on my long-term wish list, but this one from Banana Republic has lasted me over 5 years! It comes with a belt, which I sometimes tie in a bow to keep it out of the way. BR is great as the pieces are usually timeless and if you play your cards right, you can always get an item on sale, making closet staples super affordable.

My Forever 21 gray ribbed dress is super soft and of great quality. It comes from their Contemporary line, so the cuts are more mature than the typical Forever 21 items. The dress is just a simple semi-body con dress that can be dressed up or down. This is my dressed up version. Stay tuned for some more ideas on how to pair a simply gray dress like this!