Splurge or Save- Grey Leopard Print Outfit
Happy Friday, ladies. I’ve had several emails requesting certain looks for these splurge vs save posts. Today’s is from a lady who loves animal print but doesn’t wear warm colors. She’s still working on her three style words and wanted to see what urban, polished, and contemporary might look like. Here is my splurge or save interpretation of a grey leopard print outfit
There are some interesting dupes in both outfits. I swapped several items in the collages as I found items at better price points. Many pieces are from discount merchants, and a few are from a budget-conscious store. There are also several investment pieces mixed in.
These posts aim to give you some ideas for outfits you can either duplicate by shopping in your closet or purchase at varying price points because great style can be had everywhere. Can you tell just by looking at these which outfit is the splurge or the save?
Most leopard prints have orange in their pattern, so I’m always happy to find ones that don’t. These longer cardigans can act as lightweight coats in the fall. Bootcut jeans are on trend, and both of these have a smaller bootcut so you can ease into the look comfortably. The deep wash is more elevated than lighter washes. I added a crisp white button-down because she likes to look polished.
The two-toned cable link bracelet is a modern classic. Both pairs of shoes have a soft sheen, and their pointed toes give a more polished vibe…sorry for the pun. Crossbody bags are current and very convenient.
The splurge outfit comes in at $2,530.00. The save outfit comes in at $316.29.
I would splurge on a few items here and not on others. There’s nothing trendy here, but I always try to spend less on pieces that won’t stand the test of time in my wardrobe. My husband spotted the save outfit instantly. Can you tell what gave it away?
Do you have a style you’d like me to recreate in a splurge or save post?
Thanks for reading, ladies, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
Love the Splurge/Save posts! These are so much fun! Please keep them in your rotation of topics. I’m learning so much and increasing in confidence to dress well while on a budget.
Awesome. I’m glad you’re liking them.
I love your Splurge/Save posts! And I am trying my 3 letter style description. Perhaps – sporty, classic, comfortable. I worked in the corporate world for years and wore mostly grey, navy blue and black suits. I still love a suit! But my retired lifestyle is very, very casual now. Walk, golf, bike, etc. Would love to see warm colors for fall on a 5’5”, medium rectangular build. Style away for my core pieces!
The style of the shoes as well as what appears to be a structured leather handbag (with assumingly a leather tag attached) spoke a possible ‘splurge grouping’ to me. Loving this new addition to your blog. -Brenda-
Footnote: Don’t know if you are aware Jennifer, but years ago the Interior Decor ‘Style At Home’ (Canada) Magazine had a High or Low feature as well. If I recall correctly, it consisted of two spaces decorated with similar items (with a side-by-side double page layout for comparison) and was definitely my favourite column back then.
I can usually spot the affordable vs splurge items but some here had be stumped.
I know David Yurman logos so I wasn’t thrown but your choice is excellent for an affordable option as I cannot see overpaying for just a logo and the DY name.
I surely thought the Kohls Grey Leopard cardigan was more expensive than the Nordstrom rack’s but I preferred the Rack’s cut and color pattern.
Jeans are not my thing unless they are a special cut so cannot opine.
The handbag I actually preferred the Kohls style but not sure of the quality. Not fond of Coach as their more affordable items always seem to have a logo displayed or embossed which I cannot fathom wearing due to free advertising and how these logos seem to scream “I am proud I have more money than you”. Sour taste. I do have Coach handbags without a logo but they are out of an affordable category but high quality and with timeless styles. I do not fault those if a displayed logo is their “thing.”
I would not wear either of the shoes but if I had to chose, I select Clarks for their comfort and shoebed padding.
I knew the RayBans were the splurge and I have them in my bag now with the prescription gradient lenses. I see wearing them with many of my outfits as I’m a blue color preference individual.
Great post Jennifer. Am looking forward to your next post in Splurge or Save.
Oh, how I wish I had at least $5K more in monthly income as I would purchase so many more of the items you post here on your blog. Sigh, I’m retired though and have no desire to return to working again to produce additional income. Such is life!
Shoes did it immediately for me!
I’m not a lower price point shopper coming from a family that taught “better to have fewer but quality” but I’d never pay over 2k for the higher end outfit.
I do enjoy these posts, btw Jennifer. I bet it takes a bit of time to put it together!!
These are fun posts
My mother also said to buy quality over quantity and save for the better items but look for sales. Classic investment pieces are always a good bet. I have some clothing pieces that I still wear and are holding up well after 20 years. Some items are right on point now. Will always purchase quality but look for more affordable or vintage items to add and don’t think twice about donating when I’m tired of them.
I think some high end items are not worth the price. But I do go by feel and fit. If it’s a trendy thing there’s no point in spending a small fortune.
As much as I dislike animal prints, this cardigan does appeal to me as it is not all over the item.
But I can’t tell which is the save.
Shoes are often a big giveaway.
Jean fit also is a giveaway. And cheap jeans tend to lose shape easily.
This is a nice outfit, either way.