There will always be expensive and designer items so pretty, cool, or unique that i will have the urge to buy them, however, there are the items i love so much that i can justify their practicality in my life. On the other hand, there are those few items I simply lust, but could never justify spending the money on. I think I'm going to allow myself to purchase one "lusted" item each year to keep myself sane and add a unique element to my style. Here are some items I am currently "lusting" after and some cheaper alternatives I found that are a little more justifiable.
1.La Fumeuse Necklace Nulook: designed by Alice Hubert
I first spotted this interesting and unique necklace in the book "Paris Street Style" By Isabel Thomas and Frédérique Veysset and have been lusting after it ever since. I feel like wearing this necklace basically makes you and whatever you're wearing cool, but maybe that's just me.
For a necklace that still gives off that "cool girl" vibe without attempting to replicate this designers impeccable craftsmanship, I like this necklace from Urban Outfitters. It still conveys the same edgy cool and sophisticated/chic style message but looks completely different.
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=36271914&color=007
2. Givenchy Antigona medium leather shopping tote
This bag is so, for lack of a better word, badass. I've seen it on the street and some women have really incorporated it into their every day style backing it a neutral. Props to anyone that does so but I know I wouldn't and therefore can not justify spending the money. I sure can lust after it though.
Nasty gal actually made practically this exact same bag. They call it their "Vicious tote" which retails for $58. They are sold out and its not longer on their website but I believe it may be available at some third party retailers, if you don't have a problem with basically carrying knock offs, which for a bag like this I don't really see a problem with it. For an alternative bag that does not completely rip Givenchy's design off though, here if my pick, this tote bag from urban outfitters is equally as loud. The style is a little more bohemian and a little less edgy but I really like it.
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=37595014&color=040
3. Stuart Weitzman Lowland boot
I had to include these because I am absolutely obsessed, however I think these are an item I love just simply can't afford. If you can afford to pay full price I'm sure they are a worthwhile investment and are definitely beautiful boots, however I have found a few dups for these boots that may fall apart, but cost only a fraction of the price.
The largest problem I had looking for similar boots was finding ones that fit tightly at the top like the Stuart Weitzman ones, and that have the ties in the back. The best pair I found are from Designer Shoe Wearhouse (DSW) cand cost only $69.95. However you're paying for what you get. They come in black and grey (both of which I have) and I am on my second pair of the black because my first pair one of the ties broke off. I was not surprised by this considering you have to tie them pretty tight to have them fit tightly around the leg like the original boots, however for the price I actually think they're pretty good and I definitely get a lot of compliments. If the Highland boot (the stuart weizman boot with the high heel) is more your style, Steve Madden's "Gorgeous" boot is just for you. It retails at $149.95, so still a fraction of the cost of the Stuart Weitzman.
http://www.dsw.com/shoe/unisa+careana+over+the+knee+boot?prodId=340030
http://www.stevemadden.com/product/GORGEOUS/230010.uts