Hey Big Spender

I do not go for budget fashion. This is fancytown, after all. But really, I have always found that if there is a particular piece of clothing you really want, it's best to buy it and not settle for a cheap ripoff. You will continue to lust after the real thing and slowly grow to hate your "bargain". Also, cheap clothing does not hold up well. The fabric and manufacturing (seams, button, etc.) often give up way before you want them to. For example, Target collaborations are always a bad idea. And let's be honest, do you really need 20 new complete outfits every season?! No. Buy some great pieces (however many you want to or can afford) and enjoy them, and bring them out every year or even wear them all year round. This approach works within reason. Everyone has a price point which they are not comfortable with, whether it's because there is no possible way to afford it or whether it is just seems wrong to spend so much on a piece of clothing or whether it just doesn't seem like a worthwhile investment (too trendy, etc.) If you're sure you don't want the real thing, an affordable "version" [ripoff] of it may be the answer. I recently went this route when I found a great jacket at Zara:

For $129, it was an easy choice. I would never spend $825 on an Isabel Marant jacket (the obvious "inspiration" behind Zara's jacket)

Also seen here being worn (badly) by Heidi Klum:

I am all for mixing cheaper items in, but building a wardrobe of cheap ripoffs is a really bad idea. If you have access to a washing machine (and occasionally a dry cleaner), you can live with a small wardrobe of nice clothing. Focus on what you really want instead of hoarding cheap stuff. (This tendency is a real modern phenomenon with the prevalence of cheap stuff made in China and the blogosphere's relentless appetite for something new. I'm looking at you, lecatch.com. Also, I see you perking up your cheap polyester clothing with $1000 purses and shoes.)