Aubrey Chick Wegner

Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Valentino, yes, yes and yes! Except I’m a college student so…it’s more like Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, H&M and Target! I’ve had people ask me recently if I shop designer brands or stay more on the name brand but “affordable” track. So here’s my take on both. First of all, I’m a college student. However, I AM a college student studying Fashion Merchandising! Growing up, I had an obsession with shoes. You’ve probably read my posts mentioning this before! My mom and I couldn’t leave Target without at least a two new pairs of shoes. I mean seriously, who can go in Target and leave with only one thing? So my love of shoes and shopping started early. Therefore, so did my love of affordable shopping! Now that doesn’t mean that I don’t love to peruse the shoe department in Neiman’s. Of course I’ve got a pair of Valentino’s on my with list! I’ll get to my opinion on designer items in a minute.

First let’s talk about some of my favorite retail go-tos. Have you been to Target lately? If you haven’t, then you need to go check out the newly designed Target. They’ve launched some new brands and taken on a new feel. The Hunter for Target collection is in select stores and only for a limited time if you like their cute rainboots, jackets and sportswear! Target also carries brands that have super cute pieces such as A New Day, Universal Thread, Who What Wear, JoyLab, Champion, and Knox Rose. What I’ve found is that Target is raising the bar to connect with shoppers who like to shop retailers such as H&M, Madewell, and Urban Outfitters/Free People. The designers who have partnered with Target are bringing styles that are more similar to name brand styles. You’ll notice the striped skirt I’m wearing is currently sold online only at Target. Target’s Universal Thread version at $22.99 is so similar to the Madewell chambray version. However, Madewell is priced at $98. So for this price-cautious college student, the Universal Thread one was an easy choice for me to make!

Everything I’m wearing in these pics are what I would wear on a daily basis and I’ve found at a more affordable price point. Marshall’s is also one of my go-to places to shop. Here you can actually find name-brand and designer pieces but cut down at least half the price. With Marshalls, you have to make a quick run in several times a month because they get in new shipments every week, and you never know what may hit the stores and never return again! This makes shopping and getting that “steal” so fun and addicting! You may have seen my camel Kate Spade handbag I showed in my Easter dress pics. That was actually purchased at Marshall’s and was half the price. I would say Marshalls is definitely the place to shop for great deals on designer purses and wallets!

Now for my opinion on designer items. Do I wear designer items too? Yes! I am a Fashion Merchandising major who dreams of high fashion! So if I can get my hands on something designer, I’m going to rock it! For me, if you own nice things, you are going to treat them kinder and take better care of them. You should! If you’ve paid a higher price point on a designer label, you are paying not only for the name but for the quality of fabric and cut. You get what you pay for! If you choose to spend more on a designer accessory, the benefit is that it will never go out of style. Haven’t you heard stars on the red carpet wearing “Vintage Chanel”? If you take care of them, they will last forever and never lose their value.

So here I am just a college girl in Texas dreaming of high fashion while I shop frugally for copy-cat items to fill my style needs… Currently, sitting cross legged in front of my laptop in a college T-shirt and sweatpants!

Leave a comment below and tell me what you think. Would you rather spend more on designer pieces or do you shop more locally and price cautious? I’d love to know what kind of shopper you are and what you like to see!

xo- Aubs

Click on each pic to SHOP THE LOOK:

Unfortunately, the bag I have in my pics is from Gap and it’s sold out! I linked a similar one for the same price at Nordstrom! ^^