Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Sasha Gathered Bow Clutch, $24.95, www.dsw.com

Check: High Fashion Python Print Clutch with Bow, $69, www.endless.com

Charge: Valentino Satin bow clutch, $795, www.net-a-porter.com

I've been eyeing this Valentino satin clutch for a long time now but who, pray tell, has $800 to spend on a clutch? In these hard economic times I realised that it was high time for another "Cash, Check or Charge" post. I Like Her Style's mantra is, "if you can't beat 'em, you don't have to join 'em." So if you can't spend $800 on a clutch, don't. There are two economically friendly alternatives featured above at just $25 and $69... Enjoy!!

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Perlina Croc Wallet, $7.50, www.forever21.com

Check: Reptile-Print Clutches, $19.50, www.oldnavy.com

Charge: Isa Lizard Emboss, $295, www.loreleinyc.com

Croc clutches are all the rave right now but don't be predictible and buy a bright red clutch. Other colors to consider would be sunlight yellow, plum purple or sea aqua (like Selita Ebanks in a recent post). If your on a budget, the "cash" or "check" options are right up your alley but for those of you with a little more money to burn opt for this gorgeous Isa Lizard Emboss clutch. It's perfect with a cocktail dress or jeans!

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Tiered Chiffon Dress, $27.80, www.forever21.com

Check: Black Tiered Silk Slip Dress by A.B.S., $225, www.bluefly.com

Charge: Strapless Silk Dress by Marchesa, $2550, www.net-a-porter.com

Whether it’s prom night, hen night or just a good ol’ girl’s night out, make an entrance with a flirty, sexy, mini dress with this season’s must-have tiered frills. Sharon Leal is already hip to the trend and now you can be too on any budget. The fuchsia dress is from Marchesa’s Resort 2008 collection – it’s simply to die for! If you don’t have two and a half thousand extra dollars floating around you can look just as stylish in the cheaper alternatives and if you love frills as much as I do, also check out this Tiered Ruffle Dress by Robert Rodriguez ($473) available at Nordstrom.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Patent Lace Up Riding Boots, $44.99, www.gojane.com

Check: Patent Leather Lace Front Knee Boots, $89.90, www.flyjane.net

Charge: Avedere patent lace-front boots by Christian Louboutin, $1250. www.net-a-porter.com

Remember Naomi’s stylish stint at the New York Sanitation Depo? En route to her new job she once rocked the bondage-inspired Avedere boots by Christian Louboutin. I believe hers were suede but you can also nab a sexy pair in patent leather. If your budget, husband and/or credit card won’t allow such a purchase ($1250 from Net-A-Porter.com) visit www.flyjane.net and www.gojane.com for more affordable options.

Note: The suede Christian Louboutin Avederes are available at Neiman Marcus for $1120 but you can also get a cheaper pair at Flyjane.net.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Java 13 pu Wedge, $18.99, www.gojane.com

Check: Talli, $77.95, www.stevemadden.com

Charge: Haircalf Reva Ballet Flat, $225, www.toryburch.com

The Reva Ballet Flat is the shoe de jour. Perfect for summer walks in the park and essential for the anticipated transition into fall, this Tory Burch classic has been the best selling flat for over two seasons now. The pair pictured above are a variation of the Nappa Leather original. These brand new pre-fall, chocolate brown, haircalf Revas are going to sell-out quickly so place your order now. For those of you not so fussed with designer labels but equally in love with the style, try the cheaper alternatives above.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Charlotte Top, $19.80, www.forever21.com

Check: Shooting Star Dobby Blouse by Marc by Marc Jacobs, $228, www.shopbop.com
Charge: Frill Neck Blouse by Matthew Williamson, $780, www.net-a-porter.com

The first signs of spring are upon us and what better way to welcome the new season than by wearing the freshest color around? I find mint green so flattering for most skin complexions and the ruffles make this kind of blouse so light and cute. Team with matching eyeshadow, cropped jeans and flip flops for the perfect casual spring look.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Satin Heel, $19.99, www.gojane.com

Check: Pelle Moda Nemo, $99.95, www.zappos.com

Charge: Black Silk Satin 'Fresco' Sandals by Jimmy Choo, $716, www.bluefly.com

Hands up all those who thought Jimmy Choo was founded and owned by a trendy, Chinese designer?! Any takers? I know I’m not the only one! Well, suffice to say I was wrong…BIG TIME. London born Tamara Mellon is the genius behind the luxury shoe line. You can read her brief bio here. Several celebs adore her shoes and the line has had so much success that they recently launched their online boutique. Those of us who can’t quite afford a pair of Jimmy Choo’s can be equally, well almost equally, satisfied with the above alternatives to their “Fresco” pump.

Note: If you want a black ‘cash’ version, see these shoes by WindsorStore.com.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Nasdaq Glt Heel, $31.99, www.gojane.com
Check: Ethel, $99.99, www.aldoshoes.com
Charge: Nude Gold Glittery Gucci Pump, $495, www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Platform shoes look like they’re here to stay, but instead of donning the typical black, leather pair try a shiny metallic color. The Gucci ‘High-Heel’ pump comes in gorgeous colors such as metallic plum and cherry red but this bright gold pair are equally as stunning. Check out these two great copies, but both for less than half the price of the original Gucci pair. U.K ladies see this red/orange pump from Faith Shoes for only twenty pounds!

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Doodle Zip Up Hoody, $24.80, www.forever21.com
Check: The White Women's Medina Sweatshirt, $105, www.karmaloop.com
Charge: Fleur Spice Reversible Fur Hoody, over $200, www.dereon.com

The infamous hoody from Beyonce’s latest video ‘Irreplaceable,’ is sold out on Dereon.com. Since Bey wore it in the video and to a couple of TV appearances the site and stores haven’t been able to keep any in stock. This has prompted opportunistic individuals to sell their brand new, original Dereon Hoodies for up to and above $200! Peep this bid on ebay, already at $260.

One man from Boston tracked the last hoody down to a mall in Akron(?) He is offering any willing volunteer with time on their hands and an appreciation for Beyonce’s fine craftsmanship, to head to the mall, pick up said hoody, and ship it to him in Boston. PRONTO. Of course, volunteers will be fully reimbursed and receive an extra $100 for their efforts!

I have no idea what the original price was, but you can get these other two hoodies from Forever 21 and Karma Loop for much cheaper. Granted they don’t have fur lining the inside, but I think you’ll survive!

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Winter Ruffle Shopper, $34, www.akostyle.com
Check: Melie Bianco Shirred Doctor Satchel, $54.99, www.fashionflairs.com
Charge: Napa Gauffre bag by Prada, $1900 available at Neiman Marcus.

You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a celebrity carrying the Prada Napa bag. Case in point? See Jessica Simpson, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Beyonce flaunt theirs in public. The bag comes in many colors and styles e.g. the Napa Gauffre Frame and the Napa Chevron Antic Drawstring in black or brown. I’m not a big fan of the bag myself but here are some cheap copies for those who are interested. :)

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Black beauty leather Spy style tote, $44.00, www.akostyle.com
Check: Camel Beige Spy Bag, $190.00, www.bagaholics.com
Charge: Wisteria Leather Spy Bag by Fendi, $2380.00, Saks Fifth Avenue

Who are these people that drop two thousand dollars on a bag?! Even if I won the lottery tomorrow, I don’t know if I could rationalize such an extravagant purchase. There’s no need for me to either since so many great alternatives exists. Take Fendi’s Spy bag, a must for any celebrity worth talking about. I love the detailing on the original but not enough to part with my rent money. It does look gorgeous in gold though… Check it out here.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Snake Square Toe Court, $50.00, www.asos.com
Check: Carrie, $90.00, Guess
Charge: Brown Snakeskin Casteg Pumps by Sergio Rossi, $468.00, www.bluefly.com

Sergio Rossi have a gorgeous pair of snakeskin pumps out at the moment, they’re a classic in my book. The pair from Guess are showstoppers (I see you Allie Nicole!), but I love the cherry red pointy pumps from ASOS (As Seen On Screen) too. Shoes this powerful need an equally powerful outfit, so team with your favorite pair of jeans and a sexy shirt.

Cash, Check or Charge?

Cash: Tamsin Padlock Satchel, $40.00, www.oohboutique.com
Check: Camel Leather Padlock Handbag by Targèt Couture, $250.00, available at www.shopintuition.com
Charge: Chloe Paddington Satchel, $607.50, www.yournextbag.com

I thought this would be a cute little section – I pick a designer must have item, then find two alternatives that fall into varying price brackets. First up is Chloe’s infamous Paddington Satchel. Starting at a heart-stopping $600 and peeking at $1500, you can (and probably will) find some great substitutes for as low as $40! See, you can have your cake and eat it ;)