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Designer blowout, pocketbook bailout

Looking trendy doesn't require cash.

By Justin Whaley

Published April 16, 2010

Staring at the black nylon dopp kit one of my dear friends gave me, my fingers wander to the keys of my Macbook to the Neiman Marcus Web site to do some cyber-stalking of this snazzy little zip-up. One hundred thirty dollars never seemed so significant — all for a notebook-sized serving of nylon, a metal triangle donning the name "Prada" and an official owner's card with serial number registry. Talk about legitimate.

Yes, I would give an arm, a leg and maybe even my soul to be the dashing amputee sporting a Dolce & Gabbana suit, some Tod's loafers and a pair of Tom Ford's suave shades. If I did help out the pocketbooks of these designers, however, I might as well pay another year of tuition, buy a new car or a new house just to equal the cost.

Let's take this moment to give a shout-out to the head honchos in the fashion industry. Obviously, they're proud of their creations, along with the pride of many adoring fans. But where can we draw the line between proud and daunting?

That sharp, peak-lapel suit priced more than my first car? Of course I can find it at H&M. How about some classic Wayfarers? Send me to the mall kiosk that sells fake designer shades, and I will pick out the most similar pair I can find. As for workout gear, I'll gladly trade the infamous Under Armour logo for Athletic Works, found at good old Walmart.

Like many, I've yearned for designer goods since the naive age of 13 (which received much scrutiny, seeing as no straight 13-year-old knows the valor of a Burberry trench — apparently I was the exception) and my dear mum suggested, "You're only paying for the name!" I've come to realize it's the cold, hard truth. Designer goods are beautiful, but it's the type of beauty that can easily be found on the racks of stores at any mall or small boutique.

It's possible for anybody with somewhat a sense of style to look like they walked right off the pages of any haute couture magazine. Bargain hunting is the name of the game. Shop the clearance racks and catch sales at the end of the season, for starters. Keep in mind almost every fashion magazine features affordable items that fashion savants, not their bank accounts, will die over. Looking great doesn't necessarily require a ton of cash, just the right eye for a bargain.

So as I rub the menacing metal triangle of Prada with my injured left thumb (from a skiing accident), I realize the true value of a dollar. For this $130 dopp kit, I could buy five weeks' worth of groceries, four tanks of gas, my car insurance or pay my tuition bill for this month. I'm grateful for my friend who unexpectedly gifted me with this luxurious accessory. However, would I ever splurge on such an extravagant gift living from a Ramen and meal points budget? Would you?

Let's prove to the big dogs that staying classy on a budget is always in style.