Splurge vs. Steal: Handbags

Handbags are probably the one thing in my closet that are most always vintage.  Partially because I just love a unique bag and largely because the price of a good leather bag these days is outrageous!

Purses and bags are probably our number one seller in the shop, so it's hard to keep them stocked.  But here are a couple that are still for sale--they are not only affordable but also greatly resemble some super pricey modern day versions.  Take a peek!

Miskabelle bag // Ralph Lauren bag 

Miskabelle bag // Celine bag

With vintage options like these, I don't see myself spend more than double digit numbers on a handbag any time soon...

xo

A & J

Topshop: Inspired by Vintage

We love Topshop (but would love it even more if it could come to the United States in shop form!) They have amazing items, from basics to statement pieces, and their pricing is reasonable (though U.S. shipping costs a pretty penny). Of course, Topshop is still a little out of our bargain-loving price range, but we couldn't help but notice (whoa--Carrie Bradshaw mode activated) some items that were so similar to vintage ones we have in the shop right now, at a fraction of the price.

SHOP!

Mackenzie Eva Sole Desert Boots (Topshop-also in black)

Suede Desert Boots (Miskabelle-Size 8) 

Oversized Lightweight Parka (Topshop)

London Fog Parka (Miskabelle-Size Small)

Spot Strappy Button Sundress (Topshop)

Polka Dot Sundress (Miskabelle-Size Medium)

Splurge and Steal: Cozy Night In

We have been running around so much the past few weekends--tonight, I am making dinner (roasted veggies on salad with a vinaigrette with a nice glass of Riesling!) and Q and I are going to hang out, maybe watch a movie. I can't wait!

Are you having a night in with someone special? Here is a fun Splurge and Steal look that would also work for a casual night out (say, Thai food and an early showing of The Descendants...which Q and I liked well enough, but not as a best picture Golden Globe).

I am craving a pair of coated jeans, and these J Brand ones are pretty awesome...though at $185, they are definitely a splurge.  The other three vintage pieces to complete the look:  a cropped polka dot top, boucle cocoon sweater and ballet flats come in at just $55!  A definite steal, once again.

SHOP THIS LOOK

J Brand Mayhem Highrise Half Coated Skinny, $185

Polka Dot Cropped Blouse, $12

Boucle Knit Long Cardigan, $30

Vegan Ballet Flats $13

Whatever you're doing, wherever you are, hope you have a fabulous weekend!

xo,

Amanda

Splurge and Steal: Warm Texture

It has been a while since we have had a splurge and steal up on the blog...so just to refresh your memory, we create an outfit from 3 to 4 pieces from the shop (steals) and one pricier or designer piece (splurge) that completes the look. Typically, our entire Miskabelle look will come in under the price of the one splurge.

This week's look is a cozy casual or work look pulling from several decades:

The cape is very 70s Bohemian and in excellent condition (wear it over a pretty floral, striped or polka dot blouse!). Add 1950s wool pants (never worn), rolled up with some cute, warm socks tucked into these fantastic boots. There is nothing like pair of women's comfort shoes like these Bellatrix Canoe Hiker Boots from Born! They are so chic AND warm AND kind to your feet for those long walks in the freezing cold. Finally, you can tote everything you need in this great oversized business tote/bag. We love the blend of masculine and feminine in this look--the cape is soft and the boots and pants are a little tough:  that's our kind of girl!

SHOP THIS LOOK via Miskabelle Vintage

knit fringe poncho, $33

wool women's military pants, $37

tote/laptop bag, $16

What are you thinking about splurging on?  Can we create a look for you on the blog? Send us a message/leave a comment and we'll get right to it!

xo,
J&A

Steal vs. Splurge

We're back with another pretty sweet splurge vs. steal edition. Our vintage pieces are not only super similar, but they're a tiny fraction of the cost of the designer ones...and no one else will have the same exact one! That's what's so special about vintage.

Miskabelle Bright Yellow Knit Cardigan vs. Anthropologie Stash Away Cardi

Miskabelle Black Chunky Lucite Chain Necklace vs Pono Sunbaked Link Necklace

Miskabelle Lace Trim Senorita Blouse vs. Free People Lace Curtain Top

I know:  sometimes you just HAVE to splurge, but most of the time, it's a lot more fun to steal!

Happy Hump Day! ;)

xo,

Amanda

Splurge vs. Steal

Nordstrom carries so many high end brands, so it's the go-to place when you're looking for the latest trends. Some people love wearing brand names, and I don't judge those people. But going into debt for a little tag inside your skirt that no one will see? That seems a little silly. Why not get a little creative and find a similar style for a steal?

We've given you a little headstart with these Miskabelle steals!

Miskabelle Woven Cherry Red Flats vs Frye 'Emma' Ballet Flat

Miskabelle Basket Weave Tote vs. Mar y sol 'Panama" Stripe Straw Tote

Miskabelle Khaki Button Front Skirt vs. Tory Burch 'Mattie' Poplin Skirt

And there you have it...you can save hundreds of dollars with a little hunting (and a bit of artistic liberty).  Timeless styles last and vintage clothes and accessories are often more well-made than their modern day counterparts. Just another thing to add to our list of why vintage=LOVE.

xo,

Amanda

Splurge vs. Steal

Today's version of "Splurge vs. Steal" is a little different than usual.  Instead of showing you multiple Miskabelle 'steals' that in total cost less than one 'splurge' that would complete the outfit, we are simply showing one STEAL (from the shop) and its SPLURGE equivalent (from a non-vintage store).

As Etsy sellers we get a lot of Etsy convos asking for a reduction in price or shipping of an item.  And while yes, we do buy our inventory on the cheap and then sell it for a lot more (isn't that the definition of "business"?) we feel like we price our items really reasonably.  We're bringing our customers vintage versions of expensive look-a-likes in modern day stores.  So they're cheaper and more often than not, they're one of a kind!  Here a few Miskabelle Vintage look-a-likes from Anthropologie (we love you Anthro!  You just don't work well for ladies on a budget!).

Lovely earth-toned full skirts in ethnic prints.  

Miskabelle 'Brown Circle Mid-Length Skirt' vs. Anthro 'Rotational Symmetry Skirt'

Flowy, wide leg black and tan print pants.

Miskabelle Tribal Print Wide Leg Pants vs. Anthro 'Gracious Wide Legs'

Summery woven clutches.

Miskabelle Woven 'Multicolor Straw Clutch' vs. Anthro 'Granny Square Clutch'

I must admit, our versions definitely hold up against the pricey competitors!
Don't you just LOVE vintage?

xo
Jayme

Splurge and Steal: Valentine's Day

February 14th--it's a love/hate relationship.  If you're in love, it's great (if your loved one remembers and does something special for you--ahem), and if you're not, it kinda sucks because everyone else is busy.

We're giving you some thrifty outfits for the whole V-Day spectrum--a cozy night in, a romantic night out, or a single gal Anti-Valentine's celebration (libations?).

 

The Miskabelle Steals

The Splurge

The Miskabelle Steals

The Splurge

The Miskabelle Steals

The Splurge

However you spend February 14th, remember you are loved and remember to tell someone you love them.  And of course, show some love and buy vintage!

Have an idea for a Splurge/Steal? We'd love to hear from you!

xo,
J&A

SHOP THIS BLOG
Faux Fur Coat, Miskabelle
Paisley Dress, Miskabelle
Leather Clutch, Miskabelle
Dolce Vita platforms, Urban Outfitters

Key Brooch, Miskabelle
Bow Vest, Miskabelle
Embroidered Flats, Miskabelle
SEVEN Jeans, Shop Bop

Peplum Blouse, Miskabelle
Patent Clutch, Miskabelle
Heeled Loafers, Miskabelle
Flared GOLDSIGN Denim, Shop Bop 

Splurge and Steal: Holiday Fun

One thing I love most about the holidays--besides seeing my wonderful family and friends and eating amazing food--is getting the chance to dress up!  Of course, most of us are scrimping and saving up for just the right gift for our loved ones (may I suggest a Miskabelle gift certificate?) and don't have a lot to spend on a new winter wardrobe.

Have no fear:  Miskabelle is here!  We're sharing three holiday looks with you (all under $100 total), along with a Designer Splurge to show you how to look chic for cheap.

 The Miskabelle Steals

 The Designer Splurge

 The Miskabelle Steals

 The Designer Splurge

The Miskabelle Steals

 The Designer Splurge

From classic to funky, our shop is stocked with amazing pieces--most of them under $25.  And with our buy one, get one 50% off Holiday Sale happening right now, you can "steal" even more!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we want to say a special thanks to all of our supportive family members, friends, customers and readers.  We're so grateful for the chance to keep our business and blog running successfully, but we're only able to do it with your help (and love!).


Want to shop this story?

Thanksgiving Look
Miskabelle belt
Miskabelle purse
Miskabelle booties
Free People dress 


Holiday Party Look
Miskabelle top
Miskabelle skirt
Miskabelle shoes
Miskabelle clutch
Anthropologie cardigan 


Downtown Shopping Look 
Miskabelle coat
Miskabelle collar
Miskabelle bag
Dolce Vita boots

Splurge and Steal: THE TOP THREE!

Hello ladies (and gents, we hope)!  After much deliberation and many tears shed, we've finally narrowed down our Cheap&Chic submissions for the contest down to three!  Below, we feature our three top selections.  Now it's your job to vote on your favorite--just vote in the poll on our sidebar!  The final winner will be announced (and rewarded) on Thursday, August 5th, right here on the blog!

Without further ado...

The Miskabelle Steals

The Splurge

Working in an office cubicle (perhaps on a certain hill, ahem, DC) is enough to drive any person to want to spice up their day.  Here, we do it by spicing up the wardrobe.  This woven cardigan is great for the inevitable air conditioned freeze.  The striped silk skirt is playful, yet tasteful.  The cut out heels add some sexiness, but they aren't too high for work.  The structural necklace, our favorite splurge, adds a final unique touch to this at-work look.

The Miskabelle Steals

The Splurge

Maybe it's been mere months, or maybe it's been years, but September always brings on the back-to-school jitters.  We created this look especially for the college student.  The weather is starting to cool down with the return of autumn, but the days are still warm.  This lightweight blouse gives you room to breathe.  The canvas bag stores all the essentials (notebooks, pens, syllabus after syllabus) and can be carried across the body or by the handles.  Penny loafers are making a comeback, which is great news because not only do they look chic, they're also comfortable for long walks across campus.  And back-to-school would not be complete without denim.  This cropped and slightly distressed pair will give off the vibe that you're not trying too hard (essential for that first day of meeting new people!).

 

The Miskabelle Steals

 

 

The Splurge

 

Nothin' says lovin' like some funnel cakes, cotton candy, and making out on a ferris wheel.  State fairs are the most fun you can have in the dirt.  But boy, are they hot.  That's why a mini skirt is essential for this look.  Cute sneakers make it easy to get around (and avoid dusty toes), and this bag is large enough to fit in all the prizes your sweetie wins you at the ring toss!  We added a great graphic printed, lightweight tank as our splurge.  Not only is it comfortable, but it'll make the boys (or at least your boy) growl.

THERE THEY ARE!  Which look would you rock?   BE SURE TO VOTE!  

The winner will receive one Miskabelle piece from their splurge/steal collection.

Thank you to everyone who entered!  We have so many great ideas to follow up with. ;)

Stay gorgeous,

A