How to look designer for less | My top tips on looking effortlessly on-trend

People think that looking like you're wearing designer accessories can be expensive, but in all honestly it can be done on the cheap and you can STILL look a million dollars! I'm not blessed with a bottomless bank account and I can't just buy whatever I want when I want (one day I will be able to though.. I've promised myself - #girlboss - but at the moment it's utterly impossible) so looking like I'm dressed in designer clothing is a real must for me... keep reading to see how you can do it too...

I personally do not agree with full-frontal rip offs/copies of anything - makeup, handbags, clothing, shoes - the list is endless. When a brand full on copies a designer brand, I cannot stand it because the designer label/brand has gone through months, if not years, of a designing process, sample process, manufacturing process and marketing process and I find it very disrespectful when a brand copies every single tiny detail and tries to sell it off as their own. But what I do agree with is brands who produce 'harmless dupes' - dupes that are very similar to the real thing, but clearly aren't the real thing. The design may be wholly different, the colourings will be different, the sizing will be different and of course the logos will be different.

Dupes of disposable trends are more ethical for me, personally, and they keep me looking stylish for not a lot of cash!

Laundry B (formally known as Laundry Boutique) are stocking the most AMAZING Gucci dupe!! There's nothing wrong with buying dupes - nothing wrong whatsoever! We live in an age where fashion is disposable (which I would love to change, but it's just the way it is) one minute gingham is the in thing and the next embroidered bags and shoes are all we desire, but in 6 months time this trend might disappear into the night, although, I hope not. But my point is, if we know a trend might not last, what's the point of shelling out thousands of pounds on the now 'in thing' that won't be in a year or two down the line? When purchasing my designer accessories, I opt for classics, my Louis Vuitton Speedys being the perfect examples - these are accessories that won't date, not ever! But when purchasing things that may date, I buy cheaper - it's more ethical for me and keeps me looking stylish for not a lot of cash!

The one I'm sporting is currently out of stock, but a smaller version of the Alessandro Bag is available at the moment, find it here for just £29!!!!!! Keep an eye on Laundry B's 'New in' page as they are constantly restocking!

Another way to do achieve a high-end look on a low-end budget is to wear plain clothing with embellished accessories, just like I am in this post. An all black outfit is classic, chic and approved by Coco Chanel herself - she was the pioneer of wearing all-black; she made it a trend, so what better way to get an effortlessly chic outfit than to follow in Coco's footsteps of course! The top that I'm wearing in this post was purchased in the River Island sale for just £15 down from £34 (bargain, right?)! The puffed sleeves teamed with the peplum design, the opulent material and the frilled detail above the empire line just add a little something extra to the plain ensemble.

Any bright colour can be teamed with an all black outfit, but a personal favourite of mine would have to be fuchsia pink! There's just something about the black and pink combination that just looks chic, edgy and unique. Bright pink nails, bright pink lips and bright pink embellishments on my handbag really do make this outfit 'POP' - there's nothing better than an outfit that contrasts in the right way!

Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise!! I can't stress this point enough! I am a sucker for accessories: handbags, shoes, watches, earrings, purses, sunglasses - the list IS endless! I love styling up plain outfits as it means you can be a little more adventurous with your accessories...

Timepieces speak to me on a level that other accessories just don't. I feel that watches complete your outfit and ensure you look fully-dressed and professional too. Picking the right watch can be a daunting task because there's just so many gorgeous ones that deserve to sit pretty on your wrist.. my Marc by Marc Jacobs watch from Plus Watches is the ultimate must-have watch. All-black watches are stunning and the gold hardware that adorns this timepiece just adds a little something extra and something I just can't seem to get enough of. Just like all-black outfits, all-black watches are just as effortlessly chic - when teamed together, something amazing happens.. they look even more chic!

In my eyes, watches are the ultimate accessory and complete every single outfit - without fail!

I highly recommend this gorgeous timepiece by Marc by Marc Jacobs from Plus Watches... it's a stunning watch and I can't wait to style it up more! Plus Watches are a fabulous online watch store - a watch store with a difference! If you're always on the look out for getting designer pieces for less, just like myself, then you'll love Plus Watches and the array of watches in which they sell for discounted prices. The Marc by Marc Jacobs watch that I have is the MBM1269 watch and has a recommended retail price of £199.00 but from Plus Watches it'll set you back for just £111.99! Delivery with Plus Watches is efficient, fast and safe; they also provide you with a two year warranty for your beautiful timepiece as well as a two week satisfaction guarantee!