Sunday Splurges: Stripes

Who doesn't love stripes? They can be bright and whimsical or subtle and sophisticated. Here are some pricey striped pieces, and some affordable counterparts.

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Pierre Hardy Shoes $595 (similar here) // Etro Hat $610 (similar here) // Fendi Bag $1,230 (similar here) // Burberry Prorsum Coat $2,995 (similar here) // 10 Crosby by Derek Lam Dress $995 (similar here) // Stella McCartney Skirt $955 (similar here)

Sunday Splurges: Made in the Suede

The groundhog saw his shadow the other day, but that's okay. Six more weeks of winter means six more weeks of cold weather in which to wear supple, buttery suede.

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Milly Dress $675 // Ralph Lauren Collection Coat $7,000 // Jimmy Choo Belt $795 // Balenciaga Bag $1,745 // Isabel Marant Boots $580 // Valentino Skirt $765

Sunday Splurges: Statement Necklaces

When I don't feel like putting a ton of effort into an outfit (and I'm lazy, so that happens a lot), I like to just throw on some basics and then add a bold accessory for interest. These pricey statement necklaces would definitely perk up any uninspired outfit.

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Erickson Beamon Multicolored $1,815 (similar here) // Valentino Crystal Bib $725 (similar here) // Tom Binns Black Beaded $2,135 (similar here) // Lanvin Collar $1,115 (similar here) // Miu Miu Magenta $505 (similar here)

Sunday Splurges: Bright as Yellow

Yellow has recently become one of my favorite colors. Here are some spendy items (and some frugal counterparts) in cheerful, sunny yellow.

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Burberry Trench $1,495 (similar here, here) // Marc Jacobs Belt $1,250 (similar here) // Christian Dior Sunglasses $404 (similar here) // Jil Sander Tote $990 (similar here, here) // Giambattista Valli Dress $2,289 (similar here, here) // Alexander McQueen Sweater $975 (similar here) // Brian Atwood Pumps $755 (similar here, here)

Sunday Splurges: Kate Spade

When did Kate Spade get so fabulous? I remember not liking the brand at all when I was younger, but they've seriously been knocking it out of the park these past few years. The ladylike silhouettes paired with super-bold color and modern-yet-quirky touches are simply stunning.

In the grand scheme of things, Kate Spade isn't that much of a splurge, compared to top-tier labels like Prada, Chanel, Oscar de le Renta, etc. Some of the jewelry and accessories are downright affordable. But most of the covetable bags, shoes, and dresses are still out of my price range. Pardon me while I sob in the corner.

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Dress $375 (similar here) // Shoes $325 (similar here) // Necklace $328 (similar here) // Bag $445 (similar here) // Trench $725 (similar here)

Sunday Splurges: Color Blocking

I've been really drawn to color blocking lately - the simple shapes and bold contrasts are right up my alley. Here are some color block pieces that I wish I could afford.

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Carven Sweater $560 (similar here) // Bottega Veneta Dress $1,400 (similar here) // Chloe Bag $1,437 (similar here) // Pierre Hardy Shoes $828 (similar here) // Narciso Rodriguez Skirt $830 (similar here)

Sunday Splurges: Neutral Flats

Usually, when I think of pricey designer shoes, I think of sky-high stilettos or luxe leather boots. But, when it comes down to it, I'm a flats girl, and there are plenty of amazing flats out there that go with everything. Too bad I can't afford them, but here's the eye candy anyway.

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Valentino Studded $859 (similar here) // Giuseppe Zanotti Leopard $550 (similar here, here) // Lanvin Python $1,265 (similar here, here) // Chloe Black Patent $484 (similar here, here) // Prada Striped $520 (similar here)

Sunday Splurges: Outerwear

This fall has been kind of unseasonably warm. With a couple of exceptions, I've only been wearing light jackets since September. But I'm ready to wear some warm, cozy coats. Here are some of the spendy pieces I've been coveting.

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Red Trina Turk $525 (similar here, here) // Martin Grant Cape $1,560 (similar here, here) // Bruno Manetti Duffle Coat $1,459 (similar here, here) // Marc by Marc Jacobs Faux Fur Coat $1,136 (similar here, here) // Acne Leather Coat $1,230 (similar here, here) 

Sunday Splurges: Sparkly Party Dresses

It's officially holiday party season, so here are some sparkly and pricey party dresses. Swoooooooon!

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Gold Alice + Olivia $600 (similar here) // Silver Donna Karan $2,010 (similar here) // Ombre Matthew Williamson $4,290 (similar here) // Black Issa $1,495 (similar here) // Black & Gold Rachel Zoe $495 (similar here)

Sunday Splurges: Satchels

Here are some satchels I wish I could afford, and some frugal facsimiles.

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Mulberry $1,555 (similar here, here) // Z Spoke by Zac Posen $595 (similar here, here) // Chloe $1,895 (similar here, here) // Proenza Schouler $2,295 (similar here, here) // Reed Krakoff $990 (similar here, here)

Sunday Splurges: Lace

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L'Wren Scott Skirt $1,150 (similar here, here) // Bottega Veneta Shoes $690 (similar here, here) // Dolce & Gabbana Top $1,100 (similar here, here) // Carven Dress $989 (similar here, here)

Sunday Splurges: Sequins

I don't live the type of lifestyle that takes me places where I can regularly wear sequins. I mean, you don't see a lot of sparkle around the dive bars or our couch. But if I was a member of the glitterati, here are some of the sparkly pieces I'd wear out to all the events.

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Alice + Olivia Dress $550 (similar here, here) // Givenchy Pumps $1,050 (similar here, here) // Reed Krakoff Cardigan $1,090 (similar here, here) // Miu Miu Clutch $1,350 (similar here, here) // Balmain Pants $1,795 (similar here, here)

Sunday Splurges: Feelin' Blue

I've been getting a lot of good useful information from your survey answers so far (have you taken the survey yet? Please do!) and it's going to take a lot of time to weed through all the data. But one trend that was easy to spot was that many of you don't really dig the Sunday Splurges. You'd rather that I posted affordable items, not expensive ones. But there are still enough readers who enjoy them that I don't want to stop posting them. And honestly, I enjoy them too!

So, from now on, I'm going to post the Sunday Splurges as usual, but also link to similar items for less. Whaddaya think?

I recently reorganized my closet and was shocked at how much blue is in there. I guess I'm a bigger fan of blue than I thought. So I was inspired to post some pricey (and not so pricey) blue items today.

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Marc Jacobs Bag (similar here, here) // Erdem Skirt (similar here, here) //

Nanette Lepore Coat (similar here, here) // Rachel Roy Necklace (similar here, here) //

Giuseppe Zanotti Booties (similar here, here)

Sunday Splurges: Leopard

It's no surprise that I've been heavily into leopard lately (exhibit A, B, C, D), so today, I want to look at some leopard pieces that I could never, ever afford.

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1. Valentino Skirt $3,400

2. Agent Provocateur Gloves $500

3. Milly Coat $695

4. Dolce & Gabbana Dress $2,080

5. Tory Burch Booties $425

6. Diane Von Furstenburg Handbag $1,200

Sunday Splurges: Chunky Shoes

Oh, how I love a heavy, chunky shoe. But we'd have to take a second mortgage out on our home if I wanted to buy any of these. Sob.

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1. Miu Miu $890

2. Pierre Hardy $1,285

3. Anthropologie $428

4. Theyskens' Theory $465

5. Dries Van Noten $550

6. Chloe $695

Sunday Splurges: Suede

I love fashion that also provides a pleasant tactile experience, so of course I love soft, buttery suede. Here are some of the pricey items I'm yearning for.

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1. Brian Atwood Booties $845

2. Tory Burch Jacket $725

3. Ralph Lauren Collection Dress $3,955

4. Pierre Hardy Handbag $740

5. Opening Ceremony Shorts $450

Sunday Splurges: Simply Red

I've been really into red lately - it's so bold, classic and fun, and it goes with almost every other color. I love to pair it with black, grey, taupe, cream and navy. Here are some red pieces that I'd love to get my hands on, if only I had the dough.

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1. Moschino Cheap & Chic Sweater $525

2. Marni Sunglasses $395

3. Z Spoke Zac Posen Handbag $525

4. Oscar de la Renta Belt $490

5. McQ Dress $885

6. Christian Louboutin Boots $995

7. Burberry Coat $2,595

Sunday Splurges: Raingear

I actually like the rain, as long as it's not interfering with an outdoor activity that I was looking forward to. On the days when I'm just sitting in my office, or on a weekend when I have no errands, it's always comforting to sit inside and listen to the rain. When I do have to venture outside, there are tons of cute rainy-day items to keep me dry. I don't spend a ton of money on raingear because it's not for every day, but if I had the cash, here are some rainy-day pieces I'd totally splurge on.

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1. Orla Kiely Bag $185

2. Stella McCartney Hat $295

3. Tory Burch Boots $325

4. Celine Boots $440

5. Paul Smith Umbrella $152

6. Burberry Raincoat $750

Sunday Splurges: Missoni

Since last week was all about Missoni, I figured that I'd share some of my non-Target (read: pricey) pieces from the brand. I'm not the biggest Missoni fan, but I do really dig this stuff, especially the maxi dress. {swoon}

P.S. I also really love the pumps I scored the morning the line went on sale at Tar-zhay.

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1. Dress $1595

2. Shoes $575

3. Top $552

4. Bracelet $455

5. Scarf $490
5. Bag $890

Sunday Splurges: Short-Handle Handbags

I've said it before: I'm a huge sucker for a nice handbag. Still, I'm usually not a fan of bags with short handles and rises. I prefer shoulder bags or crossbody bags. However, I'm finding myself unreasonably smitten with these shorter handled bags, even though they're not very practical (I like to be hands-free).

Here are some of the bags that I've been swooning over lately. Maybe someday, I'll be able to afford them.

{sigh}

Shop Now:

1. Miu Miu $2,250

2. Valentino $1,845

3. Jil Sander $1,445

4. 3.1 Phillip Lim $950

5. Alexander Wang $795