One group of stylish ladies obviously has a handsome clothing budget, industry connections or both — because their blouses are from Givenchy, their skirts are Rebecca Taylor, their shoes — Ann Demeulemeester. They look smashing and wealthy at all times. I don't begrudge them for their ability to slay everyone in designer clothing and the ways in which they mix and match names are inspiring.
But they're not always realistic for the average woman.
And that's why it's thrilling to discover fashion bloggers who either mix high and low fashion or always err on the side of completely affordable. They inspire us by showing how a good eye, creativity and fearlessness can create an amazing, financially attainable look.
1. The Frugality
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If the title of her blog doesn't make it crystal clear, U.K. style blogger Alex Stedman loves a great bargain and is rarely photographed in anything that costs an entire month's pay check. This incredible blouse is from Darimeya at Topshop, her skirt is an "old" Tory Burch (meaning: She understands the importance of investing once and keeping something forever), her purse is from Primark, and her fantastic heels are also Topshop.
2. Wearing It Today
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Topshop is a favorite among style bloggers — as Laura Fantacci proves in this hot-pink cropped jumpsuit, which cost £95. It's possible Fantacci is a fan of the classics and is often photographed wearing simple white T-shirts, jeans and various pieces from J.Crew that she helps make extraordinary.
3. Chic on the Cheap
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Lydia Abate is a photographer who creates stunning looks like this one on a regular basis, and then leaves you swooning when you discover that her adorable polka dot dress is from Old Navy, her sunglasses are from TJ Maxx, and her sandals are Ferragamo — but thrifted. What I love most about Abate is that she, like most women, recycles favorite pieces (and an incredible white Panama hat from J.Crew comes to mind), but she always manages to make them look fresh and unexpected.
More: 8 Hot summer fashion trends men just don't understand
4. Frugal Fashionista
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Frugal Fashionista is inspired by runway trends, but aims to show women how they can recreate them for a lot less money. Their looks are casual, down to earth, youthful and beyond affordable — this Aeropostale top was purchased on sale for $3, her Forever 21 shorts were bought at a thrift shop for $2, and her Converse sneakers were another sale item that cost a whopping $15.
5. Penny Chic
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There aren't many women who can layer a denim jacket over a chambray shirt and sweatpants and have the confidence to wear it to New York Fashion Week. Shauna Miller is bold, stylish and committed to keeping her looks under $100 (and sometimes way under $100). Her Forever 21 jacket cost $33, her Joe Fresh chambray shirt was $14, and her GAP sweatpants broke the bank at $55.
More: 18 Photos proving '70s trends are still totally groovy
6. Cupcake and Cashmere
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There are lots of reasons why this blog is special: Founder Emily Schuman is also a designer who created her own line of beautiful clothing, which she often mixes with pieces from Topshop, Asos and Zara. If that isn't enough, she has a gorgeous baby who models the sweetest accessories and she's a top-notch cook who shares her recipes. It's true: She might just be the most perfect person on Earth.
7. What I Wore
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Another mommy with style, Jessica Quirk keeps a running record of what she wore and where she wore it, and she isn't afraid to experiment with color. Here, she wears a dress (Old Navy) worn as a top and layers it with a ModCloth skirt.