5 Best Knock-Off Items That Are Always Better Than The Original
Written by
Kerra Bolton
Edited by
Maria Concepcion
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Designer dupes are a controversial topic among trendsetters and the fashion elite.
Some fashion influencers like ChiChi, who has a YouTube channel with 144,000 subscribers, are excited to share luxury lookalikes with their followers.
However, fashion influencer Matilda Djerf demanded that TikTok remove content from creators who promoted affordable alternatives to her clothing line, according to an October report from NBC News.
Designer knock-offs allow you to keep up with the trends and buy into the high-fashion fantasy without paying prices, say some Reddit dupe fans.
But some fashion and lifestyle content creators like Alyssa Beltempo advocate shopping in your closet to adopt the latest trends.
“I change the way people see their closets by encouraging creativity, compassion, and common sense instead of overconsumption,” Beltempo says on her blog.
While craftsmanship and labor may influence designer products, sometimes knockoffs are better than original ones. Here are five items where you can save your money.
Sunglasses
Are you constantly losing your sunglasses? Why buy an expensive pair when you can’t find them two months later? Stores like Sunglasses Hut and Oakley offer seasonal sales and affordable sunglasses with UV protection and trendy styles without consumers paying a lot of cash.
Skincare Products
Let’s face it. Swathing on a $200 anti-aging, hydrating face cream may feel luxurious. However, some Target and Costco stores offer brand-name moisturizers, cleansers, and serums or those with similar effects for less.
Fashion Basics
Remember when $200 t-shirts were all the rage? Why spend hundreds of dollars on a t-shirt when you can buy affordable basics like jeans, dresses, shirts, and pants at budget-friendly prices at outlet shops and malls. Your basics will last just as long as your designer duds if properly cared for.
Handbags
Smaller designers like Carro Postano often offer dupes of designer giants like Hermes. Or if you like the look without an exact dupe, beautiful, trendy bags can be found at Fossil, Guess, Coach, and Mango without suffering from sticker shock.
Watches
Rolex and Cartier watches are timeless status symbols for the wealthy. Amazon offers designer dupes like Hok Watches. Walmart and Costco also offer watches and other luxury goods at a lower price than designer retailers.
Sneakers
Self-proclaimed “sneakerheads” proudly invest in the latest limited-edition model to add to their collection. Some Reddit members swear by sneakerreps for a dupe and replica sneakers. Make sure to read the reviews from other sources before spending your hard-earned money.
Home Décor
You can find affordable rugs, wall art, and throw pillows at Target, Five Below, and Ikea. The home décor divisions of fast fashion retailers like Zara and H&M. You don’t have to sacrifice style for price.
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