5 Ways to Upgrade Your Style With Luxury Pieces

Army Green Trench Coat: TJ Maxx, SimilarSpeedy Bandouliere 30: Louis VuittonCable Classics Bracelet with 18K Gold, 4mm: David Yurman

I’ve been a lover of fashion for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, my mom would often take my sisters and me shopping on Saturdays (after all of our activities). Spending those long hours in stores like Montgomery Ward, Hetch’s (now Macy’s) and Belk sparked my love for clothes, shoes and accessories. As a youngster and as a young adult, I always purchased nice items at affordable prices. Now, in my thirties, I still buy affordable things, but I’ve grown to love luxury pieces. I now consider my style high-low, because I like to mix affordable items like jeans and a simple blouse with a higher end piece such as a handbag or bracelet. Continue reading for insight on how you can upgrade your style by incorporating luxury pieces.1. Upgrade with high-end handbags.I purchased my first luxury item a few years ago for my 30th birthday. I saved up for quite some time, and decided to invest in this Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere 30 in the Damier Ebene print. This bag was expensive, but totally worth it. This particular bag is a staple piece and one of the most popular designs from Louis Vuitton. It will always be in style, which is one of the reasons why I chose this one as my first designer bag. Also, considering the cost per wear and the fact that I can sell it on the pre-loved market for almost as much as I paid for it (as long as it is in good condition), makes for a great return on my investment.This bag helps to take this casual outfit up a notch. I don’t believe in spending a lot of money on clothes, but I will splurge on an accessory that will be in style for years to come. I found this army green trench coat on clearance for about $40 at TJ Maxx. The booties were less than $50 and the jeans and blouse are old items that have been in my closet for a while. A part of my style philosophy is that the items I’m wearing can be cheap in price, but they don’t need to look cheap. Adding the bag to this look elevated it and gives off a more stylish and expensive feel.2. Upgrade with luxury jewelry.With this look I kept my jewelry selection to a minimum. I decided to wear simple stud earrings, a watch and a bracelet. The earrings are from H&M and came in a back of 5. The whole pack cost about $10. I scored this two-tone gold/silver Michael Kors watch on clearance for around $75 from TJ Maxx. My David Yurman bracelet was a gift from my husband on our wedding day. David Yurman jewelry is on the pricey side, but I feel that the pieces are classic and timeless. Although small and understated, this particular bracelet makes the entire outfit look more expensive than it actually is.Other jewelry pieces that can elevate a look are brooches, earrings, necklaces and rings. I definitely want to purchase a Chanel brooch one day. I’ve seen many bloggers wear them on all kinds of items from jean jackets, to dresses, to blazers. The look is so cute! I also like the look of the David Yurman rings. I think they look so nice on the index fingers and ring fingers. I hope to also get one of those as well.3. Upgrade with fashionable scarves.Scarves are nice items to add to your look to make it pop. When I think of popular designer scarves, I immediately think of Burberry. One cool thing about scarves is that they can be worn several ways. The typical way is of course around the neck. A fun thing about wearing a scarf around your neck is that it can be tied multiple ways to give it a different look. During the spring months, I always like the look of a solid color maxi dress with a cute lightweight scarf tied around the neck. The scarf helps to make the simple look stand out.Scarves can also be used as a hair accessory. These particular scarves are often referred to as bandeaus. I’ve seen so many ladies wearing cute topknot buns or wearing their hair down with a fashionable scarf tied around the perimeter of their head. Did you know that scarves could even be worn as handbag accessories? This is kind of new to me. These particular scarves are called twillies. So many women are tying them around the handle of their bags, which adds a bit of flair. Lastly, scarves can be tied around the waist, giving off the look of a belt.4. Upgrade with upscale belts.I don’t know about you, but a designer belt is definitely on my wish list. Lately, it seems as if every other blogger has been wearing the infamous Gucci Marmont belt. Belts can be styled so many ways and are a great investment. They can be worn with jeans and a t-shirt or dressed up paired over a trench coat. The possibilities are endless!5. Upgrade with designer shoes.Beautiful shoes can take an outfit from basic to next level. I’ve seen so many bloggers with the typical t-shirt and jeans combo on, but with amazing Christian Louboutin heels that make a statement. This goes to show that everything doesn’t have to be expensive. All you need is that one item that helps make the outfit look stylish.I hope you find these tips useful! Please know that you don’t have to own luxury items to be stylish. You can be stylish wearing almost anything that looks nice and fits your body well, regardless of price. This post is for those ladies who have been thinking about investing in designer pieces.