Cheap and Chic - 'Super Studs'

As do most women, I love to shop. Described as 'retail therapy', the damage to the bank balance is far from therapeutic. Fashion comes at a cost. Designer labels, luxurious fabrics and exquisite embellishments can only mean one thing...big price tags. On a constant search to find the latest trends and this-season 'must-haves', I find myself wondering if I'll ever be able to afford the latest Marc Jacobs bag, Zac Posen dress or pair of Christian Laboutin shoes. One day. Until then, I intend to relentlessly scour the high-street, finding fashion alternatives for the designer originals and sharing my findings with fellow fashion lovers everywhere...

This week, 'super studs'...Following the huge success of the gem-embellished metallic dress featured in their Spring collection, Burberry have continued the theme of diamonds and studs in their latest collections, embellishing everything from umbrellas and belts to coat-cuffs and bags in the now somewhat iconic, metallic square studs. Their latest range of bags, studded and quilted on every surface, are set to be the definite 'must-haves' this season, but with price tags starting at £625, I went to Oxford St. in search of what the high-street alternatives had to offer.

The Burberry Original:


The Knight Bag - £1,595


Studded Ashcombe - £625

High-street alternatives:


Mango - £30


Mango - £35


Bershka - £12


Primark - £2