There's no real contest between Lulu Guinness' iconic 'lips' bag and this copy by Faith, but if you're after a bargain the price difference here certainly 'speaks' for itself...
Lulu Guinness now sell the lips clutch in a variety of lovely colours, with all the quality and complexity you'd expect from the brand. This version in classic red features a snakeskin-textured finish and a metallic sheen. The Faith copy is bright red patent with a trendy Chanel-esque chain in a matching shade; it works either as a clutch or a cross-body bag.
Related: Debenhams vs. Alexander McQueen | Mulberry vs. M&S | Judith Leiber vs. ASOS
Even the most rabid designer addict is likely to facepalm at this one: from these camera angles, it really does look like all McQueen has done to make his bag special is mess up the houndstooth a little.
Of course, its quality is another story, but if all you want to do is get the chequred look while it's hot (then put it down again when it's not) I can highly recommend this black patent trim back from Debenhams' Collection. It costs just £18 and is a shiny, weighty and fashionable accessory. Cheap and chic!
Related: Designer vs. Highstreet: Mulberry Bayswater vs. M&S | Designer vs. High Street: Marc Jacobs vs. A-Wear
There's no denying where M&S got the inspiration for this bag, which is currently available from the store's accessory range. So if you dream of Mulberry but don't haive the spare £550 knocking around, then this 'homage' could fit right in with your style.
I've spotted these bags out on the street and have been fooled (well, from a reasonable distance, at least!) so this is definitely a good bet while you save up for the real deal. The leather is of such good quality that you might even decide you're so attached to the cheaper bag you'll be sticking with it.
Pick one up for £59 at Marks & Spencer or get the 'real thing' for £550 here
Related: Designer vs. high street: Marc Jacobs vs. A-Wear | Designer vs. high street: fight of the Russian dolls: Chanel vs. Topshop
Marc Jacobs' 'Love Story' clutch from last season is sold out pretty much everywhere now, but you can still get the look at A-Wear for a fraction of the price.
Visually, there isn't a huge amount of difference between these two lovely clutch bags other than colouring and the cost. Quality is another story of course, but if you're looking for a fun and unusual-looking going out bag that references a design favourite, this 'homage' is a good choice. A-Wear will be well known to our Irish readers but less so to mainland UK dwellers who've only recently gained access to this fantastic high street store. Think Topshop, but with some even better bargains.
Heart detail bag: £16 at A-Wear
Related: Designer vs. High Street: The leopard print look for less | Designer vs. High Street: M&Co vs. Chanel
Clockwise from bottom left: Fendi Marshmallow: £1,340, Jimmy Choo tube leopard print clutch: £650, Mulberry Bayswater leopard: £650.
Ever since Mulberry launched the Bayswater in leopard print to a drooling public, designers have been falling over themselves to follow suit. There've been some exciting high-end styles with a jungle makeover, including Fendi's Marshmallow bag with a feline flourish and most notably Jimmy Choo, who's gone in for some of the most wildly-coloured animal print we've ever seen throughout his current range, with electric blue dappled bags and shoes with an acid pink, leopardy trim. But all these styles come with a lofty price tag attached, so how can you get the look for less? Let us help...
Fendi Marshmallow, available through Net-a-Porter.
Next Leopard print twistlock clutchbag, available here.
Jimmy Choo tube leopard print clutch, £650 at Net-a-Porter.
Star by Julien McDonald glitter leopard print clutch available at Debenhams
Christian Louboutin Swarovski crystal printed clutch available at Net-a-Porter.
New Look embellished leopard print clutch available at New Look.
Bag cousins? Bag twins, more like. M&S's Limited Collection grosgrain bag (left) bears more than a little ressemblance to Lanvin's 'Happy', with its woven-in ribbon chain, foldover shape and contrasting, textured fabrics.
I rather like it: it's a blatant copy, but I'm not so sold on 'Happy' that I'm clamoring for the real deal and the shade of emerald green is unique to the M&S style. And it does look much more expensive than it is...
Limited Collection grosgrain bag: £3950 at Marks & Spencer
Lanvin 'Happy' bag: £740 at Net-a-Porter
Related: Bag Cousins: Chloe 'Origami' and Dorothy Perkins folding clutch | Bag Cousins: YSL 'Easy Y' and Dialog fabric ruffles bag
If this bag looks a bit familiar to you, it's because I featured one very like it earlier in the week. It's a dead ringer for Daria, Mulberry's latest it-bag, but this one's brought to you by Mischa Barton.
The 'Cassidy' hobo bag is a bit fussier than its pricier cousin, but is spot on if you're looking for a bag to see you through the next season. It's slouchy yet smart, adorned with zips and metalwork and feature's Ms. Barton's signature logo.
£55 at Debenhams
Related: Mischa Barton leather studded shoulder bag at ASOS | Mischa Barton launches her new season bag collection
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