emember back in middle and high school when you’d go into places like Hollister or Aeropostale? You’d beg your parents to get a jacket, a Vera Bradley lunchbox, or a classic pair of ribbed jeans.
Yes, we may be showing our age here a little bit, but there was nothing quite like getting the latest trends of the era and showing them off to your friends and family. That feeling of buying something you’d have to use a good chunk of change for is something that’s hard to recreate, especially in today’s world.
With the economy the way it is and prices higher than ever, capturing that feeling is definitely trickier, but we’re here to tell you that it isn’t impossible. In fact there are plenty of affordable alternatives for items that are usually super pricey out there, you just need to look in the right places. So let’s go ahead and take a look at 12 products you no longer have to pay a premium for so you can feel on top of the world.
1. REALLY Limitless
Premium private wireless that protects your data from the second you connect
REALLY Limitless is the “the world’s first fully encrypted & private phone service” on the country’s biggest 5G networks.
Currently the major wireless networks don’t do a lot to protect your data, there've been numerous data breaches from some of the most popular providers like AT&T for instance. That’s why REALLY Limitless is here to change the game, anyone who’s able can buy into keeping their personal data exactly that: personal.
When you sign up for REALLY and you turn on the “anonymous connection” your data travels through an encrypted tunnel where you can search whatever you want with no unwanted eyes peeking or stealing your data. With this plan you can keep your number (or get a new one), get a VPN with no limits, access to an AI Privacy assistant to help block spam calls and texts, credit monitoring, a device scanner which lets you know if anyone's lurking on your data, and more.
But how much does it cost? Right now you can get:
1 line for $49/mo. when you sign up using code “FOUNDING50” - normally it is 1 line for $99/mo. (Offer limited).
If you're interested, you can also read our full REALLY Wireless review for a more detailed breakdown of what we loved and didn't about the premium phone carrier.
2. GVV Affordable Vacation Packages
Because let’s be honest, we all need a break…
GVV (Great Value Vacations) is all about finding people “expertly designed” vacation packages to the places they’ve always dreamed of going to. They have multi-city or weekend trips in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America; as well as all-inclusive or less structured trips that are perfect for solo travelers or couples.
Depart from a centralized airport like JKF or BOS to a ten day adventure jumping from London, to Paris and Rome for only a little over a grand. Or get spontaneous and take a three day weekend away in Dublin for less than $900. GVV has an entire "Affordable Vacations” list so you can save money all while seeing some of the most popular spots in the country.
3. Knockaround Premiums (Sunglasses)
Look like a million bucks when the sun's out!
Ever wanted the sleek look of designer brands like Ray Bans without the designer price tag? Well look no further because Knockaround has the sunglasses you’ve been missing out on. Created with quality and price in mind, their Premium Sunglasses will have you eagerly awaiting those days with clear blue skies so you can show off your new accessory.
Their Black on Black (see above) pair for only $38 goes with any outfit, that matte frame will look fly, and you don’t have to worry about them slipping off because each pair comes with non-slip nose pads which means the money you invest to look and feel good won’t go to waste. You won’t be paying any more than $55 for a pair of these babies so be sure to get them when they're hot.
4. Dr. Emil Nutrition Multi Collagen Plus Biotin
Start to look as good as you feel on the inside with this easy-to-take supplement
In this era of self-care TikToks and Instagram sponsored ads for the latest “beauty hacks” sifting through and finding something that works for you without spending hundreds of dollars to do so is what we’re after. No need to burn hundreds of dollars on red light masks, expensive skin treatments, and baby botox when you can support your skin’s health and beauty from the inside out with an affordable collagen supplement.
Although there isn’t a ton of research at the moment on how biotin can help your body, many swear to its powers and talk about how it’s helped their hair growth, nail strength, and joint pain. So if you’re in the market to try, Dr. Emil’s Multi Collagen Plus Biotin - 60 Day Supply for only $43.95 (normally priced at $53.90) is the way to go.
It is important for anyone who’s considering taking any kind of supplement or vitamin, not just , to talk to your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional. Everyone’s body is different, what works for one may not work for you, so keep that in mind as you buy.
5. Halara Active Dress
When we work out and look good while doing it, we 👏 are 👏unstoppable 👏
Active dresses have become a trendy fit to wear when you’re working up a sweat doing the exercise or playing the sport you love. And although it doesn’t seem like it at first glance, they can get pricey, especially if you’re looking to get something you see the stars wearing. Luckily there are many high-end affordable dupes for designer athleisure dresses like Rhone Course to Court Sport Dress including this one from Halara.
The Backless Twisted Flare Low Support Dance Active Dress is only $49.95 (normally priced at $59.95). This dress is one hot-seller, with thousands of five star reviews you’ll too see why this athletic dress is the talk of the town. With four-way stretch, breathable and sweat absorbing fabric, cool to touch, soft and sleek you can do just about anything in it. Pick from twenty-one colors, eight sizes, two cup fits, and two lengths to find your new summer active dress.
6. Avia Athletic Shoes
An athletic shoe that keeps your feet walking on the clouds even after your latest 5k
Don’t need to pay top dollar for brands like Hoka anymore, especially not when you have Avia Shoes & Sneakers. Avia Shoes & Sneakers specialize in all things athletic wear for women, men, and kids. They have a ton of high-quality, stylish shoes that really set the bar for other brands who want to compete with luxury.
What makes Avia great is they have their shoes in major retailers like Walmart, with their Avia Women's Hightail Athletic Sneaker for $27.98 make it so the next time you go out to get shopping done you can pick up a quality sneaker that looks and feels like our aforementioned Hoka and other staple brands like Flux.
7. A Square Neck Tank
The latest fashion-yes has now entered the villa…and in your closet
Minimalist design has been a much-talked about topic in the fashion world, with many of our favorite stars and influences taking a more…simpler approach to their outfits. When we look for inspo and see these minimalist base layers from designer brands like Vuori and SKIMS that are selling for $50+ each, we’re constantly on the look out for affordable dupes.
We hit the gold mine when we were scrolling away on Amazon and found this Artfish Women's Sleeveless Strappy Tank Square Neck for $19.99. It’s simple and looks great which makes it the best for you to add your own style on top, like maybe a chain necklace, a big collared shirt which are in right now, a letterman jacket, or go simple and keep just the square neck top with a lightwash jean. You’ve got options baby!
8. An Oversized Gold Mirror
It’s for the aesthetic…duh.
Now that we have a few new additions to our wardrobe, it only makes sense that we wanna take a few selfies in the mirror to really get the full effect. But bathroom mirror pictures are so…outdated and boring. We want a mirror that will really make a statement and right now big ornamental mirrors are in.
The super viral Anthropologie Gold Mirror is out of most people’s price range, but due to its popularity you can find more accessible versions all over the place now. Instead of $1.5k you can pay about $200 like with this Vintage Full Length Mirror from Wayfair for only $209.00. Its stylish arched design and gold trim really emulates the Anthropologie one, but instead of paying over a grand, you’re saving hundreds.
9. SAFAVIEH Area Rug
Give your space the color and trendy “old-school” style it’s been missing
Rugs can get expensive, boho rugs at Arhaus and other popular home decor brands can cost over $1000, or you can pay less than $150 for a soft, plush rug like this SAFAVIEH Monaco Collection Area Rug from Amazon for $126.70. Get away from "millennial gray” and choose something that adds a vintage look to your home. This SAFAVIEH rug comes in a myriad of different sizes, shapes, and colors so you can really customize the rug to fit your specific space. No matter the room, you’ll be able to create a space that makes your brains scratch in all the right ways.
10. A TCL Television
The color and contrast are a sight to behold, that's for sure!
Big heavy box TVs are a thing of the distant past, no longer do you feel the static emanating from the screen, but instead you get these light-weight wide screen beauties that offer picture-perfect quality. Though a lot of them can be super expensive, especially if you’re buying at the wrong time.
What’s cool about TCL televisions, is they use the same parts as high-end brands for a fraction of the price. Here we have the TCL 55’’ QM6K Series QD-Mini LED QLED 4K UHD Smart TV that's only $449.99 (normally priced at $799.99). For less than 500 bucks you’ll get to experience TV, movies, video games- anything you want, exactly how it was intended.
11. Staub Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
A forever pan that won’t break the bank and works just as good as the $$$ ones
There are many different facets in everyday life that need specific products and sometimes those products can be expensive. Cook and kitchenware is one such thing. There’s a wide range so besides your toaster, microwave, and pots you’ve got skillets.
They can be used for many different dishes, so having one that lasts is most useful. Brands like Le Creuset have been a popular choice but come with a hefty price tag ($180-$240), Staub is a great affordable alternative for enameled cast iron cookware. The Staub Enameled Cast Iron Traditional Deep Skillets are currently $99.95 at Williams Sonoma which is huge savings compared to other cast-iron products.
12. Casabrews Espresso Machine
Your morning cups are about to change for the better
Someone’s morning cup of coffee can literally make or break their day, aficionados are serious about their morning cuppa, so having a reliable machine that both makes their mug exactly the way they need it and be up to the standards of premium brands like Nespresso, Wolf, and Keurig would be brew-tiful.
The five star CM5418™ from Casabrews should be your next purchase. Compared to other products that are hundreds more, this semi auto espresso machine is only $139.99. It has a professional 20-BAR pressure system, an accurate espresso pressure gauge, and an adjustable steam wand, plus it comes with a free bag of beans!
13. PerfectGift+
Next-Gen Gift Cards for a High-Tech Touch
There are lots of gift card companies out there, but there are not a lot of gift card companies out there that are trying to shake up the industry. Gift cards have been the same for decades… until now. With perfect gift, you can give premium gift cards as unique as they are without paying crazy fees to customize or ship your gift quickly.
Perfect Gift changing the games with options like:
- Turn memories into custom Visa gift cards that usually ship that very day
- Add a handwritten note for a personalized touch
- Go with Perfect Gift+ so they can choose from thousands of eGift cards in their catalog to get exactly the gift card they were hoping to unwrap
Luxury products don't have to mean paying top dollar.
These products you no longer have to pay a premium for are well worth the purchases, especially if you have been looking to get anything we listed here today. Save some money, get the quality of high-end, and feel good while doing it.
