As an avid bargain-hunter, I know a thing or two about browsing designer duds and buying look-alikes that fit within my not-so-designer budget.  With so many amazing trends this past year—from crazy neon colors to classic leopard prints—2011 has been a year of fashion gold. And when it comes to accessories, the look-for-less sunglasses, handbags, and scarves of 2012 have sent me straight to fashion heaven.

If you’re a frugal fashionista like me and you haven’t already, set up a Polyvore account (and follow me and Maggie, we love new friends and inspirations)! This lovely/amazing/rock-your-world website allows you to “clip” clothing and accesssories to your profile, browse designer and affordable pieces, follow the latest styles, and gather clothing creativity from other set creators. It basically makes your perfect closet dreams come true.

Below are a couple of Splurge vs. Steal sets I put together featuring the top  accesssories of 2011 and trending ones for 2012. Use the “steals”—all found at SunglassWarehouse.com, HandbagHeaven.com, and AffordableScaves.com—to get similar looks without maxing out your credit card (or sending you into a psychological meltdown). Most of these look-alikes are unbelievably similar to their famous counterparts, making it that much easier to trick your girlfriends into thinking they’re the real deal. No worries, it’ll be our little secret.

Steals: black round sunnies · mod round shades · brown oversized sunglasses  · pink cat eye sunglasses · clear nerd glasses · Gaga glasses  · classic cat eyes · tortoise aviators · retro wayfarers  · red wayfarers

Find out more about the designers and costs of the Splurges  here.

Steals: quilted handbag · leopard clutch wallet  · yellow mini crossbody · navy satchel · cream handbag · colorblock brown bag · black satchel ·  quilted navy tote

Find out more about the designers and costs of the Splurges here.

Steals: tan  scarf · plaid scarf · leopard scarf  · faux fur shawl  · patterned grey scarf  · grey fur scarf  · red circle scarf ·  green loop scarf  · rasberry infinity scarf ·  polkda dot scarf · silk  scarf ·  chain-patterned scarf

Find out more about the designers and costs of the Splurges here.

Don’t forget to join our Polyvore group Contest with Real Prizes! and stay tuned for chances to style and win sunglasses and other fabulous products in 2012.

The New Year calls for a new, fabulous you, and with these stylish deals, you’re well on your way to crossing that resolution off your list. How easy was that?

Popularity: 2% [?]