Years ago, the easiest answer to finding an affordable designer piece was the ever-popular change purse. Fashion conscious – yet budget savvy – 20-somethings visited the likes of Louis Vuitton, Coach and Marc Jacobs in droves, opting for the least expensive (yet most logo-heavy) item in the store.
Later that night, at a bar, resto-lounge or club, those 20-somethings would pull out their Louis Vuitton change purse and feel very en vogue. Can’t afford an LV Lockit GM? Never mind. You have a change purse. Covered in the LV monogram. Translation: You can afford the finer things in life. Sort of.
Today, frugal fashionistas have given up on the change purse and have opted to show their love for designer goods via their phone; sales of designer iPhone cases have skyrocketed since 2010. But unlike the diminutive change purse, I love haute couture phone cases because a) they’re generally very affordable, b) allow you to express yourselves through patterns and colour, and c) can be shown off way more consistently – think about how many times you reach for your phone every day, plus, you would never place your change purse on a table at Starbucks!
And so I’ve decided to round up my favourite designer iPhone cases, all under $55.00. They’re a combination of logo chic, pretty florals, bold lines and party girl spectacular. Why not show your love for couture – on your ear?
Top Row L-R: Tory Burch Kelsey Perforated iPhone Case, $50.00; Marc Jacobs Graffiti iPhone Case, $38.00; Diane von Furstenberg In Lips Silhouette iPhone Case, $40.00; Coach Poppy Stamped C iPhone Case, $38.00
Middle Row L-R: Kate Spade Picnic Floral iPhone Case, $35.00; Michael Kors Vanilla iPhone Case, $38.00; Betsey Johnson Cherry iPhone Case, $34.00; Juicy Couture Gelli Palm Tree iPhone Case, $28.00
Bottom Row L-R: Ted Baker Apple Lona iPhone Case, $55.00; Jonathan Adler Circle Ornaments iPhone Case, $26.00; Paul Frank Julius iPhone Case, $15.00; Henry Bendel It’s My Party iPhone Case, $38.00
Do you have a favourite? What does your cell phone case look like?
I like the Ted Baker case in the bottom row the best! My cell phone looks like a cell phone lol, no cover, no nuttin! These are all great looking really!
Oh Anne you need a cover for your case! It’s like going out without lipstick on :)
Awww, so pretty! I like the Diane von Furstenberg, although I think they look like little red birds more than lips!
I am IN LOVE with my iPhone case! I splurged on it last summer in Taiwan, it’s black with a shimmery blue design, and a few swarovski crystals on it. It’s so (subtly) sparkly and pretty!
I too thought they were birds at first, until I saw the description. Your black and shimmery blue case sounds divine!
these are awesome! Right now I dont have a case for my phone,
Maybe this will provide you with some inspiration to get one, Amy! :)
I had to pick the Ted Baker Apple Lona as my fav out of these. I dont have an Iphone but my Motorola is rocking a pink and white floral case
Ooohh… love pink and white! My phone case right now is pink and white too, the Breast Cancer Awareness version.
Ahhh! That Betsy Johnson case is ammmmmazing :-D
My current case is a cartoon panda. $1 Ebay. :-)
THAT is a bargain! Tweet me a photo!
Hmmm…..some tough choices here. I think the Tory Burch and the Marc Jacobs cases are my fave!
Great picks!
I still don’t own a cell phone, but if I did, I would want a fancy cover, one with some bling I think.
Debbie! How have you gone so long without owning a cell phone! I don’t know whether to give you a high five or shake my head :)
I heart the Ted Baker one….so pretty!!! Mine is the black Saffiano Leather case from Coach…simple, chic..but doesn’t express my personality at all…may be time for a change…Spring IS here (well sort of :-S )…I feel inspired! Thanks Lena!! ;-P
Oooh…. love the Saffiano Leather. Good choice – but I can see why you’d like a little more colour!
I love the DVF case, where can i purchase it?
You can buy it from dvf.com – but shipping will set you back $25 :(
You can also buy it from any major retailer in the US – Nordstrom, Bloomingdales or Saks – check out their shipping prices, they may be more forgiving.
LOVE the floral Ted Baker Apple Lona iPhone case! Mine is snow leopard right now
Ooooh… love it! Snow leopard!
My favourite is the Marc Jacobs case. Currently, I have a plain black gelskin case.
I think it’s time to switch it up with a bit of colour, Victoria!
I have a Kate Spade Black with white polka dots case for my galaxy s2. I love it! These cases are cute. Love the Betsey Johnson Cherry case!
Oooh love that Holly! Sounds divine!
THOSE are really AWESOME!
:) I’m glad you think so!
Cool designs!
I stick with a carbon fiber case for the strength and durability it offers
My cell phone case is just plain black :( Guess I need to accessorize it one of these days
Yes, I definitely think you need to bling it up Judy!