Last Monday Alison at Get Your Pretty On! did a post called “Oprah’s Favorite Things– For the Rest of Us.” I thought it was a fabulous idea. Oprah has some great taste, but I’m pretty sure us normal girls can’t exactly afford most of her favorites–and if we could they might not be the first things we spend our new-found fortune on.
I decided to take Alison’s cue and bring you my version of Oprah’s favorite things. I went through her list and picked out seven of my favorites. Then I looked around to see if I could find options that were both comparable and affordable. Here’s what I came up with:
Bougainvillea Boutique bangle, $39 / H&M 30-pack set, $5.95
I love the bohemian vibe of Oprah’s favorite bangle, but if you’re on a serious budget you can get more of an arm party for your buck by heading on over to places like H&M or Forever21. I’m especially loving the texture on this particular set.
Josh Groban, Noel / Holidays Rule
Sorry kids, but Josh Groban’s not really my scene. While he has a lovely head of hair, his kind of classical crooning just doesn’t do it for me. But The Head and the Heart, The Shins and Fun? Count me in.

Rowallan jewelry trunk, $525 (21×11.25×10.5) / Diamante White 6-Drawer Jewelry Armoire, $169.99 (40×13.63×10.25)
When I first saw this I couldn’t really believe there was such a thing as a $525 jewelry box. I figured, OK O. You probably have a nice stack of jewels at the mansion. I don’t have as many, so I don’t need a box as big as yours. But you know what? I found a bigger box that’s totally prettier for less money. The quality may not be the same, but it will definitely do.

Lafco Chamomile Lavender soap $17, 8.5 oz / Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Original shampoo and wash, $14.99, 21 oz
While fancy soaps with fancier sounding scents are nice and all, sometimes you just can’t beat a classic. I am madly in love with Burt’s Bees Baby Bees shampoo and wash. Not only does it smell amazing, but it leaves your skin softer than a baby’s butt. For serious. I’ve conducted scientific studies on this subject.

P.jamas, $160 / Xhilaration pajama set, $24.99
Alright, Oprah. I’m sorry, but I’m not dropping $160 on something I’m just going to roll around my bed in (and possibly drool on a little). Soft and flannel with cute polka dots is good enough for me!

Michael Kors Metallic Glam Studded High-Top, $195 / TOMS gilded herringbone classics, $54
I love metallics. I love sparkle. I love Michael Kors. But gold studded high tops? Not so much. I’d much rather take a comfy pair of gold herringbone TOMS and know that a pair of shoes went to a child in need–although the zipper detail on the high tops is pretty awesome.
Ralph Lauren sweater, $198 / Old Navy chunky cable knit sweater, $29.94
I don’t have $200 to drop on a sweater. If you do, more power to you. But I’d rather save some money and take my girls on vacation than spend so much on a sweater (and I definitely don’t have the money to do both). Old Navy is a perfectly acceptable substitute. It may not last as long, but when you don’t have the money it works!
What do you think? Did I do good? Did I do terribly? Would you substitute one of my picks for something else? Would you stick with Oprah on any of these? Do tell!