My favorite movie and television characters have always been the ultra-glamorous ones — think Sharpay Evans, Elle Woods, and Blair Waldorf, with their sequins and designer wardrobes. It’s no wonder I grew up to have expensive taste. 

As a 20-something trying to save whatever I can in this economy, my lifestyle is not quite as conducive to that of my rich leading ladies. Over time, it’s led me to get creative — color me an unofficial professional at finding (faux) diamonds in the rough (a.k.a. luxurious-looking, affordable gems). 

And Nordstrom is one of my go-to stores for finding them. There’s a lot you can get bogged down by, but price? Not here. Keep scrolling to shop my favorite under-$30 finds. 

My hair could be in a messy bun, splaying out in every which way without even a lick of makeup on. With a pair of chunky earrings on, I’d still feel put together. This pair is adorned with sparkling gemstones, has a lattice-like design, and looks like it's made out of real gold. 

Until I can get my hands on a pair of the Havaianas from Gigi Hadid’s collaboration with the brand, I’ll (happily) snag one of these. The square-toe style looks more expensive than the other pool sandals I usually wear, though I will, truthfully, be wearing these for that and so much more this summer. 

Whenever I leave the salon post-blowout, I feel good — but my budget  hates me for it. So one of my 2025 goals is to learn how to get Dolly Parton-level volume at home, and I’m hoping this travel-size styling milk will smooth out my bleached, broken hair. 

I’m not a tank top gal, but I couldn’t not click on this ruffly gem that’s like a wearable doily. It has a preppy look, and no matter how you slice it, it’s dressier than any basic tank. 

The cool thing about this quarter-zip sweatshirt is that it’ll make you look like one of those rich celebrities getting papped in their cute matching sets. Of course, you’ll need a pair of black bottoms to boot, but who doesn’t already own those?

Madewell has such high-quality pieces, which, yes, often come with an equal price tag. However, these ocean-blue shorts are 100 percent cotton — and hello, they’re on major sale. I’d wear them to the beach, the bookstore, or heck, even to sleep. 

The lobster aesthetic has officially sunk its claws into me, so I will be snapping up (ha, ha!) this adorably seasonal sweatshirt that’s so coastal grandmother. I’m absolutely obsessed. 

Whenever I pack up my jewelry and accessories, it frankly turns into a mess of tangled necklaces, rogue earrings, and scratched-up rings. Oprah finally convinced me to get a jewelry case — and this one is bigger and cheaper, too. 

Over the holidays, I came very, very close to splurging on a $250 pair of sunglasses; but in the end, I decided my money was better spent elsewhere. And wow, am I glad I trusted my gut. Why? This retro pair looks unbelievably similar and costs less than $15. I know — I still can’t believe it either.