I'm seeing double

This post is what most magazines would call "the look for less, "splurge vs. steal," etc. I'm ambiguous about designer goods being copied by mass market retailers, but that's the nature of the beast. Urban Outfitters is notorious for copying works of independent designers without compensating them, and its older sister Anthropologie isn't any more scrupulous. This stopped me in my tracks when I was browsing on their site.



I thought it looked familiar, and here's why.



The bottom two are Vivienne Westwood at La Garconne.

Anthropologie didn't bother to alter the design much. Sure, it's a different print, but this is one of Vivienne Westwood's signature tops & she has most certainly done it in plaid.

Speaking of knockoffs, Anthropologie also has a total Alaia wannabe dress in stores. That one is laughable because if you know Alaia, you know that no mass market clothing manufacturer can ever come close to matching his level of design and craftsmanship.

I wonder why Forever21 gets so much flack for copying and Anthropologie doesn't. In any case, I suppose this is good news for all you Vivienne Westwood lovers who don't want to pay dearly for the real thing.

Looking forward to fall.

I took a peak at Leanne Marshall's fall collection and it is stunning. It's no fluke that she won season 5 of Project Runway.

Photo credits: Anna Thiessen



These photos were taken from Leanne's blog.

Flat-out Perfect

Last night I promised my best friend that I would stop buying shoes until after my wedding. It seems she noticed I had a bit of a "problem." I foolishly agreed, and it figures that the perfect flat shows up first thing next morning to taunt me.



Maybe I can convince her I need new honeymoon shoes. It wouldn't exactly be a lie.

Pour La Victoire at Shop Bop.

Indian Summer

I hardly need another dress, but how perfect would this be for a casual summer day?



Eskell at Le Train Bleu.

Runway vs. Real Way, Part II

After lusting over the Miu Miu t-strap raffia pump in their Katie Holmes ad campaign, I had to try them for myself.

Here it is on the runway:


and on Katie:


Sadly, they were not produced in the beautiful red satin so I had to "settle" for the black. I'm still undecided as to whether these are keepers though.






See for yourself at Tender.

The perfect Sunday Brunch.

I'm not the first to blog about this and I certainly won't be the last. California native Judy Kou founded the Sunday Brunch dress shop after moving to NYC and realizing that fashion was far more interesting to her than a life in medicine. Lucky for us! Her discerning eye for up-and-coming designers makes for an exquisitely edited boutique among a sea of look-alike online stores.

My favorites from Sunday Brunch:

See more eye candy at Sunday Brunch.

Runway vs. Reality: Dior Safari Sandals

So not long ago I blogged about these:


I'm a much bigger fan of the black than I am of the runway red.


Well, this is what they really look like:



Not bad, eh? The only difference I noticed is in the ankle ties. They made them much longer than the runway & sample versions, but I can always cut them. I just need to add a pad in front to keep my narrow feet from slipping forward and I'm good to go!

Major Dry Spell

I haven't posted lately because I haven't found anything exciting, except maybe this apron.


Too bad it can't pass for a dress. At least you can cook in style.
Find it on Etsy.

PS - I am counting down until these arrive in May. If they work out I'll post some of my own photos.


Dior at Bergdorf.

Mellow? Hardly.

Lately I've been finding more exciting things on Etsy than anywhere else. This acid yellow dress by Holly Stalder can be custom made in any color, but I think it's perfect the way it is.



Find the Canary Dress on Etsy.

White Hot

I miss Alexander Wang's early days of impeccable tailoring and fantastic details. It seems he's bringing some of that back with his silk jersey "goddess" dress, featuring perfect curve-hugging lines and an antisymmetric back zip.

Rock on, Alexander, rock on.







Selling out fast everywhere. Snag it at La Garconne this minute or regret it forever. (Don't say I didn't warn you.)

Spare change, buddy?

Yeah, I will need some spare change if I want to buy this oversized AZFN cardigan. Gorgeous draping makes it the perfect way to dress down a party dress for the office.




Find it at Creatures of Comfort.

The shoe gods have spoken.

And they are pleased. Good work, Louboutin.



Find it at Bergdorf Goodman.

Indie Chic

There are some really talented people on Etsy these days. These beautiful dresses are from seller sarahseven.

I'm thinking holiday party.

In the Trenches

Er, trench.

3.1 Philip Lim at La Garconne.

Rough Rider

Yeah, I just wanted to write a dirty title. Check out these boots at ShopBop.

Holy Hiatus!

It's been a while, but I'll try to make this worth the wait.

Let's start with some holiday flair:

Lerario Beatriz Beaded Dress at Language.




Erica Weiner Herkimer Diamond Solitaire Ring at Bona Drag.

Who needs Chanel?

It's probably sacrilegious for me to write this, but who needs Chanel when Alexander Wang gives us such a modern update of the classic blazer?







Alexander Wang at La Garconne.

Hot Off the Runway

I'm loving the outfits featured in the Miu Miu ad campaign. These two are very similar, but I think the one with the fuchsia detailing at the bust is a dress whereas the one with Laetitia Casta sitting in a chair is a top & skirt ensemble.

Well Heeled

The end of summer means it's time to break out the boots. While these may not be practical for snow, they're hot enough for fall.







Moschino Cheap & Chic at ShopBop.com.

Ladylike Charm

It's still nice and warm out, but I'm already searching for the perfect winter coat. This cream beauty offers beautiful lines and subtle details that make it sophisticated and chic without trying too hard.







Marc by Marc Jacobs at ShopBop.com.