In Their Closet » Bags

Real vs. Steal – Mulberry Oversized Alexa Leather Bag

Celine — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:30:36 +0000

A good friend of mine recently bought a Mulberry Bayswater (a gift to herself on her birthday) and for a week straight everyone oohed and ahhed over it at the office. It is a spectacular bag, to be sure, but I think this new Mulberry takes the cake: the Alexa – a slouchier, more casual version of the Bayswater named after British style export Alexa Chung who is a true devotee of the Mulberry brand. If you haven’t heard tell of this bag yet, you will. Speculated to be the “It” bag of the moment, the Alexa sold out instantaneously on NET-A-PORTER after being added last week. Restocks are supposed to follow soon, but even still, this beautiful creation is way out of my sad little budget.

Mulberry Oversized Alexa Leather Bag
($1.250, NET-A-PORTER)

Alexa Chung Loves Mulberry

Dorothy Perkins Chain Strap Satchel

UPDATE (07/30/2010): Another Alexa alternative by Dorothy Perkins. Not quite as spot-on as the Oasis one, but still a great alternative. Available in tan or cream. PSST! International delivery is half-price until Monday.

Dorothy Perkins Chain Strap Satchel
(£25, Dorothy Perkins)

Oasis Sasha Satchel

UPDATE (07/28/2010): Feast your eyes on the most awesome Mulberry Alexa knockoff to date. OK, the color of this Alexa steal version by Oasis isn’t spot-on, but the rest: Wowzers! And believe it or not: the bag is under $60. How great is that?

Oasis Sasha Satchel
($58.96, ASOS)

Dorothy Perkins Padlock Satchel

UPDATE (07/15/2010): OMG, I just came across these amazing and very affordable Alexa bag look-a-like by UK retailer Dorothy Perkins. Shipping to the USA is also quite OK at £10 (~$15).

Dorothy Perkins Padlock Satchel
(£28, Dorothy Perkins)

Topshop Buckle Strap Satchel

UPDATE (03/31/2010): Check out this amazing Alexa knockoff bag by Topshop. It does miss the cute twist lock, but the overall look is still super similar. A little pricey at $170, but only about 1/10 of the original.

Topshop Buckle Strap Satchel
($170, Topshop)

New Look Twist Lock Satchel

Now admittedly the knock-off potential isn’t immediately obvious here, but look closer. UK retailer, New Look, has created what is clearly their take on the Mulberry Alexa – Alexa’s younger sister, if you will. We’re loving the twist-lock and the oversized buckles. This tan/gingerbread color is a great match for the bag pictured above, but if you check out New Look’s site you’ll see that the other colors offered (brown, ecru and black) very clearly reference the Alexa; and the price is truly fantastic!

New Look Twist Lock Satchel
(£15, New Look)

Fab Friday 5 – Vanessa Edition

Vanessa — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:00:43 +0000

When I heard about Fab Fridays, I was psyched. Super psyched. Why? Well, when I love things, I love them hard. Head over heels, obsessive kind of love. If it’s food, I eat it until I can’t look at it anymore. If it’s a type of clothes, I fill my closet with it until it’s out of style. So you can imagine the speed at which I immediately came up with my list… then spent an hour cutting it down.

The Breakdown:

Popbar, NYC, $3.99 – As a kid, I loved ices. As an adult – same story. So of course, Popbar is one of my favorite stops in NYC – fresh made fruit ices and homemade gelato all on a stick with delicious toppings. Definitely try the coconut half dipped in milk chocolate.
Pretty Little Liars – I’m a sucker for a good teenage TV drama and this one lives up to my expectations. Pretty Little Liars is about 4 girls dealing with life, love and the mysterious murder of their best friend. I never thought something on ABC Family could scare me silly!
Magnes Sisters Dancing in the Streets Bag, $312 – I bought this bag in smokey grey as a birthday gift for myself. I said it was for fall. Well, it’s July and 94 degrees and I’ve carried it almost everyday since. The shape is stylish, but professional and unique with great fold-over detail. My iPad slides in perfectly and I love the extendable strap to wear it messenger style.
Keds Champion in Silver Metallic, $45 – Just like I swore I’d never wear leggings again… Keds are back, too. I’m loving the Champion style in silver metallic. They look great with dresses and shorts, plus they make we want to hit the playground during recess. Ahhhh, nostalgia!
Rain Couture Rain Bag, $35 – These last few weeks we’ve had some amazing unexpected and brief thunderstorms. I love how the sky can fall for a few minutes and then be back to sunshine. The only problem is when I’m outside with nowhere to stash my designer purse. Rain Couture has seriously saved me this summer! I keep my clear bag inside my expensive bag for these emergency situations.

Real vs. Steal – Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Leather Satchel

Celine — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:30:22 +0000

Sometimes I really question my sanity. I will jump at the chance to buy and subsequently wear (all night long) a pair of 5 inch heels, however when it comes to bags I am much more comfort-conscious. I carry my Rebecca Minkoff cross-body purse more than any other bag in my closet, and it’s because it’s just so darn comfortable. I really love a cross-body bag because it distributes the weight of all your worldly possessions while simultaneously looking effortlessly chic. My new favorite bag to fall into this utopian category is the Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Leather Satchel. God, it’s a beauty, isn’t it? I’m particularly lusting after the gray color Leighton Meester is carrying. Unfortunately this satchel retails for $1,995. Yes, folks, life is cruel.

Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Leather Satchel
($1.995, Barney’s)

P.S.: Also available in an array of colors & fabrics at NET-A-PORTER.

Celebrities Love Proenza Schouler

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Pink Studio “Martine” Suede Satchel

UPDATE (07/24/2010): Check out this almost identical PS1 knockoff by Pink Studio. Isn’t it absolutely amazing? A bit steep at $185, but Baghaus has a promo going on right now where you can get 30% OFF sitewide + FREE SHIPPING with coupon code “BACK2SCHOOL“.

Pink Studio “Martine” Suede Satchel
($185, Baghaus)

Topshop Two Buckle Structured Satchel

UPDATE (07/24/2010): Here’s a black PS1 steal version by Topshop.

Topshop Two Buckle Structured Satchel
($80, Topshop)

ASOS Leather Slot Through Satchel

UPDATE (05/14/2010): I just stumbled upon another ASOS PS1 inspired version and I think it looks absolutely amazing. The bags comes in black, nude, yellow, green, mink & black/brown, is made of real leather and although not every detail is spot-on the overall look & feel is very similar to the Proenza Schouler PS1 in my opinion.

ASOS Leather Slot Through Satchel
($109.49, ASOS)

ASOS Leather Twist Lock Satchel

But wait! What light through yonder window breaks? ASOS‘s Leather Twist Lock Satchel is not an exact copy of the Proenza Schouler bag but it is so similar in all the ways that count (I considered seeing that Shakespeare reference through to the bitter end but didn’t want to bore you). I love the buttery looking leather and of course the long cross-body strap. I am also quite fond of the rich tan color. I truly think this is an excellent “inspired by” satchel. Now if only it came in gray…

ASOS Leather Twist Lock Satchel
($117.92, ASOS)

Fab Friday 5 – Vahni Edition

Vahni — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:50 +0000

So this is my first Fab Friday 5 post, and I’m totally excited (and not just because it’s Friday)! Every week I come across so many delicious things during my Internet wanderings, and now I finally have a place (and people) to share them with. Hope you enjoy exploring this selection—wishing you all a happy weekend.

The Breakdown:

LOLA&BAILEY Long Live McQueen Tote, $49 – A clever—and cheeky—version of the classic expression that is also an homage to one of England’s greatest exports. Originally sourced by notcouture.com.
Vera Wang Lavender “Gabriella” Sandals, $425 – Kind of like a shorter version of the oh-so-covetable Gucci Helena boot.
Afterglow Wing Knuckle Duster Ring, $70 – I love a good knuckle duster, and this one in sterling by Afterglow is so cool, don’t you think?
NET-A-PORTER Magazine, Free! – Even if the prices are beyond your budget, NET-A-PORTER’s online magazine is a visual feast that is chock full of style inspiration. And it’s weekly, so you can get your fashion fill between monthly print issues.
Tory Burch Lucite Cuff in black, $45 – A little avant garde, a little tough girl chic. Buy two and sport them Wonder Woman style, to really make a statment.

Celebrity Look 4 Less – Blake Lively’s Casual Summer Look

Irina — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 11:00:16 +0000

A few days ago actress Blake Lively has been spotted running errands on the Gossip Girl set in what I would describe as a perfect casual summer ensemble. The blonde beauty paired a blue button down shirt over an off-white tank top which she wore with navy shorts and a tan skinny belt. Her look was finished with lustworthy chocolate brown Louboutin espadrille wedges and a tan bowler bag. Absolutely adorable! See our approach to Blake’s outfit with budget-friendly picks from Old Navy and Steve Madden below and let us know what you think of our Look 4 Less.

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Who?	Blake Lively
Where?	“Gossip Girl” set, New York
When?	July 15, 2010
What?	Christian Louboutin Praia Espadrille Wedges

Go Shopping (Total: $179.93):

TOP: Old Navy Lightweight Henley Tank, $3.47
SHIRT: INC International Concepts Shirt, Torbay Button Down, $39.98
BELT: ASOS Square Buckle Skinny Boyfriend Belt, $13.48
SHORTS: Aqua Twill Pleated Shorts, $20.30
SHOES: Steven by Steve Madden “Caylynn” Espadrilles, $49
BAG: Steve Madden “BBold” Satchel, $74

Budget Look – Summery in Green & Yellow

Irina — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:00:05 +0000

Budget Look is a new feature I’m introducing to InTheirCloset.com – it will be a regular feature where we put together whole outfits with affordable items trying to keep the total of the look under $200. The first budget look is revolved around a beautiful celery green summer dress I found on LuLu*s yesterday. It’s a color we don’t see often: a pastel light green with yellow undertones. While thinking about which color would compliment it yellow naturally popped up in my mind. Too bad yellow doesn’t get much recognition, it’s such an underestimated color. I guess people shy away from it because it stands out so much, but isn’t there a more perfect time to wear it than summer? The whole look comes in at a reasonable $161.99. Not too bad, right?

Go Shopping:

DRESS: LuLu*s Weekend in Ensenada Dress, $39
BRACELETS: SO Silver-Tone Beaded Flex & Bangle Bracelet Set, $12
BAG: Magid Metalic Paper Chain Tote, $66
SUNGLASSES: A.J. Morgan Circles Round Sunglasses, $25
SHOES: Michael Antonio “Harriet” Wedges, $19.99

Celebrity Look 4 Less – Hayden Panettiere in Elizabeth James & Giuseppe Zanotti

Vanessa — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:00:17 +0000

You know when you wear an outfit and someone tells you that you look great and “that’s totally your color“? Well, someone needs to tell Hayden Panettiere that. Pastel pink looks fantastic with her skin tone and hair color. The shoes and bag give the otherwise sweet dress an edgier look that is definitely not matchy matchy. Snaps to Hayden and her stylist!

Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Who?	Hayden Panettiere
Where?	Arriving at “It’s On With Alexa Chung” at the MTV Studios, New York
When?	July 07, 2009
What?	Elizabeth and James Luna dress, Giuseppe Zanotti Glitter ankle booties, Nancy Gonzalez clutch & Joan Hornig earrings

Hayden Panettiere’s Pink Bell Sleeve Dress Look 4 Less

Go Shopping:

DRESS: ASOS Bell Sleeve Shift Dress, $47.17
EARRINGS: Janna Conner Designs Gold Triple Ring Drop Earrings, $58
RING: Forever 21 Glitz Rhinestone Ring, $5.80
CLUTCH: Apt. 9 Harbor Clutch, $32
SHOES: BCBGMAXAZRIA “Ola” Ankle Boots, $157.50

Real vs. Steal – Be & D Garbo Studded Tote

Vahni — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:00:09 +0000

This year seems to be the year of the stud. It’s like the whole world decided to get its Rebel Yell on and rock studs on everything from once-innocent flats, to jackets, to headbands, to bags—from high-street to your street. I offer you Exhibit A, the Garbo Studded Tote by Be & D. Mmm-hmmm. Nice, eh? Although the black version sold out, you can borrow it in black at AVELLE.

Be & D Garbo Studded Tote
($1.358, SOLD OUT)

P.S.: Available in denim blue at Shopbop & NORDSTROM & brown at Zappos.

Taylor Momsen Loves Be & D

Handbag Heaven Morgan Studded Rock Tote

HOT DEAL: Use coupon code “SUMMER” to receive 15% OFF your entire order!

If you’re like me, and you can’t bear the thought of renting a bag, becoming attached, then having to send it back, I offer you Exhibit B, the Handbag Heaven Morgan Studded Rock Tote. All those shiny studs against a brown backdrop are sure to kick up even the tamest outfit. And the price! You don’t have to be Taylor to afford this one.

Handbag Heaven Morgan Studded Rock Tote
($41.95, Handbag Heaven)

Celebrity Look 4 Less – Audrina Patridge in Amanda Uprichard

Irina — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:00:47 +0000

I’ve been loving this floaty summer look by Audrina Patridge for weeeeeeeeks now. We broke down Audrina’s designer items in a previous post already and now we finally have found affordable Look 4 Less items to recreate Audrina’s outfit on a budget. Thoughts?

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Who?	Audrina Patridge
Where?	Shopping in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
When?	April 16, 2010
What?	Amanda Uprichard Joan Dress, Prada Knotted Platform Sandals, Chanel bag, Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses

Audrina Patridge’s Coral Dress Look 4 Less

Go Shopping:

DRESS: LuLu*s Rose Petal Place Dress, $38
EARRINGS: Nordstrom Thick Hoop Earrings, $32
NAIL POLISH: OPI Nail Polish in “MonSooner or Later”, $2.65
BAG: Handbag Heaven Classic Quilted Shoulder Bag, $54.95
SUNGLASSES: Forever 21 F9268 Aviators, $5.80
BANGLE: Nordstrom Domed Bangle, $17.90
SHOES: Via Spiga “Tustin” Espadrille Sandals, $99.90

Mint Must-Haves

Irina — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:00:14 +0000

It’s unbelievably hot & sunny here in Germany right now which of course is a good thing unless you have to work in that windless summer heat. That’s why I do everything I can to stay cool & hydrated by taking cold showers every couple hours and drinking lots of cold peppermint tea which led me to the idea to do a feature on the color mint since it’s such a great shade for the summer. Check out my mint must-haves to stay cool in the heat:

Go Shopping:

DRESS: LuLu*s I Mint I Can Dress, $43
SCARF: ModCloth Mint to Be Scarf, $17.99
SUNGLASSES: Topshop Flat Top Plastic Sunglasses, $30
SHOES: Nina “Electra” Satin Sandals, $89.95
BAG: ASOS Oversized Pleat Pushlock Clutch, $30.44
SHAMPOO: Philosophy Mint Chocolate Chip 3-in-1, $16.99
LIP BALM: eos Lip Balm Stick in Sweet Mint, $3.99
NAIL POLISH: Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple, $3.40
BRACELET: Forever 21 Elastic Bead Bracelet, $2.80
SANDALS: Topshop FRANCES Stud Sandals, $70