by Celine on July 24, 2010
UPDATE: This post has been updated on July 24, 2010. Scroll down to see the new adds.
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
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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)
by Celine on May 14, 2010
You know how I know we’re good? Because we never forget a shoe. Or a handbag. Or a face. OK, so not the last one. Back in the old days (you know, 2005) the fashion world saw the introduction to the “It Bag” – a bag that became every starlet’s must have accessory. One day, readers (stay with me), Mary Kate Olsen was spotted carrying a gorgeous black, studded bag that no one could identify but that everyone immediately wanted. A year later the bag (eventually attributed to the talented, Alexander Wang) was made available to the public. It was then known as “Coco”; it is now known as “Rocco”; I can afford neither one.
Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffel Bag
($875, Shopbop)
P.S.: Also available at Blue Bee
, NET-A-PORTER
, Farfetch
.
Celebrities Love Alexander Wang
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Wet Seal Stud Bottom Satchel
I have to be honest, the last time I shopped at Wet Seal I was looking for something to wear to the school dance (in other words, it was 1998), but by golly perhaps Wet Seal deserves another look! Their Stud Bottom Satchel is a pretty darn great dupe of the Alexander Wang bag. True, it’s not made out of leather but I know there are vegans among us who actually prefer that. For a measly $24.50 this is a hot bag to add to your arsenal. (Note: if you’re having trouble locating the bag on theWet Seal site, click on the link below and enter the style number – “42178118” – into the search field).
Wet Seal Stud Bottom Satchel
Style #: 42178118
($24.50, Wet Seal)
UPDATE: This post has been updated on May 12, 2010. Scroll down to see the new add.
Mary-Kate Olsen is quite the trendsetter. A few weeks after being spotted on MK’s feet, Stella McCartney‘s mesh sandals hit the digital shelves of NET-A-PORTER, but sold out there super fast. If you are craving the real deal, you can still find them on Stella’s website or read on and let me show you some recession-proof alternatives.
Stella McCartney Mesh Basket Sandals
($995, NET-A-PORTER)
Mary-Kate Olsen Loves Stella McCartney
At the beginning of 2009, Mary-Kate Olsen was having an obsession with Stella McCartney’s mesh sandals from the Spring 2009 collection. She was wearing them to various events and when being out and about before finally moving on to another pair of lustworthy heels which she could wear to death.
Martinez Valero “Cleo” Sandals
UPDATE (05/12/2010): Yay! Finally another Stella McCartney knockoff and this one’s absolutely fabulous I think. Martinez Valero did a great job with his “Cleo” sandals. They come in either black, nude or silver.
Martinez Valero “Cleo” Sandals
($159.95, Endless)
BCBGMAXAZRIA “Lisa” Pumps
UPDATE (03/10/2010): Here’s yet another fabulous but slightly pricey Stella McCartney knockoff by BCBGMAXAZRIA.
BCBGMAXAZRIA “Lisa” Pumps
($250, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Shoebuy
.
Nine West “Hotrock” Mesh Sandals
UPDATE (10/30/2009): Found another budget-friendly Stella McCartney alternative by Nine West.
Nine West “Hotrock” Mesh Sandals
($72.05, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Zappos
& Nine West
.
Bebe “Lizzy” Mesh Sandals
I always thought Steve Madden is the king of knockoffs, but after seeing so many knockoffs coming from Bebe latey, I have come to the conclusion that they deserve this title. Whenever I visit their website, new designer knockoffs have popped up just like these Stella McCartney knockoffs for example. Bebe’s “Lizzy” sandals come in 3 different colors and retail for $139.
Bebe “Lizzy” Mesh Sandals
($139, Bebe)
by Irina on February 19, 2010
UPDATE: This post has been updated on March 14, 2010. Scroll down to read the news.
So excited about this! Remember Balenciaga‘s Fall 2006 harness ankle boots with the mega platform? A lot of people thought they were the ugliest shoes on the planet, but then Mary-Kate Olsen came along, fell in love with these boots and wore them like a million times. And suddenly people were all over these boots. Of course, not everyone could afford the real Balenciagas and hence had to wait for an affordable knockoff version.
Balenciaga Fall 2006 Harness Platform Boots
(Price Unknown, N/A)
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Love Balenciaga
Sam Edelman “Zoe” Ankle Boots
UPDATE (03/19/2010): OMG! You can order the “Zoe” boots at Heels.com for $299.99! Then use our exclusive coupon code INTHEIRCLOSET for an extra 15% OFF which will shave off another $45 making an end price of $254.99 + FREE 2nd day shipping. Gotta love Heels.com!
The knockoffs were delivered by Sam Edelman and became such a big hit that they sold out in no time. Even Rumi of Fashion Toast fame fell in love with these Balenciaga look-a-likes. More than 2 years later, Sam Edelman has chosen to reintroduce the coveted ankle boots for his Fall 2009 line due to the popular demand. Unfortunately, they raised the price as well. If you missed out on these the first time, this is your chance now, but be fast and order quickly, these boots go like hot cakes!
Sam Edelman “Zoe” Boots
($299.99, Heels.com)
P.S.: Also available at Lord & Taylor, Endless, Zappos
, SHOES.com, NORDSTROM
.
by Irina on January 7, 2010
Back in 2007 Mary-Kate Olsen stepped out on the red carpet to see Antony Micallef’s “Impure Idols” LA show debut and I was madly in love with her head-to-toe getup: the quilted leather jacket, the tousled out-of-bed hair and of course her black Balenciaga gladiator wedges. This is rocker meets uptown chic at its best. See my budget-friendly take on MK’s outfit below.
Our Rating: 
| Who? |
Mary-Kate Olsen |
| Where? |
Antony Micallef’s “Impure Idols” |
| When? |
September 18, 2007 |
| What? |
Balenciaga gladiator wedges |
Marc New York Quilted Jacket
Marc New York Quilted Jacket
($237.60, Bloomingdale’s)
Dana Buchman Vala Wedge Sandals
Dana Buchman Vala Wedge Sandals
($51.99, Kohl’s)
by Irina on January 3, 2010
UPDATE: This post has been updated on January 03, 2010. Scroll down to see the new add.
I already said I’m by no means a handbag expert, but even I am acquainted with the Fendi Spy bag. This shoulder bag which is made of ultra-rich nappa leather and finished with woven double top handles, instantly became the “It” bag when it came out a few years ago. All hype aside, I certainly understand why handbag connoisseurs lusted over this delicious piece of arm candy. The design is elegant and versatile and the craftmanship absolutely exquisite. However, not everyone can justify a $2.000 handbag investment including myself.
Fendi Spy Leather Bag
($2.050, Farfetch)
Celebrities Love Fendi
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Baghaus “Spy” Bag
UPDATE (12/31/2009): Found a second, almost identical Fendi Spy bag knockoff by Baghaus which looks so close to the original they didn’t even bother to change the name. Available in black (pictured), brown, mustard, beige and pewter.
Baghaus “Spy” Bag
($49.95, Baghaus)
Handbag Heaven Classic Secret Agent Bag
If you want a great looking alternative for a fraction of the price, Handbag Heaven has a really good and budget-friendly option for all of us who can’t afford the real deal. Their “classic secret agent bag” is an almost identical copy of the Fendi bag, even the name is a tribute. The bag is made of soft leatherette and comes in either classic black, shimmering pewter or a delightfully mustard color. A great gift for your mom, sister, BFF or your own handbag lovin’ self, of course.
Handbag Heaven Classic Secret Agent Bag
($49.95, Handbag Heaven)
by Irina on January 1, 2010
I’m not a slides person by default because I need arch support in my shoes and really can’t stand it when my heels dangle in the air. However, when I first laid my eyes on these colorful cabachon slides by Miu Miu I couldn’t help but be in total awe. The embellishments are just too cute!
Miu Miu Cabachon Slides
($750, SOLD OUT)
Mary-Kate Olsen Loves Miu Miu
Carlos by Carlos Santana “Romantica” Sandals
These Carlos by Carlos Santana sandals may have a few differences (e.g. they’re not quite as colorful as the Miu Mius, made of suede + slingback version), but overall they are still a fantastic alternative if you are trying to save some cash. Available in black or red suede.
Carlos by Carlos Santana “Romantica” Platform Sandals
($118.95, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Shoes.com, Zappos
, CarlosShoes.com & Shoebuy
.
Nine West “Quincylla” Slides
Nine West also has a great look-a-like option. The gemstones are a bit dull and dark which I find a bit sad, but the shape is almost identical. Available in either black or tan (with turquoise stones).
Nine West “Quincylla” Slides
($88.95, Zappos)
P.S.: Also available at Endless
.
Vince Camuto “Emily” High Heel Sandals
If the above options didn’t cut it for you, maybe you’ll find yourself falling for these Miu Miu inspired ankle strap sandals by Vince Camuto. I really like the embellishments on these even though they could’ve been a bit more colorful like the originals. Available in black, dark brown and tan.
Vince Camuto “Emily” High Heel Sandals
($118, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Zappos
, NORDSTROM
, Heels.com & Dillard’s
.
by Irina on December 13, 2009
These over-the-top sky-high platform heels were part of Giambattista Valli‘s Spring 2008 collection and even though Spring 2008 is like a million years ago in the fashion universe I still can’t get over them. In fact, they were one of my first shoe obsessions ever. One of the things that got me interested in fashion in the first place – beyond the ocassional shopping spree in the mall or a random page flip through Vogue. Some say these heels look hooker-ish, to me – they are perfect. The embodiment of art and fashion with a hint of craziness.
Giambattista Valli Victoria Platform Heels
(~$900, SOLD OUT)
Celebrities Love Giambattista Valli
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Shiekh "Persia-01" Platform Heels
What I love about these platform heels by Shiekh is that they’ve kept the extreme proportions of the original Vallis and didn’t tone it down to make them more appealing to the masses. Yes, the platform isn’t quite as high, but that’s barely noticeable. So gorgeous, affordable & available in white/pink (pictured), black/pink, beige/yellow and grey/black.
Shiekh "Persia-01" Platform Heels
($44.97, Shiekh)
by Irina on October 3, 2009
The moment I saw these heels by Proenza Schouler I was truly, madly, deeply in love. This is what I consider art & creativity! I adore everything about these shoes, especially the segmented heel which gives these lustworthy creations an architectural look. Pure genius!
Proenza Schouler Open-Toe Zip Ankle Boots
($657.22, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at in size 10 at Zappos
.
Celebrities Love Proenza Schouler
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Michael Antonio “Miller” Zip Ankle Booties
If you are looking for a more affordable version of the zippered Proenza Schouler booties, Michael Antonio has a pair of ankle boots that looks just like the ones above. I hear you saying: “What? Where’s the segmented heel?” Well, unfortunately, they – for some reason – omitted that part which is a shame because it’s the heel that makes those shoes stand out most to me.
My guess is that the construction of such a complicated heel would’ve probably resulted in a signifant raise in production costs, so in order to keep prices low, they decided to skip that part and simply replaced it with a standard heel. Too bad! The rest of the style however is pretty identical compared to the original booties, so if you have some extra room in your closet, feel free to indulge in these.
Michael Antonio “Miller” Zip Ankle Booties
($59.97, Shiekh Shoes)