In Their Closet » Rihanna

Real vs. Steal – Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffel Bag

Celine — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:00:45 +0000

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)

Celebrities Love Alexander Wang

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Ajito Studded Bottom Satchel

UPDATE (09/03/2010): Reader Addy informed us about this lovely Rocco knockoff by Ajito. It comes in either black, brown, grey or white. Thanks, Addy!

Ajito Studded Bottom Satchel
($48, YesStyle)

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)

Real vs. Steal – Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Cuff Lace Up Booties

Vahni — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:00:58 +0000

The military trend seems to still be holding, and with shoes like the Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Cuff Lace Up Booties, I am totally not surprised. How can you not love this feminine-but-tough bootie? Especially right now. No matter which hemisphere you’re in, this is the ideal boot for transitioning from summer to fall, or winter to spring. But you know Balmain means big bucks. Wah.

Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Cuff Lace Up Booties
($1.196, Bluefly)

Celebrities Love Giuseppe Zanotti

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ZiGiny “JONI” Zip Ankle Boots

If you’re thinking the Balmain bootie is just what you need, then direct your attention to the ZiGiny “JONI” Zip Ankle Boots. Balmain, schmalmain, I say. You can have virtually the same look for under $200, which leaves you with plenty of cheddar for the coming season’s hot pieces. And if you’re in the northern hemisphere, that means a shearling and skinny cargos to go with those booties!

ZiGiny “JONI” Zip Ankle Boots
($179.95, Endless)

Real vs. Steal – Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Lace-Up Studded Booties

Irina — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:00:39 +0000

Giuseppe Zanotti has been designing the shoes for Balmain ever since Christophe Decarnin took over the French fashion house in 2006. I love how Zanotti always manages to reflect the key looks of the collection in his designs. Balmain S/S 2010 was infused with military references and looking at these studded lace-up booties you can see these references here as well. The faded army green color, the shrapnel-style studs, the utilitarian zipper. Swoooooon!

Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Lace-Up Studded Booties
(Price Unknown, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain

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ZiGiny “Jemma” Ankle Boots

Well, the color has been exchanged, but the design of these studded lace-up booties by ZiGiny has been taken over 1:1. Don’t tell anyone, but I think the tan suede color might be a little more doable than the original green color of the originals.

ZiGiny “Jemma” Ankle Boots
($179.95, Endless)

Real vs. Steal – Rock & Republic Nika Pumps

Vahni — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:00:17 +0000

Oh. My. Lord. Every once in a while I am so captivated by a hot shoe that I am nearly rendered speechless. Nearly. The Nika Pumps by Rock & Republic are just such a pair. Those pewter colored studs and that gleaming, dangerous looking heel…I tell you, R&R has done everything right with this pair. They are stunning. No wonder why they’re gone.

Rock & Republic Nika Pumps
($295, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Rock & Republic

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Luichiny “Fanta See” Pumps

HOT DEAL: Use coupon code “INTHEIRCLOSET” to get 15% OFF your order!

So you love Nika. Yeah, join the club. For those of you with a femme fatale alter ego that Nika was just perfect for, I have a a remedy. Check out the “Fanta See” Pumps by Luichiny. Not only are they GORGE, they are virtual dead-ringers. Available in fuchsia, grey & black suede.

Luichiny “Fanta See” Pumps
($64.99, Heels.com)

P.S.: Also available at Zappos.

Real vs. Steal – Bill Blass Flamenco Backless Blouse

Irina — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:30:20 +0000

I remember falling in love with this Bill Blass ruffle blouse sometime last year. The soft silk, the flattering color and the perfectly shaped ruffles were simply to die for! Most things on my wish list are either shoes or dresses, but this blouse made me swoon and shooted straight up on no. 1. However, I quickly learned that everything comes at a price… and this one was as high as $1.990.

Bill Blass Flamenco Backless Blouse
($1.990, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Bill Blass

Leighton Meester wore the Bill Blass blouse (though I think hers was a modified version because it had more and smaller ruffles) in an episode of Gossip Girl while Rihanna wore it on the InStyle cover of the August 2008 issue.

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Blaque Label “Kali” Open Back Top

UPDATE (07/25/2010): Here’s another Bill Blass knockoff by Blaque Label.

Blaque Label “Kali” Open Back Top
($55, Chickdowntown)

P.S.: Also available at Karmaloop.

Bebe Ruffle & Rosette Bloom Halter Top

I think it’s beyond debate that Bebe’s interpretation of the Bill Blass blouse doesn’t even come close to the superb quality of the original, but if you are all about frills and ruffles this ruffled top might fit your bill as the overall look resembles the Bill Blass original. Also available in black, white and tea rose.

Bebe Ruffle & Rosette Bloom Halter Top
($79, Bebe)

Real vs. Steal – Funktional Cage Dress

Irina — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:00:54 +0000

Ever since Rihanna wore this caged mini dress by Funktional it quickly became a topseller and soon sold out everywhere because the dress wasn’t only stylish, but also quite a steal at $85! If you’re desperately trying to get your hands on the original, you may still order it at StyleQ, BUT (and there’s always a but…) the dress won’t ship before July 15th, 2010. Can’t wait that long? Read on then…

HOT DEAL: Use coupon code “AFFILIATE” to receive 10% OFF your entire order!

Funktional Cage Dress
($85, StyleQ)

Rihanna Loves Funktional

Blaque Label “Marty” Dress

UPDATE (07/25/2010): Check out this cage dress look-a-like by Blaque Label which is actually more expensive than the original.

Blaque Label “Marty” Dress
($97, Karmaloop)

Rare Cage Shoulder Dress

UPDATE (06/12/2010): Here’s another almost identical knockoff Funktional cage dress look-a-like by Rare.

Rare Cage Shoulder Dress
($37.20, ASOS)

ASOS Cage Shoulder Zip Back Top

ASOS knows you love Rihanna’s style and/or the caged look, so they went on to create their own caged dress whereas they shortened their version and simply made a top out of it. It’s not that much cheaper than the original, but since that one wasn’t overly pricey in the first place I still think we have a bargain buy here.

ASOS Cage Shoulder Zip Back Top
($59.18, ASOS)

Real vs. Steal – Maison Martin Margiela Cut-Out Boots

Vahni — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:00:33 +0000

I feel so sorry for shoeaholics of times gone by. If only they could have lived to see the unparalleled creativity of shoe design today. Never before in history have there been so many truly unique, funky hybrids, like the Cut-Out Boots by Maison Martin Margiela. What a belle of a boot! Part demure d’Orsay, part go-go boot. This is a pair that was made for walkin’. I wish they’d walk right on up to my front door.

Maison Martin Margiela Cut-Out Boots
($1.154, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Maison Martin Margiela

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Matiko “Kiari” Boots

Like most shoe addicts, when I see a pair like the MMMs above that are as much art form as they are shoe, and I can’t have them, I feel a little pang of despair. Then I remember that it is a consumer’s world, and there is almost always a replica to be had. Like the Matiko “Kiari” Boots. Not a d’Orsay like the MMMs, but, whoa—they are some serious statement-makers. Get ‘em ‘fore they go, ladies!

Matiko “Kiari” Boots
($279.95, Solestruck)

Real vs. Steal – Alexander Wang Freja Open Toe Laced Zip Booties

Celine — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:30:10 +0000

Peep-toe booties are a favorite of mine but I know it took a while for most people to fully embrace them. Intellectually I know they make no practical sense, but I can’t help it – I find them disarmingly sexy. Well, combine that peep-toe bootie with a zipper and you’ve got yourself what is possibly the trendiest shoe of the moment. Alexander Wang‘s Freja Open Toe Laced Zip Booties (say that three times fast) have been so incredibly popular that they sold out immediately on NET-A-PORTER. They are still available on Shopbop, but at such a high price I’m not surprised by the influx of mail we’ve received asking us to locate a suitable knockoff.

Alexander Wang Freja Open Toe Laced Zip Booties
($709, Farfetch)

Celebrities Love Alexander Wang

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Gianni Bini “Rocker” Ankle Boots

UPDATE (07/12/2010): Another fabulous Freja look-a-like for under $100 by Gianni Bini. Available in black or brown.

Gianni Bini “Rocker” Ankle Boots
($99.99, Dillard’s)

Michael Antonio “Tazia” Platform Booties

UPDATE (07/12/2010): Michael Antonio‘s Freja version is more of the inspired-by kind since it has a few additional features like the added platform and the side cut-outs. Available in black, sand, grey & tan.

Michael Antonio “Tazia” Platform Booties
($84, Endless)

N.Y.L.A. “Frissy” Ankle Boots

UPDATE (05/07/2010): Finally a decent Freja knockoff brought to you by N.Y.L.A.. Nice dupe, isn’t it? Available in black, brown & bone.

N.Y.L.A. “Frissy” Ankle Boots
($106.95, Endless)

Kelsi Dagger “Reece” Ankle Boots

UPDATE (04/29/2010): I am still waiting for the perfect “Freja” knockoff, but in the meantime if you’re not gifted with patience, check out these good Freja look-a-likes by Kelsi Dagger. Available in black or red leather.

Kelsi Dagger “Reece” Ankle Boots
($179.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at REVOLVEClothing, Piperlime & DJPremium.

Qupid “Fidel” Peep-toe Lace-Up Zipper Booties

UPDATE (04/15/2010): Check out these great Freja knockoffs by Qupid.

Qupid “Fidel” Peep-toe Lace-Up Zipper Booties
($39.99, AmiClubWear)

ASOS “TURNER” Suede Lace-Up Peep-toe Shoes

Now readers, I know these aren’t an exact copy of the Alexander Wangs (I fear we’ll most likely have to wait a few months for those to start flooding the scene – but when they do, be sure we’ll feature them here!), but it’s quite clear to us where ASOS gleaned their inspiration from. With the flap, high heel and peep-toe you’ll be getting the same general sexy feel as the Alexander Wang booties but without the hefty price tag.

ASOS “TURNER” Suede Lace-Up Peep-toe Shoes
($84.23, ASOS)

Dorothy Perkins Zip Buckle Ankle Boots

Now if what you really loved about the originals was that amazing zipper detailing, then maybe these Dorothy Perkins‘ Zip Buckle Ankle boots are for you. The flap is still there with the aforementioned zippering, as is the peep-toe, but they’ve also added buckles, another huge trend for 2010. While these are a little bit of a stretch from Alexander Wang’s Frejas, these are definitely my favorite knockoff. I’m a sucker for hardware and I love how they cut the front peep-toe part of the shoe a little wider than normal – certainly vaguely reminiscent of the Wangs. If you can’t wait for an exact knockoff of the Freja booties to emerge, why not give these a try?

Dorothy Perkins Zip Buckle Ankle Boots
(£10, Dorothy Perkins)

Real vs. Steal – Alexander Wang One Shoulder Goddess Dress

Irina — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:30:07 +0000

Alexander Wang presented his Pre-Fall 2010 collection a few days ago and I must honestly say that I’m not impressed. Ever since his glorious Spring and Pre-Fall 2009 collections he just couldn’t live up to my expectations. Maybe Fall 2010 will reignite my love for his designs. Until then I’ll have to keep on drooling over his past creations, one of which is this beautifully draped asymmetrical jersey dress from his Pre-Fall 2009 collection. It is sexy yet elegant.

Alexander Wang One Shoulder Goddess Dress
($595, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Alexander Wang

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LuLu*s Pandrosia Dress

UPDATE (06/25/2010): Here’s a second Alexander Wang Goddess dress look-a-like by LuLu*s. Use our exclusive coupon code “INTHEIRCLOSET” to receive 15% OFF your entire order.

LuLu*s Pandrosia Dress
($34, LuLu*s)

Riller & Fount Keel One Shoulder Dress

UPDATE (06/14/2010): Riller & Fount‘s “Keel” one shoulder mini looks a lot like Alexander Wang’s Goddess dress, doesn’t it?

Riller & Fount Keel One Shoulder Dress
($137, Shopbop)

P.S.: Also available in black or gunmetal at REVOLVEClothing.

Charlotte Russe One Shoulder Cinched Short Dress

UPDATE (04/15/2010): I just came across this super amazing & super similar looking LBD by Charlotte Russe. It’s under $30 and available in either black or pastel grey. If you like it, be fast! I don’t expect this dress to last long on the website.

Charlotte Russe One Shoulder Cinched Short Dress
($28, Charlotte Russe)

ASOS Twisted Slinky One Shoulder Dress

UPDATE (04/15/2010): ASOS has a dress which is quite reminiscent of the Alexander Wang LBD. It’s more body-con and drapes to the other side, but overall is still a good match I think. Available in 7 different colors.

ASOS Twisted Slinky One Shoulder Dress
($64.25, ASOS)

LuLu*s Good Gossip Dress

HOT DEAL: Use our exclusive coupon code INTHEIRCLOSET for 15% OFF!

If you want a similar style without having to blow a month’s budget, this draped one shoulder LBD by LuLu*s is a great alternative if you want Alexander Wang 4 less. Don’t forget to use our coupon code!

LuLu*s Good Gossip Dress
($56, LuLu*s)

Real vs. Steal – Balmain Military-Style Denim Jacket

Irina — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:00:19 +0000

In case you wondered: Balmain is still going strong. I stumble upon Balmain knockoffs or Balmain inspired shoes & apparel on a daily basis and don’t know where to find the time needed to post all of these finds. So I have to cut back and just concentrate on the really good ones. The denim jacket below is a personal obsession of mine and even though I’d have a hard time finding an occasion where to sport this lovely thing to, I still want it in my closet so badly.

Balmain Military-Style Denim Jacket
($5.075, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Balmain

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Your Eyes Lie Braided Military Denim Jacket

UPDATE (06/14/2010): If you’re still mesmerized by Balmainia, try this Balmain-esque denim jacket by Your Eyes Lie.

Your Eyes Lie Braided Military Denim Jacket
($152.18, ASOS)

Queen’s Look Button Detail Denim Jacket

If you love the denim jacket, but don’t have $5k to spare, take a look at this Balmain knockoff by Queen’s Look (an Asian brand). It’s not a 1:1 copy, but it’s still a great budget-friendly alternative which costs only $85.50. Also available in beige, grey & black. The sizing is Korean, so make sure to take a look at the size chart first before you order.

[IMAGE NO LONGER AVAILABLE]

Queen’s Look Button Detail Denim Jacket
($85.50, YesStyle)