In Their Closet » Fashion

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)

Real vs. Steal – Alexander Wang Zoro Angular Acetate Sunglasses

Vahni — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:00:23 +0000

In case you didn’t get the memo, the 2010 designer darling is Alexander Wang. And why not? Aside from his clothing lines, his bags are legendary, his shoes the definition of urban cool, and—mark my words—his Zoro Angular Acetate Sunglasses are going to be iconic. In 20 years’ time, your girls are going to be scrambling for their very own vintage pair. They are the cat eye of the noughties.

Alexander Wang Zoro Angular Acetate Sunglasses
($325, NET-A-PORTER)

P.S.: Also available at Shopbop & Tobi.

Lady GaGa Loves Alexander Wang

Sunglass Warehouse Style #31202 Cat Eye Sunglasses

If you’re digging the Wang frame, but don’t have the cash (or the courage) to sport them, the #31202 Cat Eye Sunglasses by Sunglass Warehouse are a fantastic alternative. They have the same, delicious hard angles, just slightly less extreme. And for less than $14? That’s a pair you don’t have to be Beautiful Dirty Rich to rock. Available in red tortoise, brown striped & zebra print.

Sunglass Warehouse Style #31202 Cat Eye Sunglasses
($13.56, Sunglass Warehouse)

Real vs. Steal – Yves Saint Laurent Essentiel T-Strap Sandals

Vahni — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:30 +0000

YSL. In my head, that stands for yummy shoes, love!—and these Essentiel T-Strap Sandals by Yves Saint Laurent are a stellar example why. Have you ever seen a heel like that? Totally swoon-worthy. And with a price tag of $895 it’s not just the heel that has me gasping for air. Dang.

Yves Saint Laurent Essentiel T-Strap Sandals
($448, Madison LA)

P.S.: Also available at Matches Fashion.

Kate Hudson Loves YSL

Bebe “Iris” Architectural Sandals

Question: Is it blasphemy to think a Bebe sandal looks better than the shoe it was inspired by? Because if loving the Bebe “Iris” architectural sandal more than YSL is wrong, I don’t want to be right. Although Iris is not a t-strap, she does have that architectural heel, and blessings be, the price is also well under two bills. From the moment I spotted this shoe it has been haunting me. I waitlisted myself for it, got my notification, and they are currently en route to me. If they look half as good in real life, you’ll be seeing them again in a photo…on my feet. Available in dark gold and black.

Bebe “Iris” Architectural Sandals
($159, Bebe)

Real vs. Steal – Acne Atacoma Lace-Up Wedges

Irina — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:00:30 +0000

Acne‘s Atacoma wedges have been lusted after and obsessed over countless times after Alexa Chung has sported a pair on her now cancelled MTV show. They sold out as soon as they hit the virtual shelves of several online shops, have been restocked again, then sold out again. If you are a EU size 37 you can still get them for a steep $620 (€430) at MyTheresa. Cheap, I know!

Acne Atacoma Lace-Up Wedges
($620, MyTheresa)

Alexa Chung Loves Acne

ALDO “Sandidge” Platform Wedge Shoe Boots

UPDATE (07/28/2010): Ahhh, I wish I had posted these ALDO shoe boots earlier. Now they’re sold out in many sizes. Sorry guys, my bad!

Aldo Sandidge Platform Wedge Shoe Boots
($151.61, ASOS)

P.S.: Also available at Amazon.co.uk for £90.

Jeffrey Campbell 99 Lace-Up Wedge Booties

UPDATE (07/28/2010): Here’s Jeffrey Campbell‘s 2nd generation version of the 99 zip wedge which is sold out everywhere by now.

Jeffrey Campbell 99 Lace-Up Wedge Booties
($170, Singer22)

Jeffrey Campbell “Raid” Platform Booties

UPDATE (04/14/2010): Jeffrey Campbell still comes up with variations of Acne’s Atacoma inspired platforms. The newest style is called “Raid”; a sister of their Alexa bootie with a pewter metallic platform. Available in black or white.

Jeffrey Campbell “Raid” Platform Booties
($159.95, Solestruck)

P.S.: Also available at Karmaloop.

Jeffrey Campbell “Alexa” Wedge Booties

UPDATE (03/07/2010): Jeffrey Campbell has another Acne Atacoma knockoff called “Alexa” which used to sell at LF, but is now available on eBay only.

Jeffrey Campbell “Alexa” Wedge Booties
($90-$335, eBay)

Jeffrey Campbell 99 Zip Wedges

While these wedges by Jeffrey Campbell are not as high as the Atacomas and also don’t have the silver platform, overall they are still a good and affordable alternative.

Jeffrey Campbell 99 Zip Wedges
($140, Singer22)

Runway to Real Way – Alexander Wang S/S 2010

Vanessa — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:00:39 +0000

Runways are styled for pictures, people are styled for living. So, understandably, it sometimes takes a little tweaking to get one to live in the other’s world. This is a perfect example. Alexander Wang has proven that a little leopard goes with everything, but in our case the shorter and more structured jacket will create a look worthy of a few thumbed up Facebook photos.

Go Shopping:

SHOES: Promiscuous Trecey Leopard Booties, $67
TOP: Topshop Caged Corset Top, $65
JACKET: Topshop Cotton Jersey Bomber Jacket, $100
PANTS: Topshop Cross Front Extreme Hareems, $80

Real vs. Steal – Sergio Rossi Cachet Peep-toe Suede Slingback Pumps

Vahni — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:00:25 +0000

Is there anything more feminine than a pretty pink heel? The first time I ever encountered a pink heel, it was on a Barbie—well, before she was shod in Louboutins, of course—and since Barbie is the ultimate girlie girl, I think the answer is most definitely YES! These pink suede Sergio Rossi peep-toes indulge the grown-up Barbie girl in all of us, don’t they?

Sergio Rossi Cachet Peep-toe Suede Slingback Pumps
($695, SOLD OUT)

P.S.: Available in peach suede at The Shoe Box.

Celebrities Love Sergio Rossi

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

Bebe Neve Snakeskin Platform Heels

Do the Sergio Rossi Cachet Peep-toe Suede Slingback Pumps have your heart skipping a beat? They certainly had that effect on me. And at $695, yeah, well, my heart felt that too. But it’s all moot since these lovelies are gone, baby, gone. Instead, feast your eyes on these Neve Snakeskin Platform Heels by Bebe. They’re available in fuchsia, blue suede, or black leather. Ken not included.

Bebe Neve Snakeskin Platform Heels
($149, Bebe)

Real vs. Steal – Alexander Wang Alla Peep-toe Wedges

Celine — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:00:17 +0000

Finally! I’ve gotta tell you guys, I have been anxiously awaiting the “knock-off” version of the Alexander Wang Alla wedges for months now and judging from the amount of emails we’ve received on this shoe, I’m not the only one. These super cute wedges are not only super pricey but also super sold out. I initially saw them on Khloe Kardashian (the leopard version) and it was love at first sight. Since then I’ve been both stalking them on eBay (totally fruitless) and looking for “steal” versions (also completely pointless)…

Alexander Wang Alla Peep-toe Wedges
($525, NET-A-PORTER)

Joan & David “Opal” Wedge Booties

Well our patience seems to have paid off. Joan & David‘s “Opal” Wedge Booties are not the cheapest steal we’ve ever featured, but gosh, they’re good, aren’t they? In all the most important ways, these booties are an awesome knockoff of the Allas. Beautiful shape, rich color, peep-toe… half the price… now all we need is a leopard version. For now though, I’ll take the black leather or black suede.

Joan & David “Opal” Wedge Booties
($260.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Zappos.

Celebrity Look 4 Less – Kim Kardashian is Lacy in Preen

Vahni — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:00:17 +0000

Alright, listen up all you Kim Kardashian haters who blasted her in one of my previous posts: if you don’t like her here, just click away! If you’re still reading, then I’m going to consider you Team Kim. And I don’t care what anyone says, Kim’s bod is sick and she is totally gorgeous. So what if she likes tight. Now’s the time, not when she’s 80. So I say Kim in lacy Preen, with bright pink nails and Veronica Lake hair? Yeah, baby!

Our Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Who?	Kim Kardashian
Where?	Beach Bunny Swimwear Front Row, Miami
When?	July 16, 2010
What?	Preen Fallen Dress, Christian Louboutin Alti Pumps

Kim Kardashian’s Lacy Dress Look 4 Less

Go Shopping:

DRESS: ASOS Lace Overlay Lingerie Dress, $20.21
BRACELET: ALDO PORTUONDO Rhinestone Bracelet, $13.98
NAIL POLISH: dELiA*s Nail Polish in Neon Pink, $4.50
EARRINGS: Target Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings, $29.99
SHOES: Bumper Ryan-01 Platform Pumps, $34.99

Real vs. Steal – Christian Louboutin Claudia Ankle Strap Sandals

Celine — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:00:43 +0000

We’ve featured quite a number of Christian Louboutin shoes here on InTheirCloset and I think that’s because, other than being extremely popular with our readers, they are also what I would classify as “classic”. Louboutin pumps range from demure to over the top but almost all of them feel timeless. CL’s “Claudia” ankle-strap sandals are no exception. They are simply a new take on a tried and true shoe. Look how beloved these are by hollywood starlets and Playboy bunnies alike. You’d probably have to be either or both to swing that price tag though.

Christian Louboutin Claudia Ankle Strap Sandals
($985, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Christian Louboutin

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

ALDO “Brodigan” Ankle Strap Sandals

Thank you, ALDO, for bringing us a shoe both lovely and affordable. No, my friends, you will not be able to show off that red sole, but if it’s class you’re looking for, look no further. ALDO’s “Brodigan” pump is the versatile, cocktail pump you’ve been looking for minus the hefty price tag. *Ding Ding*. We have a winner! Also available in a great nude (“bone patent”) color.

ALDO “Brodigan” Ankle Strap Sandals
($49.98, Amazon)

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.

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

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)