In Their Closet » Out & About

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 – 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 – 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

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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)

Real vs. Steal – Prada Studded Cross Strap Platform Sandals

Vahni — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:30:32 +0000

I just adore a studded shoe. Well, truth be told, I’m loving a studded anything right about now. Thankfully there are more options this century than there were in the last one—we’ve moved beyond Bedazzler hideousness and full-on rocker paraphernalia. This lovely Prada sandal is a fab example of studs done right. There’s a hint of rebellion, but also a sort of 40s sensibility in the shape and structure of this shoe.

Prada Studded Suede Cross Strap Platform Sandals
($636, Bluefly)

Celebrities Love Prada

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Type Z “Neva” Studded Sandals

UPDATE (07/21/2010): Found another absolutely fabulous Prada look-a-like by Type Z. Available in black or silver.

Type Z “Neva” Studded Sandals
($100, Zappos)

N.Y.L.A. “Naigel” Studded Platform Sandals

Yes, it’s true: celebrities (and even us mere mortals) love Prada. But the thought of stepping in a puddle or a crack while wearing a $636 suede-covered heel? Uh, I know that’s an idea I don’t love. If you’re of the same ilk, allow me to introduce “Naigel” by N.Y.L.A.. Now you can have all the studded, criss-crossed moxie of the Prada version, in a more resilient and less-expensive leather pair.

N.Y.L.A. “Naigel” Studded Platform Sandals
($76.26, Endless)

Real vs. Steal – Yves Saint Laurent Imperiale Platform Pumps

Irina — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:00:42 +0000

Yves Saint Laurent will be always one of my favorite high fashion labels. They belong to fashion much like the Eiffel Tower belongs to Paris. Where would be without this everlasting French house of delicate fashion? In 100 years from now on most designers which are being hyped right now will be long forgotten, but I’m sure YSL will be considered iconic for its cultural and aesthetic influence in our era. And rightfully so. Evidence A: see below.

Yves Saint Laurent Imperiale Platform Pumps
($795, NORDSTROM)

Celebrities Love Yves Saint Laurent

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Qupid Roshay-01 Platform Pumps

UPDATE (07/21/2010): Here’s a cheap & chic YSL knockoff by Qupid. These pumps are available in many colors & finishes and also come as a peep-toe version.

Qupid Roshay-01 Platform Pumps
($22.99, AmiClubWear)

Dolce Vita “April” Platform Pumps

If you want the same style without breaking the bank, try these suede platforms by Dolce Vita which are dead ringers for the YSL Imperiale pumps. Not exactly a steal at ~$160, but still a whole lotta cheaper than the original Yves Saint Laurent heels. Also available in taupe suede and navy leather.

Dolce Vita “April” Platform Pumps
($159.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Shoes.com.

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 – Giuseppe Zanotti I90115 Caged Open-Toe Ankle Boots

Irina — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:30:59 +0000

Judging by all the Real vs. Steal posts that cover shoes I think it’s safe to say that I’m a total shoe addict. I get a lot of emails with requests to identify shoes worn by celebrities and I am now debating whether I should be worried about the fact that I’m almost always able to recognize them. These Giuseppe Zanotti open-toe booties (RRP: $999) for example were quite easy to id because of all the unique details. Saw them and instantly knew the designer!

Giuseppe Zanotti I90115 Caged Open-Toe Ankle Boots
($463, Zappos)

P.S.: Also available at Endless.

Khloe Kardashian Loves Giuseppe Zanotti

Khloe Kardashian certainly loves her Giuseppe Zanotti booties as she has been spotted wearing them to various events in the last few months.

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BCBGeneration “Bg-Malina” Ankle Boots

UPDATE (07/18/2010): Woohoo! Look at this almost identical Zanotti look-a-like by BCBGeneration. Amazing, isn’t it? Available in black or pewter vintage metallic.

BCBGeneration “Bg-Malina” Ankle Boots
($118.95, Endless)

Kelsi Dagger “Karina” Wedge Sandals

UPDATE (02/15/2010): Kelsi Dagger has a sandal wedge version of the Zanottis. They are available in black, nude or pewter.

Kelsi Dagger “Karina” Wedge Sandals
($121.55, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Zappos, Overstock, NORDSTROM, Piperlime & Karmaloop.

Michael Antonio “Misty” Ankle Boots

OK, I know these booties by Michael Antonio look slightly different because of the higher shaft, the stiletto shaped heel and the extra layer underneath the grommets, but it’s SO easy to see where the inspiration for these came from. They probably added the extra layer only because they wanted to release this bootie for the fall/winter collection. If you like the Giuseppe Zanottis, but don’t have the $$$ to splurge, these budget-friendly booties are a good investment.

Michael Antonio “Misty” Ankle Boots
($29, Shiekh Shoes)

P.S.: Also available in black and brown at Endless.

Real vs. Steal – Burberry Prorsum Leather Ankle Boots

Vahni — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:00:58 +0000

This fall is going to be all about Burberry. Seriously. The Fall/Winter 2010 Burberry Prorsum collection was so good, it’s going to be legendary. And these Burberry Prorsum Leather Ankle Boots are likely to reach cult status right along with it. For tough-girl chic, is there anything better? A combat boot with a heel? Yeah, that’s how I’d kit out my battalion of butt-kickin’, boot-stompin’ badass babes.

Burberry Prorsum Leather Ankle Boots
($895, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Burberry Prorsum

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Jeffrey Campbell “Boot Camp” Ankle Boots

If you’re ready to enlist in the military…trend…but Burberry is a bit out of your league, then grab these “Boot Camp” Ankle Boots from Jeffrey Campbell instead. They have the same combat-boot-with-a-kick, they’re well under two bills, and they’re available in black leather or camouflage canvas. Hoowah!

Jeffrey Campbell “Boot Camp” Ankle Boots
($159.95, Solestruck)

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

Real vs. Steal – Christian Louboutin Rollerball Loafers

Irina — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:00:29 +0000

Leave it to Christian Louboutin to make loafers look at least somewhat attractive to me. I’m not saying I love these nor would I spend almost a grand on them, but the silver spikes do make these less old man looking and give it a Michael Jackson coolness instead. As you can see below this shoe knows no age and gender; it gets worn by rebellious celebrity teens, newly-wed brides and egocentric dudes likewise.

Christian Louboutin Rollerball Loafers
($995, Saks)

Celebrities Love Christian Louboutin

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Matiko “Leila” Studded Loafers

So I can’t love each and every shoe under the sun and that’s OK because I know some of you will be all over these studded loafers. For all of you who can’t afford the Louboutins, Matiko has an amazingly twin-like knockoff named “Leila”. Now don’t be shy, say hi!

Matiko “Leila” Studded Loafers
($119.95, Solestruck)

P.S.: Also available in tan at REVOLVEClothing.

Charles Albert New 1551 Studded Loafers

Shortly after publishing this post I came across these white studded loafers by Charles Albert. Clearly an ode to Monsieur Louboutin, these will give you the same look for a mere 30 bucks. Unfortunately only limited sizes are left.

Charles Albert New 1551 Studded Loafers
($29.95, Endless)