by Vuitton
With the Alexander Wang “Freja” Lace-up Bootie being such a hot commodity last season, it would be soon before long that other designers came a knockin’ with their interpretation of the shoe. Enter the Gianni Bini “Rocker” Ankle Boot. The similarities are stark between it and Alexander Wang’s with the fold-over flap at the top, the open-toe, and the zipper piping that’s practically all over the shoe. But with similarities come differences. A. Wang’s version is obviously made of top quality leather and actually has a shoelace effect going on. And Gianni Bini’s version? Well…it lacks both the aforementioned. With top quality leather, however, comes a price that may put a hole in your wallet. The “Freja” bootie costs $895, but it seems to be sold out everywhere. The Gianni Bini’s? Only $100.
So would you spend a wad of cash for the name and the quality, or prefer not to splurge on a trend item?
~Vuitton
by Claire
As much as we secretly wish Herve Leger dresses would go away, the banded beauties are still going strong, sculpting the curves of our favorite fashionistas. There’s no doubt Herve’s can be flattering–but ranging in price from $880-$1,600, it was only a matter of time before many brands starting to offer their own interpretations. Enter French Connection’s $138 Wimbeldon Dress:

The rainbow pattern is spot on, though the lines between each band are black instead of white, and the bust doesn’t feature the super sexy spaghetti straps. Still, at almost 10% of the cost of the original, it might be worth a try.
Which do you prefer? Herve or French Connection? (Dez is wearing Herve.)
Get your French connection option here.
by Claire
Hey!
So I was cruising on Spanish blog Trendencias when I stumbled upon an article purporting that Topshop’s latest collection may contain look-a-likes of the late Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2010 Collection:

They say, “The prints are more typical of Versace, but are pretty close to Alexander McQueen’s work.”
At first glance, the silhouettes do look a little alike, but McQueen’s dresses are distinctly more reptilian than the Topshop ‘version.’ What’s your take?
As an aside, Topshop has certainly recreated McQueen’s designs before; but at this point, I personally think McQueen ripoffs should be off limits. Don’t you?
Take a look at the dresses on Topshop’s website here:
Check out Trendencias here (warning it’s in Spanish).
by Claire
Lower priced leaders are getting even better at producing designer inspired frocks! ASOS is our latest perpetrator with their interpretation of Alexander Wang’s Corset dress:

ASOS’s $77 Contrast Cup Mesh Dress only differs from its $795 counterpart by way of skinny straps. Everything else–from the mesh overlay to the contrast detailed cups and colors–is way too similar to ignore.
What’s your preference?
Get the ASOS version here, or search for the Wang creation at www.alexanderwang.com.
by Claire
As Louboutin’s nudge Manolo’s out of that number one shoe spot, it seems more and more lower priced brands are spawning knock offs. Pumpcicle noticed that Dollhouse’s $76 Tisch Pumps look eerily similar to Christian Louboutin’s $1,785 Lace Booties:

While both boast almost 5 inch heels and an 1 inch covered platform, Dollhouse’s version is a bit more punk rock with an ankle chain detail.
Which one would you rock?
Get the Dollhouse shoes here or cop the Loubies here.
Source
by Vuitton

It’s quite possible that Balmain has far exceeded any other designer who’s been mimicked this year…case in point, Aldo’s Mccannally against Balmain’s Buckle-embellished suede boot. It’s easy to see who won first place when you consider Balmain’s clean construction and chic simplicity. Aldo’s version looks a little…Bizarro-esque to me. The misalignment of the buckles just makes my eyes teeter from hither to thither. Obviously, the Balmain’s would hate on your wallet, ringing in at $1,605; Aldo’s at $140. But would you go for the price tag, or would you spend a “few” more dollars for a better look?
~Vuitton