Mossimo1

Above is Target's $34.99 Mossimo bag; Below is Proenza Schouler's $1,995 PS1

If you've been to Target lately, you may have noticed a nice buttery looking faux-leather satchel placed near the accessories and clothing. Looked familiar, didn't it? Maybe you'd seen it before, right? Well yeah, you probably have. The bag is a strikingly similar replica of Proenza Schouler's PS1 satchel, the schoolboy bag that's had everyone talking. While the brand has worked with Target on a GO International collection before, this was definitely not a collaboration piece, and Jack and Lazaro are not happy about Target's producing it.

After reading The Cut's article about the  knock-off bag, I starting thinking two things:

1. I want that Target bag.

2. Is it ethical of me, as a knowledgable consumer, to buy it?

As someone who doesn't have the lifestyle that allows me to buy a $2,000 purse (let alone one that's $100) every time a new trendy it bag comes out, I usually feel grateful when lower-priced brands like Target and Forever 21 release similar models. I buy them knowing well that they're poorly made and not as good as the real thing, but also knowing that they'll satisfy my urge for a product that will always be out of my reach. Plus, I don't expect to trick anyone in to thinking that my knock-off Target bag is really the super expensive designer original; anyone who knows the difference would recognize that it's not the same bag and anyone who would think the bag is designer-made probably has no clue who Proenza Schouler is anyway. Still, I feel a pang of guilt when considering the purchase of a knock-off item. On one hand, it's not like the products I buy have fake labels plastered all over them (think fake Louis Vuitton), but on the other, they do look similar enough to the original product that I can make the connection.

My conclusion is that I'll probably continue to buy designer look-a-like clothes until I can afford the real thing. Until brands like Proenza Schouler start losing money, and more importantly, customers to lower priced brands like Target, I can't feel all that bad for toting around a Mossimo1.

You can read The Cut's article detailing how hurt and betrayed the designers of Proenza Schouler feel here. 

Image from The Cut

Missoni Loves Havaianas

In other collaboration news: Missoni has teamed up with Havaianas to create a capsule collection of flip flops (two styles of women's, one of unisex) along with one pair of espadrilles for the summer season.  It will launch in early May and prices will range from $60-130.  A little pricey for your standard, plastic thong sandal if you ask me; but you better believe that hoards of young women everywhere are going to jump at the chance to own something with the name Missoni printed on it.  Purchase will be available at Havaianas and Missoni boutiques, and online at Us.havaianas.com.  What say you?  Worth it for Margharita's stamp of approval on your shower shoes?

Source: WWD

Jesse Jo for Vans

The internet's been abuzz lately with news of Jesse Jo's collaboration with iconic skate brand Vans, so if you haven't seen one already, here's a sneak peak.  These are just my two favorite pieces.  You can view more at Nylon.

Ideally, the tennies would be in different colors, but the style is close enough to those infamous Prada creepers that who can really complain?  Plus, you can probably just switch out the laces and dye the canvas anyway, if your heart so desires.  As for the backpack (and I was just telling you about my newfound love for the carriers), there's nothing better than leopard print and Americana.  Putting them together?  Perfection.  The line launches April 1st and will be available for purchase in Pacsun stores and at Karmaloop online.

Karl Lagerfeld Returns to Design at Hogan

The top selling item, sneakers, from Lagerfeld's original Hogan line

According to WWD, Karl Lagerfeld has signed on to do a second collection for Hogan after the incredible success of his first line for the company.  Honestly, between doing Chanel, Fendi, K by Karl Lagerfeld, and photography for various projects, I don't know where the man finds the time.  Apparently, the items this time around will fall into one of two classes: sporty or urban.  The collection is set to be unveiled on March 4, during Paris Fashion Week.

Theyskens x Theory Favorites

The Theyskens x Theory collection was released for sale yesterday, but I, unlike many others, was a little underwhelmed.  Yes the clothes really are good, but at their price-point it's hard to get that excited.  When I think of Theory, I just don't usually think of four-digit price tags.  Maybe I'm just bitter because I can't afford those killer midnight blue wedges.  At any rate, the best items from the collection, in my opinion, are definitely the Desta and Delia dresses, and the Ankle Strap and Pump platforms.

High-End Hippie

JAX

People that know me well know a couple things about me.  First of all, I read the Cut obsessively.  Because of this, I'm often compelled to relay information that I read there straight to Les Deux, but generally I abstain.  Secondly, I wear the hell out of my Chacos sandals.  So, when I read on the Cut that White Lightning had reported on a nature shoe/high heel hybrid (that is actually made by Gray Ant x Teva, not Chacos, but same difference...), I couldn't really resist upon reporting.  I'm kind of torn on how I feel about these.  On the one hand, I'm totally on-board with heeled hiking boots; but, on the other, are these really necessary?