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

Lanvin for H&M...

KATIE

 Here's some shots from H&M's website of the Lanvin for H&M collection that recently hit stores. Almost all of these dresses are about $200, which is not that much to ask for when considering the fact alone that they were designed by Alber Elbaz. Personally, I wouldn't pay more than $80 for any of them, Lanvin or not. The collection is kind of a let down. The dresses, while beautiful, are just not all that Lanvin to me. Elbaz brought Lanvin to fashion fame because of his impeccable tailoring; his dresses are generally simple satin sewed into a origami-like masterpiece. H&M's selling point for most is the fact that they sell super trendy clothes at low prices; but because of the nature of Lanvin's design, you can't make a good piece without putting a lot of time and money into it. I feel like neither was put into this collection, yet they're charging out of this world prices for the pieces in it.

Rip off? In my opinion, yes. But I know my opinion; what do you guys think?

-Katie

(Images from H&M)

Free Discount Code!

JAX

After seeing the Hunter riding coat by Apart Style (first shown) featured on Style.com, I immediately had to check out the unknown brand.  The site requires that you be a member to shop, and I signed up, thinking that it was something like the Outnet or Gilt.  However, Apart seems to be its own burgeoning label, so I'm not sure why membership is required.  I didn't think much of the slim selection after browsing it, and decided that once they inevitably started sending me a bunch of annoying emails I would terminate my account.  Within twenty-four hours, my first email arrived, BUT, when I opened it, it was a rewards code for fifty dollars off my first purchase!  I'm still not sure whether I'm actually going to buy anything, because the merchandise is slightly overpriced, but the silk drape pants and bateau neck stripe shirt are worth some consideration.  I can't promise that you'll get the same email if you sign up, but it's worth a shot in case they have something you really want.

Style.com x Givenchy

JAX

via

I love my new Style.com x Givenchy t-shirt, it's beyond comfortable and I'd never consider actually returning it.  But can I make a complaint here?  The actual graphic lies kind of off center to my body.  Before, I would have just assumed that I myself am asymmetrical; but since enrolling in a basic apparel construction course at school (a.k.a., sewing for amateurs), I've learned a little too much about garment production.  I can't help but notice that the fabric was not cut at 90 degrees in accordance with the grain line and selvage, thus the slight bias cut and off-centeredness.  Shame on you Style.com. I would expect this of Forever 21, but I thought better of you.

Find of the Moment

JAX

via

Sorry, I'm beyond unmotivated as far as reviewing shows right now.  It's like, I have a lot of opinions, but typing them out seems like a lot of effort.  I'll get to it within the next couple of weeks.

Anyway, this Cotton Cashmere Wrap Sweater from Victoria's Secret is my new favorite.  You can tie it a bunch of different ways, much like the Gary Graham sweater that I was obsessing about earlier this year, but rather than costing upwards of $900, it is a mere $39.  It's super soft, thin enough to be worn in today's 85 degree weather, or layered with other knits and cozy jackets come winter.  I'm wearing mine right now (in Sugar Baby) with my trustee Levi's cutoffs, a ribbed gray boys tank, Sam Edelman leopard spot t-straps, and a bunch of my mom's gold rings.

I'm now off to a lovely lunch at Provence in Hillsboro Village with my mother and sister.  I highly recommend it if you're ever in the Nashville area; such yummy sandwiches and pastries.

Lanvin for H&M?!

JAX

    X    = ?

So, H&M is set to release a new designer collaboration for the fall, but they're releasing teaser videos to make the consumers guess who it will be with.  Initially, it was speculated that the brand was either Bottega Veneta or Carolina Herrera.  Rumors have turned now turned to Lanvin's Alber Elbaz, as reported by WWD.  I don't usually get overly excited about collaborations, because they're so common and often so cheaply made (does anyone remember the gross red leather jacket Zac Posen made for Target?), but I've got to hold out some hope for Mr. Elbaz.  The release date is September 9th, and it's sure to sell out fast.  Alber, please, please, please have made something that's just like a more affordable version of your Fall 2010 RTW collection!

In Honor of Shark Week...

JAX

One of the few perks about having virtually a perfect boy body is that my long torso remains generally flat, and (I think) I can pull shit like this off.  Oh, "Jaws Dress" from StyleStalker... you WOULD be out of stock.