ShopDiary

Forever 21 Does Mike & Chris Bailey… Again

Looks like Forever 21’s latest reincarnation of the Mike & Chris Bailey passed under the radar. My radar, at least. This version appears to be the closest replica to date of the original, down to the pleats, detachable hood and striped lining. It also looks similar to my black Free People hoodie. It’s not available on the Forever 21 website anymore and I have not seen them in person so I have no idea how much they are and what the quality is like. It’s on eBay though so click through if you want one.
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Old Navy or Free People?

Following up on yesterday’s post about Old Navy’s version of Mike & Chris’ Bailey, shopping fashionista pointed out that Free People has an even better version of the babydoll hoodie including the distinct bubble puff. Free People’s Twilight Empire Jacket retails for $128 and comes in dark taupe, navy and black. They are only available online or thru catalog orders. (Update: They are also in select Macys stores.) Of course I already put in my order in for one in black, and then I also got black and forest green from Old Navy. Obviously, I can’t keep both black versions. And although Free People’s version is closer to the original, the bubble silhouette is on its way out.

So my question to you is, which version do you prefer: Old Navy or Free People?

p.s. Thanks shopping fashionista for the heads up! Good find!

Old Navy Fleece Babydoll Coat

Listen up all you Mike & Chris Bailey fans! Remember this Splurge vs. Steal post from May? Well, Old Navy’s Babydoll Fleece coat is finally available online. It comes in black, gray and cream. Get yours now while they’re still available in all sizes. I got mine in black!

Many thanks to Nicole for the heads up!

Update: If you have a Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy card, you can save 20% off your entire online order at OldNavy.com with promo code STUFFSAVE through 8/16/07.

Stretch Ballet Flats from Target ala Lanvin

Target must want to be our one stop shopping destination. After getting us to shop for clothes there, they have gotten us interested in their shoes. Yes, shoes! Just take a look at these chic looking stretch ballet flats from inhouse brand Xhilaration. They are new for fall and I have not seen nor tried them in person yet. But I am curious, very, very curious as to how they fit and feel on my feet. They remind me of Lanvin ballet flats which retail at $545. Target’s website promises a “cushioned insole for long-term comfort”. They also come in six colors: gold, black patent, silver, red patent, bronze and pewter. If you love wearing ballet flats, you might also love the price: $14.99. What?!

The Tale of Three Tiered Dresses: From Gucci to Zara to Marc by Marc Jacobs

Once upon a time, a purple tiered dress floated down the Spring 2007 runway for Gucci. A few months later, a similar yellow confection minus sleeves showed up on Zara store racks. Ladies of land adored it and had to have it. As many months later, Marc by Marc Jacobs now has this Plissé Organza Dress in black and with a bow just in time for fall.

Have we seen the last of this? We don’t think so.

The end.

Update: Of course, Topshop has it’s own version too. In grey.

Image Credits: Style.com, Zara.com, Nordstrom.com

Splurge vs. Steal: Kooba vs. Steve Madden

If you like the Kooba Penelope, pictured above in black patent, then you might like the Steve Madden Kooky. Both clutches have the same rectangular shape, center quilted band and polished silver turnlock clasp. The Kooky (yes, even the name is “inspired” by the original) is an alternative for those looking for a silver version of the Penelope which only comes in black, caramel or white patent. The Kooky is $88 while the Penelope retails at $295. The quality of the former is a bit spotty though so if you can wait until it goes on sale then it would be a real steal.

Pierre Hardy vs. Nine West

My friend just e-mailed me about seeing Pierre Hardy “inspired” bags at Nine West. The similarities are not hard to miss, from the leather piping to the tucked in flap distinct to Pierre Hardy handbags. The bag snob in me says that this is so wrong! But I’m sure no one will mistake one for the other as the minute differences are obvious. What do you think?

Splurge vs. Steal: Colorblock Hobo Bags

Left: Ananas Mari $275………………………Right: Steve Madden Bbunny $59.95

Splurge vs. Steal: Flat Thong Sandals

Ah! Summer is fast approaching and all I can think of wearing are dresses paired with open toed flat sandals. Nothing beats the simplicity of these flat thong sandals modernized with a higher strap position. Sigerson Morrison offers the cream of the crop in grainy black, silver and gold metallic leather for $225.

These ‘Flip-1′ Sandals by DV by Dolce Vita are a budget option minus the stitching around the footbed. Also comes in black patent, white patent, lime fish and cherry fish. They were $64.95 and are now $49.90 at Nordstrom. ShopIntuition also carries them in yellow and light blue patent for $62.

We can always count on good ole Steve Madden to come out with a copycat version. This style called ‘Snaap‘ delivers at $49.95 and also comes in red patent, black patent, yellow patent, gold, silver, green leather, and brown leather.

This reminds me: It’s time for weekly pedicures!

Splurge vs. Steal: Gingham Espadrilles

Put some spring in your step this season with these gingham peeptoe slingback espadrilles. One of them is by Christian Louboutin and the other by Steve Madden. Can you tell which is which?
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