Designer Inspired, Not Imitated

As we all know, there is a huge problem in the fashion industry with designer knockoffs. As much as I like the idea of getting my favorite designer's look for a lot less, there is a reason they are my favorite designer; they designed it. So, on that note, I present to you items that have borrowed colors or ideas (isn't that what fashion is?) but are in they're own unique styles.

As you may have seen on my spring wishlist, I love this Marc by Marc Jacobs top. The red and cream are a killer combo and Marc has carried it on to a fab dress. You can buy the top at Nordstrom for $168 and the dress at Net-A-Porter.com for $428.




Forever21 has this great dropwaist dress for a mere $24.80. The similar colors, enameled buttons, and red on bottom are the only things that have been carried over from Marc's design. The sailor look, drop waist, and pleats are all major structual differences.



I wouldn't call this a knockoff and I wouldn't call it imitation. To me, this is what fashion is all about, constantly taking ideas of other and molding them into your own. Shoot me or hug me for these thoughts, but at least be nice about it.

Looking Classy for St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick, the patron saint of all things Irish, has a quite unholy bash every year. Growing up, it was a must to wear green or you would be pinched all day on the playground. In college, it's an excuse to dress like a hooker in anything that's green. Some people like to wear green on the day and some do not. It's all about personal preference.

Now, there isn't an official color of green that goes with the holiday but you know seafoam just wouldn't work. It's got to be loud, bold, and well, a kelly green. How Irish! There are ways to look classy in green on this day of beer but you have to know how to do it right. Here are three looks at three price ranges that show how to look cute but not like a leprechaun.

The rules of keeping green in line:
*Pair with dark denim. This instantly makes the look a little dressier.
*Keep your palette simple. Think spring with accents of yellow and white. This look can carry you into summer!
*Stay with sophisticated silhouette. Nobody wants to see you in a green cami and or a hoodie. Sorry.

$$$

Top: Paul & Joe $540, net-a-porter.com
Jeans: See by Chloe $325, net-a-porter.com
Heels: Courtney Crawford $495, revolve clothing
Clutch: Oscar de la Renta $1,295, net-a-porter.com
Earrings: Juicy Couture "Daisy Butterfly" $58, nordstrom
Ring: Juicy Couture "Garden Party" $88, nordstrom


$$

Dress: Fashionista $90, bluefly.com
Heels: Kenneth Cole New York $117, bluefly.com
Clutch: Nordstrom $168, nordstrom
Earrings: Juicy Couture "Daisy" Studs $48, nordstrom
Necklace: Juicy Couture $48, nordstrom


$

Top: Old Navy $16.50, old navy
Jeans: Bailey Jeans $39.50, delias
Heels: Xhilaration $15, target
Clutch: Isaac Mizrahi $20, target
Earrings: Old Navy $7.50, old navy
Ring: Forever21 $4.80, forever21

Be Mine: Valentines Lingerie and Bedtime Accessories

Now that you've got a selection of chic cards, a sweet or saucy dress, and some fab accessories, it's time to focus on what goes underneath it all! Here's three sweet looks and three saucy looks at you guessed it, three price ranges.



And for some foreplay: