The Fake Debate

For a long time, I thought knock-off designer handbags, clothing, shoes, and accessories were not only morally ok, but also a great way for me to look chic and sophisticated. How wrong I was.

While there are a range of views on the issue of fake designer-wear, I am firm in my belief that knock offs may make you look chic (to the untrained eye who can’t spot a fake in seconds), but there is nothing sophisticated with supporting the plagiarism of countless hours of work and creative energy high class designers put into their collections.

As a writer, I would be horrified if I saw a story I wrote re-printed, either completely or partially, under someone else’s name. And this is for work I maybe spend 10 hours on, at most. Obviously, my horror can’t compare to a designer’s upon seeing their work knocked off, when their product took hundreds of people weeks to make.

The cheap street vendors in New York and the purse parties are bad enough, but what makes me cringe is when reputable stores and designers with the ability to be original decide to take the easy way out and copy.

For instance, this morning, Laura Nelli of Nelle Handbags, a seriously fabulous local handbag and accessories line, tweeted how one bag (and possibly belts) in the new line by Jaye Hersh for Target were ripped off from other designers. For instance, the snakeskin bag:

Jaye Hersh Hollywood Intuition for Target Faux Snakeskin Tote
(From StarTribune.com)

"Jenna" Beirn Handbag

You can decide for yourself, but while not an exact replica, it’s close enough that Laura tweeted that Beirn lawyers are addressing the situation.

This has happened before with Target, and while I love my hometown’s local retailer it upsets me that a large store with so many resources allows knock-offs on their shelves. Another example is Steve Madden, who can produce some beautiful original designs, but also takes “inspiration” from designers for a lot of his shoes.

Another reason I find knock-offs worthless is because they are so easy to spot. Just a few weeks ago, I saw a girl walking downtown with a “Chanel” handbag. Too bad for her, the C’s were stamped on and the leather was visibly fraying. Obviously not Chanel. If you can’t fool people with it, why buy it?

While I wish I could afford a Chanel bag right now, I would rather wait and save my money than blow it on a knock-off. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but when it comes to ripping off designers, I can find other ways to appreciate their work.

What does everyone else think? Do you buy fake? Why?

Monday Lustings

A long weekend has given way to an even longer Monday, so to pass the time I have been ogling designer sites, lusting after the buttery leather handbags, sky-high heels, and chic accessories. Here is a small sampling of what I've been dreaming about today:

Tory Burch Bombe T Tote, ToryBurch.com, $495

MICHAEL Michael Kors Beverly Satchel, MichaelKors.com, $398

Valentino Nuage Bow Tote, Bergdorf Goodmans, $995

Marc Jacobs "Stam", Bluefly.com, $920

MICHAEL Michael Kors Wainscott Satchel, MichaelKors.com, $398

Marc by Marc Jacobs Large Satchel, Net-A-Porter, $548

Christian Louboutin Lady Page Velvet-Bow Pump, Neiman Marcus, $995

Marc by Marc Jacobs Baby Groovee, Net-A-Porter, $348

Manolo Blahnik Cap Toe Booties, Neiman Marcus, $895

Ray Ban Wayfarers, Net-A-Porter, $140

And that shall conclude the handbag, shoe, and sunglasses porn for the day. I personally will probably pick up the Wayfarers, but as for that $995 Valentino...it might have to wait for another day, another (bigger) paycheck.

I'm Back

After last week's hiatus, Minneapolite has returned! You know you missed me :)

Sorry for the break, but some new medication my dermatologist has me on caused some unforeseeable side-effects, mainly me being unable to move from the couch for the better part of last week. Between that and the holiday, not much time for blog-posting.

But, just barely enough time for shopping. I was able to make it out for Cliche's annual summer sale, and I was glad I did! Even though it was extended to Sunday, there was no way you were getting anything good if you showed up late. I arrived fashionably on time (i.e. 11:30 a.m.) and already the wait for a dressing room was 20 minutes long. Add another 15 minutes when I went over the 10-item limit and had to wait again (infuriating), and I spent more time waiting than shopping.

Even still, it was worth it. I picked up five new dresses and a skirt, and supported a few local designers (my favorite dress of the day was made by the fabulous Emily Weich). Maybe you'll catch me sporting them around town this week. I have lots of catching up to do after being out of commission.

Countdown to September 13

As much as I love Target, I have never been able to shop their clothing section (I know, I'm a terrible Minneapolite), that is, until now.

The lookbook for Anna Sui's Gossip-Girl inspired line for Target (available September 13) leaked this morning on NewYorkMag.com, and I was shocked.

I have always approached the high-end designer for low (low)-end price lines for Target with mixed feelings. I almost bought a bag from the Hayden-Harnett line, but my dilly-dallying about whether or not I wanted to buy a bag that not only everyone else would have, but that even those that didn't would know was PVC, left me with almost no selection. I'm glad Target (and the designers) are willing to offer the masses access to labels, but to me, most of the luster of wearing a designer dress is lost when everyone else is too. I will pay $300 plus for a dress because I know it will be the only one for miles around my closet.

But for this line, I don't care. I want them all. Yes. All. Or at least all of the Blair ones, and maybe even a Jenny and Serena. Vanessa has never been my style, so I won't pass judgment.

My favs are #'s 3, 5, 8, 17. Take a look at the slideshow, and let me know what yours are in the comments!

P.S. If you like them, you better be waiting in line, because for Target prices I might just buy every single one off the rack to ensure exclusivity. I think Blair would approve.

A Socialite's Weekend...Or Not

This weekend looked good for stepping out in the social-lite, but the best laid plans...

Thursday had me hopeful after the Vita.MN poolside show. My fashion-show buddy and I were a bit shocked at the sheer number of people (we expected a more intimate setting) but we took our row two seats at the end of the runway and tried to stay away from the masses, and the girl who backstabbed me in college standing (yes, HA!, standing) less than five feet away the whole show (except for when she and her friend tried to take two front row seats that were quickly claimed by people who actually paid for them.)

I adored so many of the looks they showed, it is going to be hard to narrow it down to just a few, but here are my favorites (all pictures taken by Alex Uncapher and provided by Vita.MN):

See what I mean? Masses of people.

The cover look. Love the pink top.

Absolutely Audrey.

So socialite.

Emily Weich design. I'm heading to Cliche this week to pick it up!

Perfect summer work attire.

Loving this Max Lorbach.

The teal and navy color combination was my favorite of the night!

(Pictures by Alex Uncapher and provided by Vita.MN)

I would have loved to stay for the after-party, but with a dermatologist appointment at 8 a.m., I wanted to keep my skin as fresh and non-boozy as possible.

Friday I had planned to spend the day with my mom, but some current family drama changed my plans, and so the BF and I spent the evening shopping for Father’s Day presents and dining with friends. Another early night for an early morning of…

Car shopping. Yes, that’s right. I spent my Saturday dealing with skeezy car salesman for my BF. Another greatest girlfriend ever award goes to Minneapolite. We test drove six cars at four different dealerships, and found a few that we liked. My favorite was the Acura TL, but BF didn’t see the point of spending extra money for useless toys (see how much I have to teach him?). He didn’t buy anything, so this week I am searching online for a TL with a few less bells and whistles and a better price.

Saturday night I was hoping to convince BF the Symphony Ball was the way to go, but nu uh, we were headed to the Hennepin County Fair and the demolition derby. Socialite ranking just plummeted. Although I spent most of the evening trying to cover my face (both from being seen and the mud flying everywhere), I did enjoy the crunching sounds of cars crashing just a bit. But not much. We also had a classic romantic moment when we took our post-derby Ferris Wheel ride and the fireworks started just as we reached the top. Cue the “ahhh”s and the sappy music.

Sunday was Father’s Day, and I spent the day with BF’s family watching the Open and eating hamburgers.

So the socialite ranking this weekend was low…but I still had (some) fun. There is always next weekend.

Why You Should Never Go Shopping Without Your Umbrella

Yesterday morning I forgot to check weather.com, and I paid for it.

I left work to go run some errands a little after 4 p.m. downtown, but rather than go retrieve my car I decided to use public transportation because all of my destinations were located right on convenient bus lines. I skywayed it to my bus stop, and then stayed closely under the awning of the building while I waited. I wasn't too worried-- it was barely drizzling.

Then I got off the bus into a torrential downpour. Running in four inch heels is hard when the sidewalk is dry, and near impossible when you have to run up steps on wet pavement, all the while trying to cover your dry-clean-only ensemble and prevent your phone from getting wet inside your tote. Success was impossible.

I finished one errand and continued on to the next in a less torrential but still downpour rain. By this time I had given up on running, and turned my attention to coverage. Imagine a miserable Minneapolite desperately trying to keep her handbag closed under her arm, hunched over in vain to protect her dress and you have a good mental image of me.

After errand number two I had planned on going shopping at Cliche to pick something up for the Poolside Fashion Show. I knew it was probably a bad idea given the disarray of my hair and makeup, but I forged ahead, promising myself I would only decide on a frock from the neck down.

Although I failed in my promise and depressed myself with every glance in the mirror, I did come away with a lovely piece by Emily Weich! I am so excited to wear it tomorrow night (as long as the show isn't rained out!).

On the dance card for tonight is Singin' In the Rain at the Ordway! I am dragging BF along, and it will be his first live musical (that doesn't involve puppets). As fate would have it, Singin' In the Rain was my first live musical too, many many years ago. It has remained one of my favs and I was ecstatic when I got tickets.

Back tomorrow with a review (of course) and more anticipation of the Poolside Fashion Show (fingers crossed).

In the meantime, what is everyone else's favorite plays or musicals? Any special memories related to the theater? Commentter s'il vous plait!

Review: Cliche

Next on my list of authentically Minneapolis (and St. Paul) places to visit was Cliche. I should feel ashamed for never visiting the fabulous boutique until last week, but its inaccessibility by public transportation made that hard until I bought my car this month.

After a few minutes in the shop I realized my error. Cliche is well worth a few transfers and a small walk. At first I was a little flustered at the racks upon racks of clothes, dreading the flick-through that would only reap a few alright pieces. I was amazed when I loved every single piece I saw on rack number one, and continued to find gem upon gem in later racks.

Another concern that was quickly relieved was the quality of the local designer pieces. While I had seen a few lines during MN Fashion Week, I was worried about how they would transfer to ready-to-wear and if they would be quality enough to stay intact for longer than a runway walk. Designers such as Emily Weich and Carmichael Claith immediately stood out to my feminine and whimsical eye, although it was hard to discern them from the many other fabulous pieces I saw.

Not only was the selection plenty and the goods quality, the prices were right! The tags on lovely frocks and tops were much more reasonable than their New York-counterparts (as much as I love them). While last week's trip was strictly research, I am headed back today with my credit card armed and ready.

I hope an adorable pink dress by designer Emily Weich is still available. I am hoping to wear it to the Poolside Fashion Show this Thursday night! Who will I be seeing there and, more importantly, what will you be wearing?

Via's Vintage Review

One of my goals for this summer is to get out of my mall and department store comfort zone and explore the many independent boutiques and vintage shops around the metro area. I hope to visit one new shop each week, and of course document my travels here!

The first place on my list was Via's Vintage. Not too far away from BF's apartment, I walked over there one afternoon last week and was excited for my first vintage experience.

While the store was quirky and fun to walk into, I was somewhat disappointed in the amount of selection available. For such a big store on the inside, there was a lot of empty space.

I understand however that vintage stores are completely vulnerable to what people choose to bring in and what they can randomly find, so I was willing to forgive a small selection as long as what was there was fabulous.

So, was it fabulous? I will say it had promise. While I didn't find anything to spend my money on, I got a vibe that if I start stopping by every so often I might just happen upon something amazing.

The honest truth: I found a few amazing pieces that I was very excited about, until I realized they were on the wrong size rack and would swallow me whole. For such a small selection, I was disappointed the clothes were so unorganized. The worst feeling a shopper can get is finding something they love and then realizing it was put back in the wrong place and would never fit. Especially in a vintage store where everything is one-of-a-kind, it was disheartening.

This week I am hoping to make my way over to Cliche. I might even stop by tonight to see if I can find something for their fashion show tomorrow!

Black Hole #501

Because it’s the end of the week and I am therefore surrounded by crowds of men and women who have tossed their suits and ties in honor of “Casual Friday,” I thought today would be the perfect day to explain to you all why I don’t wear jeans.

Before I get started however, let me be clear. There are a few exceptions to my rule. I do own a few pair for the days my activities are particularly, well, active, or if I am engaging in some form of dirty business (i.e. cleaning, gardening, hiking, etc.). But for the majority of my business, you will find me either in dresses, skirts, or if it is especially windy (such as this Tuesday!), khakis or dress pants.

I know this sounds unusual, and I know the staple of many people’s wardrobes is their best pair of Levi’s (or True Religions), but I find them an unnecessary and, dare I say, sloppy piece of fashion. Not that jeans are sloppy themselves, in fact, many of the nicer designer labels are arguably of better quality than many other pants, but donning a pair of denim requires little thought on how to put an outfit together, often resulting in what I call “Black Hole #501.”

If you haven’t fallen victim to this light-eater of the fashion world, you at least know someone who has. The person who constantly without fail shows up to any function wearing the same jeans (because we all know when you find THAT pair, it’s THAT pair and only THAT pair from there on out to forever) and a different top. If the event is more formal, they might be wearing a button-down or a pretty blouse. If it’s a baseball game, look for the jersey (if it’s a woman, it most likely has a number seven on the back ;) ). If it’s lunch, maybe it will just be a plain white tee. But no matter what, it’s just jeans and a shirt. Maybe a few accessories if the person is more fashion-conscious.

I won’t lie. I was sucked into this cosmic toilet bowl for many years and had no idea how to work my way out. Forgoing my jeans left me with well…a bunch of shirts. And while Lady GaGa might be able to pull it off, this humble socialite isn’t ready for the world to see her underpants. As much as I love shopping, giving up my beloved denim would mean a complete wardrobe re-do, which seemed unfeasible in just one season. So without instant gratification, I continued on my dark way, buying a pair of jeans and 10 tops for every spring and fall.

Finally, last year I convinced myself the cycle had to stop. Last summer was the first season I didn’t buy a new pair of Sevens, and instead focused my bank account on cute dresses. After a few, I was hooked. The ability to throw on a dress and then focus my extra energy on accessorizing my frock was just as easy as sorting through my pile of wrinkled t-shirts. And I looked all the more stylish for it.

Since then I have slowly been adding to my collection, which now includes a multitude of skirts and coordinating tops. I am finally reaching the point where I can eliminate jeans from my closet (minus the few exceptions listed above and long overdue laundry days).

The pros of leading a much more fashionable and well-lit life seem to outweigh any cons, but there are a few. For instance, I live in Minnesota, and walking around in the winter with only tights to keep my legs warm does elicit a few odd stares and the occasional cold calf. I hope to solve that next winter with longer, knee-covering wool skirts. It can also be awkward to be the only person not wearing jeans at parties or at dinners, but what’s wrong with being unique? Finally, sometimes I just don’t have the energy and want to fall back into my hole ‘o denim. When I get the urge to slip on my TR’s and just go, I remind myself I will regret it later in the day when I have to go home and change for the evening’s dress-worthy events (another pro of leaving the jeans behind: I am ready for anything at anytime, from meeting the President to a meeting with the boss).

So what about you, my few but hopefully talkative readers? What are your wardrobe staples? Have you fallen into Black Hole #501? Is it a black hole to you, or are your favorite pair of bootlegs your shining star? I can’t wait to find out in the comments!

Met Gala and My First Post

Since registering this URL and creating my Twitter feed, I have struggled with how to start my blog. Blogging block? I suppose so. 

However,  last night finally provided me the material I had been waiting for! The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala for their new exhibit "The Model As Muse" provided more than enough fodder for a first post. 

What's a better way to start off a blog on the life of a socialite than a re-cap of one of the biggest events of the season so far? A fashion critique of the red-carpet of course!  

Here's the good (few), the bad (more), and the ugly (truly terrifying): 

The Good:

Anne Hathaway in her Marc Jacobs dress looks truly stunning walking up the red-carpet stairs. The hair, make-up, and keeping the gorgeous dress the focus (i.e. not bogging herself down with accessories) all combined to make her one of the best-looking celebs at the ball.

Caroline Herrera in her own design looks... appropriate. What a well-aged woman.

Victoria Beckham, also wearing Marc Jacobs, was her usual posh self in this polka-dot dress. Not that she couldn't have pulled off a lime-green maxi with a feather in her hair if she'd wanted. Jealous much?

Unfortunately that was it for the good. Moving on...

The Bad:

Diane Kruger, wearing Chanel Haute Couture, isn't quite bad enough to qualify as ugly, but definitely qualifies as "interesting". I'm not sure how I feel about wearing your garden, but I do appreciate the nice contrast of the white dress and black accessories.

Out of all the scantily-clad ladies I saw riffling through the pictures, Ciara, wearing Pucci,

was the most classy. But do I detect a hint of crack? Ewwwww.

Kristin Dunst, wearing a Chanel Haute Couture curtain, just looks awful. I hate to hate on Chanel, but this was just wretched.

And finally...

THE UGLY:

The Emanuel Ungaro dress isn't so bad, but Maggie Rizer's hair and make-up is essentially non-existent. The fresh look can only go so far...

Hilary Swank, wearing Calvin Klein, is just all all wrong. The lack of shape in both dress and hair makes for a frumpy, "I tied on my bed sheet as I left" look. Togas are for frat parties, not the Met.

Emma Roberts in Versace Atelier reminds me of the girls who made their prom dresses out of duct-tape. Funny in high-school, not high society.

 

It is Madonna. Dress by Louis Vuitton. Nothing more on that.

Cindy Crawford, wearing a Versace gown, could not have chosen a worse dress for the occasion. Not only does the slit scream trashy, but the blue, blue, blue is all wrong, wrong, wrong for her skin tone. It is tight in all the wrong places. And her hair. Oh her hair.

Finally, ending the travesty that was fashion at the Met last night: The Gossip Girl Tragedy.

While  being admired by millions of Americans for the high-fashion in their show, this is how they dress themselves? I was very disappointed to see borderline nakedness from Blake Lively, in Versace, and the crazy 80's throwback in Leighton's Louis Vuitton ensemble. Tacky? I think so.

All images are from WWD if you would like to take a look. What do you think? Fashion Forward or Fashion Faux Pas?