Budget Buster vs Bargain Buy: Jeffrey Campbell Edition

Left: Prada Platform Brogue $795
Right: Jeffrey Campbell Ad Long $165

Some say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. While I am not sure that everyone in the fashion industry would agree there is something to be said about making high end fashion ideas accessible to the masses.

While I find knock offs that try to pass as the real thing super annoying sometimes I am on the fence about brands that take high fashion ideas and turnout something similar ( sometimes very similar) at a much more reasonable pricepoint.  The peeps at Jeffrey Campbell, on the other hand, seem to have no problem with this practice whatsoever. In addition to their own unique designs they continually turnout lower priced versions of designer footwear.

I am currently lusting after their Ad Long, an excellent stand in for the Prada Platform Brogue that I have had my eyes on. In addition to the Ad Long I've included some other JC imitators below for your viewing pleasure and I'll leave it up to you to decide if they are cool or not.

Left: Charlotte Olympia Bananas is My Business Shoe $1700 

Right: Jeffrey Campbell Fruit Bowl Shoe $159

Left: Yves Saint Laurent Gipsy $795

Right: Jeffrey Campbell Jenna $145



Budget Buster vs. Bargain Buy: Neon Lasercut Clutch

Top Left and Bottom Right: Christopher Kane Leather Laser Cut Clutch
Top Right and Bottom Left: Deena and Ozzy Laser Cut Clutch

I love fashion and inevitably each season I develop a mad crush on many of the lovely pieces that float down the runways although I know I will never be able to afford them. It is almost as if the insane price tag makes me covet them even more. One of my favorite designers, Christoper Kane, sent some of the most lust-worthy items down the runway for S/S 11. I was especially smitten with the neon lasercut leather and lace pieces.

 Naturally, my heart skipped a beat last week when I came across a clutch version of the neon lasercut leather sold exclusively on Net-a-Porter. While the $530 price tag is only a fraction of the apparel items in the collection it is still, sadly, WAY out of my budget. Lucky for the bargain hunter in us all Deena and Ozzy has turned out a worthy look-alike that is a mere $39.

When I find a bargain item that helps me recreate the runway looks I love I feel like I have won the lottery. For that reason I have decided to start a new regular feature called Budget Buster vs. Bargain Buy to share my discoveries.

Hope you enjoy!

Photos via Net-a-Porter and Urban Outfitters

Soulful Soles Featured in IFB's Links la Mode

This week I was fortunate enough to have my blog featured in Independent Fashion Bloggers Links a la Mode for the second time. If you haven't already, check out my post on up and coming denim brand, Raleigh Denim as well as the great post by the other featured bloggers below.

Windows Into Our Worlds

Edited by Meghan Donovan of WIT & Whimsy

I've said it before, but one of the reasons I love fashion blogging so much is because it has the power to be very personal and connect you with people whom you may never have met otherwise. This week's Links a La Mode shows you just how intimate one's blog can become when you open up your readers to visits to neighborhood boutiques, DIYs done on a rainy Sunday or similar styles perfected by fellow bloggers. Our blogging allows for little windows into our worlds and its often what makes writing and photographing for posts so very worthwhile.

Links à la Mode: June 2nd

• 1972: McQueen and Menswear
• Aesthetic Alterations: Summer Scarves become a Summer Handbag
• Aqui: The Boyfriend Style Project
• Best of Bklyn: How to Pack for Two Weeks
• The Button Owl: How to Identify Eras in Vintage Clothing
• Crashing Red: Styling a Classic Louis Vuitton
• Garbish: Achieving Nicole Richie's Style
• Girl Loves Color: A Closer Look at Italian line Braccialini
• Grit & Glamour: Lipstick Favorites, Tips and Tricks
• The Loud Mouth: Bloggers Do Hair Buns Better
• North on Harper: DIY Hair Feathers
• Out of Order: Gingham: Past and Present
• Soulful Soles: A Look inside Raleigh Denim
• Style Delights: The Best of Rain Boot Styles
• Stay in the Lines: Achieving the Perfect Summer Glow
• The Stylish Butterfly: Knits in the Middle of Summer
• Style Notebook: Trendspotting: Neon Bags
• Susu Paris Chic: Paris Museum Highlights the Art of Draping
• Vanity Press: Previews Thoughts on the CFDA Awards
• WIT & Whimsy: Hamptons Summer Style

SPONSOR:
Cami Tops at Shopbop: Free People, Tucker tops, Alexander Wang tees, Lanston tees, Blue life, Rory Beca, Rachel Pally tops, Georgie clothing, Dallin Chase, Parker tops, Blue Moon.

Macon Me Crazy

Old School Denim Sewing Machine used at Raleigh Denim
Photo via Eco- Chick

This past Tuesday I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit The Curatory, the retail space of up and coming brand Raleigh Denim. I was there for personal and professional reasons and on both fronts it was an amazing trip.

Currently Raleigh Denim, founded by Sarah and Victor Lytvinenko, produces a limited run of a small, but compelling selection of men's and women's fits in a handful of washes. The line is currently available at Barney's and select small boutiques throughout the country. One of the many things that sets Raleigh denim apart from other premium denim brands is that each pair is made by hand in the production space attached to the Curatory. The fabric is sourced just miles away from Cone Denim Mills, the premier denim mill in America. Attention to detail and respect for craft is the hallmark of Raleigh Denim and their well appointed store front serves as the perfect backdrop. Below are couple pics I snapped of the amazing space that houses the full assortment of Raleigh Denim as well as complimentary pieces from other indie brands.

 

Upon my arrival I was greeted by John Webb who handles sales for North America and Japan, among other things. He recently relocated for San Fran to NC to take on this new gig so we chatted a bit about the fashion scene in the Bay and then we got down to the business of trying on jeans. John, acting as my personal stylist and tour guide, set me up in a fitting room with the 2 women's fits that Raleigh Denim is currently producing.

First was the Union, a classic dark rise boot cut which I loved, but it was the Macon Straight Fit that stole my heart. I normally have an extremely hard time finding denim that fits so the fact that these fit like a glove was super exciting. Even better was the fact that they come in fun colors like Slate, a nice grey, and the amazingly cool white wash pictured below. I ended up purchasing the Macon in Peacock, a beautiful tealy- blue. To top it all off John even hemmed my jeans to the perfect length on the spot!

Can you say AMAZING customer service!

The Union Fit

The Macon Fit

My Peacock Macons ready to be hemmed

I am definitely a Raleigh Denim fan and I can't wait to add the Macon in white to my wardrobe. I would like to say a super big thanks to John and Victor for showing me such a good time.

If you are ever in the Raleigh area the Curatory is a must see. You will leave with a new found appreciation for quality jeans and most likely with a pair of your own Raleigh Denim! 

Orange Crush

I am back in the Bay and I miss home, my family, and the warm southern weather already. I didn't pack a lot of clothes for my trip so I borrowed  this dress from my sister because it was just way to hot for pants or anything clingy. I love the color. It put me in an instantly good mood!

Backyard Basics in the Blazing Heat

NC is known for heat and humidity so today I kept my outfit pretty basic- Gap shorts, Artizia Tee, and not much else. Spent some time in the shaded part of our yard enjoying the warmth and outdoor space. It was so quiet and peaceful- a welcome departure from the constant hustle and bustle of Oakland.

No Place Like Home

I'm back in North Carolina for a few days to visit family and take care of some business. 

Those that live far away from home, like I do, can create a sense of home away from home with these fun state pillow from etsy designer lovecalifornia.The pillows are made to order so you can specify the color you want and where the heart should go and in about 10 days or so you will be the proud owner of a custom reminder of home.

Photo via etsy.com