Azzedine Alaia Vs. Miss Me??

I do quite a bit of market research for my job (online editor for a fashion glossy). I love nothing more than shopping out a celeb look for next to nothing. Sometimes, though, the budget-friendly version is just too similar to the real thing, and it makes me wonder, how are there no intellectual property laws in fashion? I recently found these booties, and of course, they reminded me of last season's booties from the master of couture, Azzedine Alaia:

Miss Me Sid platform pump, $49.95, available at endless.com

Azzedine Alaia lace-up calf hair platform boots, $2095, at shopsavannahs.com

Obviously, there is quite the price differential here, but the question is, what are they worth to you?

This Reminds Me Of...Lanvin, Donna Karan...Basically Anyone that Loves a Grecian Moment

I passed my friendly neighborhood used-record salesman on the way home last night and I was almost too lost in the memories of dancing on my bed to She Bop when I noticed this Whitney Houston album cover. Take a moment to gasp at how young, gorgeous and drug-free she looks in the photo. Done? Ok, now check out that dress. It's so grecian inspired, and I feel like I've seen it on countless runways.

Oh yes, I have seen it on countless runways.

Donna Karan Spring 2010

Gwyneth Paltrow attends a Coach dinner in a tangerine dress from Lanvin's Resort 2012 collection. 

Oh, and I'm pretty positive that I could find something similar from Michael Kors.

This Reminds Me Of...Prada's Pailettes

I mentioned before that designers are suffering from a dearth of inspiration and the pressures of conglomerates (that often sign the checks) wanting to push out more, more, more. The result is that we often see things on the runway that make us pause and say, "Wait, where have I seen that before?".

Marc Jacobs just showed his spring 2012 collection here in New York, to rave reviews. (He always gets rave reviews--I mean, yes, he's talented, but no one is perfect all the time.) He sent skirts down the runways that looked like they were made out of saran wrap. Who is wearing that? Other than Anna Dello Russo, of course.

Aside from the "sure-to-be-harassed-on-the-street" skirts, he sent out what looked like patent leather pencil skirts paired with gingham Annie Oakley-esque shirts. The skirts were probably crocodile, or eel, or something equally esoteric (and budget-busting), but from afar they could've been plastic.

But what gave me pause were the paillette-encrusted looks. They gave the clothes an iridescent sheen that is nothing short of beautiful and would make quite the statement piece.

This reminds me of looks that came down the Prada runway last season (fall 2011).

What do you think? Just another take on the paillette or too close for comfort?

This Reminds Me Of...Lizzie Fortunato Jewelry

I've been a fashion editor for a long time (well, 10 years is a long time in this industry), and have seen many reincarnations of trends, even of specific pieces. People say it's because designers are so rushed to turn out collection after collection these days that they no longer have time to travel and gather inspiration. 

I met the sister duo behind Lizzie Fortunato Jewelry a few years ago and was immediately charmed by their wide-eyed optimism and sweet demeanor. Their jewelry is super cute too, statement pieces that look like they were inspired by exotic travels to places like Mexico and India (which, according to Lizzie, is actually the case). They've collaborated with downtown designer SUNO on their fashion shows--just another feather in LFJ's cap, if you ask me. Their jewelry retails for upwards of $200. Here are a few photos of their standout pieces:

I came across jewelry line Maranon this morning and was struck by how similar these necklaces are to LFJ. Cuban-born designer Lorena Maranon lives in Chicago and hand embroiders these pieces--which means the lead time is up to six weeks. Really pretty, and at a fraction of the cost at $90-105. What do you think?