Coming back for a call out - Imitation = Flattery? Atlantic-Pacific x Halogen edition

Eons ago (10 years!) in blog world, I called out an early influencer's collaboration "collection" as being a pieced together mishmash of design elements lifted from well-known and established brands' pieces.  And over the years I've tried to point out knock-offs in my "Imitation = Flattery?" series.

Sadly, this hasn't stopped even a decade on.

The latest, pretty egregious, set of products got me riled up enough to post.

I'm a big fan of Blair Eadie's style. I have no idea where she keeps it all and I'm sure the overwhelming majority is gifted to her but, I still like a lot of the same things she likes.   I just wouldn't have the nerve to take a bunch of high end designer pieces from my closet and then work with a company to dumb them down and mass produce them.

If you can tell me these aren't nearly straight lifts, I'd be astonished.

Blair has said she loves a printed furry coat, especially from Shrimps, which is know for these bold styles -

Here's the coat from the A-P x Halogen collection.

Taking shoe inspiration from others really sets me off. Here's Blair wearing Prada patent, stacked-platform oxfords a while back and a close up of a pair from that same collection.

And then there's the styles from her "designs"...

I might have become the most mad about the triple-bow tops and dresses because she's making so much of them on her site.  Well, here's the ASOS dress (top) the inspiration it came from.  I bought this dress too. A bit miffed to see it knocked-off as if the A-P versions (bottom) are totally new.

And last, but certainly not the least example, is the Prince of Wales plaid blazer with faux fur cuffs.   The collection version is cute with the pink for sure...

But I wonder how Fendi feels about being ripped off...

Pretty clear where the inspo came from, huh???

Her "collection" is filled with prints and tiered tulle skirts - very a la the pieces she wears from Red Valentino and Viktor and Rolf.  I  think its all very cute but I don't think intellectual property theft is a label I'd want to wear.

Atlantic-Pacific images sourced from:

https://the-atlantic-pacific.com/2016/07/13/colors-of-west-village/

 https://the-atlantic-pacific.com/2019/01/30/faux-fur-colored-suits/

https://the-atlantic-pacific.com/2017/08/11/feeling-fall-plaid-paris/

https://the-atlantic-pacific.com/2017/10/15/fendi-resort-veuve-clicquot-los-angeles/

Finding Fendi

The more I thought about the Fendi Studded Pyramid ankle boots, the more I knew I need to have them.

They are a bit chunky and aggressive.  But they are architectural and unique.  I'm kind of digging that they are not my usual single sole pump style.  These are some serious power shoes.

I haven't had an opportunity to wear them yet but I'm looking forward to the reactions.  These are not shy shoes. They're shoes that get noticed.

I hope I'm ready for them!

Fabulous Fendi

The more I see these Fendi Polifonia spiked heel ankle boots, the more I like them.

They are not my typical style but they are unusual and compelling.  In that way they remind me of the Proenza Schouler sandals I got a few years back.  I need to wear those more this summer, I think!

Luckily, for my wallet, these are sold out at Saks (but maybe they'll come back).  There is a black version. $1368,  at LuisaViaRoma if you want to track them down!


Images via Tommy Ton for Saks

Instant Access - 9/26 - 10/23

It's been a busy few weeks around here.  Furniture Market for my clients, a trip to New York to work with some blogger friends, a brief bout with a cold, opening our pub, backyard movie nights and spending time getting ready for the cooler seasons while finding them already upon us.
In the midst of that are, of course, shoes!

From my copper Marc Jacobs' oxfords...

Candy colored Converse....

Acquisitions over the last few months required a reworking of the shoe cabinets.  Only the extra special ones get prime placement...

While giving the cabinets a reshuffle, I played with some old friends, including Fendi's Cinderellas...

Louboutin...

YSL...

A random Tuesday needed some sparkle...

And then there were two pairs that I've been pining for.  First, the super shiny Alexander Wang tasseled pumps...

And then the over-the-top glitter Miu Miu sneakers....

Did the whole Seasonal Swap of clothes where I realize I have way too many grey and black sweaters.

Oh, yeah, my other obsession nail polish.

China Glaze's Phat Santa is my new favorite red.

Sally Hansen's Halloween designs are so fun.  This is Numbskull...

To match my new glitter sneakers I wore black matte tips and black shatter over China Glaze's Midnight Kiss.

In between all the hubbub, I found a few moments to nap in the hammock.

While others hogged the heated bed on a chilly night.

Oh yeah, I found this guy - a stapleless stapler!

Fall is starting off amazing!

Shoes for a Modern Princess

The term princess is often used in a negative way. A girl who is spoiled and bratty and too "precious" for words. But I think adding a bit of princess to your wardrobe in entirely necessary. No matter your style, everyone needs a dash of the special, a bit of sparkle and something to make her feel like dancing in clouds or walking on bubbles.

The Fendi "Cinderella" platform is definitely for the modern princess. Graphic and powerful with a Lucite platform that gives the impression of floating above the ground and delicate fabric wrapped around your feet.



The Christian Louboutin Poseidon peep-toe is for the sea-god's rebellious younger daughter. Someone who wants to break out, party and shine, shine, shine.



A flower fairy or English princess surrounded by an unruly scented garden would be perfect in these heels. I love Manolo Blahnik's Sedaraby shape but with the Impressionistic pattern.




The Swan Sister would love these delicate Manolo Blahnik Eila feather sandals. They're made for the most delicate feet and need a full tulle skirt to do them justice.




I see these Valentino Fairy Tale sandals as the perfect shoe for Cinderella-in-transition. They're delicate but distressed. A bit messy but still gorgeous.

Yes, another Sedaraby from Manolo Blahnik but with the rose print they are the perfect shoe for Brier Rose. She loves to surround herself with rosebuds and kittens.

One of my favorites of the new season are these Rene Caovilla sandals. The swirling flower straps remind me of a transformation scene. You could walk down the street feeling as if you were surrounded by singing flowers, bunnies and speaking birds.

I don't want practical shoes. I don't need shoes that ground me, I need shoes that help me live my fairy tale. That lift me up and make me want to dance down the street singing. I'm looking for the special.

I'd love to see your fairy tale shoes too!

Fendi "Cinderella" - from Bergdorf Goodman (in-store only)

Christian Louboutin "Poseidon" - Saks Fifth Avenue

Manolo Blahnik Floral "Sedaraby" - Bergdorf Goodman

Manolo Blahnik "Eila" - Neiman Marcus

Valentino "Fairy Tale" - Bergdorf Goodman

Manolo Blahnik Rose "Sedaraby" - Neiman Marcus

Rene Caovilla "Flowerboing" - Bergdorf Goodman

Imagine

Imaging this in white with a darker wood heel.



Now imagine me wearing them... because that's what I'm doing.

Fendi Spring Summer 2010 "Cinderella"

UPDATED: I think my writing was poor up above. I'm also imagining that I'm wearing them. I don't own them.... yet! (okay, we'll see if I get them. I hope so!)