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/

Imitation = Flattery? SJP Angelica and Maddalena Pumps vs Manolo Blahnik "Something Blue" Hangisi

To say I'm utterly disgusted and disappointed would be putting it mildly.

When I saw that the SJP collection was coming to Bloomingdale's, I thought I would go by and see how the collection, which I've reviewed previously, was expanding.  I figured I would see some pretty yet boring pieces along the lines of the initial styles.  I was not expecting to see something shocking.

But I was absolutely floored to see that SJP had utterly ripped off possibly the most iconic shoe from all of Sex and the City - the Manolo Blahnik "Something Blue" Hangisi pump.

Here is the Angelica from the new SJP Collection at Bloomingdales (The similar 'Maddalena' style is at Nordstrom's and has a pointier toe.) -

And here is the Hangisi. The shoe which is essentially the emotional touchstone of Carrie and Big's resolution in the movie.  The shoe he proposes to her with. The shoe bought for her wedding, abandoned and then worn for the simple ceremony they ultimately had. A shoe created just for this movie by Mr. Blahnik.

In some articles the leveraging of the style is more blatant. Heck in the Bloomingdale's item description, they even include a reference to "something blue". I know the Blahnik team is involved in the SJP Collection, which makes it even more disappointing. Why not use her line as an opportunity to do something new and delightful.  It can't be the price point because these heels are over $500 (ironically, that is what they said the MB's were in the movie. Now they're over $900), not exactly a bargain.

So am I being too harsh? Are they different enough? Or are they leveraging a little too heavily on the SATC/Carrie magic and not creating any magic of their own?

Read more in the Imitation = Flattery series.

Picking on SJP - SJP Shoes at Nordstrom

So I'm going to do the potentially unthinkable for a shoe blogger... I'm going to diss on the upcoming SJP shoe collection from Sarah Jessica Parker and Nordstrom.

No really.

After seeing the recently released shots from Glamour, I have to admit I'm not impressed.  From what I've seen the designs aren't that spectacular and the quality and workmanship does not seem to justify an average $350 (and up!) price point.

Let's start with the Diana.  Interesting strap placement.  Very Maison Martin Margiela and Prada Fall 2012... mixed with the iconic Manolo Blahnik Campari (you know, the "urban shoe myth" although no longer), don't you think?

But that's to be expected when your partner is the president of Manolo Blahnik.

I'll be eager to see the shoes in person to see how the quality nets out but the pictures don't wow me.  The red Lady pump is b-o-r-i-n-g.  Even with the ribbon accent.  That lackluster heel just makes me yawn.

The Carrie is pretty but reminds me of a  Dior pump from a few years back.  I don't know.  It's just not anything special (Want to see a great t-strap? Check out these Gucci ones)

Who plopped that polyester (maybe it's silk, who's to know yet) on that boring bridesmaid heel? If the flower was in a shocking bright color and had a thinner heel, I'd be more interested in the Etta but not for $425 to be sure.

$200 for plain canvas espadrilles? No.

This is the one that actually pisses me off though.  The top image is the SJP Alison bootie.  How much has it ripped off the Ann Demeulesmeester open front ankle strap bootie? Um yeah... a lot.

That's pretty horrible, if you ask me. Maybe I should do a special Imitation = Flattery? post just for that pair.

I've seen other sneak peek images online but from what I've seen, I'm not going to be running out to get a pair from the SJP collection.  Bummer, too.  Sarah Jessica Parker could have brought some of her and the SATC fashion flair to this line.  But mostly they look like a boring miss-mash of knock-offs and boring bridal heels.

Cutey Cute Cute

I love a good mary jane and these cuties from B. Makowsky (Mike Wazowski?) are adorable with just the right bit of sass from the low-profile studs.

I likey!  B. Makowsky Sasha mary janes - on sale at Nordstroms $92.90

Under Wraps - Pedro Garcia Emelyn Pump

I am so ready for Fall. It's my favorite time of year. I can't wait for tights and tweed and blazers. This year I'm influenced by dark woods and moody fairy tales. My colors will be charcoal, navy, black, creme, olive, white, and dark brown with bursts of red, bronze and burgundy.

These Pedro Garcia "Emelyn" pumps would be perfect. I love the dark colors and the black bows.

I love the raw edges but I really want to know how well these Swarovski crystals glitter under the netting. A muted glitter perfect for the dusky light of Fall.

I am really ready for Summer to be over.

Pedro Garcia Emelyn pumps - $495 at Nordstroms

Eeeewwww!!!

These sneakers aren't really that bad. Just sort of middle-of-the-road neutral. I can't say that I like them but I dont' care enough to hate them really.



But why would they name this shoe "Monster Truck"? I mean who can bring themselves to buy a shoe named that? "Yes, I'll take the Monster Truck pair in size XX, please"

So I'm giving a big eeeeewwww!!! to the shoe design namers over at BC Footwera.

If you like these and can get past they name, they are available at Nordstroms for 40% off.

Ensemble du Jour

Even though the Candlelight event at Biltmore was less than our favorite thing during our trip, it did give me an opportunity to dress up a bit. Since it was kind of chilly I didn't get to wear any of my new open-toe heels. Also, we were going to be doing a bit of walking so I needed warmer and somewhat comfortable shoes.

The Outfit
I paired a long black skirt that I got a while back from Nordstroms. What I love about it is that it isn't just a plain long skirt. It has a very neat back design that gives it almost a train. I paired this with a v-neck top from Ann Taylor. The black top has sequins on the cuffs going up the arms and is v-neck front and back.

I paired this was low-heeled calf length boots from Bandolino. They're simple but comfortable and give a sleek look under the long skirt.




The Focal Point
The focal point was to be sleek in all black. It was quite chilly so I had to wear my heavy long cinnamon colored coat over my outfit. While we were looking at the shops at Biltmore, I found this beautiful huge silk flower pin.



I know big flowers are going to have a bit of a resurgence give the SATC movie but I would grab this anyways. The fabric has a beautiful lustre and it is about 6 inches wide. I pinned it to my coat but I can see wearing this on tops, with belts, in my hair, on a bag, really anywhere.

Lush!