YSL vs. Topshop

Regular readers will recognise this YSL Spring 2008 grey dress, which is still the most worn dress on the red carpet this year.

Topshop have recently added this grey Bandeau dress by Boutique to its collection, which bears a strong resemblance to the dress that appeared on the runway.

The strapless jersey dress with front side pockets is available from Topshop for only £60.


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Topshop vs. Prada

I am sure you will agree that the shoes (below) from Topshop only bear a very slight resemblance to the Prada Spring 2008 heels (above) that appeared on the runway.



The Prada Wavy Heel Mary Jane originally retailed at $720, but are now on sale for $540, whist the Topshop Rainbow Swirl Platform heels only cost £65.

So it looks like the main difference is the price.


These Prada Scalloped Cuffed Pumps were also shown in the Prada Spring 2008 collection and Topshop have their own Ripple Cuff Platform Sandal, which again bears an uncanny resemblances.

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Maison Martin Margiela vs. Topshop

The very avant-garde Spring 2008 collection of Maison Martin Margiela showcased this oversized jersey T-shirt with stallions charging across an dark and cloudy sky.

It was reported in the LA Times that the image that appears on the t-shirt is nearly an identical image to British artist David Penfound work titled "Summoning the Storm" which was painted in 1998.

This controversy did not stop Topshop taking inspiration from the Maison Martin Margiela t-shirt as they took inspiration from to create their own Fantasy Horse Tee.

You can buy this t-shirt, with a longer hem at the back from the US Net-A-Porter.com for only $1,121.25, or the International Net-A-Porter.com for only €1,039.91/£695.


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TopShop v Luella

Florals are a huge story for this season. Luella's Spring 2008 collection was full of floral dresses, tops and skirts.

One of my favourite dresses from Luella's collection, was this floral dress with a swishy skirt.

The dress also works in the transparent trend, with a sheer top and sleeves.

TopShop have obviously taken inspiration from this dress, to create their own Ditsy Sheer dress.

This dress retails at £50, and also comes in a pink version.

I tried it on during my recent trip to TopShop, and it is gorgeous.


Camilla Belle and Thandie Newton, who never look less than perfect on the red carpet, wore this dress last year. In the Who Wore It Better? Poll Camilla is winning by 70%.

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TopShop vs. Balenciaga

It looks like TopShop have taken inspiration for their Floral Zip Jacket and skirt from Balenciaga's Spring 2008 collection.

The jacket is very similar to the Balenciaga jacket, as they both have the structured puff sleeves, high neck and blue floral colour element.

The TopShop ensemble cost £100 in total, whereas the Balenciaga skirt alone cost £915.

I have tried the TopShop ensemble on and it looks really fantastic, although I am not sure if I purchased it where I would wear it. A Star Trek convention maybe?

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Jonathan Saunders vs. Forever21

Last season Jonathan Saunders designed this block colour, pleated tiered shift dress with a solid bodice, which we saw Thandie Newton wear to the LA premiere of No Country For Old Men last year.


Recently Forever21 have added a carbon copy similar dress to their Spring 2008 collection.

Apart from the quality, the main difference is the price. The Jonathan Saunders dress would have cost $1635, whereas the Forever21 dress cost $22.80.

How do they get away with it?

Thanks Alex

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Chanel vs. TopShop

The Olsen twins and Nicole Richie are huge fans of these two tone Chanel sunglasses from the Spring 2007 collection, as they can often be seen wearing them.

I don't think the harsh contrast between the black lens and clear lens would suit me, but the Olsen's and Nicole are aficionado's when it comes to large sunglasses, so they know what works best for them.

TopShop have recently added a similar pair of these sunglasses to their range for summer. The large round sunglasses cost a mere £15, and come in a black and white frame.


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Balenciaga vs. Steve Madden

Last season Beyonce was the only celebrity I saw wearing these Balenciaga Fall 2007 shoe boots.

This shoe boot cost a staggering $4,175 or £1,870, but did sell well, as fashionsitas had their name on waiting lists for months for these shoes.

SteveMadden.com have brought out a similar shoe boot called the Bukled Bright Multi.

The shoe boot also comes in black, cognac and white for only $99.95.

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Luella's Floral Print Journey From The Runway To The High Street

We first saw this dark floral print on the runway for Luella back in September when she presented her Spring 2008 collection.


Camilla Belle was the first celebrity to wear one of the floral dresses when she attended Luella's new store opening in London.

Thandie Newton then wore the same dress to the Darfur Now Screening in LA back in October, but you all voted that Camille wore it better by 69%.

Kelly Osbourne who is a big fan of Luella's collection, wore her dress to the South Bank Show Awards in January.

Lily Allen went goth in her dress, when she attended Luella's Fall 2008 show at London Fashion Week last month.



Two weeks ago NET-A-PORTER.COM added two floral pieces to their online boutique.

The first was a Luella Rebecca mini dress which sold out instantly. The second was a Luella Lois floral blouse which is still available online.


This week TopShop have added two pieces to their collection which are very similar to Luella's floral print.

The first is a Flower Print Blazer for only £55, and the second is a Flower Print Playsuit which I love for only £45.

Copying runway outfits may not be very original, but I think it can be fun, and it makes trends available for everyone.

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Versace vs. TopShop

Whilst shopping in TopShop yesterday, I noticed a pair of shoes that looked very much like shoes that appeared on the runway for Versace's Spring 2008 collection.

They both have a T-Bar design, they both have a platform, they are both peep toes, but the TopShop version are slingbacks.

The Versace shoes are £380, come in a rainbow of colours including gold, blue and green, whereas the TopShop shoes are £65 and come in chocolate and black.

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Gucci vs. Marks & Spencer

Gucci's Spring 2008 runway was filled with sunflower and other abstract prints.

UK retail store Marks & Spencers have taken inspiration from Gucci, for their Per Una Spring 2008 collection, by producing this cute strapless sunflower print dress.

It will be priced at £45.00 and come in sizes UK 8-20.

The dress will be in stores from March, but be quick at this will sell out.

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Chloe vs. TopShop

On the Fall 2007 runway Chloe's collection featured many embellished pieces, including this sequin embellished tee which Topshop have taken inspiration from to created their own.

TopShop need to be careful as Chloe have successfully sued Topshop for compensation over copyright infringement in the past.

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Giambattista Valli vs. Mint Jodi Arnold

This organza fuschia dress with a leather empire belted waist was show by Giambattista Valli during Spring 2007 Fashion Week.

Mint Jodi Arnold were inspired by this dress and created this 3-tiered silk-taffeta top with layered detail at bust, which also has a leather belt at the empire waist. This top only cost $495.

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Lanvin vs. TopShop

The great thing about the high street is that they can create good quality versions of designer clothes, shoes etc without the designer prices.

Lanvin first showed these red patent multi-buckle platform shoe back in their Fall 2007 collection, now TopShop has their own version at £65.

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Dior vs. French Connection

On the Fall 2007 catwalk, Christian Dior showed this belted felt coat with a tie neck and balloon sleeves with a fur trim, which French Connection took inspiration from, to create their own jacket version.

French Connection are currently selling the felt tie neck jacket for £140.00/$268.

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