F@#! Topshop

I'm usually a bit overly lenient when it comes to designer knock off, but even I was disgusted by a blatantly obvious copy by Topshop that just came to my attention.

The WendyB Original

Wendy Brandes, jewelry designer, writer and all-around awesome friend, had an amazing concept for swear word rings back in 2008. The rings became some of her most popular pieces and she has really expanded the line to include other hilariously fun ones such as OMG, WTF and recently YOLO (I had to Google this, it means You Only Live Once).

But just very recently the below appeared on Topshop's site...

The lame Topshop Copy

As we can see, this is really a blatant rip-off! I mean, they even used the same bloody characters, WTF!

I have frequently bemoaned the cost of Wendy Brandes' jewelry, as I simply can't afford to buy up all the pieces (everything) that I want. But I understand that as a small business she simply doesn't not have the option to mass produce items, thus saving money. And it really cheeses me off to see a huge chain like this take advantage of a small business. What's worse is that we rarely hear about it since most of us can't identify a knock-off unless it's a huge brand name! So spread the word - let's show Topshop this is unacceptable behavior!

Wendy's thoughts on the matter.

UPDATE: Topshop has tweeted: "The @WendyBrandes style in question has been removed from sale. We apologise for any misinterpretation and its similarity to Wendy's work." Win for small businesses and awesome people everywhere!

A Fashion Education: Ann Demeulemeester

Ann Demeulemeester (DEH-moo-lah-MEE-ster) is a Belgium designer whose first collection was in Paris in 1992. Despite having such a long, successful career, the label is not the household name in the States that it should be! Known for a dark, somewhat goth punk aesthetic, she brings a wearable edge to high fashion.

Looks from her 2009, 2010 and 2011 collections

I like how she always seems to change things up while staying true to her moody, slouchy vibe - lots of black, though she does play with color on occasion, and always an hint (or more) of androgyny. And she's famous for killer shoes that all the downtown girls covet!

Looks from her Spring 2012 collection

You can shop her pieces at FarFetch, LUISAVIAROMA, and Barney's.

Links à la Mode: Birthday Gifts

Edited by: Jess of Fresh Jess

It’s my birthday today! What better way to kick this day off than seeing what’s bringing IFB wardrobes to life lately? Your latest Links a la Mode round up features style icons Stevie Nicks and First Lady Michelle Obama; Earth Day-inspired tips on being green; avant-garde accessories; trend reports; quick & easy DIY tutorials and some of the most beautiful outfit style posts around.  Need some help figuring out what to wear for your next bike trip or spring business conference? We’ve got you covered there too. This week’s posts are like presents for my Google Reader. Now let’s celebrate!

• Barefoot Duchess: My “More & Less & Must” List for Welcoming Summer
• Bugwear: Polka Dots and Glitter and Bling…Oh My!
• Corinne Monique: Valentina, Valentino
• Dress Code, High Fashion: Runway Trend S/S ‘12: Harnesses, Corset & Waist Belts
• Fashionista’s Diary: DIY Rope Necklace
• Fasshonaburu: How to Look Conference Chic
• Fumiko Kawa: Fashion Trends in Japan 2012
• Ms. Fabulous: 10 Ways to Green Your Closet
• My Style Ramblings: Style Icon: Stevie Nicks
• Real Girl Glam: How to Manicure…Gold-Flecked Nails
• Silk and Spice: Spring/Summer 2012 Trends: Runway vs. Real Way
• Synthetic Elegance: Trendspotting – The Return of Sporty Spice
• The Classic Woman: The Style of Michelle Obama
• The Refined Hippy: 5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
• The Sparkle in Her Eye: 15 Key Pieces: Building a Timeless, Yet Modern Accessory Wardrobe
• The Stranger: Mojoism and My Illegible Handwriting
• The Stunning Look: Meow!
• Tiffany Squared: Why It Works…Skirts with Volume
• Tobruck Ave: DailybuzzStyle: 9×9
• Yellow Cupcakes: Bicycle Accessories

SPONSOR:

Wrap Dresses at Shopbop: Waist Defining, Edith Miller, MinkPink, Zac Posen, Maxi Skirts, L.A.M.B., Reem Acra, Thakoon, James Perse Dresses, Milly Dresses, ALC, Work &Jersey dresses

My Style Challenge: Monotone at a Charity Shopping Event

I got invited to an exclusive in-store shopping event at my nearby David Yurman. Guests were treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres whilst perusing the mind-blowningly desirable jewelry that I hope to one day have! They donated a portion of the evening’s proceeds to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society... alas, if only I could have afforded a piece!

So what to wear to a rub elbows with DC's upper crust? I had previously tried a monotone look but it came out more pink and purple. But then I discovered that my pants exactly matched one of my tops... apparently this is one of my favorite colors!

I'm wearing: Top from Bluefly, pants and coat by J. Crew, purse by Jill Stuart, Michael Michael Kors heels and Oliver Peoples sunglasses. Jewelry includes: Necklace from Last Call, vintage Gucci watch, rhinestone and multicolored bracelets from CUSP, silver ring by Old Navy, wedding band by Tina Tang.

One day smething in this case will be mine... oh yes...

Baby's first bauble? Cutest little girls ever!

Farrah One Piece

I know it's a dark meh day out, but summer is right around the corner! I'm loving this suit, reminiscent of the famous Farrah Charlie's Angel poster! Buy at Couture Candy for $188.

Cream Ostrich Embossed Bag

I have a pretty, new ladylike purse and now I must think everyone should have one! This one is super cute with a faux ostrich top and love the frame shape. Buy at Piperlime for an affordable $98!

Coral Blue Pocket Shorts

I'm not usually a fan of short shorts and usually pockets hanging below the hem means just that. But I like how these pockets have super cute contrasting striped blue pockets, so I forgive just this once! Buy at Lulu's for $50.

Summer Colors

Can you tell I've started to get excited over summer fashion?? While spring pastels like mint and lavender are still very cute, I'm starting to lean towards punchier brights like coral and red and turquoise!

What does your summer color palette look like?

Extreme High Low Leopard Top

This MinkPink top would be like running around in a cape, don't you think? If that's not a reason to buy it at ShopBop for $86, I don't know what is!

H&M Fashion Star Event

Last night I attended the H&M Fashion Star Shopping Event at the H&M flagship store on 5th Ave, hosted by Fashion Star mentors Nicole Richie and John Varvatos. They turned the three-level store into a giant party...DJ, photo booth, drinks, and the entire store was open for us guests to shop! We saw items from past episodes of Fashion Star and also had the opportunity to buy not-yet-released pieces from Luciana, the latest winner! I think I spotted Luciana too. The event was sooo much fun! And of course I managed to buy a couple dresses.

Acid Yellow Accent Sandals

I adore the acid yellow accent on these summer sandals - a perfect closet update as the weather warms up! But I've never had a raffia insole before... anyone know if it's comfortable? Does it feel like you're walking on the tropics? Buy these splurge-worthy  Loeffler Randall sandals for $295.

X Out Bullying!

X Out, an all-in-one facial cleanser and spot treatment, recently challenged nine top DIY bloggers to create an X-Out-inspired dress using their own unique design and the letter “X” as their muse. Wow, the results are less DIY and more Project Runway - I know I certainly couldn't produce a beautiful dress like that! Luckily, we can bid on said dresses on eBay and 100% of the proceeds from each dress to PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center!

Currently all the dresses are tres affordable... and I just placed a bid on one, here's hoping I win!

Bold Aztec Cardigan

Love the bright use of colors on this Aztec patterned cardigan! Perfect as a beach cover up or paired with cut offs and a tee, buy at Miss Selfridge for $68 - looks like it's selling out of sizes so definitely get it sooner rather than later!

Summer Trend: Tropical Prints

Tropical prints showed up all ove the spring / summer runways, but I think many were waiting until it was a touch closer to summer before breaking out their Stella McCartney, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Altuzarra!

Woo time to make the fellas say "Aloha!" with some easy, breezy pieces that can take you from the beach to cocktails!

Bright Lace Tee

Since the accidental theme of the day seems to be lace, here's a fabulously bright lace tee in poppy orange or chartreuse yellow! Buy at Nordstrom for $108. For extra bopldness, wear a bright, contrasting cami underneath!

White Lace Trenchcoat

I mean... SERIOUSLY! This die-worthy lace trenchcoat is easily one of my top spring summer picks. I'm already sure this will be my first purchase for May, buy at RachelRoy.com for $169 before it sells out!

Cap Toe Shoes

I've been obsessing over cap toe shoes for awhile now, but have yet to find my perfect pair! And trust me, I've looked through what feels like a zillion pairs at this point! Lucky for you, I saved some of the best, just in case your perfect pair is hidden in there:

More Vince Camuto...

Floral Lace Tulip Skirt

This floral lace skirt by Diane von Furstenberg is just screaming for me to buy it! But I can't afford the $285 price tag right now, so I will have to simply share with all of you instead!

HP Pavilion dm1 by Alexandre Herchcovitch

Like Vivienne Tam before, up-and-coming designer Alexandre Herchvovitch has designed a fabulous case for an HP notebook, setting tech-savvy fashionistas tongues wagging! Inspired by the gold lace used in his most recent collection, it's tres covetable! I am debating on if I need a new computer, as my netbook is about a year and a half now... probably not but I WANT SO BAD. Buy your own at QVC for $630 and up.

How to Look Conference Chic

Whether you’re an advertising exec, nonprofiteer or reporter, chances are there’s a yearly conference or two you’d like to attend. Luckily DC is one of the big stops on conference circuit, cutting down on a lot of that pesky business travel. But a shocking number of attendees in the DMV region wear the same black suit to these events, looking more like recent graduates at their first job interview than a person you’d like to network with.

I asked three local fashion bloggers with full-time jobs to show us some of their favorite conference-worthy looks to help provide inspiration and tips on how to dress professionally yet look personable!

Allie of Wardrobe Oxygen shows us how bold prints and a small dash of color can immediately elevate a look! Polished and fun, it easily transitions to post-conference cocktails with some new friends.

Counter-clockwise from top left:Polka dot blouse from Macy’s, chain necklace from Max & Chloe, orange Rag & Bone belt from ShopBop, khaki pencil skirt by J. Crew

Lacey of A Lacey Perspective shows us what a jungle the corporate world can be with her floral camo and leopard prints.  Perfectly balanced with neutral, classic pieces, the look is in-charge chic - just the thing for a speaker (or speaker one day hopeful) to wear!

Counter-clockwise from top left: Blazer from Urban Outfitters,  nOir spike bangle from Endless, customizable initial necklace from Max & Chloe, black and leopard print tote by TopShop, camo print pants by Victoria’s Secret, Cole Haan pumps from Zappos, white tee from Piperlime

Dana of I Am DWJ (the mergification of her two older blogs: The Art of Accessories and Crumbs & Creativity) shows us that more is more with her colorful look! Pairing coral and raspberry, we get a lesson in color theory: brights make us smile!

Counter-clockwise from top left: Coral dress from ASOS, pearl necklace from Nordstrom, Michael Kors gold watch from Lord & Taylor, leopard print belt by French Connection, knit cardigan by Tory Burch, Pour la Victoire flats from Bloomingdale’s.

Keith Lipert Gallery for Façon Magazine

I got a chance to play around at the Keith Lipert Gallery in Georgetown for Façon Magazine! I got to check out his carefully curated boutique, which was full of unique pieces from France, Italy, and Germany and more!

I loved how we got to see amazing jewelry that you couldn't find anywhere else in the area! He picked out a tres bella pearl necklace for me to wear - isn't it lovely?

The necklace and floral ring went great with my massive arm party! Check out the Spring 2012 issue of Façon Magazine to see more images of myself and the other bloggers!

Three Dress Codes: One Dress

Wedding season has begun! I'm mostly past the time in life where all your friends get married, perhaps soon I will hit the remarried weddings :o Either way, I was about to write up a what-to-wear post when I realized everyone writes them, especially zeroing in on dress codes... including me. So today you get to see how one little black dress can be worn to an informal, semi-formal and formal wedding with the proper styling! Just take one jersey tank dress (just $98!), add in fun accessorizes, shake it up and voila!

For the informal look, I paired the dress with some cute flat sandals, a bright but comfy cardigan, an even brighter tribal clutch, and some corresponding boho accessories. A perfect look for a beach wedding or other low-key affair, pull your hair into a messy bun, swipe on some gloss and you'll look breezy chic all night!

For the semi-formal look, I spruced up the dress with some punchy accessories in bold colors, a great structural wedge and a floral tuxedo jacket! Great with a sleek pony and liquid cat eye, you'll easily stand out for all the right reasons in this look.

Finally the formal dress code - a type of wedding I have yet to attend! Formal means men in tails and women in gowns... but I have found a way! By layering a sheer skirt under the dress (or over with a belt to hide the waist) we now have a glam, mermaid shape perfect for any fancy soiree! Thrown on your fancy smanchy jewelry, grab a stole and you're ready for a night of drinking and dancing!