Here are a few copycats I've noticed - Old Navy's piece is on the left and J.Crew's on the right:
Did I miss any? Let me know if you spot any more, or if you've noticed or benefited from any in the past!
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UPDATE: I did some research, because I was curious about how ethical copying designs & patterns within the fashion industry really is. This TED Talk, as well as this article, helped me understand it better - it's pretty fascinating, I think!
I wonder if they're both copycatting somebody else? Someone more runway than JCrew?
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good point, Connie! I'm actually hoping to do some research on how color/pattern "copycatting" is allowed, and who can get rights to what. J.Crew is becoming more and more of a trend setter within the industry, but I really wonder if they're taking their cues from another house. I'd be interested to know if you see anything from the "higher ups" that looks similar to these styles!
DeleteOkay, so I did some research (and put a little update in the post, above). I found this article (http://ethicsalarms.com/2010/03/04/fashion-ethics-stealing-is-good/) and it explains some of the ethics (or lack thereof) behind copying in fashion. I thought it was pretty interesting!
DeleteBut how, how, how? do you get around the poor quality of everything at Old Navy? It all loses shape and pills and fades...
ReplyDeleteI hear you! Their tees and pullover sweaters are particularly bad, and I don't buy them there anymore. I have found that Old Navy is great for blouses, button down shirts, and sometimes dresses, as long as you're careful with them in the laundry. I base what I purchase from them on the type of fabric and shape, as well as trends - if it's something I know won't be as in style in a few months, then I don't feel bad about spending a $5-$10, even if it will only last me a little while. But I know that the flip side to that is buying really good quality classic pieces that will last you forever! I like to do a mix of both. What's your preference?
DeleteI haven't really figured that out yet! I'm still in the process of purging/reorganizing my college wardrobe, and haven't had the leisure or funds to really revamp and experiment enough to find "my style," which sort of has to happen before settling on how I buy and why. I usually look for quality brand names at consignment stores and shop the sales rack at LOFT and Banana Republic, for the time being. H&M attracts me, but I'm skeptical about quality (again).
DeleteYou go!! I hear about wardrobe reorganizing/building, and it gets me really excited! I just went through a similar thing over the past year or two. My little sister made bank on all my old clothes, haha. Cleaning out can be daunting, but really rewarding. I got to the point where I didn't want to have anything in my closet that didn't inspire me (kind of like the way I keep my collage scraps cleaned out!). But it's been a slow build up, especially since we don't have much of a clothing budget. That's why I've appreciated places like Old Navy, H&M, and Forever 21, because if you search, you can really find some good stuff - both basics and unique pieces, and a number of those stores are ALWAYS running sales. I stalk things online/in store and search online for discounts and coupons.
DeleteSomething that helped me while re-upping my closet was defining my "standards" if you will. Right now, I'd rather have more variety than quality (this works too because I'm at home a bunch during the week right now, I honestly don't wear my clothes very hard, so lower quality items last longer for me). Also, starting with the basics (like jeans you love, a few tees in your favorite style, a good skirt, black flats - those kinds of things) and then adding more unique pieces as the money comes in can be helpful. I feel like I'm just figuring out exactly what my style is - and it took a year or two of trial and error.
Well. As you can see I have a lot to say about this... I don't want to talk your ear off. But feel free to email me if you want! Not that I have anything but my own experience to offer :D
Oh! and PS: about H&M... They can sometimes be on the Old Navy spectrum in terms of quality (again, depends on what you buy)- but in general, I've found their stuff to be a little bit nicer.
DeleteOh, and I'm curious: ModCloth. Your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteModCloth is a little too retro/vintage for my style, so I don't frequent their site all that much. It seems like they have a lot of fun pieces though - lots of stuff you can't find anywhere else, which is really cool.
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