Fall 2009 | Style Blog | Canadian Fashion and Lifestyle News

Lanvin vs. Prada

5 October, 2010 Nelia 1 Comment

Was catching up on my Paris Fashion Week Spring 2011 RTW shows, when the above Lanvin dress (on the left) caught my eye. The whole look of it just felt eerily familiar. And of course it did, since I’ve already seen it back in 2009 during Prada’s Fall 2009 RTW show (on the right)! Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

All-over vertical embellishments? Check. Thick strips of fringe at the bottom of the skirt? Check. Belted waist? Check. And sure, Miuccia used leather to make her dresses, while Alber opted for a more delicate fabric. But so what? Lanvin’s finished product could be Prada dress’ not-so-distant cousin.

And no, I am not necessarily saying that this is a clear-cut case of creative plagiarism, but I do believe that the Prada design is not any typical ol’ LBD, it’s got enough distinguishing characteristics, so that I would never confuse that particular dress with another designer’s. Even after seeing the Bebe knock-off version, I remembered where I saw this dress first – Prada Fall 2009. And yet another factor is that Alber’s aesthetic for Lanvin has always had a very particular feminine air to it, not at all “tough gladiator chick”.

So what are your thoughts on this? Do you think someone at Lanvin was lacking original ideas, or is this dress not at all like the ones from Prada? Is immitation a sincerest form of flattery?

Take the poll below.

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Photo Credits: www.style.com

Shopping: H&M November 2009

29 November, 2009 Nelia 5 Comments

Well, November is actually pretty much over, but the holiday season is still in full force! Thus this month’s H&M Shopping post is devoted to dresses, dresses, dresses…and some sweaters! There are always so many things I want at H&M that it becomes increasingly difficult not to go nuts and buy everything I try on, but thankfully some of the items aren’t available in my size – which is the only thing that stops me. Thank goodness for that!

This time around, I spotted lots of holiday-worthy dresses: golden lamé dresses, floral dresses ala Stella McCartney, and my personal favorite – black furry dress. The latter was so adorable, yet I didn’t buy it, because as per my worst fears, I ended up looking more yeti, than chic. Oh well.

I also must let you know that H&M is having an outerwear sale, with most coats and jackets going at 50% off! Hence, the below studded leather jacket is no longer $130, but a very affordable $65! That’s a pretty good deal for real leather and great fit! And my latest addiction – menswear shopping for myself is still not satiated, as I found more lovely sweaters this time around! The one with the wolf is an homage to the “3 howling wolves” t-shirt phenomenon. I hope it brings me luck in love, life, and everything else. It’s supposed to be magical, just read the amazing comments! More shopping posts are coming soon! Stay tuned!

And yes, the below cardigan is also available in H&M’s men’s section! So comfy and great for winter!

Forever21 – Boutique

23 November, 2009 Nelia 1 Comment

So it seems that Forever21 is jumping on the Urban Outfitters/Anthropologie bandwagon and releasing a “vintage-inspired” new collection, called Boutique. From a few outfits, modeled by Tennessee Thomas, the drummer of band, The Like, I’m not necessarily dying to see the pieces in stores, but my curiosity is piqued! The heart tights are cute, and the embellished vest/top definitely has potential. Either way, Forever21 prices will surely be affordable enough to get any of the items you like without breaking the already fragile from the holiday shopping bank. Are you excited about this new launch?

Photo Credits: Refinery29

Holidays 2009: Chanel Iman in H&M Magazine

20 November, 2009 Nelia Leave a Comment

H&M has really been turning it on for the Holiday Season lately. After more prodding on the retailer’s website, Chanel Iman’s editorial shot by the talented Terry Richardson came up! And if you needed more holiday dressing ideas, it’s all there! Colourful baubles, luxurious fabrics, and fancy accessories, oh my! Do you like Chanel’s favourite things?

More photos after the jump!

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Zara Man Lookbook November 2009

10 November, 2009 Nelia 5 Comments

Hello, my male readers! Did you think I forgot about you? Nevah! Yesterday I posted a few photos from the Zara November 2009 lookbook for the ladies, and today we have one for the guys. Unfortunately, while I did love the ladies’ lookbook, the styling of this one leaves me cold. The black scarf worn with a leopard print sweater? On a guy? Seriously? All together now “what were they thinking???”. I do, however, like the knits and a couple of the coats in the photos. What do you guys think?

Photo Credits: Zara

Zara Lookbook November 2009

9 November, 2009 Nelia 5 Comments

The folks over at Zara decided to skip October, and give us a glimpse into the November 2009 shipments instead. I’m not complaining, because the photos are once again great! I’d bet it’s quite pricey to commission a lookbook every other month, but I am sure that consumers are not complaining. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love lookbooks. Great source of inspiration, don’t you think?

More photos after the jump!

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Shoulder to Cry On

9 November, 2009 Nelia Leave a Comment

Or not? Those babies are so sharp, that no one in their right mind would ever want to lean on one of those! So, I’ll call it body armour! For when I’m feeling particularly fierce and unapologetic, this dress would convey everything that I refuse to say. Almost like performance art, right? Or not.

Ok, the reason this might not make much sense is because it’s Monday and I had to work on Saturday, and I didn’t get much rest this weekend, so there. No rest for the wicked. Never any rest. At least my year-end is finished, and I don’t have much to dread in the coming months. Hooray. Damn, forgot about Christmas shopping. Nevermind then.

Photo Credits: www.urbanoutfitters.com

Jimmy Choo for H&M Menswear

30 October, 2009 Nelia Leave a Comment

Well, I hope my male readers are quite happy with me, because I have yet another post dedicated to the boys this week! A few photos, featuring the new Jimmy Choo for H&M collection have surfaced, and here they are! I am absolutely hating the studded belt styling for guys. It’s just…not right. But if you think your man would be into it, then by all means, it should be available November 14th at select H&M stores. I do, however, like the rough boots. I actually want these for myself…If only I wore the same shoe size as le boyfriend. Wait, then my feet would’ve been freakishly big, or his extremely small and girlie. Ok, scrape that thought.

Photo Credits: www.modemen.feber.se

H&M Knitwear Fall 2009

23 October, 2009 Nelia 6 Comments

Finally an H&M male model that doesn’t look like a Geico caveman! As promised to my male readers, here’s some menswear ad campaign photos for H&M’s Fall 2009 knitwear collection (and some womenswear after the jump). I, myself, really love wearing knits during the fall and winter months, and even in the spring. They are just so comfy, cozy and warm! I already picked up a couple of sweaters at H&M this season. They always have so many styles to choose from and it’s getting colder and colder each day! Happy Friday everyone! Stay warm!

Womenswear photos after the jump!

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Jessica Stam for H&M

20 October, 2009 Nelia 4 Comments

Ok, if you’ve been wondering about all of the H&M posts lately, I am not being paid by H&M to advertise their products, otherwise it would’ve been disclosed on the site as per the new regulations. I do, however, admit to being slightly addicted to the store, and simply couldn’t pass up this opportunity to share the news with you!

H&M released the new Fall 2009 ad campaign photos, this time starring a fellow Canadian – Jessica Stam. Nothing too exciting, though she is wearing the jacket that I tried on and loved last week…but that’s about it for me. Are you excited about any of the clothes featured?