Matchup Monday: Rebecca v. Proenza

I know, I know. You all are probably thinking, "Christine, how you gonna try and compare anything to Proenza Schouler?!" I feel you, I really do. But my shallow pockets don't wanna hear it. And although these may not be carbon copies, they're both pretty darn beautiful.

Matchup Monday: Zara v. Mansur Gavriel

Somewhat surprisingly, one of the biggest trends right now is the bucket bag. Despite my surprise, I've always actually had a thing for them. I'm unsure if it's because they sort of sport an old lady vibe or because I simply find them unusual, but I remember swooning over this style back in middle school. Everyone knows Mansur Gavriel purses are to die for, but would Zara's MG-inspired bag fit the bill (in more ways than one) just fine? 

Matchup Monday: Equipment v. Mango

I have been yearning for this Equipment top for a while now. I'm a sucker for versatile classic pieces and this one really struck my fancy. Plus, I've come to realize that with all my clothes I have very few tops. Problem is, it's pretty pricey at $209, even if it is something I'd wear for years. I was searching for some alternatives and came across quite a few. This Mango version came the closest, however. Bonus: it's less than half the price at $70! Not exactly a steal, but great for a silk top with the same stylistic features as the expensive version.

Worth the splurge?

Matchup: Alice + Olivia v. Kurt Geiger

I first saw these Alice + Olivia cross strap pumps during the Shopbop buy more, save more sale and fell in love. I love the simplicity and the added texture detail. But at $360... woof. I saw these Kurt Geigers that look pretty similar for $155. Much more manageable. The straps are a bit thicker, but I could potentially deal with that. 

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Matchup: Valentino v. Schutz

I know I'm not the only one coveting these Valentino Rockstud heels. Although it took a little effort to seduce me, the all-black version definitely won my heart. But $1000 for a pair of shoes is way too much for this girl. So I was scouring the web for a comparable version. (Get on it, F21! You jock just about everything else anyway!) I did find these Schutz Brenaes however, which come pretty freaking close...

I have to say though, I've had a pretty bad experience with Schutz shoes. I picked up the Irmas in black and white during a Piperlime sale and couldn't be more stoked. Until I wore them. Fucking.OUCH. I don't know if they're just not meant for platypus feet (I have "larger than normal" feet that are flat and a little wide...but to be honest, regular shoes typically fit just fine.), but they hurt more than any other shoe I've ever worn EVER. And they hurt in a place that's never hurt before–the arch of the foot–but.. in the inside of the foot. ALSO, I literally only wore them from the car to the restaurant and across the street to the movie theater before they starting hurting like a mother fucker. I don't know, but I will never wear them again. They're in a size 8.5 and they're gorgeous in case anyone wants to take them off my hands...Rant.Over.

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Matchup: Mango v. Stella McCartney

I've been swooning over these Stella McCartneys ever since I saw Anh wearing them on 9to5Chic. My only problem with them was the heel height. I prefer something much higher (at least 4 inches). So when I found this Mango version, I immediately fell in love. Seriously, this shoe obsession is getting out of hand. But at least this time it's the cheaper version I'm in love with.

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