Fashion Hookup

Keeping You Up On The Latest Fashions

Gucci? Pucci? Dukki?

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The decision between buying an original and a fake implies that one actually has the power or financial clout to buy a designer handbag if they wish. There are some times during the year when this is true. In the January sales quite a few designer bags are reduced to the price of ordinary top-end, high-quality non-designer handbags and so are affordable. There is also birthday time when payouts from various relatives mean a big cash injection that one can blow on a designer bag. In these circumstances (because they occur so infrequently) one can be forgiven for having that ‘must get’ attitude.

Splashing out on a signature designer handbag is a good feeling. Especially as it’s been a year since you bought your last one. This bag will help define your fashion year and has the power of making you look like your worth a few bob. Carrying round a £1000 Gucci bag gives one an air of respect and perhaps an illusion of financial security to others at the office, on the train or even at the dentist’s. In short, for a women, it is the secret to happiness…..

Fake handbags do not quite carry that same air. If they are obvious fakes, they make the owner look like someone who does not care for accuracy or proper fashion accessories. This is in varying degrees depending on the age of the owner. For a teenager, one can be proud that they are aware of the importance of good-looking handbags at such an early age, despite having a small budget.

For grown women, fake handbags are simply unattractive. Carrying round a Pucci handbag or worse Dukki handbag (as I saw yesterday on the bus) does not look good. Save up and spend or stretch the budget to a better looking fake. Better still, buy a non-branded handbag.

Victoria Beckham’s Inspiration: The Brit School Teacher (From the Archives)

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I suppose it makes sense when you think about it, with those pencil skirts, high-heeled stilettos and trademark tight-lipped facial expression.  Posh Spice once claimed that she never even owned a pair of flats, but was busted this summer when she was caught in flip-flops at Disneyland. Far from dressing like a relaxed Californian since her move to the States, Victoria has gone the other way, dressing more un-laid back like ever before in tailored, tight pieces that scream “uncomfortable”.

When asked about this change in style,  the Essex-born Victoria told Company Magazine in an article out this week:

“It hasn’t, not at all. I am very British in my style. Think school teacher…..I love pencil skirts and fitted blouses, classic cut dresses and well fitted jeans mixed with classic tailoring.”

Hmmm. Having lived in the UK, I can honestly say that most British girls are actually some of the most relaxed dressers I know, bordering on the scruffy, especially if they spend a lot of time in the Country. Victoria, I believe has a style of her own, purely made for the pages of the tabloids.  Why the woman sold 400,000 copies of her book on fashion, The Extra Half an Inch is completely beyond me. The Guardian newspaper sums it up rather perfectly.  Here’s a bit of it:

I have no qualifications to write this book; that’s why I’ve got someone else to do it for me. But let me share my insights anyway. First I’d like to knock something on the head. The idea that, once you have a bit of money, you start wearing couture and stilettos all day and live on caviar and champagne is just nonsense. They’ve both got far too many calories.

My own inspirations come from Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis and Giacometti sculpture, but this book is not my attempt to tell you what or what not to do. It’s my last chance to cash in on what remains of my fame before David retires.

I am grateful for the possibility of being close to Victoria’s credit card” – Roberto Cavalli.

From the Archives: Holiday Shopping: The Dressy Pump

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These days it all seems to be about the impending holidays, from my friends’ dreading opening the “Christmas List” on Facebook, to stores and malls already decked out in Christmas displays, to signs everywhere telling me its time to shop, shop, SHOP!  Not that I need my arm twisted to do the latter, but it’s a fact of the holidays, and the sooner you start, the less overwhelming the season becomes.

So let’s start with footwear.  Whatever the occasion, be it a party for the office, with friends or a romantic rendezvous, a new pair of shoes will do wonders to put you in the festive mood.  Normally, the word dressy comes to mind, and we all know that dressy usually equals = heels. Yes, we all feel sexier in them, but I’d say that the average woman, would most welcome a break from them – but only if the affair does not entail having to wear a long gown.

Flats, or should I say, “dressy pumps” are perfectly acceptable for all your December affairs, provided they are dressed up with the required sparkly embellishments that scream “holiday season”. Take these oh-so-pretty silver be-jewelled flats ($100) from Zara pictured above.  Unless you’re truly vertically challenged, they should take you through most of the season in relative comfort and safety (think slippery, wet roads due to climate change), and the object of envy from your friends and colleagues in their sexy but pain-inducing (and expensive) golden Jimmy Choo heels. Or for a more flirty look, I’d go for these sweet pink sequined Kate Spades, on sale from $275 to $165 at ShopBop.

While dressy thongs are okay in the summer months, I’d stay clear of them in the holiday season, whether or not you live in a warm climate. I just feel too much foot doesn’t work this time of the year, in the evenings at least.

Its Sale Season! 5 Quick Tips For Serious Shoppers

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year – yes, ladies, it’s Sale Season!! If you’re a serious shopper (and bargain hunter) like me, it’s time to get some real damage done (as in credit card- but remember, its a bargain!),  and hopefully set yourself up with some terrific pieces for the year ahead.

Here are 5 tips to get the best deals and have a blast doing it:

1. Be An Early Bird – The cardinal rule in shopping, whether it be for a designer sample sale or at your farmers market for organic veg.  My sister, who works nights, does her grocery shopping at 7pm and always ends up with the lousy produce.  Duh? If shopping for shoes especially, the size 7 and 8’s are gone in a flash if you aren’t early. So set that alarm early ladies, it pays.

2. Make Time – You need time and patience to do a good shop. Trust me, a frenzied trip to a sale on your lunch break is not a good idea.  Clear your schedule for a couple of hours of good, solid shopping time. And do go through the items with patience, no matter how haphazard presentation may be – remember, amidst the polyester there may be some cashmere.

3. Grab as You Go– When scouring a sale, grab items that take your fancy, then edit later.  If you hesitate and think that you can “come back for it later”, chances are it will be gone.

4. Dress Appropriately – Yes, you should always look stylish, but when I’m on a serious shopping trip I like to dress for ease in the changing room.  A pair of tight, skinny jeans, for example, is a nightmare to take on and off in the changing room, as are shirts with too many buttons or other fiddly bits. You want an outfit that is easy to throw on and off when trying on multiple items of clothing.

5. Be Resourceful -Be friendly to sales staff at your favourite shops and they are likely to keep you in the know – when new sales stock is coming in, what may be hidden in the stockroom etc.  Online is also a good place to hunt for bargains when you just can’t face the crowds any longer.  Some good options are:

Designer Warehouse Sales

Shop Bop

Secret Sales

Designer Bags: A Question Of Mathematics

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Simple – why buy one handbag with enough figures to make you faint, when you can buy at least 10 fake ones for the same price. Let’s face it – even if we have that one favourite designer handbag we will inevitably want to use more than one handbag in a year. And not every handbag is created equal – handbags come in all shapes, colours, textures and sizes, each with its own use. Why limit yourself to just one? Replica bags can be made of exactly the same materials as their designer counterparts yet cost a tenth or less of the price – and all that just because of a label.

Here’s a question – is the average woman really a discerning fashion expert in disguise? Chances are no, they wouldn’t be able to tell a good knock-off from the real thing.  However, if you’re strutting around town with a brand new faux Birkin bag, and you’re dressed like you do your fashion shop at the local charity store, someone’s going to catch you out.

To some, buying a real designer bag and showing it off to your friends is a great moment in any woman’s life. Not only does your ego soar to the high heavens, but there is the added bonus of watching your friends turn a slight shade of green – bliss.