The mysterious case of the disappearing sweaters - Criminal Damage Update

Criminal Damage Men's No.91 Sweater detail

Remember this post where I wrote about Criminal Damage's (CD) use of Chanel's trademark?

Well, the sweaters and t-shirts have completely disappeared from the Criminal Damage online shop. How very mysterious...

I tweeted CD asking if they were re-stocking, but obviously they didn't reply because I was the one pestering them for a comment on their illegal use of Chanel's trademark. Perhaps Chanel contacted them after I alerted them to the infringement, or perhaps CD just thought better of their 'original design'. Who knows. What I do know is that I'm glad that the tops have gone!

Bemsy x

ASOS gets inspired

While ASOS is not innocent when it comes to copying high-end designers, their designers are rather good at coming up with items inspired by the catwalks that don't tread on the toes of the original designs.

First up, Prada. The A/W '12 show was iconic, from the clothes to the shoes, and the hair and make-up to the design of the runway.

Prada A/W '12 Two-tone pumps

 

ASOS Prize two-tone pumps

The second brand inspiring ASOS' anonymous designers is Marni. With a 1960s vibe running through the collection, the shoes added the perfect finishing touch.

Photo: Olivier Claisse/firstVIEW - Marni A/W '12 RTW

Marni A/W '12 RTW pumps

ASOS Purpose criss-cross pumps

So, if you are looking for a pair of heels that has a hint of Italian catwalk glamour, I am pleased to recommend these two designs by ASOS. Just remember - there's a difference between inspired and knock-off, and inspired is the way to go!

Bemsy x

Bargain hunters beware!

Screenshot example of a site selling fake Gucci bags

The internet has made shopping for a bargain so much easier. But a recent survey carried out by MarkMonitor suggests that as many as 1 in 5 consumers in Europe and the US are duped into buying fake goods, believing them to be discounted genuine goods. As a result, luxury labels are suffering, and consumers who thought it was their lucky day end up disappointed.

Search engines like Google are getting better and better at blocking fraudulent websites, or at least not listing them on the first page of search results, but they are still out there and they are still conning consumers. 

There are many ways around being conned out of your money though.

1. Shop the sales at reputable websites

2. Learn to love The Outnet and other similar sites linked to reputable online shops

2. Buy second-hand from Ebay or Preloved

3. Join an online shopping club

But most important of all - be a savvy shopper. If you're even a little bit unsure of the legitimacy of a site, then don't give them your money. 

Have you been bamboozled into buying a fake handbag or item of clothing?

Bemsy x

Sunday Wishlist #2

Sunday Wishlist 2 by emmatje

1. Boohoo Skull Print Midi Dress - Another midi dress this week, but I just adore the print!

2. Stefanel Trousers - Chiara at The Blonde Salad was wearing the most incredible pair of Stefanel trousers in one of her recent posts, and now I can't wait to own a pair.

3. ASOS Textured Coat - This coat looks so impossibly cosy, and can easily be dressed up or down, parfait non?

4. Jeffrey Campbell Iverson - My latest lust-have pair of JCs.

5. Topshop Avant Boots - I probably shouldn't like these booties because they are verging on being hideous, but I just do. So, if I ever own them, I will rock them!

6. Dents Gloves - Definitely need these 2 pairs of gloves in my life...

7. Motel Star Wet Look Skinny Pants - The colour is called Emerald Crush, therefore I need these!

8. ASOS Shirt Dress - Nothing better than a ridiculously thin dress in the middle of winter.

What's on your wishlist this week?

Bemsy x

Buy British: Dents

This is the first in a series of recommended British manufacturers and retailers. Enjoy!

There are so many good reasons to shop locally for your clothing and accessories. Shopping locally helps to support local businesses and skilled craftspeople and keeps them in business. It gives you the peace of mind that the items you're wearing are produced by people who are paid a proper wage and who work in a safe and pleasant environment, made from high quality materials.

The first company I recommend is Dents. Since 1777, Dents have been handcrafting leather gloves in Warminster. Their gloves start at a very affordable £14, and many are lined in silk or cashmere. They are also available in every colour you can imagine!

Considering H&M, Zara and River Island are selling leather gloves at a similar price point as Dents, you really won't be saving money by shopping at a fast-fashion retailer. So, support a British manufacturer instead of giving your money to companies who have their products made in sweatshops abroad.

Ladies Fingerless Nubuck Glove - £14

Women's Classic Smooth Grain Leather Glove - £42

Women's Red Leather Glove - £59

Women's Pigsuede Glove - £32

Will you be buying British-made gloves this winter? Or if you don't live in the UK, which local brand will you be supporting?

Bemsy x

Time to relax

Peppermint and nettle tea + Fashion Law book + fur blanket = bliss. 

Bemsy x

Sunday Wishlist #1

Sunday Wishlist 1 by emmatje

1. ASOS studded leather gloves
Ever since I saw the Burberry A/W '12 show, I have been lusting after studded leather gloves.

2.  ASOS stud and skull skinny belt
This is too cute, and will go perfectly with high-waisted tartan shorts and skirts.

3. Kukee studded bracelet
Kukee make the most adorable jewellery, and I can't resist studs so I definitely need this baby!

4. Topshop Cutout bikini
I know, I know, it's November. But I do think that when you see a good bikini, no matter what time of year, you must buy it in preparation for summer.

5. Missguided midi dress
This length is so flattering, and seems to make my legs look a little longer. I need this dress in every colour!

6. Topshop peplum top
Perfect for the party season with a bodycon skirt!

7. Topshop lace skirt
Finally, a high-low skirt that sits below the knees at the front! Sometimes I hate my knees, so this gorgeous skirt is perfect for me.

8. Topshop Premium kilt
Not my usual style, but I have fallen in love.

9. ASOS Hollywood heels
It's really difficult to find a pair of simple black sandals that don't have enormous heels, so this pair are perfect and I just know I'll wear them season in, season out until they fall apart.

10. Abataba Peter Pan glitter collar
Abataba make this necklace in lots of different colours. They are perfect for jazzing up a cute knit or plain t-shirt.

Much love, Bemsy x

Do you know your Lanvin from your H&M?

H&M imitation suede ankle boots

Lanvin neoprene & leather trimmed ankle boots

H&M seems to have been inspired by Lanvin for their new Grey Concept collection. 

Would you have known if I hadn't told you? Would you have known the difference?

Bemsy x

Romwe infringes Boy London's registered trademark

Yesterday, I blogged about Romwe's knockoff of Kenzo's tiger sweater. Today I was having another browse and came across what I thought was a Boy London sweater, and Boy London leggings. Why did I think this? Because Boy London sell the exact sweater in black and white, and the exact same leggings. In fact, the only difference between the Romwe sweater and the original Boy version, is the colour of the sweater.

Boy London Eagle Sweat - £55

Romwe Eagle Letter Print Grey Pullover - £27

Boy London Leggings - £40

Romwe Eagle Letter Print Black Leggings - £14

And guess what, Romwe's copy of the sweater has sold out. It would be interesting to know if those who purchased it thought it was a genuine, or knew it was a fake and wanted to save £28 (such a massive saving...)

The trouble for Romwe is, Boy London has registered their trademark, at least in the UK. So, not only have they infringed on Boy's trade mark, but I also believe these items are counterfeit goods. Its aim is to mislead consumers and make them believe that the item is genuine. Therefore, any items that arrive at UK customs will hopefully be confiscated.

Would you buy a counterfeit good to save just £28?

Bemsy x