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Fashion Advice, Fashion Articles
04
Feb

Cycle of Fashion

Do you ever wonder why there seems to be such an abundance of one particular trend in every single store you pass by? Why you show up to school one day and everyone's wearing the same style of pants, shoes or dress? Well fashion knockoffs are the basis of teen fashion, because not all of us can afford the real thing ;-)

So cheaper versions, fashion knockoffs, are created for us, specifically for our generation, that resemble what the designers are creating. That's no reason to be ashamed, though. I think it's awesome what we have access to, and that we can pick and choose any style we want.

If you take a look at any new runway show, keep those images in your mind, and then go shopping a few months later, you'll realize a few things. The first thing is that smaller labels, usually boutique-like stores, use the runways as a premise to develop the styles they sell in their stores. They gather the images and information, and they create fashion knockoffs, which are more ready to wear for the national public than what's being shown on the runway. Then you, the consumer, go to that store and buy the fashion knockoffs, completing the trusty cycle of fashion!

The next and most surprising thing is that this is many a fashion designer's goal. There is only a small portion of the world that can afford designer labels, shunning the fashion knockoffs without a care. Most designers understand that. That's why when you see photos from their runway shows and everything looks high strung and over-elaborate, in many cases they're simply showing us something to draw inspiration from, something to copy in as big a way or as small a way as possible. Keep thinking this way when you go shopping, and don't be afraid to create your own wild outfits with fashion knockoffs, using the runway as inspiration!
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smileekid
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written by smileekid, February 07, 2010
this is so true!
peanutbutterlover
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written by peanutbutterlover, February 07, 2010
Interesting. Good to know.
socialbutterfly101
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written by socialbutterfly101, February 07, 2010
I did not know this!! This is super good to know!
unithy
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written by unithy, February 07, 2010
I often wonder if buying anything designer is ever worth it! I can see bags, but typical clothing?
azezah
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written by azezah, February 07, 2010
wow, really cool article. I never knew it was so fun.
Ashley Tierra
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written by Ashley Tierra, February 07, 2010
fashion is also recyclable, the same things always cricles back
Jessica3r
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written by Jessica3r, February 07, 2010
this is completely true!!! smilies/cheesy.gif
YoallyKaSandra
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written by YoallyKaSandra, February 07, 2010
This actually makes sense now! lol smilies/grin.gif
cashmereshimmer
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written by cashmereshimmer, February 07, 2010
yes, I think your definetly right
cashmereshimmer
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written by cashmereshimmer, February 07, 2010
ya, ur definitley right.
dahling.
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written by dahling., February 07, 2010
interesting. thanks.
Beliza
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written by Beliza, February 06, 2010
nice article
zoso540
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written by zoso540, February 06, 2010
it'd be cool to design your own clothes, wish i could
purpletazizsky
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written by purpletazizsky, February 06, 2010
good one
triisha
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written by triisha, February 06, 2010
interesting and totally agreed...
mthiry
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written by mthiry, February 06, 2010
awesome points!
giggle_girl
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written by giggle_girl, February 06, 2010
This was very interestingsmilies/smiley.gif
ash7
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written by ash7, February 06, 2010
this article is very tru! i used to be all about labels until i realized that i can find something similar at half the cost!
AngieCee
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written by AngieCee, February 06, 2010
i go for the style, it's pretty true. many ppl can't afford the real thing, just like me. i go for knock-offs all the time. runway shows are pretty inspiring. i don't mind if it's made by a small boutique. i like to buy stuff that is right for me. not something that i will never wear in my life.
loveyingying
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written by loveyingying, February 06, 2010
This is so true!
lost_in_the_city
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written by lost_in_the_city, February 06, 2010
I think that this article is true, but sometimes people buy the label and the opportunity to show it off and know that you're wearing that one really awesome piece. One example would be on why people want their underpinnings to look so nice even if they're going to spend the whole day in in sweats and a t-shirt. The feeling you get from having the real thing is something to note and is nice to have once in a while, but having the financial security that comes from bargain-buying is more practical.
_amy xo
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written by _amy xo, February 06, 2010
interesting article
Diamond422
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written by Diamond422, February 06, 2010
true... I don't really get why people would buy a designer item for like 400 dollars when they could get basically the same thing for $25... designer items aren't realistic for most people to buy smilies/smiley.gif
Turquoisel
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written by Turquoisel, February 06, 2010
Very interesting article! I enjoyed it!
elainex33
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written by elainex33, February 06, 2010
I love finding fashion items for cheaper, it's like I've won the lottery!
PonyGirl
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written by PonyGirl, February 06, 2010
Totally agree :] If it wasn't for knock-offs, all clothes would be boring or uber-expensive smilies/shocked.gif :p
beautyallthat
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written by beautyallthat, February 06, 2010
Good article- I def. look at fashion shows for inspiration!
bravelittlebecky
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written by bravelittlebecky, February 06, 2010
Charlotte Russe has some great trends at reasonable prices. I love shopping for tops and basics there.
anngie
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written by anngie, February 06, 2010
nice blog smilies/smiley.gif i thought i was the only one who thought this way smilies/cheesy.gif
Stormy
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written by Stormy, February 06, 2010
knock offs are the best. but not always very well made...
Reesha824
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written by Reesha824, February 06, 2010
This is very true, but runway fashion still has its own charm, which understandably would look strange walking down the street in. That is why the knockoffs are tone down runway styles.
Young
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written by Young, February 05, 2010
thats interesting...
iliketowin
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written by iliketowin, February 05, 2010
I go for style not name brands
Skyler
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written by Skyler, February 05, 2010
Very interesting, i never really thought about it!
somedancetoforget
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written by somedancetoforget, February 05, 2010
good info! i sometimes marvel at the trends that go in and out of style all the time...
sapphire
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written by sapphire, February 05, 2010
nice article thanks
rach7790
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written by rach7790, February 05, 2010
great points. What would be so without F21?
kakkaface
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written by kakkaface, February 05, 2010
fashion knock-offs are my best friend lol(:
SarahRose
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written by SarahRose, February 05, 2010
Nice!!! Thanks for the info smilies/smiley.gif
lindaly
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written by lindaly, February 05, 2010
interesting...
llamamama
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written by llamamama, February 05, 2010
interesting
lkcx23
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written by lkcx23, February 05, 2010
so truee some knockoffs are really cheap yet fun to wear
Twixie
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written by Twixie, February 05, 2010
nice article, so true!
sc.ting
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written by sc.ting, February 05, 2010
interesting article!
Yazzy
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written by Yazzy, February 05, 2010
boooyaa
angelicaaa
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written by angelicaaa, February 05, 2010
cool article!
sunshinegirl707
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written by sunshinegirl707, February 05, 2010
I live for affordable fashion!!!!!!!!!!!!!
etherealchic
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written by etherealchic, February 05, 2010
haha, yes i agree. a lot of the stuff designers do on runway that's crazy- they understand it needs to be translated into consumer style by department stores.
limea
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written by limea, February 05, 2010
great article
underoath77703
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written by underoath77703, February 05, 2010
awesome article!
Raven
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written by Raven, February 05, 2010
I love my (I think it's a knock off) "Dooney and Burke" bag! smilies/cheesy.gif
marsoleil
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written by marsoleil, February 05, 2010
I think knock-offs are greatsmilies/tongue.gif
imlovin14puppies
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written by imlovin14puppies, February 05, 2010
great article!!! very interesting!!! f21 is the best!!
nathalie951
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written by nathalie951, February 05, 2010
interesting article.
Hanoko27
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written by Hanoko27, February 05, 2010
hmmm, i'm not sure where i stand on that. =/
asha044
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written by asha044, February 05, 2010
nice article
Theresa15
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written by Theresa15, February 05, 2010
so true!!!!smilies/cheesy.gif
pippi_00
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written by pippi_00, February 05, 2010
interesting thoughts!
icanseetheocean
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written by icanseetheocean, February 05, 2010
forever 21 is the way to go
whateversclever
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written by whateversclever, February 05, 2010
I loved reading this. so very true!
kari92
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written by kari92, February 05, 2010
Thrifting is always best! and it does kinda suck when everyone is just wearting the same thing..
laurasant
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written by laurasant, February 05, 2010
tha is so true! i love fashion knockoffs then smilies/cheesy.gif
mayalovee
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written by mayalovee, February 05, 2010
I have seeen a lot of designer inspired pieces at forever21 & I think they look just as nice!
ytlee
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written by ytlee, February 05, 2010
Yes I feel the same way. When I see something nice, I try to find some resembling to that!
raaaiai
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written by raaaiai, February 05, 2010
cool article
lauraelizabeth
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written by lauraelizabeth, February 05, 2010
Wow! Great article! Thanks smilies/cheesy.gif
sabby
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written by sabby, February 05, 2010
i didnt know that
sabby
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written by sabby, February 05, 2010
wow.thats amazing
anonymours
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written by anonymours, February 05, 2010
knock-off designer bags are so useful. I have an "inspired" LV hobo bag.
apples_are_red
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written by apples_are_red, February 05, 2010
Almost everything I own is a knockoff
tinybutton
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written by tinybutton, February 05, 2010
Yeah, but it'd be great if we could afford the real thing smilies/smiley.gif
mercymyqueen
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written by mercymyqueen, February 05, 2010
I think designers deserve support, though.
basehoppers
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written by basehoppers, February 04, 2010
Knockoffs are great! A million people can wear the same thing but if you wear it with confidence & modesty you can definitely stand out!!smilies/wink.gif
glee820
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written by glee820, February 04, 2010
definitely true
bqz
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written by bqz, February 04, 2010
Interesting article! smilies/smiley.gif
brittneybx3
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written by brittneybx3, February 04, 2010
Ahaha true & interesting
kelelli
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written by kelelli, February 04, 2010
I remember learning about the fashion cycle in my high school fashion design classes.
Twixie
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written by Twixie, February 04, 2010
wow great article, thanks for the insight
TanyaVonTrapp
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written by TanyaVonTrapp, February 04, 2010
i love knockoffs.
Geena Marie
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written by Geena Marie, February 04, 2010
i couldnt agree more with this article ! =]
Graceness
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written by Graceness, February 04, 2010
Runway shoes are super fun to watch to get tips on all the fashion and stuff. But I really don't care if it's a knowck off or not. If it's cheap, fits me, and looks cute, I'll most likely buy it.
rame_ster6
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written by rame_ster6, February 04, 2010
Nice. Thanks for the article.
whitesugar88
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written by whitesugar88, February 04, 2010
so true! but you gotta love knockoffs... smilies/grin.gif
Kelseygirlhehe
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written by Kelseygirlhehe, February 04, 2010
This is completely true. smilies/tongue.gif
x3lavender
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written by x3lavender, February 04, 2010
great article!
stormsynski
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written by stormsynski, February 04, 2010
wow! so interesting (:
actually loved this!
Greta R.
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written by Greta R., February 04, 2010
It's great that there are stores who take high fashion styles and make them affordable to the average people.
itzarielxd
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written by itzarielxd, February 04, 2010
that's so true !
Zooey
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written by Zooey, February 04, 2010
Whatever, I totally have $500 or more to blow on one article of clothing... Oh wait... smilies/wink.gif
No, this is a great article because it's SO true! Thanks for posting smilies/cheesy.gif
vegijeni
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written by vegijeni, February 04, 2010
yes, and i kind of like the "mock" version of a real style smilies/smiley.gif
_colleenanne
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written by _colleenanne, February 04, 2010
greatt article!(=
kq1414
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written by kq1414, February 04, 2010
lol so true
mintpearlsandowls
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written by mintpearlsandowls, February 04, 2010
people tend to pay more for certain items from designers because they are supposed to last longer, but sometimes no matter what you pay the items dont hold up. smilies/sad.gif i also am pretty sure that designers know their creations will be simplified for the rest of the masses, so that way the whole world can have a taste. lastly sure people wear alot of the same things but its how you put them together and work with them that makes you the individual.
allisuuhhn
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written by allisuuhhn, February 04, 2010
great article!
carolinqq
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written by carolinqq, February 04, 2010
Knock off clothes are everywhere
Target, Forever21, H&M
all stores that I love smilies/cheesy.gif
Strider
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written by Strider, February 04, 2010
This was a really interesting article. I had no idea!
koi
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written by koi, February 04, 2010
Oh, I agree. There's always going to be some cheaper version of a designer piece.
oliviav33
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written by oliviav33, February 04, 2010
cools :]
dynasdreams
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written by dynasdreams, February 04, 2010
I don't mind when stores knock off a STYLE.
I hate it if its like an exact copy.

Like i bought this really pretty dress shirt from GUESS that took a big chunk of my money out (as i only get about 200 dollars a month from my job). Anyways. A couple months later i see literally the exact same color, design, embroidery, EVERYTHING in an urban planet.
It bothered me cause it's SO exactly the same >.
woahhtien
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written by woahhtien, February 04, 2010
I totally agreeee xD
I think the whole fashion trend thing is lame D:
Because everyone looks alike. We're suppose to be different unique individuals. But yet, if things stay this way. That'll never happen. D:
For example, "I Love BOOBIES" bracelets. D:
Those are soo in now D:
Everyone wears them. But barely anyone gets the full meaning. Guys wear it to be funny D:
ooliveiscool
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written by ooliveiscool, February 04, 2010
idk why 'fashionable' clothes are so expensive in the first place.
katelyn5201992
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written by katelyn5201992, February 04, 2010
so true
rrrrochelle
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written by rrrrochelle, February 04, 2010
Soooo true!
gotta love knock-offs.
smilies/smiley.gif
ssej_rox
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written by ssej_rox, February 04, 2010
very true!
buky
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written by buky, February 04, 2010
So so true.
The Cycle of Fashion-I should totally research that and write an essay on it for the Fashion school i plan on applying to. Thanks for the tip (If its okay with you.)
I think designers are doing a great job but if i become one, i would make sure my designs are affordable. Not $1000 People!

I just got my Steve Madden knock offs and i am so happy. They look real except that they probably would not last for more than one or two years. but i still love them and everyone loves them! and they were $14.80 Katelyn! $14.80? I wouldn't miss that. not at all.

But i don't know about Gucci and Chanel bags because i would not want a bag that would crush in 6-12months. The knock offs don't really look that good and you see so many people with the Louis Vuitton ones and the hands are either coming off or something.

THAT WAS LONG! I KNOW!

SORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
anjee
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written by anjee, February 04, 2010
i totally agree with you. Buying designer labels are so so expensive.
bellesme13
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written by bellesme13, February 04, 2010
thats cool, but if thats what the designers want for people to kinda "copy" them, then how do they get money?
miiszzasiian
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written by miiszzasiian, February 04, 2010
This is great, and very true!
emwacaowiee
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written by emwacaowiee, February 04, 2010
Yay for knockoffs ! :]
polkadots
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written by polkadots, February 04, 2010
great article! it's true smilies/smiley.gif
missjngo
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written by missjngo, February 04, 2010
Haha, Forever21, H&M, Wet Seal, practically ANYWHERE has knock offs smilies/grin.gif
gemmalynrica
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written by gemmalynrica, February 04, 2010
lol soo true
misschloealexandrea
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written by misschloealexandrea, February 04, 2010
Haha, knock offs!
julianna1633
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written by julianna1633, February 04, 2010
the cycles of fashion are so crazy,yet oh so fun
KateDear
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written by KateDear, February 04, 2010
Hmmm very interesting.
Kelsey1015
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written by Kelsey1015, February 04, 2010
Thanks for the article... you always give good tips. smilies/cheesy.gif
cherry_blossom
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written by cherry_blossom, February 04, 2010
i love runways!
jL1258
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written by jL1258, February 04, 2010
Good point!
kittyl0ve
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written by kittyl0ve, February 04, 2010
good thing theres fashion knock offs! lolsmilies/grin.gif
sofialovesyou
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written by sofialovesyou, February 04, 2010
this is kind of obvious..
likemelikeyou
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written by likemelikeyou, February 04, 2010
I KNOW!
VintageVIxen
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written by VintageVIxen, February 04, 2010
Great article, so truee
princessapril
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written by princessapril, February 04, 2010
I very much agree, it's become a big part of everyday trend.
xoheatherrmariie
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written by xoheatherrmariie, February 04, 2010
we were just talking about this in class today haha
duckys_rokmiiisoxz
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written by duckys_rokmiiisoxz, February 04, 2010
This is very true. Sometimes its hard to be ahead of the game by transforming runway designs into your own, but when you do its all worth it.
shopaholic
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written by shopaholic, February 04, 2010
great article! and i totally agree with ur take! smilies/cheesy.gif
Vampander
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written by Vampander, February 04, 2010
love fashion knockoffs, but sometimes they seem so ridiculous. haha xD
Lindsey
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written by Lindsey, February 04, 2010
i like using the runway as inspiration - it's a good way to start a new trend or create your own style. i like some knockoffs. if it's way too cheap/obvious, i'd rather just save up for the real thing. :/
MissEhhh
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written by MissEhhh, February 04, 2010
This is great! I love knockoffs hahaha!
Alexandria
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written by Alexandria, February 04, 2010
That is most definitely true. However, many times, the major designers are trying to come up with something that is "uniquely them" and end up trying so hard that they come up with awful designs. Yet, they always know that they set the fashion trend for the season with their designs and just about all the designs (with some exceptions) have interesting aspects that can be rearranged with something else to be actually wearable.
Great Article!
Pikachu123
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written by Pikachu123, February 04, 2010
great article! its so true
lilaznmediator
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written by lilaznmediator, February 04, 2010
haha this article is so true!
hpang
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written by hpang, February 04, 2010
hey what do they expect?! we can afford those pieces of clothing?! of course there has to be places that copy the style in order to give it to the less fortunate
mana_bear
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written by mana_bear, February 04, 2010
I love the whole fashion knockoff thing, and I love how every 20 years fashion cycles, so we're wearing what our parents wore, like bell bottoms in early 2000 and now 80's clothes in 2010.
deenolove13
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written by deenolove13, February 04, 2010
nice articlee
mead.brittney
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written by mead.brittney, February 04, 2010
A lot of trends do come from the runways and sometimes I think its better for us. The runway has more of a set look. When we get the "inspired look" it has the same concept, yet simplified design. However, this allows us to mix and match outfits and style of our own, with a little runway taste. Im all for it & incorporate your own style! Not a fan of the noticeable knockoffs though, like Gucci purses/wallets-noticeable and tacky.
little j
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written by little j, February 04, 2010
I like knockoffs if they're just cheaper versions of a basic design but I think it's kind of dumb when there are knockoffs of actual brandnames, like fake Gucci purses or whatever.
kmp123
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written by kmp123, February 04, 2010
I do not think I have ever been really inspired by runway shows it is mostly that I find something that looks nice and I try it on and if it still does I buy it.
kbbywaldrop
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written by kbbywaldrop, February 04, 2010
I'm not really an 'in style' type of person, I buy what I like - whether its something new from coach that was really expensive, or something really old from a thrift store.
cedens
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written by cedens, February 04, 2010
Great article! I get inspiration from runways all the time. I love seeing runway looks to street looks in the magazines, seeing how other interupt designers styles.
magpie
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written by magpie, February 04, 2010
ehh... questionable.
Jacly
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written by Jacly, February 04, 2010
This is very true. Sometimes, though, those of us who are less creative have a harder time seeing past some of the goofiness the runways exhibit. That just makes it a little more fun, I think; we have to put more effort into using their designs than we would if it looked perfect the way it was.
vpsparkling
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written by vpsparkling, February 04, 2010
great article!
lastella
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written by lastella, February 04, 2010
very nice!
xokox
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written by xokox, February 04, 2010
thx for the article!
EmilyRose
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written by Emily Rose, February 04, 2010
very interesting article
kailynicole
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written by kailynicole, February 04, 2010
Yeah, I agree. It is a great source of inspiration - even though most runway fashions look like costumes, not outfits.
Orca
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written by Orca, February 04, 2010
I like the last paragraph. I've often looked at certain items from the runway and wondered who on earth would actually wear that? smilies/grin.gif
teemonayy
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written by teemonayy, February 04, 2010
this is true, and you can tell by looking at the clothes its cheap or not real.
Stephenie Li
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written by Stephenie Li, February 04, 2010
I don't really care what's hot for the season. I buy what I think it's nice. smilies/smiley.gif
lolabee
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written by lolabee, February 04, 2010
great article!
msbrandt
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written by msbrandt, February 04, 2010
A good amount of runway fashion isnt really pragmatic though...
RachelC
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written by RachelC, February 04, 2010
That's what, like, H&M is for, right? smilies/smiley.gif
libys11
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written by libys11, February 04, 2010
yes... i love getting inspiration from runway shows.. it's always exciting what fashion designers think of every season! smilies/cheesy.gif
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