Stylish with Substance

Twilight, the cult vampire romance lit that has had followers in victorian and goth fashions, like frilly wrist cuffs, collars, etc., is finally out in theaters. The premiere, however, showed its human stars in their own tastes, and lead actress Kristen Stewart, donned this autumn's trend of colorblock. Far from punk, 80s, or flamboyantly colored, the frock is still only blood-warm in red, white and gray---but with modern sleek lines.

Remember, characters are played by mere mortal celebrities, with their own tastes, but does the lack of the huge trend that's currently nicknamed after the flick say something?

Will the underground scenesters, like Etsians (from Etsy.com) soon flock from their wrist warmers and lace to late 2008's in-scene fashion? Doubtful, but until now the insider trend of patched colors hasn't been in my view - will it expand to the other circles now?

You be the judge for yourselves; would you like to steal this style (like below)?

For all the recessionistas with a little extra cash, this entire ensemble (aside from the everclassic black pump and any accessories you'd add) costs a total of under $100! (sans shipping and tax)

This pairing blends vamp and Victorian lace
with a subtler take on colorblocking.

Top: Charlotte Russe
Skirt: Forever 21
Clutch bag (cosmetic case): Dooney & Bourke

Nanette Lepore shoes, which debuted just last year, are sugar, spice and everything just right; a mix of trendy now and Lepore girlishness. This season they stand on bases of chunky heels and wedges, with uppers detailed, scribbled, or at least colourful. A nod back to vintage times, most of these shoes would perfectly suit the antiqued images of pin-up girls - a la Betty Paige.

With pricepoints in the 400s, the heels are sky-high, but Lepore does a second range for Keds, sandals and ballet skimmers, some mimicking the "higher" designs. I urge fans (like I) not to let these lower-height and more affordable shoes go, and true devotees to scoop up at least one pair of these early-on haute designs for history!

Immediately we see Nanette knows her craft, and can make a shoe with the rest of the masters.

Purchase Nanette shoes at Neiman Marcus and her line for Keds at Nordstrom.

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If only it were a folding umbrella, for only $19.99, it may already be mine.

*Via SheFinds*

Bluefly has designer apparel up to 70% off. There are always really great deals, but things sell out fast, and there can often be very few sizes of items. Though I was able to snatch up one of the items on my list for Spring; a cropped jacket. The Parameter Ivory Tweed Cropped Blazer is 60% at $105.

In my search, I always noticed a very similar cropped tweed jacket, but by Marc Jacobs: much more expensive. It is also 60% off at $1,052 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Trend alert: I'm totally feeling cropped jackets and coats. They're perfect for Spring!The two jackets are different enough to not have that *steal un-appeal*, yet they both have the same look in the hot trend of a cropped jacket, and they're also so classic and 60s feminine with tweed, wide peter pan collars, and flared sleeves.

The Parameter blazer has a classic, versatile style and tweed pattern, and still can boast a *quality* retail pricetag (for which you won't have to pay), so if you love this style, you can't go wrong. Also, Bluefly offers "Bill Me Later," so you can actually pay around the time weather permits wearing it. Plus.

Though shalt not create false idols or worship any other designers but the haute, right?

Well, putting a false logo on a knockoff is wrong, so probably is putting key signature elements of a designer on a brand name bag, and definitely is trying to sell replica bags as authentic. But what about when a known brand takes inspiration from big designers of bags with even bigger pricetags? What about if this bag is actually well-made with genuine leather, and doesn't do one of the 3 Deadly Purse Sins I mentioned?

There will be big disagreement on this issue, but perhaps what we have then is a great Style Steal Bargain.

Wilson's Leather crafts well-made genuine leather bags, but their own design team isn't leading in original thought. The nicest bags from them are copied from true inspiration-worthy sources. Is this wrong? Well, at least you know this bag won't fall apart, and nothing's a blatant knockoff. Wilson's Leather is a reputable source of leather goods, from jackets to wallets.

I even bought for myself this Turn-Lock Handbag (now $60 from $200). The bag doesn't have a lock and key, zips at the top, with a faux flap for decoration, and has two shoulder straps. It's those little convenient differences that caters this bag more to my needs---apologies to Hermes.

Here are two bags with I can tell where the inspiration comes from, but these have different design elements, definitely: the Rhinestone Leash Briefcase, a la Luella (but $280 from $400); and this un-marked Marc inspired, Push-Lock Satchel (marked down to $42 from $140).

Finally, is my favorite for it's shape, perfect details, and quality leather-on-tonal-trim-leather; the Gathered Drawstring Bag. There is a real argument for a Theda look without the overpriced Louis Vuitton monogram or cheesy "canvas" used on those bags. This bag looks even better at a delicious $48! (from $150).

Is this less of style for a steal, and more stealing style? You may let me know. If you want a different take on this issue, visit Pursed Lips.

The Payless ShoeSource Tweed Pocket Flap, called "Becky", has enough style to stand on its own. But, no, it is completely based on the Prada Embellished Tweed Bag. Prada's original is adorable in brown, but has a bit of a rough edge for the schoolgirl feel we like such bags for. Payless's re-take has less detail, which allows it to not go overboard like its inspiration, yet its lack of fine craftsmanship is apparent in the shoulder strap's lack of shape (and it doesn't boast that charming orange ribbon). The original's shoulder strap is simply too long. The Prada is on sale at Smart Bargains, itself, for $800 (from $1,295). Becky goes for $15 at Payless.com. You decide for yourselves.

I feel very lucky to have caught this Delia's pump resembling a hot Louis Vuitton number, for over $600 less. (I'm inspired to bring you such Style Steals on a regular basis!)

At a current price of $42, the Delia's Aria is made of suede instead of satin, but portrays the same romantic elegance with ruching and a dainty bow. That strappy look (which furthers the ribbon feel) is reached through the Mary Jane ankle strap.

The spurious Delia's pair may not have the same oomph, but it's more practical, from the pricetag to the more moderate heel height. (I must warn shoppers, though, the heel, to me, looks 3 inches tall, not the listed 2".)

(Plus shopping at Delia's can be one big bargain bin experience through Oct. 20th. In the spirit of saving, Delia's is offering its fashion leftovers for $9.99 and less in a Last Chance Clearance.)

Possibly even the best thing about this re-take is that, without that tulle trim and Burlesque appeal, it won't attract fashion disasters the likes of Christina Aguilera. (I so picture her strutting about in her Marmalade getup with the Vuitton pumps.) In these, instead, you'll be feminine and participating in a huge trend.