timeless trend : the hermes birkin

The Hermes Birkin is one of the few accessories that I have actually had recurring dreams about. The Birkin is one of the most highly coveted handbags on the market. Just the mere thought about the luxurious handbag has me all riled up. It's gorgeous. The leather is beautiful. It comes in a range of rich colors and varying sizes. The craftsmanship is unbelievable.

The price starts at $7500
(yes, seventy-five hundred dollars) .

Excuse me for a moment while I have a heart attack.

(I might need another minute.....)

Now that I have had a moment to collect my thoughts, I have realized that in the CopyKat world, hope is never lost and comes in the form of a 'designer inspired lock office tote' found on Amazon for an amazing price of $35.50. What will you do with the remaining $7450 that you just saved?

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make-up face off : benefit vs. maybelline - mascara

If I was stranded on a desert island, and I was only able to bring five things, mascara would definitely top the list. I'm obsessed with mascara and the glamour that long and luxurious lashes invoke. Eyes are often the first thing that others notice, and mascara is the finishing touch that brings your make-up look all together.

There are so many mascara products out there, ones that darken, strengthen, lengthen, volumize, separate, etc etc. With so many options, how does one choose???

I recently tried Benefit's They're Real Mascara. *swoon* I fell in love hard. I was constantly getting complimented on my voluminous and lushy lashes, and being asked the very question of whether or not they were in fact real.

However, $26.99 for mascara was enough for me to question my devotion to this product. Most experts recommend a mascara shelf life of 3 months. That's over $100 a year in mascara! That's absolutely cray-cray! Do you have any idea how many shoes, tops, handbags, and accessories I can buy for $100?

Well, all hope is not lost and appears in the form of Maybelline's Rocket Volume Express Mascara.
At a price tag of $5.99-$7.99 (depending on local drugstore sales vs. amazon pricing) it is an extremely budget conscious alternative.

Both mascara's offer semi-hard plastic tip applicators adorned with spongy-like spikes. The little spikes/bristles on the end of the wand help lengthen and separate lashes. Benefit's wand has more spikes at the tip which eases in trying to get the smaller lashes at the corner of the eyes. Maybelline's spikes/bristles taper in size towards the tip, creating a similar aide. Benefit's actual mascara formula is a nice combination of wet and dry, which prevents smudging while applying. Maybelline's formula is super wet, which helps in creating dark beautiful lashes. I would suggest using caution with Maybelline's formula to avoid any smudging and I would also suggest allowing a dry time. However, I found that with several uses of Maybelline's formula, that the smudging definitely diminished.

The final verdict? Benefit's They're Real Mascara is an amazing product, except for the price tag. Go for Maybelline's Rocket Volume Express, and use the $20 you saved on just one tube of mascara to buy something else to enhance your already fabulous wardrobe. Just imagine how much you could save over the year!

current trend : monochromatic : white

Celebrate summer style with a chic monochromatic white look. Everything from all white wedges, to ivory sheer tops to shocking white skinny jeans are not only effortless, but works for both day and night looks. Polished, tailored pieces are the safest way to wear this trend.  I totally 'crave' the runway looks, but not at those prices. Here are several budget conscious alternatives to this trend, in regular and plus sizing.

LINKS

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1. Cat Eye Sunglasses $6.99

2. LabWorks Peplum Jacket $44.99

2+. PLUS SIZE LabWorks Peplum Jacket $44.99

3. Old Navy RockStar Jeans $34.50

3+. PLUS SIZE Old Navy RockStar Jeans $44.50

4. PLUS SIZE Chiffon Top $34.50

5. Sleeveless Popover Blouse $22.99

6. Quilted Double Strapped Shoulder Bag $27.50

7. Zip It Flare Dress $44.60

8. Wedge Shoes $55.99

get the look : kristen stewart

So, I am still on the fence on whether or not i "like" Kristen Stewart, but I do not have a single doubt in my mind that I absolutely love her stylist! "k-stew" as her fans like to refer to her (which to me, sounds like some god awful crockpot dish) showed up at the screening of "On the Road" looking absolutely fabulous in a pair of faux leather skinny pants by H&M. Although H&M is one of the lower priced retailers, at $149 those amazing pants are still a little bit out of reach to be considered budget conscious. Here is my interpretation of her on trend tomboyish look, for a fraction of the price, available in standard and plus size, and where to get those items.

LINKS
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1. Open Back PU Collar Blazer $38.99
2. Women's V-Neck Layering Tank $7.50
3. Faux Leather Skinny Pants $31.00
4. "K" Hinge Bracelet $7.00
5. NYX Pure Red Lipstick $5.99
6. Patent Faux Leather Pumps $23.40
7. PLUS SIZE White V-Neck Layering Tank $7.00
8. PLUS SIZE Faux Leather Lapel Blazer $27.80
9. PLUS SIZE Coated Skinny Pants $13.80

current trend : color pop : denim

After an entirely way too long hiatus, copykat is back to answer the question that's been on everybody's mind.....
Is colored denim still in?
Of course it is!
There's really no wrong way to wear this current trend. Dress it down with a racerback tank or dress it up with a sheer blouse or even a peplum top. Go monochrome, or even try pairing different shades of the same color with brightly colored jeans or pair with a contrasting color.
Here are 7 budget friendly options for both regular and plus-size, all under $50!
Just click on the links below to view the items

LINKS
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1. PLUS SIZE Basic Color Skinny Stretch $48
2. BDG Neon Grazer $19.99
3. Womens Denim  Jeggings $22.99
4. Life in Progress Zip Pocket Jeans $24.99
5. PLUS SIZE Colored Skinny Jeans $22.80
6. PLUS SIZE Blue Sophia Skinny Jeans $44.80
7. Suzette Super Skinny Jeans $22.99

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current trend : leather

Leather is popping up everywhere for this upcoming season, and it is a far cry from the rough edged bondgage laden style of the past. The current look for leather is polished, versatile, and feminine. Everything from leather dresses, leather pencil skirts, and leather trimmed finishes are ultimately the new face in leather. Leather jackets get an update in bright colors and often have girly touches such as lace. Here are several 'leather' inspired trends, in regular and plus size, to get you fashion ready for fall with affordability in mind.

LINKS
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1. Rock&Republic Faux Leather Sheath Dress by Kohls $52
2. G by GUESS Faux-Leather Jacket $74.50
3. Animal Instincts Vegan Leather Dress $70
4. Slate Movie Night Shorts $29.99
5. Ankle Zip Faux Leather Pants $24.80
6. PLUS SIZE Jessica London Leather Shrug $139.99
7. PLUS SIZE Leather Motorcycle Jacket $89.99
8. PLUS SIZE Faux Leather Zippered Pencil Skirt $19.80
9. PLUS SIZE Faux Leather Dress w/Lace Skirt $59.99

current trend : olympics : team usa

With the 2012 Summer Olympic Games buzzing around us, dive right in (no pun intended) and embrace the americana fashion associated with supporting your home team, Team USA. Being patriotic and rooting for our country doesn't always have to equate to american flag covered fanny packs and ill-fitting baseball caps. Embrace the American Flag and colors with fun graphic t-shirts,  brightly colored skinny jeans and fun summer shoes. Below are budget conscious items to celebrate our American Team Spirit and the direct links to the clothing items to purchase them directly.

LINKS
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1. USA Metallic T-shirt $24.99
2. G by GUESS Super Skinny Jeans $49.50
3. Halter Side Cut Out Monokini $38.50
4. PLUS SIZE City Chic Striped Cardigan $60
5. PLUS SIZE Flag Screen Print Tee $24.99
6. PLUS SIZE Forever 21+ Skinny Jeans $24.80
7. Fergalicious Ultimate Wedge $40.99
8. Embelished Suede Flats $18.70

current trend : color pop : orange

Bright consuming colors such as orange, coral, and any variation of a fiery hot orange are 'red-hot' this season. A pop of color goes a long way, so this is a trend to be weary of when styling. Avoid super dark colors like black and navy, as this can often look too costumey. The best way to wear these neon colors are with neturals like khaki, light brown, tan, and light grey. Not feeling daring enough to wear such bright colors as the focal point of your outfit? Try a pair of orange espadrilles or accessorize with orange sunnies or a statement purse. Below are budget friendly options for this modern trend and the direct links to purchase the items. Shopping made simple.

LINKS 

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1. Poolside Orange Flutter Dress $42.00

2. Sheer and Tell Top $39.99

3. Hi Lo Button Down Blouse $29.95

4. Neon Flat Front Shorts by GAP $39.95

5. American Apparel Chiffon Skirt $39

6. Tripp Orange Skinny Jeans $29

7. Classic Orange Wayfarer Sunglasses $4.99

8. Orange Suede Espadrilles $29

9. Orange Bangle Set $22

10. PLUS SIZE Shoulder Top by Eloquii $29.99

11. PLUS SIZE Racerback Tank by Forever 21 $6.49

12. PLUS SIZE Jessica London Cropped Blazer $44.99

13. PLUS SIZE Flutter Dress $54.99

14. PLUS SIZE Skinny Jeans by Forever 21 $24.80

15. PLUS SIZE Pleated Midi Skirt $54

16. PLUS SIZE Roamans Cutwork Camisole $29.99

17. PLUS SIZE Orange Skinny Belt by ASOS $9.94

get the look : kate mara

Kate Mara was spotted at Coach's High Line Summer party in New York City last week, where the theme was vintage carnival. Mara's look was clean and simple, yet still playful adhering to the vintage carnival theme. The American Horror Story actress was seen wearing a polka dot blazer, a black chiffon blouse, white lace shorts, black heels, and a brown leather clutch. Below is a budget friendly interpretation of the look with the direct links to purchase the items.

LINKS

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1. Forever 21 Polka Dot Blazer $29.80

2. American Apparel Chiffon Blouse $48

3. PLUS SIZE Forever 21 Polka Dot Blazer $29.80

4. PLUS SIZE Knit Shirt $39.95

5. PLUS SIZE Apt 9 White Cuffed Shorts $19.20

6. Lace Shorts by LuLu's $26.50

7. Urban Expressions Clutch $47.50

8. Pointed Toe Kitten Heel $17.80

get the look : taylor swift

Taylor Swift was recently spotted out and about looking absolutely adorable as she always does. She was seen with red loafers, polka dot jeans, and a crisp and cool blue collared button up shirt. Her style is simple and effortless and always chic. RayBan style sunglasses and bright red lips complete the look. Below are links to the affordable alternatives to this high priced look.

LINKS

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1. Forever 21 Long Sleeve Button Up $15.80

2. DG2 Polka Dot Jeans (sizes 2-24) $34.90

3. PLUS SIZE Lands End 3/4 Shirt $55

4. NYX Lipstick Pure Red $6  

5. Classic Wayfarers Black $1.20  

6.  GO JANE Smoking Shoe $13.20

7.  Leather Classic Crossbody Purse $29.95