It surprises people, but I'm super frugal. Being a saver is a core part of my being. Most people seem to think that you can't possibly like designer items if you're frugal.
I always tell these people: First, many designer items hold their value. If you always buy at resale, you can oftentimes sell at the same resale price or sometimes, for even more! Overall, from my designer resale purchases, I've actually come out ahead. Whereas, my cheaper clothes have only cost me money in the long-run.
To do this, I always buy any fashion item that retails for more than $1000, pre-owned or deeply discounted. And, I always take great care of these items.
Also, a great designer item saves time. I don't end up trying 101 mediocre dresses before a special event; I just grab one of my beloved Herve Leger dresses, and voila, I feel dynamite.
If it's within your budget, it makes sense to get things that you LOVE instead of things that you tire of quickly. Quality over quantity. If more people applied these rules, they'd realize that designer items (at resale) can save them money and time in the long-run!
The only caveat... Traversing the resale world is tricky due to counterfeits. You can end up with a heck-of-a-deal or end up spending hundreds or thousands on something completely shoddy and worthless.
That's why Lollipuff is so hyper-focused and obsessed with authenticity. We're here to aid you in the hunt for something fabulous at a wonderful price!
If you're not already familiar, Lollipuff can help you authenticate a designer item.
There's been a serious trend for some time now. It's all about the butt, which is why I need some jeans that specifically focus on this area. And, of course, being me, this led to some serious research, reading and watching a whole lot of reviews.
With all the sponsorships and photoshopped instagram posts going on, I needed to personally try out some of the options touted online. Here's a thorough, honest review of 3 jeans specifically made to make the derriere look extra good.
But, before you read any further, take a look at the side-by-side comparison above. Which do you think looks the best? If you could do me a wee-bit favor, please let me know in the comments below.
Freddy Pants
You may have seen these before. They have invaded social media, and the company runs a lot of online ads. They are the Freddy Wr.Up pant in midrise; their low-rise is extremely low. They come in a number of options including jeans which are really jeggings, pant leggings here, and here.
IMO, the online hype is hype. This company has a high probability of having sponsored a LOT of influencers. These are nothing more than, arguably, a good pair of leggings. The reason why they emphasize the booty is because all leggings have a tendency to emphasize the backside as they are so tight and second-skin.
Here's the problem that I have with these. First, quality for the price. These retail for over $120, and they are a very fragile thin, stretchy material. You'll notice this when you touch the fabric and when you read their care instructions. Their care instructions requires these pants to be hand-washed AND air-dried, away from sunlight. ALSO, they even emphasize how they should be pulled on like hosiery and to avoid your fingernails from getting caught in them.
Many people have stated that the pants will develop holes after just a few wears. YIKES! Those are some of the most fragile leggings ever.
But, in general, I'm not a fan of the fit. There really wasn't any of the purported lifting and the pocket design is just a little too low in my opinion.
Also, watch out for their return policy. On most of the pages of their site, they state free returns for 30 days. However, if you dig through 3 different pages, you'll find in very fine print on one of the pages that items bought with any discount code or sale price including the $10 discount paraded throughout the site will void any possibility of a return for refund.
As returns are so confusing and kind of risky on their own site, I prefer to shop second party for these pants like here, here, and here.
I wear size 24 in designer jeans and US size 0. In Freddy pants, I was an xs.
YMI WannaBettaButt Jeans
The YMI WannaBettaButt jeans are probably my favorite cheap jeans ever. I have only worn designer jeans for years and years... but this made me add low-end jeans back into my rotation! From the front, they looked very similar to some of my favorite designer jeans. To see this, check out this fashion tip blog post featuring the YMI WannaBettaButt jeans.
The pocket design makes the backside slightly perkier simply from its clever pocket and yoke design, but it's nothing life-changing. And, really, there is no shaping from the material. However, in my search for butt-shaping jeans, I have found something that is worthy to add to my wardrobe for less than $30!
I wear size 24 in designer jeans and US size 0. In YMI, I was a junior's 1.
Amia / Columbian Jeans
Columbians have been making jeans catered towards the backside for a very very long time now, so of course, I needed to try something from there. The hold on these jeans was strong around the midsection and thigh, but because I am so thin, I didn't really need any hold in these areas. And, the thicker denim was not as flattering around my thinner frame. :/
It seems like Columbian sizes like 1,3,5, etc are most similar to US junior sizes 1,3,5, etc. I am a size 1 in Columbian clothes and normally wear size 24 in designer jeans.
So, back to the 5 jeans comparisons near the beginning of this post. Number 1 is Amia, the Columbian jeans. Number 2 is YMI WannaBettaButt. Number 3 is Freddy Wr.Up. Number 4 and 5 were not discussed, as they are regular jeans put in as a control group; they are the Frame Ali high-waist jeans and Frame Skinny de Jeanne, respectively. My favorite for the bootie is number 2 and number 4. What do you think?
Want to see something completely crazy? Recently, we were in Thailand getting a closer look at the counterfeit market in Asia. Get ready to see A LOT of fake bags, shoes, cosmetics and more!
A good authenticator doesn't only know the nuances and details of authentic designer items, but they are also aware of the common errors of many fakes. Here, I'm examining the shoddy logo of a replica Prada saffiano tote.
Honestly, none of these fakes shock me. While these fakes were better than the ones that one bumps into on a random US big city alleyway, they were all very obvious fakes in my book. However, it was interesting to handle and inspect so many fakes in one day.
Designers that were the most commonly faked included: Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Bao Bao Issey Miyake, and Michael Kors. But, it was crazy... even fake Nike and Adidas shirts were being sold.
Curious to know how much these fakes cost?
There was no way I was ever going to buy a fake. But, I gotta ask the pricing question for the sake of everyone's curiosity!
I asked the sales merchant what the price was for a classic black caviar Chanel medium double flap. She told me 2,500 Baht which is approximately $80 USD. It didn't really matter what the price was, I was going to walk away. As I was walking away, she kept offering lower and lower prices. Final lowest price?
The final price was 1,200 Baht or approximately $38. Still, I have no use for a fake bag.
The story gets more interesting. In one of the stalls, there are a handful of non-Thai foreigners, all male, bartering over a large sum of counterfeit handbags. Considering the prices that I've seen these bags sell for online, there's a good chance that these guys were con-artists. When an unsuspecting consumer is sold a fake replica for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, there is a CLEAR victim and predator.
I HATE, ABHOR these types of people.
For most of us, especially those of us who live in an affluent country like the United States, there are many ethical ways of making a living... AND very comfortably too!
These bags were located in a 7-story mall. Not all of the stalls were fake goods. Some were local artisan goods. Others were cheap, touristy knick knacks. There were a ton of elephant pants. 🙂 But, there were also a fair number of fakes, including accessories, makeup, shoes, clothing and so much more.
Eh... what's this? Counterfeit Herve Leger! This stall had a HUGE row of them, but one of the merchants was following us so closely that we weren't able to get a shot of that. :/
And, of course, fake Christian Louboutin heels. There was Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo... the list goes on and on.
The stunning Valentino rockstud being faked. 🙁 Eck.
This final picture illustrates the worst counterfeits in the market. See the freaking vitamins and Oil of Olay lotion? That's absolutely dangerous.
Hope that everyone is having the most joyous and peaceful holiday this year. This outfit is inspired by Santa Claus and hopefully, invokes some jolly cheer.
The older I get, the better I get at becoming grateful. This year, I'm thankful for peace in this country, for another wonderful year of experience and growth, for everyone that I love and loves me, for being a part of life, for all the things learned and yet to be learned, for the beautiful mystery that is in everything, for myself and for all that I am...
Before 2017 ends, I want to impart this message. Each of us is a universe, a beautiful, un-replaceable special creature with intent, passion and will. Each passing moment is wondrous and unique. I hope that you have treasured the moments of 2017, and, from the bottom of my heart, I hope that 2018 presents even more magical experiences.
For the coming year and hopefully, for the many years to come, strive to be you, because that is the most special thing that you can give to the world. My warmest and fondest wishes.
Ready to test your skills in authenticating designer handbags? Here's a quiz to see if you have hidden talents. ***Hint*** There are no tricky bags in this bunch. So, as long as you are decent in the brand, it should be relatively straight-forward.
Answers located at the bottom.
Answers: 1. Authentic 2. Fake 3. Fake 4. Authentic 5. Fake 6. Authentic
Of all the bags, I love structured vintage Chanel bags the most. The look, the quality, the versatility! One of the tough things about buying vintage bags though is the lack of modeling pictures online. Well, not to worry, here's another outfit featuring another classic vintage Chanel.
The classic double flap bag has always been in very high demand, and the price of that stunning bag reflects its popularity. This price might make the bag unattainable or unrealistic for some.
But, the good news is that there are plenty of other vintage Chanel bags that have the same effect and look similar to the classic double flap. Case and point, this beautiful navy zip-top tote with long shoulder straps shown in this blog post! The bag in this post usually sells for half the price of a classic double flap.
Same beautiful quilted lambskin leather, same chain link strap, and even a structured body! And, for some, this bag may be favorable to the double flap, as it has an easy zipper top opening, and holds more items!
Plus, you probably won't see anyone else with this bag. 🙂
There's a lot of beautiful options in the designer world!
Ever since Lollipuff expanded beyond the marketplace and opened up our authentication services to items sold outside of our site, we've become even more aware of the issues of designer resale. Read on to find out more...
Simply put, a LOT of authentication service providers are awful. Below are 4 easy-to-authenticate items. For brand experts, these should not be difficult at all. Shockingly, all of the items below were authenticated incorrectly by "experts."
Answers are at the bottom.
- Authentic 2. Fake 3. Authentic 4. Authentic
There was a commonality among the authenticators that made these errors. They all purport to authenticate most designer brands. Authentication greatly varies from brand to brand, and each brand requires a lot of expertise specific to the brand. So, if there is one piece of useful advice that we can glean from this...... be skeptical of the accuracy of any authentication service that covers a plethora of designers.
Classic. Figure-flattering. Polished. Kate Beckinsale has a strong sense of style that is always on point. That's why we've taken two of her signature looks and broken them down. So, copy if you want; it's super easy.
Comfy but Adorable Leggings Outfit
The break-down:
Top: Layered. Shorter sweater on top of a longer neutral-colored tee. (Example)
Bottoms: Black leggings. (Example)
Shoes: Black buckled boots. (Example)
Accessories: Sunglasses. Scarf optional.
Trendy Business Look
The break-down:
Jacket: One-button. Fitted. (Example)
Top: Chiffon or silk loose-fitting shell blouse. (Example)
Bottoms: Black leather pants. (Example)
Shoes: Black with platforms. (Example)
Accessories: Minimal.
Bonus: Put-Together Halloween Costume Inspiration
And, seriously, if we're going to talk about Kate Beckinsale, we've got to talk about this woman's Halloween costumes! She has some of the BEST costumes. She achieves that amazing balance of sexy but not slutty.
How does she do this? 3 aspects are fairly consistent in most of her costumes:
1. A cinched waistline.
2. She keeps it from going over-the-top by keeping almost all skin below the neck covered. Observe the tights, the sleeves, the cape?
3. Sky-high heels. These pretty much always make everything look that much sexier.
Take this fun quiz on vintage Chanel bags. It's got a number of vintage camera and flap bags to test your authenticating skills on. Answers are at the bottom.
Answers: 1. Fake 2. Fake 3. Fake 4. Authentic 5. Authentic
Some things are truly worth the investment. Each of these items have passed the test of time. I have adored the following 5 must-haves for more than 5 years.
Chanel black caviar classic double flap handbag
I truly believe this is the most beautiful bag ever made. And, it is stunning with literally every outfit, casual and formal.
I have it in navy lambskin and black caviar. While the lambskin is unbelievably soft and shiny, the caviar gets more use due to its durability.
Black Herve Leger top
I love Herve Leger tops, particularly black ones. My closet currently has 5 of them! They are incredibly versatile and go with almost any pants or skirts. The best part? They give that "I'm not trying hard, but totally sexy" look. By far, my best-fitting tops!
Classic black Christian Louboutin pumps
Notice a trend? All of these items are classic and ridiculously versatile. A pair of classic black Louboutins look glamorous with jeans, dresses, skirts and even this year's little red riding hood Halloween costume.
Take care of the shoes like vibramming the soles, and designer shoes will last!
Smythe Duchess blazer
This is the most amazing fitting blazer ever! Loved it so much that I invested in a black piece and a navy piece. Of the two, the navy is preferred. Just like everything in this post, this elevates ordinary outfits.
Valentino black suede over-the-knee stretch boots
Ok... so I haven't had these shoes for 5 years, but I KNOW I'll have them for more than 5 years!
Up until last year, I bought new over-the-knee boots every single Fall. That ritual has finally ended now that these were found. They hug my legs perfectly, and sport a timeless almond-toe and easy-to-walk-in block heel.