We've Moved!

Alright, so this has been in the works for a while and it is finally time. We've moved the blog over to WordPress. Please change your bookmarks. Don't forget to Follow us on Bloglovin!

http://mockoff.wordpress.com

Weekly Mock-off Round Up

I apologize for the lack of updates this week, as I've been in San Francisco. I did manage a few. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Celebrity Style:

- Style icon Alexa Chung hangs out in Brooklyn

- Summer Glau makes an appearance at Comic Con

Designer Style:

- Get the laid back look of Burberry Brit

- Scarlett Johanssen shines for Mango

Single Designer Mock-offs:

- Plaid Dress. See by Chloe ($302) VS Charlotte Russe ($24)

- Zipper Booties. Giuseppe Zanotti ($780) VS Michael Antonio ($50)

- Grey Denim Skirt. Diesel ($180) VS Bebe ($30)

Geeking Out in San Francisco

A very exhausted Emily checking in. I've been in San Fran for the Search Engine Strategies conference since Tuesday and it's been an amazing few days of PPC, Social Media and SEO information being packed into my brain. I'm looking forward to using the information not just for my day job, but to make some usability improvements to Mock-off.

While I spent the days hopping from information session to information session, I did get a chance to explore some of the shopping that San Francisco has to offer. First off, almost every designer has a flagship here, something that Portland sadly lacks. Seems like every department store also has a presence, which is delightful. My hotel actually faced Bloomingdales - a store I frequent online, but sadly don't get to visit in person. I wandered the floors, gaping at the designer displays. I geeeked out a little and took pictures - something I shamefully admitted to the woman in the Vince section where I purchased a chain necklace.

If you also live in a Bloomies-free city, I invite you to geek out with me.

Inspiration Vacation - Part 1

This weekend has been one filled with relaxation and reflection. I have a busy week ahead, as I'm heading to San Fransisco (YES!) for Connected Marketing Week. I've been harvesting my energy, and spending my time at home, reading magazines, catching up on blogs and listening to some of my favorite tunes.

With Fall just around the corner (and already showing up in stores) I find myself longing for sweaters and tall boots. I've had a few inspiring items rolling around in my head, that just make me smile when I think of them. I took some time this weekend to right them all down, so I can share them with you and ask what's inspiring you right now?

1) Burlap Bags - A friend recently gifted me a large burlap bag that has quickly turned into my go-to weekender. It's the perfect size for carrying overnight necessities. I love the rugged look. It's a great step away from traditional.

2) Red Hair - Earlier this Summer I decided it was time to add some red to my hair. I am thrilled with the outcome, but I keep thinking wouldn't it be nice to go all the way (think Christina Hendricks)? Every time I see a red head I can't help the twinge of jealousy.

3) Party Lights - Nothing is more romantic to me than twinkling party lights. Maybe this is me hanging on to the last weeks of summer, but I've been dreaming of a romantic meal on a dimmly lit terrace. Someone please call my husband.

Stay tuned for Part 2.

Weekly Mock-off Round Up

Thank goodness it's Friday. Battled through a sinus infection and head cold. Tonight, it's me and the couch catching up on our shows.

Here is everything you may have missed this week:

Celebrities:

- Beautiful Diane Kruger shows off her arm candy

- Olivia Munn earns her nerdy chic title

Designers:

- Jessica Stam kicks it for Aldo

- BCBG MaxAzria gets all robotic

Single Mock-offs:

- Knock-out seafoam dress. Herve Leger ($975) VS Michael Stars ($55)

- Lace up Wedges. Tory Burch ($225) VS Steven by Steve Madden ($110)

- Studded platform clogs. Fendi ($690) VS Jessica Simpson ($89)

- Blush lace top. Elizabeth & James ($245) VS Asos ($37)

- Horse print tunic. Stella McCartney ($189) VS Asos ($30)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Stella & Dot Fall/Winter Finds

It's no secret that I'm a fan of jewelry line Stella & Dot. The pieces are timeless, beautiful and affordable, all things that I look for when scoping new jewelry. So I was excited when the line launched their Fall/Winter collection last week.

Unlike their colorful Spring collection, this line focuses on vintage inspired work chic. From baubles, to star bursts to even owls, the line has a bit of whimsy for everyone. Here are my favorite pieces:

Clockwise from top left:

Nolita Necklace ($198), Audrey Cluster Bracelet ($69), Chelsea Necklace ($59), Jolie Cocktail Ring ($79)

Still not inspired? Watch this video and you'll be jonesing for Fall!

People Actually Win These Things

Some might call me a lucky person. It started when I was in 6^th grade. I was the 9^th caller on the radio and won tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters, a George Michael CD and tickets to an Adam Sandler movie. When I was 17, I won a trip to Orlando from the same radio station to meet my favorite band (which happens to be a popular late 90’s boyband that shall remain nameless). Going to college in Las Vegas seemed to perpetuate my luck as I was always winning bits of money on slots and tables here and there.

So I guess it is only natural that I tend to enter each and every sweepstakes that floats through my inbox. I do this not expecting to win, but I get a sort of natural high from the possibility of winning. I sort of mindlessly enter now, hoping that some of my past luck will come back. Even I was a bit surprised when I received an email from Whish Body Products stating I had won a Lucky Magazine Lucky Breaks giveaway.

I’m sure you’ve seen the daily emails from Lucky. Enter to win our cover look! A great trip! The latest accessory from DVF!, etc. I always enter and always think “Wow, hundreds of thousands of other women are probably sitting in their cubical doing the exact same thing”. So I was thrilled to receive the email from Whish.

I just received my prize today. It’s a wonderful smelling pomegranate “Hair Inhibiting Gel” (LOVE that). While I haven’t tried it yet, I am already impressed with the beautiful retro packaging and the product’s promise to reduce hair density by 26%. What woman doesn’t want that?

Thanks to Whish and Lucky Magazine I am going to shower happy tonight. Just call me lucky.

Weekly Mock-off Round Up

Happy Friday friends. What a week? Still recovering from last week's concert.

Here's what you missed:

Celebrities:

- Hill's star Kristen Cavallari's LA Style

- Alessandra Ambrosio's New York party style

Designers:

- Zara goes pretty for Summer

- Emerald green rules Escada

Single Mock-offs:

- Leopard cross body - Lanvin ($1950) VS Target ($40)

- Nautical Striped Dress - Jean Paul Gaultier ($394) VS Ralph Lauren ($100)

- Three Strap Sandal - Cynthia Vincent ($150) VS Steve Madden ($50)

- Agate Cuff - Allison Schiller ($450) VS Blydesign ($88)

Gorge-ous

Music lovers in the Pacific Northwest all know about the Gorge Ampitheater. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful music venues in the country. Located in Central Washington state, the stage overlooks the Columbia River gorge and all of it's beauty. When I found out one of my favorite bands Kings of Leon would be playing there this past weekend, I gathered my friends and decided to make a weekend trip out of it.

Although I was excited to hear the band, I was probably more enthusastic to see the unique fashions at the show. Outdoor summer concerts are always a bit of a fashion melting pot. I assumed with the hot weather and dusty scenery we would find a sort of Coachella crowd - laid back, boho chic. For the most part I was right - maxi dresses, loose tops and strappy sandals ruled the night. I sat on the top of the hill with my camera, taking in the scenery with a Satatorialist approach. It may seem a bit creepy, but I think I succeeded in catching the vibe of the night.

Shortly after this was taken the sun went down and KOL took the stage. It was a gorge-ous night, a gorge-ous venue and a gorge-ous vibe.

Weekly Mock-off Round Up

Happy Friday! I am bouncing off the walls with excitement from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Yup, picked me up a new Minkoff bag (and after yesterday's post you know I'm thrilled)!

Here is your weekly round up of this week's knock offs:

Celebrities:

- Gwyneth Paltrow goes chic for art

- Actress Reese Witherspoon rocks the ikat

Designers:

- Sultry French designer Sonia Rykiel

- Fun colors with Prada

Single Mock-offs:

- Beautiful rosette hobo bag. Valentino ($1195) VS Big Buddha ($88)

- Fun floral romper. Cynthia Vincent ($275) VS Alloy ($33)

- Gold wishbone necklace. Jennifer Meyer ($700) VS Modcloth ($12)

- Silk green shorts. Acne ($645) VS Victorias Secret ($20)

- Lace cutout leggings. Alexander McQueen ($210) VS 6126 ($66)

Bada Boum! Rebecca Minkoff is Coming

Lovely! Rebecca Minkoff's Fall collection will be hitting stores shortly and this launch video has me chomping at the bit. I realize the brand isn't exactly inexpensive. Truth be told, my inspiration for Mock-off came from a Rebecca Minkoff knock-off I found at Target. But I can't help but love everything this woman does. Her Fall collection seems to be no exception.

Sit back, watch and...Bada Boum!...be inspired.

This Weekend I Fell in Love

This past weekend hubby and I made an afternoon trip out to the coast. And what did we come across in one of Seaside's many antique stores...


Stunning isn't it? All that came between me and this vintage Hermes was that glass...and $620. Sigh.

Up in the Air - Portland's Got Style

When you think of stylish cities in the states Portland isn't exactly on the top of the list. But that is what Karin Vitt of website PDX Neat Sheet is out to change. Since launching last year the site has become the number one source of fashion news, events and sales in the Portland area (and one that I frequent daily).

Friday night was the official launch party for the site, hosted by Crave Portland. Held at the top of the beautiful Hotel DeLuxe, the party featured a who's who of Portland fashion insiders, including a fashion show and shopping booths featuring local designers. The night benefited Willamette Riverkeeper, a local non-profit committed to keeping the Willamette safe and clean.

My friend and I arrived a half hour after the event started and the rooftop was already packed. The crowd was buzzing with the excitement of the event, the clear skies and, of course, the free drinks. We made our way around, grabbing drinks and purchasing raffle tickets to benefit the charity. We were both excited to browse the booths featuring local jewelry designers, artists and authors.

One booth in particular caught my eye - Pasteesh, an affordable jewelry line developed by Carrie and Bette of Portland. The pieces were beautifully displayed on top of vintage books and artifacts (you know I'm a sucker for vintage). The colorful pieces are each made by hand, making each one as much of a treasure as the pieces with which they were displayed.

A number of other jewelry designers were on hand, including Sahlia.

And, of course, my friend Melissa couldn't resist trying on these fun hats!

There was also a fashion show, featuring Portland boutiques like Mabel & Zora and Oh, Baby.

It was a great event, and I am thrilled I was able to attend. It appears that Portland fashion has made it's mark, and it's not going anywhere.

Weekly Mock-off Round Up

I think I speak for everyone when I say TGIF. It has been unbearably hot in these parts, as I know it has in many other parts of the country. I hope everyone is able to stay cool and relaxed this weekend.

Here is the round-up:

Celebrities:

- Songstress Rihanna shows off her eclectic style.

- Ashley Greene proves she is a fashion star in the making.

Designers:

- Claudia Schiffer gives Ferragamo good face

- Luxury retailer Harvey Nichols is crazy for Loubs

Single Mock-offs:

- Stay cool in a cargo dress. Burberry ($495) VS J Crew ($118)

- Classy nude tunic. Rag & Bone ($325) VS Equipment ($70)

- Punk meets glam fringe bracelet. Goti ($936) VS Nordstrom ($32)

- Studded Wrap Belt. Derek Lam ($235) VS Elegantly Waisted ($83)

Eclipse Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the June Eclipse contest. We had over 2300 entries! It was the biggest month ever on mock-off and I can't think our loyal readers enough. As a measure of thanks, I'll be hosting another contest in a couple of weeks so stay tuned!

And now onto the winner!

Number 1414 is a tweet belonging to @madamerkf. Congrats Wendy!

Just Keep Running...

Happy belated 4th, dear followers. I must apologize for my absence of late. Last weekend I was running my heart out at the Rock N Roll Seattle Marathon (I finished!!!), and this past week has been hectic with an unexpected ear infection and stress at my day job. But all is seemingly back to normal now. In case you missed anything, I'll catch you up on the newest mock-offs from the past few weeks.

Also, thank you to everyone who entered last month's Eclipse contest. I will announce the lucky winner later today.

And now, onward to the mock-offs:

Celebrities:

- Gilmore Girl Alexis Bledel blacks out the red carpet

- Kate Hudson goes for a stroll in NYC

- Disneyland lights up for Vanessa Hudgens

Designers:

- Roberto Cavalli goes mod

- Classic label Chloe is, well, classic

Single Mock-offs:

- Studded Bucket Bag, Matt & Nat ($232) VS Daisy Fuentes ($22)

- White Bandage Dress, Herve Leger ($1450) VS Arden B ($69)

- Studded Sandals, Valentino ($475) VS Kurt Geiger ($169)

- Silk Floral Shorts, Erdem ($492) VS Asos ($51)

- Wide Gold Belt, YSL ($356) VS Forever 21 ($7)

Video Vixen

It's not often you (or specifically me) get the chance to be an extra in a music video. (Sure, I stumbled into a video shoot for Ashlee Simpson when I lived in Las Vegas, but it was purely by accident - I swear.) So when a good friend called and asked if I wanted to be an extra in Leverage star Christian Kane's new country music video I jumped at the opportunity. When would a music video shoot in Portland ever again?

So last Saturday my friend and I dressed in our best "country - gothic" garb and headed to Dantes, a shady bar downtown. (Note: despite my Texan heritage, my best "country-gothic" garb ended up being my sequin Rodarte for Target tunic, black leggings and boots). We were hearded into tents with other extras, most of whom seemed to be huge fans of the show Leverage (which happens to film here in Portland). They all screamed when stars of the show would walk through the parking lot we were being held, including the video's director Timothy Hutton.

After a few hours of waiting in the hot sun, we were handed fake bottles of beer and given our instruction - head inside the bar and dance/sing/scream along to the music. Seems easy right? Well, not when you have to do the take 7 or 8 times, with a bunch of hot, hungry, sweaty extras (one poor girl even passed out!). But I'll admit, it was a lot of fun and I ended up enjoying the song (House Rules) quite a bit. Here are some photos from our long day:

Christian with his "groupies" (aka. cage dancers from Dantes)

Performing with the band

Director Timothy Hutton

The absolute highlight of my day was seeing Leverage star Beth Riesgraf. Not because Parker is my favorite charecter on the show, but because she was toting around a black Rebecca Minkoff Mac clutch. My friend and I couldn't stop staring at the bag (I ordered the exact same one in ivory just days before!). I got the chance to tell Beth how much I loved it when she walked by me at one point. We were so impressed that my friend ended up ordering the same bag the next day. How's that for marketing?

After a long day of sun, fake beer and country music we headed home. It ended up being a fun experience and I look forward to seeing the video on CMT.

Weekly Mock-off Round Up

Another week gone! Don't forget you only have a few weeks left to enter our Nordstrom gift card contest. Good luck!

Celebrities

- Supermodel Miranda Kerr digs through her bag at the airport

- Jessica Szohr shows up in London with her ex

Designers

- Legendary designer Valentino blends gothic and pretty

- Blanco "cutes" up Summer with a floral dress

Single mock-offs

- Easy denim shoulder bag. Alexander Wang ($725) VS American Eagle ($20)

- Military denim jacket. Balmain ($4435) VS Current/Eliott ($209)

- Peep-toe lace up booties. Alexander Wang ($834) VS Trouve ($130)

- Gold snowflake necklace. Effy ($660) VS Nordstrom ($48)

Weekly Mock-off Round Up

Welp, I suppose this post is better late than never. Sorry for the delay. I spent this weekend at a music video shoot that I will be telling you about later. :)

On to this past week's mock-offs:

Celebrities:

- Mad Men star January Jones tips her hat

- Selena Gomez hits the orange carpet in style

Designers:

- Orla Kiely makes geek chic

- Amp up your work style with Donna Karan

Single Mock-offs:

- Feathered tunic dress. Tsumaro Chisato ($422) VS NY&Co ($63)

- Gold knotted heels. Michael Kors ($595) VS Chinese Laundry ($60)

- Motorcycle vest. Alexander Wang ($748) VS Just Female ($110)

- Birdcage necklace. Sydney Evan ($2350) VS TopShop ($25)

- Silk balloon shorts. Miu Miu ($256) VS Asos ($59)

Something to Hold All Your Coins

I've noticed more and more women are using tiny coin purses as clutches. What a fantastic trend! Coin purses are traditionally fun little pouches with license to show more personality than normal sized handbags. Here is a round up of charming coin purses I wouldn't mind flaunting around.

More Fossil...

Weekly Mock-off Round Up

It has been a crazy week around here. With a sick cat, busy work schedule, and endless buckets of rain, hubs and I are ready for a vacay. I do hope everyone has a relaxing weekend! I know we will be attempting one.

Here's what's new this week:

Celebrities:

- Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev gets her party on

- Hilary Duff attempts to shield herself from the rain

Designers:

- Wear your heart on your sleeve with Moshino inspired style

Single Mock-offs:

- Beautiful white sheath dress - Piazza Sempione ($715) VS Tahari ($118)

- Gold Knotted Heels (perfect party shoes!) - Michael Kors ($595) VS Chinese Laundry ($60)

- Hip Canvas Lace-up wedges - Chloe ($695) VS 8020 ($98)

- Colorful Striped Skirt - Marc Jacobs ($168) VS Asos ($34)

Don't forget to enter our Nordstrom and AMC gift card giveaway!

Giveaway: Win a Nordstrom and AMC giftcards!

Confession: I love the Twilight books.

And it is no secret amongst my friends that I am greatly looking forward to the next movie installment: Eclipse. I want to share my excitement with all of you and I think this giveaway is the perfect way.

One lucky follower or fan will win both a $25 AMC gift card to see the movie with their friends and a $25 Nordstrom gift card to stock up on Eclipse merchandise. Entering is easy and you have until June 30th (the movie's release date) to enter. Here are 3 easy ways to enter:

1) Like Mock-off on Facebook and comment on any post

during the month of June.

2) Follow @mockoff on Twitter and Retweet the following (one entry per day):

Win a $25 Nordstrom giftcard from Mock-off! Follow @mockoff

and RT to be entered. http://www.mock-off.com/eclipse.html

3) Follow the Mock-off blog on Bloglovin.

I will announce the winner on June 30th. Good luck and thank you for entering!

Not Just a Year Older, But a Year Better

Wow. It has officially been one year since mock-off.com was launched! I really can't believe it. The idea to find and provide easy access to designer knock offs for the masses was born in January of 2009 and the site was born 5 short months later.

I never dreamed the site would have this sort of response. I must thank each of you, my loyal readers, followers and fans. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As a special thank you, I thought I would feature my very first mock-off - this beautiful Tiffany bracelet:

Here's to many more years of bringing you designer inspired looks!

A Hipster's Dream

I usually stay away from posting on Sunday mornings, but this one somehow seems relevant. Most Sunday mornings in my place are spent browsing home design blogs. One of my favorites is The Selby, a blog that showcases the living spaces of artists, models, designers, writers and other creative professionals. Todd Selby started the blog in 2008 and many dream to be featured on the popular site. A lucky few have been featured in a brand new book, The Selby Is In Your Place.

Some call The Selby The Satatorialist for the hipster set. I tend to agree and browsing through this colorful coffee table guide solidifies those thoughts. Selby has captured the creative spaces of many in the fashion crowd including Erin Wasson, Helena Christensen, Christian Louboutin and Karl Lagerfeld. (The cost of the book alone is worth a glimpse into Lagerfeld's book filled studio!)

As a lover of all things vintage, I loved flipping through the book and admiring the quirky collections of other vintage loving types. It makes me want to drop everything and head to the nearest Goodwill in search of treasures! I suppose that's what Sundays are for, afterall.

The book is a must for any coffee table (it even comes with stickers!). Order your copy today!