Who needs "influence"?

The real deal, MBMJ Petal to the Metal Cross Body

Alexander Wang rip off bags at H&M, $14.95

The real deal, Nathalie's Alexander Wang Tina Zip Clutch

If you read our blog, you'll know that Diana and I are handbag snobs. It just kinda happened one day. After buying our first designer bag, there was no way we could go back to anything else. Since then, we've been able to spot which designer "influenced" the significantly less expensive version.

This past weekend, we ducked into Town Shoes for a quick look. Diana handed me a bag that looked strikingly like the Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Cross Body.

"When did they start selling MBMJ?" I asked. But it wasn't. It was their house brand.

Then today, at H&M, we walked by a display of Alexander Wang Tina Zip Clutch "influenced" bags. I'm gonna pull the snob card here and tell you that I have the real deal in my closet. So I asked Diana "Am I a sucker for spending big bucks on my bag or does H&M suck for replicating it?" Diana's a good friend and told me H&M sucked. Plus, their version is pretty awful as "influenced" items goes. Apparently $14.95 gets you the latest "it" bag.

::: Nathalie