Wednesday 13 February 2013

Lipsy x Amy Childs


Those of you outside the UK probably haven't heard of Amy Childs. Even though I am in the UK, all I know about her is that she is a bimbo from the TV show The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE), a structured reality show that follows the lives of tango-ed rich kids who seem to have been deprived of even the tiniest amount of common sense. Surprisingly though, TOWIE is really quite popular (probably for its comedy value), and as a result, many of the so-called stars have decided to try and make a quick buck by putting their name to a line of dresses, or make-up, or frankly, whatever they can get their hands on.

This is where Amy Childs comes in. She has put her name to a line of dresses at Lipsy, the much-loved party dress retailer. The line mainly features lace bodycon dresses, and we are led to believe that Amy had some say in the design of the dresses. But what really makes me laugh is the Lipsy x Amy Childs "Laura" dress, because really, it should be called the Stella McCartney Octavia Tri-Tone Sheath Dress.

Left - Stella McCartney Octavia Tri-Tone Sheath Dress; Right - Lipsy x Amy Childs "Laura" Dress

What frustrates me the most is when a British fast-fashion retailer knocks off the design of a ridiculously talented and hard-working British designer. Stella's contribution to fashion, and in particular to British fashion, is incredible. Even though she is the child of Paul and Linda, she still had to work hard to achieve her goals, studying at Central St Martins, and interning at Lacroix and Edward Sexton on Savile Row. She is a truly talented and accomplished designer.

And then Amy Childs and Lipsy come along and rip off one of her designs. I really do find it gross. Even though knocking off other designers isn't illegal, it is creatively lazy and disrespectful. And, in collaborations such as this, I really do wonder why, when Amy and Lipsy literally could have designed ANYTHING, they chose instead to knock off Stella. 

What do you think?

Bemsy x

Sunday 3 February 2013

Sunday Wishlist #8

Sunday Wishlist #8



1. Neon boots - Came across these boots recently, and I just think they are gorgeous! They come in lots of different colours, and I imagine they are really comfortable. Perfect for winter or spring!

2. INCT Top - This top may be slightly offensive, but isn't it great? I'd probably order a large size and wear it as a mini dress with fun leggings.

3. H&M Skirt - I squealed with joy when I found this skirt on the H&M website. I'm a sucker for anything with horses on, so this skirt is a dream for me!

4. Giorgio Armani jacket - This is my dream item of the week. It's so wild, and yet could potentially look so damn chic with flared tailored trousers...

5. H&M heels - The perfect heels for spring. Scrumptious sorbet shades, with a comfy platform and a block heel to help me stay upright!

6. Romwe lips bag - I need a new small cross body bag as the one I've had for years has finally started to fall apart and look rather ratty. I love the gold lips on this bag with the gold chain.

7. Cheap Monday twist bracelet - Fell in love with this bracelet the moment I saw it. It's made from the kind of metal that tarnishes really beautifully. It's so simple yet quirky, perfect for when I'm in a rush and need to throw some jewellery on.

8. Topshop maxi skirt - I love maxi skirts. They are comfy and I feel safe in them on a blustery day. This print is so pretty and will go perfectly with a knitted jumper.

What's your favourite item from my list this week?

Much love, Bemsy x

Friday 1 February 2013

LVMH reports annual profit boost


Today, LVMH announced a profit boost of 12%, from £2.6 to £2.9 billion. Although the conglomerate is usually associated with luxury brands such as Dior and Louis Vuitton, it was the company's selective retailing division that showed the largest increase in sales. Shops such as Sephora, and the department store Le Bon Marché, showed an increase of 14%, which was substantial compared to the 7% rise in fashion and leather goods sales.

It would be interesting to know if the sale of luxury goods such as Louis Vuitton bags didn't see as big an increase because everyone seems to be strutting around with an LV speedy bag. And perhaps the celebrities who are now donning Givenchy, such as Kanye West and other rappers, have harmed the brand so that traditional luxury consumers now go elsewhere for their designer goods.

Perhaps LV and Givenchy have been trying too hard to make a profit, eroding the exclusivity of the brands which has in fact harmed their sales.

Do you think luxury is still luxury? Should luxury goods be accessible to everyone?

Much love, Bemsy x

River Island v Markus Lupfer - Which do you prefer?

Markus Lupfer has had a thing for lips for some time (remember those sparkly vampire lips last year?) and his offering this year is a selection of juicy, glittery lips on simple white t-shirts. River Island has been inspired by Markus and is currently selling two very similar tops, although they are no-where near as gorgeous as Markus'. What do you think?


Left - River Island; Right - Markus Lupfer

Left - River Island; Right - Markus Lupfer

Much love, Bemsy x