ordinarily, i run screaming from knock-offs, “inspired by” pieces or anything at all reeking of plagarism in the fashion world.  but just this once, i’m torn.

prada’s fall collection was filled with these lovely, sweet-but-sharp patent bows.  i fell hard for the look…most notably those patent pumps and their perfect little belt.

i absolutely adore it, but well, it’s $355…a pretty penny, even for prada.  here’s a closer look:

adorable, right?  and just the thing to add a little dose of originality to a cardigan, a summer dress, or…well, anything, really.  but there was no way i was committing at that price.

so, when i spotted the following in an ad for white house black market, i sat up a little straighter in my chair:

this one is $38.  and, while i’m sure it’s plastic where prada’s is a gorgeous, sumptuous leather, i’m having a hard time sticking to my normally principled guns.  i know if i buy it, i’ll hate myself a little in the morning.  but, just like an ill-advised one-night-stand, i’m left asking: how can something so wrong feel so right?

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