Charging way too much for cotton since 1983

I was always told that imitation was the finest form of flattery. Mind you, this was back in the day when I was overweight with a perm and the boys in school who were imitating me were definitely not trying to flatter me. Anyways, I grew up believing that to be the case, but it turns out I was wrong.

At least when said imitation is getting in the way of making big money.

Just ask the peeps over at Anthropologie who are suing the homies over at Forever 21 for flattering…. er…. imitating 9 of their designs. They are angry that not only did Forever 21 copy their dresses, but they also sold them at a much lower price, thus stealing some of Anthro’s profits.

Now, I am no business or law student (and proud of it!), so I realize I am not an expert in the world of counterfeit or business models, but I am a savvy shopper who is always on the hunt for a good deal, so I think I can weigh in on this topic. And I have plenty to say.

So here is all I have to say to those snobby, rich and pompous jerks over at Anthro:

Hey, Anthropologie! Maybe if you didn’t charge $200 for a cotton dress that will, without a doubt, tear or get ruined after a single wash, girls like me wouldn’t have to go to Forever 21 to get the cheaper “copy.” We are in a recession, bucko, and while there are certain things that are worth spending a few extra bucks on (like any vodka that isn’t Mohawk), no one is going to buy one of your overpriced garments, regardless if Forever 21 has it for less.

Maybe instead of wasting all your moolah on legal fees, you should just cut your prices a bit. Sell those original designs for what they are worth – not $100 more than what they are worth. Maybe then we’d walk out of the overly bright and cluttered Forever 21′s of the world and into your warm and homey stores that are chock full of adorable (yet painfully overpriced) pieces that we all covet. Through the window. Because there is no way in hell we could ever afford them.

Just a thought…

What do you think? Does Anthro have a right to fight Forever 21, or is this just business? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2009/04/27/anthropologie-takes-forever-21-to-court/feed/ 41 ccandystaff anthro http://collegecandy.com/2008/04/18/the-white-oxford-reinventing-a-classic/ http://collegecandy.com/2008/04/18/the-white-oxford-reinventing-a-classic/#comments Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:30:20 +0000 Lauren - University of Michigan http://www.collegecandy.com/style/8453 Let’s be honest here: The Gap hasn’t been lookin’ too good these past few years. Their clothes have been getting a tad dowdy and besides the occasional cute dress or super comfy PJs, their stuff is overhyped and over-priced.

Growing up, I was Gap’s biggest fan; my first-day-of-school outfit was always a collection of Gap pieces and, I am embarrassed to admit this, the manager at my neighborhood location would call me when new shipments arrived. We broke up sometime …

Let’s be honest here: The Gap hasn’t been lookin’ too good these past few years. Their clothes have been getting a tad dowdy and besides the occasional cute dress or super comfy PJs, their stuff is overhyped and over-priced.

Growing up, I was Gap’s biggest fan; my first-day-of-school outfit was always a collection of Gap pieces and, I am embarrassed to admit this, the manager at my neighborhood location would call me when new shipments arrived. We broke up sometime in college when I realized that their jeans really weren’t so flattering, after all, and their tops made me look like a box.

I like to think, then, that it was losing me as a customer that forced them to kick things into high gear and start making some major changes. Like their designs for Bono’s philanthropic program, Product Red. Or their Design Edition white shirt collection.

This innovative line launched last year and received tremendous praise…especially from me (and that’s all that matters, isn’t it?) The purpose of the line is to reinvent an American fashion staple: the crisp white button down. This versatile piece is a must-have in everyone’s closet (even Oprah says so) and has been essential to fashion – both casual and couture – for-e-ver.

Yet, to the people at the Gap, re-doing the same old button down every year wasn’t enough. The white oxford needed to be celebrated! It needed to be brought into the 21^st century! And what better way to do that than to invite up and coming designers in to reinvent the classic?

The designs are fresh and flattering without being trendy. They can be worn dressed up or dressed down and will definitely stay chic and classic for years to come. This ¾ sleeve top from Phillip Lim is perfect with a pencil skirt or a pair of skinny jeans. And the patchwork shirt would look perfect over a bathing suit and some khaki shorts (or even leggings) this summer.

Or the dress. How beautiful is that dress? Fun, flirty, simple. Not the easiest to keep clean – which is a problem for my klutzy ass – but quite possibly the perfect dress for summer.

Bravo, Gap. You’ve really redeemed yourself. Maybe even enough for us to get back together. Not quite yet, though; we should take things slow. I’d say we are friends with benefits at the moment, and I am fine with that.

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