Dupi-CAUGHT: Zara (again) vs Phillip Lim

Ever feel like whenever you go into a Zara there's an air of familiarity in 90% of their merch? It's probably because you've seen it before - the pieces aren't outright duplicates of other labels but man, they come pretty damn close. What I love about Zara is the speed at which they work - their carbon copy abilities are lightning fast and they take a bit from everybody - just to keep it fair. Gotta love Zara!

Enter Phillip Lim's 31 hour bag. It's a larger bag which sports a zipped closure that extends halfway down the sides, has thick center handles and a fold over flap in contrasting color. This will set you back $750-$995 depending on the finish of the bag.

Meet the copycat - Zara's Citybag with Zip. Although this version sports slimmer handles and an added strap, a shorter zipper and a less rugged look overall - you definitely know where Zara got it's inspiration from.

Dupli-CAUGHT: Zara vs Alexander Mcqueen

Monk strap shoes have been making a splash the past few seasons in men's footwear.  It's a dapper look that I personally can't pull off - until now...enter the monk strap book with three buckles à la McQueen.  I love this boot - it's classy and has just enough rugged appeal to move it out of the traditional dapper realm and into street wear.

The above boot comes in burgundy, brown, and black and will set you back $795 (you can purchase them at Mr. Porter or Bergdorf's). 

Meet the copycat - Zara's monk strap version. The shape and structure of the boot are almost identical to its McQueen counterpart except for a few minor details. The stitching patterns differ, there's a double buckle on this version and best of all (and most practical) - there's a zipper running down the back of the boot for ease.  This version will set you back $129 and although the quality of the leather isn't the same, it's not bad - I checked these out at the Bryant park location earlier this week. The zipper function is amazing - I hate fumbling to put boots on or take them off - so this was definitely a smart addition on Zara's part.

Just to prove a point, McQueen did this boot last winter with some metal plating (which was ditched along with the patent leather for this season).  Since it got reissued, I'm thinking the style did pretty well - and apparently, so did Zara.

Dupli-Caught: Zara vrs Lanvin

Zara Face Tee Left, Lanvin Face Tee Center, Lanvin x H&M Tee Right

A recent trip to Zara surprised me because I spotted a familiar face.  The oft imitated design of Lanvin tee has been resurrected again without the blessing of Alber Elbaz.  I first spotted the tee in 2009 and it won my heart with the cheeky expression, soft bow and heart shaped lips.  And Forever 21 not being one to miss out on an opportunity promptly knocked off the tee without the bow and with many more heart graphics.  Then in 2010, Benetton surprisingly followed suit by copying the idea of tee and adding a graphic bow instead.  The tee continued to live when Alber Elbaz decided to give the public what they craved in a legitimate version through his collaboration with H&M at an affordable price point.  Now it's 2012 and perhaps Zara thought by now we would have forgotten about the origins of the face tee?  With a soft chiffon bow and wider set eyes, it's priced at $25.90.  While I have to admit even though a few years have passed since it's original incarnation, the face tee is so girly and adorable.  The question remains though after so many years do people still want this tee shirt?  Zara certainly thought so.  What are your thoughts?