After seeing J.Crew roll out the Silk Frances Cami (Item 17428; $88.00) and the Kelsey Ruffle Top (Item 19064; $88.00) this Fall, I was worried that it would be the last we would see of the Victoria. Well, that is not the case!
"Thanks!" to Marietta who was kind enough to not only let us know about a Victoria-inspired shirt from Ann Taylor Loft that was featured in the recent In Style Magazine, but also scanned the image for us to view. "Thanks!" to Arielle who also let us know about this shirt! :) To view the image larger, click here or on the image itself.The Loft's version, is called the Pleated Collar Button Front (20259; $44.50), and costs a lot less. This is very similar to J.Crew's Victoria Ruffle Shirt (Item 99694; $89.50, now $49.99), although the Loft version lacks the double standing pleated collar.
But wait, there's more! As I stopped by a local T.J. Maxx, what do I see... the Victoria Ruffle Cami (Item 99742; Regular: $88.00, now $29.99)! However, upon closer inspection it was not from J.Crew! It was made by another clothes maker ("thanks!" to the JCAs in this post who let us know it's "Willi Smith").This top retails for $29.99 and comes in a soft chartreuse green and cranberry red. More importantly, the top had the same double-ruffle micro-pleated collar as the Victoria from J.Crew. It also appeared to be silk (but of a lesser quality than the J.Crew version).
I understand that fashion styles get copied by retailers all the time. However, I was a bit sad to see J.Crew's Victoria being duplicated by other retailers. I guess it's because I wanted my tops to be a bit more unique. (Even though J.Crew is a nation-wide retailer, unique to J.Crew.) ;) On a bright note, this is great news for all those JCAs who missed-out on getting the Victoria tops earlier this year. Especially, since the alternatives have lower starting price points. :)
What are your thoughts on the Victoria-inspired tops being offered by other retailers? Do you like the alternatives or J.Crew's version more? Have you seen any other Victoria-inspired tops at other retailers besides J.Crew? If so, please share. :)
extra 20 off FS. why did they wait until after the holiday?
ReplyDeleteI am not sure how original JCrew's designs are. Aren't they really "inspired" by other top designers first??? or at least the trend? Hasn't this been happening for decades? Other designers copy other designers, etc.
ReplyDeleteGenny I am sure that is right, J Crew copies the trends from New York Fashion week and tweak it a little bit. This could be one of the reasons why there is so many knockoffs around at Target etc.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on the Extra 20, Cass. I used to get SO EXCITED for these, but honestly there is nothing I really want. Bored, even w the first Fall rollout items in FS. Waiting for Winter rollout. But one good popback ... lots of Fionas for 69.99 if you search fro "Fiona." Have fun shopping everyone!
ReplyDeletewilli smith is an in house designer for TJ maxx. some nice stuff at good prices. they bought the name of a designer
ReplyDeleteAlso spotted @ Marshalls under the name Kenar for $24.99. The styling is the same but the silk is of lesser quality as well as the stitching. It was in burgandy, teal, cream, and black.
ReplyDeleteGenny and casual-crew are right...J.Crew's designs are not original. They take inspiration from the runway and then make their own version of the trends, just like all the other retailers.
ReplyDeleteRuffles were big for fall 2008 but huge for Fall 2009 at fashion week in NY and Milan. Remember New York Fashion week for fall 2008 was in February 2008. I think J. Crew was an early adopter for mass retail. Yes the "new" Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft are very reminiscent of J.Crew to me. I have noticed a lot of ruffled sweaters from them and "corsage" t-shirts from them.
ReplyDeleteIzzyb is right - Willi Smith is TJ's private label.
ReplyDeleteThey bought the name from the estate of the real Willi Smith, a 1980s design phenom who died much too young:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willi_Smith
I have owned clothing by Willi Smith and actually currently own a pair of cropped denim pants from the line that I wear quite frequently. The clothing is well made and decently priced. :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, my hubby has to go to TJ Maxx and I know for a FACT the local one carries Willi Smith. This clothing line is actually really nice, one of the cardis I have from them is almost an exact duplicate of the gladiola cardi, and has held up well to regular wear and tear.
ReplyDeleteThat gorgeous lime "victoria" by Willi Smith? Calling my name..."dinagideon..." :)
haha, I saw those willi smith blouses in TJMaxx, too. So weird.
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny because i saw the Willi Smith version this weekend too! My TJMaxx had black, olive green and a fuschia. Random!
ReplyDeleteSaw these this weekend too :) I only saw an olive green though. I may have to go back and check if they have black.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info about Willi Smith at TJ Maxx. I was wondering how the name was continuing on after his passing.
ReplyDeleteThere are also some victoria inspired blouses at the limited, and a dress.
ReplyDeletethe pleated detail dress, which I bought in the purple color. It's really cute!
pleated collar shirt
I wish I had a TJMaxx near me :O(
ReplyDeleteWillie Smith was a big up and comer in the 80's, and as far as I can remember, was one of the first big name people in the fashion industry I remember to have died of AIDS. Very interesting that TJ Maxx bought his name. I think his sister was in charge of his designs for a while after he died, don't know if that's still true.
ReplyDeleteThe Victoria blouse and long-sleeved shirt is currently at the J.Crew Factory store, as well.
ReplyDeleteTo anyone who's seen the Willi Smith version at TJ's, did it come in straight sizes (2, 4, 6 etc.) or S, M, L, XL?
ReplyDelete