Thrifty Purse Lovers are Snapping up the “Wirkin”

Posted on January 2, 2025 by christineno5

TikTok blew up with thrifty shoppers unveling, unbagging and bragging about their fantastic find on Walmart’s website. A dupe of the famed Birkin bag was for sale and they couldn’t get enough.

Dubbed the “Wirkin” bought at “Walmes” it took the internet by storm. At first glance (a quick glance) it does resemble the hard-to-get handbag.

But it’s a dupe and for some, it was enough to have it and feel like they struck gold…or blue…or green or any of the other colors that were offered on the site….until…. the magic link mysteriously disappeared, leaving those who didn’t click fast enough feeling….duped.

I first saw the bag when my email blew up with articles about it. I honestly couldn’t believe it. Then I went to Walmart’s website and there it was. The “Wirkin” bag for under a $100. A far (very, very far) cry from the Hermes price tag starting at $10,000 for a basic Birkin.

Actual Birkin

All over social media, shoppers were showing off their fabulous find, But maybe too much. As quickly as it became viral, it was gone. Which begs the question…did Hermes get wind of this and issue a warning? Walmart’s website has the bags, but they’re from a third party. A company in China is the manufacturer, but uses Walmart’s website to sell them. If Hermes wanted to, could they legally go after the company and others like it, that also produce dupes of luxury handbags for sale on Walmart’s website?

From Walmart.com
From Walmart.com
From Walmart.com

According to Douglas Hand, a fashion attorney and a member of the business advisory committee of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the short answer is: Yes.

Hand told WWD.com that:

“For an extremely valuable product like Birkin, which could be diluted and devalued through its overexposure, it would not be suprising for Hermes to take an aggressive approach.”

He added that Hermes could:

“…seek to prevent what is called “post sale confusion” which is the circumstance where, even if the purchasing consumer knows the product is not genuine, Hermes’ reputation could be harmed by those who see others carrying the bags and think that Hermes is making a shoddy product.”

If you know me, or if you’ve read my blog long enough, you know how I feel about fakes. There is such a fine line betweetn “dupe” and “counterfeit”. The bag, and others on the website, look a lot like the bags they are definitely pretending to be. So will Hermes and other luxury brands do anything? Nothing has happened yet, but it’s only the first day of the new year…

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Simone Biles is Celebrating Her Olympic “Redemption Tour” in Style

Posted on August 10, 2024 by christineno5

Simone Biles is leaving the 2024 Paris Olympics with three golds, a silver….and the best one of all….Orange!

Hermes Orange that is.

The GOAT posted pics of her trip to an Hermes store in Paris on her Instagram stories, but only the box along with a few emojis to show just how excited she was with her new purchase.

Courtesy: Simone Biles

So mysterious!

The most decorated women’s gymnast also added a picture of a jaw-dropping display of the very hard to get luxury item in a beautiful array of natural colors.

The reigning world champion sported a chic updo as she shopped.

Courtesy: Simone Biles

So which one did she get?

Not sure.

All we know is….she’s going home with four new medals and an amazing treat for a job well done.

And something tells me she didn’t have to go on a waitlist or establish a purchase history to buy a Birkin…

Is there anything she can’t do?!

Courtesy: Getty

Add another victory for the GOAT!

Congratulations Simone!

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Some Hermes Customers Are So Fed Up with Waiting for a Birkin, They’re Taking Their Fight To Court

Posted on July 24, 2024 by christineno5

There has always been whispers of a “wait list” at Hermes if you want to buy a Birkin or a Kelly bag. Not even Sex and the City’s Samantha could get her hands on the leather luxury. And at that time the price was under $5000. Now. Birkin can go for anywhere between $10,000 and $250,000.

HBO

Times have cetainly changed, but apparently the process of buying a Birkin has not. Allegedly there are still wait lists and now there’s also a rumored “purchase history” which requires clients to buy thousands of dollars of Hermes goods to even be shown a Birkin bag.

Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s

And three Birkin bag lovers in California are so sick of being shut out, they’re taking their fight to a power even higher than an Hermes Sales Associate….

Federal Court in San Francisco.

The class action suit was originally filed by two California consumers and has now been joined by a third.

The lawsuit claims:

“The nominal price of a Birkin bag is a facade, masking a hidden lottery systemt that forces consumers to purchase sustainable amounts of Hermes ancillary products to ‘qualify’ for the mere opportunity to buy a Birkin.”

In an April filing with the court, the attorneys for Hermes called the lawsuit “far-fetched”. And they told the Business of Fashion:

They “strictly prohibit any sale of certain products as a condition to the purchase of others.”

But the Plaintiffs’ lawsuit claims say that’s exactly what happens when you go into an Hermes boutique and try to buy a Birkin. They say clients need to build a substantail “purchase history” first, spending thousands of dollars on other Hermes products such as jewelry, scarves or clothing. This they say, violates anti-trust laws and is an unfair, anticompetitive business practice.

After weeding through both sides of this story, I decided to go to get the skinny on this bag beef from an expert. The man who literally wrote the book on it: Michael Tonello.

Tonello penned the hilarious and oh so true book “Bringing Home the Birkin”which was published in July 2009. It tells the story of how he spent years traveling the world to visit Hermes stores and score a bag for his clients. He successfully purchased millions of dollars worth of Birkins and brought them to many happy people.

I had to ask him if he was at all suprised that its come to this…a lawsuit over the inability to bag a Birkin.

Nope.

He was just surprised it didn’t happen sooner.

He told me:

“Hermes has been playing handbag games for a very long time.”

His explanation on how to solve this bag battle?

“Hermes is a brand store, right? So why can’t it be like every other store? You go in and buy what you want. Simple as that. Why all these games? Why all the lies? The “waiting list”, the “pre-spend”, or having to establish a relationship with a Sales Associate? Honestly, it’s just tiresome.”

With all of the reported “trouble” about getting a bag in the boutique, why not turn to the secondhand market? Sites such as Fashionphile have a ton of options for sale.

Fashionphile

But, Tonello says, while it’s easier than going to the boutique and possibly having to drop thousands of dollars on other items… buyer beware.

“The single major issue with buying on the secondary market is the issue of authenticity. If you truly want to be assured of authenticity then the only place to buy anything is at the brand name retail store.”

So yes, the online sellers have increased (and available) options for those who don’t want to go to the boutiquie. Tonello says it’s had a BIG effect on the allure of the Birkin and the Kelly bags:

“What other handbag sells for double or even triple its original retail price? The resale market for Birkin and Kelly bags is insane. And contrary to popular belief, I think that Hermes loves resellers.”

They may love resellers, but there’s no love lost between the storied fashion house and the three plaintiffs in this lawsuit who are most likely going to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight a company that’s been in business for almost 200 years.

Legal experts say this is going to be a hard case to win. Since Hermes doesn’t have a written rule or rules about who can buy a Birkin or Kelly, it’s all hearsay and rumors. And that’s not going to win a lawsuit.

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Happy Birthday to My Favorite Shoe! Manolo’s Mary Jane turns 30

Posted on June 28, 2024 by christineno5

Manolo Blahnik’s iconic Mary Jane is turning 30! My favorite shoe from my Sole Mate is celebrating a milestone birthday. Carrie Bradshaw famously called the shoe “an urban shoe myth”.

We all know it’s not a myth… mythical might be a better word to describe the classic silhouette.

Blahnik came out with the shoe for his Autunm-Winter 1994 collection. He had just done a grand and ornate collection so he wanted to create something with a little more restraint according to his webisite.

He took the classic Mary Jane and added a twist or two. A 3 and 1/2 inch heel, a pointy toe and used patent leather to give it a little sex appeal.

It was a huge hit. American Vogue did a 7 page editorial spread on the new look in their August 1994 issue.

It’s still a huge hit today. It’s gone through some changes over the years. The heel height is a little taller and now comes in an array of colors and patterns. The shoe still sells out and is an iconic piece of fashion that every woman should have in their collection.

When I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Blahnik at Saks Fifth Avenue during Boston Fashion Week he asked me what other colors he should make the shoes. I gave him a resounding, “All of them!” response. He laughed, then signed the bottom of my black patent leather Mary Janes. NO, I don’t wear them! They’re in a shoe shrine along with a self portrait from one of his books that he also signed for me.

30 years and still going strong. An iconic fashion staple that has most definitely stood the test of time.

Cheers to the next 30!

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Posted in Accessories, Bergdorf's, Bloomingdales, Fall / Winter, Manolo Bhahnik Shoes, Manolo Blahnik, Neiman Marcus, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, Uncategorized, Vintage, vogue, Wardrobe Staples | Leave a comment

And Just Like That… The Show Everyone Loves to Hate is Back

Posted on June 26, 2023 by christineno5

Ever since I saw Carrie Bradshaw carrying that pigeon purse, I’ve been DYING to see the new season of And Just Like That. Yes, I read all the articles and posts saying the first season was a disaster. It wasn’t funny or sexy… blah.. blah… blah. But any true fan of the franchise knows that nothing is perfect and you’re not always going to agree with what the characters do… but you will always watch and wait for what comes next.

And Season 2 of And Just Like That was definitely worth the wait! The first two episodes premiered June 22 on Max. The 11 episode season began with a bang. Literally. It was funny, the fashion was drool-worthy and EVERYONE was having sex. Just like old times. And speaking of old….Sex and the City premiered 25 *gulp* years ago. But let’s not talk about that…

The Pilot Episode

Let’s talk about the fashion!

I’m sure you saw the leaked pictures of Carrie in that beautiful, repurposed Vivienne Westwood wedding dress. That fateful dress that went into the back of the closet like her feelings did after Big stood her up.

But it makes a glorious return (along with the bird on her head) and is revamped for the Met Gala when the up-and-coming designer who is supposed to make her gala gown falls short of the task.

In true Carrie style, she turns a fashion flub into a very memorable fashion moment.

And that pigeon purse by JW Anderson? Carrie has the avain accessory tucked under her arm when she goes with Charlotte to the fictional Real Deal, a second-hand store where her daughter Lily sold some of her designer clothes. Charlotte is on the search for a pink Chanel dress that she is SHOCKED Lily had the nerve to sell. But who cares about the dress when Carrie is carrying a clutch shaped like a pigeon?!

But the biggest fashion moment of the first two episodes is without a doubt, the Valentino haute couture dress worn by Lisa Todd Wexley (played by the amazing Nicole Ari Parker).

It’s STUNNING. Paired with a feather headpiece it’s an absolute show stopper.

Ok, we all know what we’re really waiting for. That OTHER anticipated show stopping moment.

There’s no Samantha sighting.

Yet.

But stay tuned…we still have 9 episodes to go…

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    Michael DePaulo is a Name You Need to Know: Just ask Carrie Underwood

    Posted on September 26, 2020 by christineno5

    It’s a little early for Christmas.

    Unless of course, you’re Superstar Carrie Underwood.

    Her first Christmas album drops today. But it’s not the yuletide carols I’m looking forward to…it’s the cover of the album. Underwood is STUNNING in a dress from one of my fabulous friends and amazing fashion designer Michael DePaulo.

    The beautiful red ballgown was part of DePaulo’s Fall/Winter 2016 Evening Collection. And it happens to be one of my all time DePaulo favorites. So I was thrilled to see Underwood wearing it on the cover!

    I had to chat with Michael and get the scoop.

    Did he get to meet her?! He told me he didn’t get to meet Underwood, that her stylist contacted his PR Rep and they chose the red ballgown for the album cover look.

    “I was beyond thrilled to hear the news especially since it is her first Christmas album and the image will last a lifetime!” he told me through Facebook messenger.

    I noticed that the dress had a little something different around the hem. He added the floral detail because he knew that part of the dress would be fanned out on the floor of the winter wonderland themed set which also has snow covered trees.

    So did she see anything else she liked? He told me, “she has tried on numerous pieces of mine.” But there’s no word yet if she’ll be wearing any of DePaulo’s other creations anytime soon.

    But if she changes her mind I can think of a few DePaulo designs she could choose from….

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    Don’t let Chic Happen without you!

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    Hair Do’s and Please Don’ts to Keep your Locks Looking Fabulous During Quarantine

    Posted on May 3, 2020 by christineno5

    You haven’t seen your hair stylist in…wait…you can’t remember when. If you’re like me, you’re not even sure what day it is. So now you’re standing in your local drug store looking at the boxed hair color.

    Do you dare?  

    No!

    There are ways to keep your hair in good shape until you can get to the salon! So read on for some advice and please put the hair color down. And the scissors.

    I chatted with two hair stylists. Kelly, who did my hair when I lived in Massachusetts and Britney, who does it now. I trust them both immensely and they had some great advice on how not to mess up what your stylist worked hard to create.

    Kelly Keough, who owns Blush Color Studio in Marshfield, Massachusetts suggests that you clean out your bathroom closet.

    Blush Color Studio

    “You are bound to have a deep treatment in there. Plan to use a treatment at least once a week to improve the health of your hair.” And Avoid Heat! Kelly recommends that you forget the hair dryer and flat iron for a bit and give your hair a break.

    And take a break from something else too:

    “Use this time to take a break from daily sbampooing. Frequent shampooing tells your scalp to produce more sebum (oils) which causes the need to shampoo more. Give your hair a break for 1-2 days inbetween shampoos over the next two weeks and you’ll notice less of a need for daily shampoos.”

    She goes on to say that using a dry shampoo between washing your hair will soak up the oil and give your hair a lift. I swear by Oribe’s Gold Lust Dry Shampoo.

    img_7647

    So what about your color?

    Kelly says a good root touch up spray or powder will hide those gray or dark roots.

    Her favorites include Color WOW for powder, Oribe Airbrush Root Touch Up and R+Co for a spray.

    Her best piece of advice,,,,AVOID AT HOME HAIR COLOR IF POSSIBLE! She told me that, “coloring roots at home may overlap and cause banding which may cost more to fix when you return to the salon.” 

    I turned to my current stylist, Britney, who creates beautiful color and cuts at Transformations Salon Two in Melbourne, Florida for how to help your stylist and the salon until we can all get back in and they can get back to work.

    Transformations Two Salon

    And I had to ask about cutting your own hair. Her fast response to my text was DON’T DO IT!

    But she did add that “cutting just the tiniest bit off is better than a lot.” So, less is more. 

    She told me two of the best things you can do to support your stylist is to buy gift cards or prepay for your next appointment.  And don’t forget to order products online or ask if they’re doing curbside pick up. 

    Hope that helps!

    Please stay safe and please stay healthy.

    And Put. The. Hair. Color. Down.

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    Don’t let Chic Happen without you!

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    Posted in At home hair care, at home hair color, Blush Color Studio, Color WOW, Hair stylist, Oribe, R+Co, Transformations Two Salon, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

    STOP! Put the Tweezers Down! Read This Before You Pluck Up Your Eyebrows

    Posted on April 28, 2020 by christineno5

    It’s time.

    Your brows are overgrown and you’re thinking they are going to meld together to form one…big…unibrow.

    But there’s a way to keep them looking tame. I texted my Brow Guru Rachel, who keeps mine looking fabulous, for tips and tricks on how to take care of the situation without plucking it all up.  

    To start, you need the best tweezers. Rachel suggested Tweezerman Slant Tweezers.

    I got mine at Target. Rachel says to tweeze the middle and every hair that is NOT in the brow shape.

    Next, fill in your brows with your favorite brow pencil.

    I use Revlon’s Colorstay Brow Creator, and fill in the shape you want.

    Tweeze what is AROUND  it.

    And she stressed that you should NOT WAX UNLESS SUPERVISED. And added a laughing emoji because she knows that I thought about it. She knows me so well!

    Your eyebrows are twins…fraternal, not identical. So DON’T OVERPLUCK!

    Hope this helps!

    And please, stay safe and stay healthy.

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    Don’t let Chic Happen without you!

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    Manolo Blahnik Wants to Make You Smile

    Posted on April 16, 2020 by christineno5

    When I met Manolo Blahnik he was even sweeter than I ever could’ve imagined.

    Me with Manolo Blahnik

    He didn’t understand why there were hundreds of women lined up at Neiman Marcus in Boston to see him. It was that humble attitude that made me adore him. I didn’t think I could adore him any more, then I saw this:

    Mr Blahnik and his niece, Kristina Blahnik, created a fabulous coloring book in conjuction with the company’s SMILE project which was launched last year.

    She told Vogue, “Smiling has many proven health benefits and we wanted to share some of what we have found is helping us.”

    Then the two partnered with the Mental Health Foundation in England to release it. The coloring book has his original sketches, untouched, so his fans can take the time to breathe during this crisis and put their own spin on five of his beloved shoes.

    The Mental Health Foundation is providing resources so people can manage their mental health during this new normal.

    His website says that “drawing is an activity close to Manolo’s heart and to the house and one we believe can bring a sense of calm and encourage mindfulness.”

    He told Vogue, “I chose the sketches which are very personal to me and meaningful, in light of such an important cause.”  

    And he had a special message for Vogue readers:

    “Dear Vogue readers, I hope you are all keeping safe in these uncertain times. We have to remain positive and take care of one another. We will get through this and we will come out of it more united and stronger than we have ever been before.”

    The original sketches are available for a free download Here

    Once you’re done, share your finished sketches on Mr Blahnik’s Official Instagram at manoloblahnikhq and use #ManoloBlahnikSmiles.

    Enjoy and I hope it makes you smile as it did for me.

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    Posted in Accessories, Bergdorf's, Bloomingdales, Manolo Bhahnik Shoes, Manolo Blahnik, Neiman Marcus, Parisienne Chic, Popular Culture, Vogue Magazine | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

    Breaking: Clare Waight Keller Exits Givenchy

    Posted on April 11, 2020 by christineno5

    Clare Waight Keller took over as the Artistic Director at Givenchy just three years ago.

    img_7469

    In her short time at the helm of the couture house owned by LVMH, she created Meghan Markle’s exquisite wedding dress and made a name for herself as the first female to helm the house that famously dressed Audrey Hepburn.  

    img_7470

    Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy

    In a statement released today she said,

    “As the first woman to be the artistic director of this legandary maison, I feel honored to have been given an opportunity to cherish its legacy and bring it new life.”

    She went on to say that being at the historic couture house was “one of the highlights of my professional journey”.  

    Givenchy Couture Spring/Summer 2020

    She also thanked everyone at Givenchy before making her exit.

    So what now?

    Charles Manning, a writer for the Daily Front Row, had a brilliant guess.

    Chanel.

    Can you imagaine? Take the brilliant designs she did for Givenchy and combine that with the storied house of Chanel.

    Virginie Ward took over after Karl Lagerfeld passed away and has faced mixed reviews on her interpretation of what Chanel should be.

    Chanel Fall/Winter 2019

    But I think Manning is right. Waight Keller would bring life back to Chanel as she did seamlessly at Givenchy.

    She would make a fabuous fit.

    Stay tuned…..

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