Although shopping from designer brands is far from a necessity, we can’t deny the appeal. Whether it be for the exceptional craftsmanship, the design itself, or even for the logo – buying a designer item, say from somewhere like Prada, feels extra exciting and special (if you’re into that sort of thing). That being said, it’s no secret how expensive luxury shopping is -especially lately! Designer prices continue to be on the rise, going up every year without fail. But if you still simply can’t resist getting a taste of something luxury, we get it.
Prada is one of the top designer brands in the game. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t recognize that little Prada triangle! If you’re looking to break into the world of designer labels or invest in something new, Prada is a reputable brand that will continue to hold its value (at a price). With a budget of $500, you may not be able to buy a brand-new Prada bag, but you do still have some options that will scratch the itch!
All of these Prada items are under $500!
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All products featured in this article were independently selected by our team. By shopping through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Fashion lovers, you’re going to want to hear about this collab. Adidas and Prada have partnered up for the third time to launch another collection.
The shared goal of this partnership is to create more pieces of sustainable luxury and let me tell you, it’s so chic!
It combines Prada’s lovely Italian craftsmanship with adidas’ unparalleled sportswear heritage. Plus, for the very first time in the collab’s history, there will be a selection of apparel, accessories, and bags to shop.
Each piece has been handcrafted in Italy by Prada’s artisans and is composed of the brand’s signature Re-Nylon fabric.
This fabric is a groundbreaking material created through the recycling of plastic waste collected from oceans, fishing nets, and textile fiber waste.
When browsing the collection, which is exclusively sold on the CONFIRMED App, you’ll find pieces like Prada’s signature bucket hat with the classic adidas three-stripes detailing.
The prices range from $650 to $2,900.
The partnership is all about sleek and innovative items that you’ll have in your wardrobe for years to come.
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Across the globe, stores and restaurants are closing and people are living in isolation. Life feels less like reality and more like a simulation a little bit every day.
But while times are gloom and the future is uncertain, it’s great to see the world banding together. Bright moments are happening across the globe. In Toronto, we’ve seen local institutions pivot their businesses to provide people with hand sanitizer and grocery stores putting those most at-risk first. And across the beauty, fashion, and retail industries, we’re seeing conglomerates step up their efforts to help stop the spread of Coronavirus, too.
Here is how 10 major brands and retailers are doing their part during the COVID-19 outbreak:
LVMH
Luxury conglomerate LVMH was the first on the fashion and beauty front to offer up its support in helping to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. On March 15, the company announced that it would turn its perfumes and cosmetics business into a hand sanitizer manufacturer. LVMH has committed to deliver the hand sanitizer it creates free of charge to French health authorities for “as long as necessary” to help “enable a greater number of people to continue to take the right action to protect themselves from the spread of the virus.”
L’Oréal
Under the L’Oréal beauty brand, La Roche-Posay said it would provide hand sanitizer to institutions in Europe that need it the most such as main partnering pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes. Garnier, also under the L’Oréal beauty brand, will distribute hand sanitizer to its European clients’ food distribution channels. In a statement to WWD, L’Oréal Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Paul Agon said, “Through these gestures, L’Oréal wishes to express its appreciation, support and solidarity with all those who mobilize with extraordinary courage and abnegation to fight against this pandemic.”
Los Angeles Apparel
Another of the retailers donating to COVID-19 prevention efforts is Los Angeles Apparel. In a statement made through Instagram, the company’s controversial owner Dov Charney (formerly of American Apparel) offered help to the municipal, state, and federal agencies. “Our experienced workforce and management team of over 450 people are ready and able to produce masks or medical products for any government agency,” Charney said.
Zara
Fast fashion behemoth Inditex — the owner of Zara, Massimo Dutti, and more — is also lending its workforce in the battle to prevent COVID-19’s spread. As one of the retailers donating to COVID-19 prevention efforts, the company’s factories and logistics teams will help the Spanish government by donating masks for patients and medical workers, stating to Vogue, that it “will make a delivery at least once a week of materials we purchase directly.” As of now, the company has donated 10,000 protective face masks and expects to have 300,000 surgical masks ready by March 21.
Moncler
In a statement on Instagram, Moncler’s Chairman and CEO Remo Ruffini announced that the company would donate €10 million towards the construction of a hospital in Milan with 400 extensive care units. He said, “Milan is a city that has given us all an extraordinary time. We cannot and must not abandon it. It is everyone’s duty to give back to the city that has given us so much.”
Giorgio Armani
Earlier in the month, Giorgio Armani donated €1.25 million to a number of Italian hospitals and institutions. According to WWD, “The Luigi Sacco and San Raffaele hospitals and the Istituto dei Tumori in Milan as well as the Istituto Lazzaro Spallanzani in Rome will benefit from the donation. The amount will additionally support the activities of Protezione Civile, the country’s civil defense.”
Kering
As reported by South China Morning Post, Kering — the luxury conglomerate that owns Gucci, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, and more — has donated 7.5 million yuan to the Red Cross Society Of China.
Versace
Versace’s Chief Creative Office Donatella Versace and her daughter Allegra Versace Beck have donated €200,000 to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan. In a statement, Versace said, “Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this disease and to all the doctors and medical staff who have been working heroically non-stop in the past weeks in the effort to take care of our loved ones.” The company has also donated 1 million yuan to The Chinese Red Cross Foundation.
Prada
According to Business Insider, Prada co-CEOs Muiccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli, as well as Chairman Carlo Mazzi, have donated two resuscitation and complete intensive care units to hospitals in Milan.
Walmart
One of the big retailers donating to COVID-19 prevention efforts is Walmart. On March 17, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced a pledge of $25 million to help organizations on the front lines in fighting COVID-19. The large sum will be split between food banks and meal programs in America, as well as global efforts in preventing, identifying, and managing the outbreak.
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If you’ve never heard of The RealReal, you’re really really missing out! The RealReal is a consignment store with locations to shop, and drop off consignment items. However The RealReal is definitely more known for being a huge e-commerce consignment site that sells authentic designer items. Not only can you save some serious money on designer pieces when shopping at The RealReal, but you can also find some unique vintage finds. Even better, you may even stumble across coveted items that are sold out every where else.
To give you an idea of what can be found on this site, keep reading to find out 10 of the best designer finds on The RealReal, all for under $500!
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Around this time of year, we have every excuse to shop for Christmas gifts or treats to ourselves. It’s inevitable that by the end of the holiday season, everyone’s yearly budget is broken whether the cause be an impulse buy or a simple case of bad budgeting. Though especially when it comes to giving the perfect holiday gift to a family member or friend, does a high price tag automatically guarantee its thoughtfulness? Regardless, if you’re either looking to splurge big time, or just have an obsession with all things luxury, then keep on reading to check out these products that are actually available to buy.
Here are 10 of the most crazy, luxury products that are on the market.
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Picture this: You’re having a great day after visiting the National Museum Of African American History and Culture. You’re feeling emotional after taking in all of the different exhibits, including one about blackface. But as you’re making your way home, you pass by a storefront, only to be confronted by the same blackface imagery.
Just last week, that exact scenario happened to Chinyere Ezie.
Facebook/Chinyere Ezie
Ezie says it was Prada’s SoHo storefront in New York that caught her attention after leaving the Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History and Culture.
The window display featured small, monkey-like figurines in black and brown with oversized red lips — features that are commonly seen in historical blackface imagery. After seeing the images, Ezie, who is a civil rights attorney with the Centre for Constitutional Rights, was left “shaking with anger.”
She shared her experience on Facebook, which quickly caught the attention of individuals and news outlets.
In the post, Ezie explains that after seeing the figurines, she went into the store, only to be confronted with even more of the same imagery. She decided to speak with a Prada employee and ask if they had any idea that “they had plastered blackface imagery throughout their store.” Ezie was allegedly told that “a black employee had previously complained about blackface at Prada, but he didn’t work there anymore.”
Facebook/Chinyere Ezie
Prada has since issued an apology and removed the seasonal window display at its New York location.
The Italian fashion house said in a statement that it “will withdraw the characters in question from display and circulation.” In addition, the company stated:
Prada Group abhors racist imagery. The Pradamalia are fantasy charms composed of elements of the Prada oeuvre. They are imaginary creatures not intended to have any reference to the real world and certainly not blackface. Prada Group never had the intention of offending anyone and we abhor all forms of racism and racist imagery. In this interest we will withdraw the characters in question from display and circulation.
The product in question was a part of the company’s Pradamalia line — a line made up of mysterious creatures. The collection tells the story of creatures who were discovered in the “imaginary futuristic Prada Labs,” and have escaped into Prada stores. Keychains, t-shirts, and wallets feature the designs, and range between $460 to $895 USD.
While it looks like the problematic character has been removed from the fashion house’s website and stores, other characters in the collection remain.
You can see Ezie’s full Facebook post below.
Featured image: Facebook/Chinyere Ezie
“I make shoe contact before I make eye contact.”
Within the past few years, I’ve definitely realized the importance of shoes and their ability to make or break an outfit. My bank account has definitely been victim to this expensive realization, but luckily, there are plenty of designer lookalikes to make the purchasing process significantly less painful!
Take a look at 5 affordable alternatives for the most popular shoes on the market right now below.
High: Gucci Leather Horsebit Slipper, $780
These loafers/slides have become an absolute wardrobe staple — shoe game strong if you already own a pair! If not, save yourself some bills and purchase Steve Madden’s spinoff of the original Gucci slipper. This shoe is perfect for (almost) all year round — this pair can easily dress up denim, while still pairing perfectly with your favourite dress pant. Size up in the Steve Maddens, because they do run a full size smaller. You’re welcome!
Low: Steve Madden Doriana, $80
High: Yeezy Black Knit Ankle Boots, $995
The high ankle boot style has me feeling ways. Transform your look from day to night in seconds with this shoe. I genuinely prefer Zara’s version of this style over Yeezys — sorry, not sorry Kanye. I love the flexibility and stretchiness this shoe offers, especially because my ankles are smaller and typically feel loose in a more structured bootie. Zara’s footwear selection gets me through my favourite season. Keep in mind that a lot of what they offer online is not available in-stores or sells out quickly. We suggest ordering sooner rather than later!
Low: Zara Fabric High Heel Ankle Boots, $79.90
High: Stuart Weitzman Hiline Boot, $998
Thigh highs enhance your legs for days. Not only is this style perfect for keeping your bare legs warm in the colder weather Canada sometimes likes to deliver, they also transform your outfit from a 7 to an immediate 11. Since we’re not Gigi Hadid, we can not afford to be dropping 10 bills on this wardrobe necessity, so we’ll settle for Steve Madden’s “Gorgeous” style. Let me assure you that these babes need to be broken in, so wearing them on a night out, where you’ll have some alcohol to ease the pain, is definitely recommended. May you enjoy non-skirt weather more with these boots hugging your thighs.
Low: Steve Madden Gorgeous Boot, $150
High: Prada Strappy Platform Sandal, $918.66
Prada knows best, and these little things add another dimension to a denim fit — #glamup! This type of heel is not only pretty to look at, but extremely comfortable; it’s a win-win situation. When you’re trying to add a few inches while being comfortable, the Trixie platform accomplishes both tasks pretty well. Steve Madden is reliable for designer dupes when it comes to footwear, so before dropping (hundred) dollar bills on designer, always check their frequently updated stock!
Low: Steve Madden Trixie Platform, $125
High: Saint Laurent White Court Classic SL/06 Sneakers, $645
I just had to end with a classic sneaker. Adidas has made quite the comeback, and I support them- in case you were wondering. I have had this pair of Stan Smith’s for two years and they are probably one of my comfiest pairs of shoes, so thank you for the inspo Saint Laurent. The original Stan Smith is such a simple and classic style, making it easy to pair with your casual weekend look! To add an edge, pair with fishnet socks and you will most definitely create “a look”.
Low: adidas Stan Smith, $110
Stock up on these styles like, yesterday! Because by the time October rolls around, I can guarantee that most of these dupes will be sold out.
Featured Image: Instagram/@jessicawhitaker
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Gucci may be using memes to sell their latest collection but the internet’s latest reaction to the luxury label’s Sock Heel doesn’t have us sold.
Cosmopolitan featured a stream of Tweets bashing and making fun of the Gucci disaster. Interestingly, I think what partially makes the Gucci Sock Heel and other designers’ shoes ugly is the price – it’s one thing to be an ugly shoe but to have an astronomical price as well, well that makes that same shoe a joke.
Below we’ve compiled a roundup of some of the ugliest (and most expensive) shoes on the market right now.
Boots by Balenciaga (Image: REX Shutterstock)
Who: Balenciaga
What: Spring 2017 Square Toe Thigh High Boots
How Much: $1,895.00 US
I actually like these boots but when shown to a friend of mine, the friend laughed non-stop, going on to say how much she hates them and that if she ever saw someone wearing them in public she would start quacking like a duck for every step they took.
Shoes by Gucci (Image: Saks Fifth Avenue)
Who: Gucci
What: Queercore Brogue Knee Boot
How Much: $1,890.00 US or $2,140.00 CAN
I feel like these boots could have potential but the execution just isn’t there. They look like something Wednesday Adams or Matilda would wear.
Gucci Loafers (Image: Gucci)
Who: Gucci
What: Princetown Slipper
How Much: $840.00 US or $1,005.00 CAN
I think it is so sad that the Gucci Princetown fur loafers for both men and women are a thing. Without fur? They look funky and quirky, but the fur doesn’t even look real – it looks like Donald Trump’s hair! Gucci really must have saved cutting corners and feeding what looks like rat fur to trend-obsessed consumers.
Margiela Boots (Image: The Rosenrot)
Who: Margiela
What: Tabi Boots
How Much: $1,130.00 CAN
These have been around for some time, and to be frank I’ve hated them since laying eyes on them. While they take their inspiration from Japanese tabi which are socks worn with sandals that feature straps that go between your big two and your second toe, they just don’t have the same archaic and cultural charm. This boot reminds me of pig feet, goat feet, camel toes, and just any ungulate in general. They are currently available in black on SSense.com for $1,130.00CAN.
Barefoot Finger Sneakers (Image: Vibram)
Who: Vibram
What: Fivefinger Barefoot Shoes
How Much: $130.00 CAN
How absurd… GQ said it best when they wrote, “We always knew Vibram’s toe-shoes were creepy and ugly, but now we know they’re sinful in other ways, too. The shoemaker recently settled a class-action lawsuit for $3.75 million stemming from claims that their gross shoes for chimpanzees “reduce foot injuries and strengthen foot muscles.” Again, how absurd.
Christopher Kane Crocs (Image: Selfridges)
Who: Christopher Kane
What: Crocs stone-embellished rubber sandals
How Much: 385.00 CAN
So apparently Christopher Kane teamed up with Crocs and I’m just finding out about this and laughing so much. Less at the final product that is the brood of the collaboration and more at the price of the product from this collaboration. $385.00CAN for rubber Crocs?! I don’t care if Victoria Beckham and Rihanna both wore them together enjoying splashes of champagne in St Barths on a super yacht – and that’s $385.00 CAN on sale, for rubber. No, thanks.
Marni Boot (Image: SSense)
Who: Marni
What: Black Velcro Platform High-Top Sneakers
How Much: $1,190.00 CAN
I don’t know if it’s the price that’s outrageous or the shoe itself that is actually outrageous? Shockingly, when considering the price, the entire shoe is comprised of man-made fabrics, which seemingly doesn’t exemplify a state of being luxurious. Appalling.
Prada Sandals (Image: Prada)
Who: Prada
What: Satin Sandal
How Much: $990.00 US
Miuccia Prada, you’re wild for these.
Moschino Pumps (Image: LuisaviaRoma)
Who: Moschino
What: Embroidered leather pumps
How Much: $1,745.00 CAN
Unless it is a themed party and you have $1,745.00 CAN to toss on some clownish clogs, let’s stay away from these. Weird.
Dolce & Gabbana (Image: Luisaviaroma)
Who: Dolce & Gabbana
What: Pineapple Clog
How Much: $2,791.00 CAN
I like pineapple but not this much. Fun fact: When you eat pineapple, it’s eating you. Apparently, the acid of pineapple is quite strong. Who else remembers the French speaking pineapple L’ananas that helped teach us speak French in grade 4?
Balenciaga (Image: Net-a-Porter)
Who: Balenciaga
What: Thigh High Clog
How Much: $2,145.00 US
Balenciaga as a brand is very hit and miss – some collections are a total hit and others are a total miss. While some shoes from this collection were epic, this clog boot is straight clownish, and for those who don’t want the thigh high version, there’s an ankle one too available on Net-A-Porter. #SurgicalMaskEmoji
Are there any other ugly shoes that should be added to this list? Let us know in the comment section.
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