Yes, More Dupes

New releases just about guarantee new dupes these days. Because apparently, Stardoll just can't help be continue to re-make items that we already have.

Overpriced, Under Designed

I thought the new 9to5 shorts were cute... until I realized why they looked so familiar. Yep, the Basics shorts are an almost identical colour, with much more detailed graphics, not to mention are in starcoins. The Jet Set shorts are a slightly different colour, but close in shape with - you guessed it - better graphics. And they're cheaper.

The Alternatives

There's no shortage of shorts or beige on Stardoll. These two fit both those conditions, but with either a tassel or print detail for a bit more originality.

The Entire New Original Future

The fact it's not even a whole floor is shameful enough. Then there's the hideous atrocities committed within it. And then...the dupes. I can't be bothered doing every item, so the worst offended in my opinion is... these shoes. They just stuck an ankle bracelet to them? Which makes you look like you just escaped some maximum security prison?  As for the dupes, there's no lack of plain white, lace up sneakers, including "platform" and mens' varieties. Adding Low- and Hi- top versions make sense to me, as do Mens and Womens, but prison-escapee? Not so much.

The Alternatives:

There's plenty of other plain white shoes (and more than a few dupes for them,) so I went for shoes that kept the platform-sneaker shape but added something extra. From black spikes to stripes, and even minty green!

So Obvious, It Hurts:

I'm not sure what stardoll was thinking when they made the It Girls skirt, especially when you consider the fact that it's in stardollars. It's slightly shorter, less high wasted, and also shinier than it's basic counter part... all of which makes me like it less. A quick test in the plaza proved the It Girls  version to be very difficult to colour match as well, while the Basics skirt can easily go with a number of both Basics and Non-Basics items. And of course, there's loads of other colours of the Basics skirt to choose from, if red isn't your thing. So, the winner here is pretty obvious.

The Alternatives:

Add texture, a print, or even a slit! There's lots of creative ways to style a red maxi skirt.

Still Ugly:

Different currency, store, and colour, but each one is as hideous as the last. Neither one can win, because I can't imagine anyone ever making these look stylish. They're what I'd call "pool shoes." Seen in public only for the sake of not slipping on wet changing room tiles, and otherwise confined to the very back of your closet.

The Alternatives:

There's so many cute, flat sandals around - I went with black ones, since they were the most neutral, but there's so many cuter shoes than the ones above.

Read More

Stardoll Dupes : Pants & Tights

I've noticed recently that there's a lack of unique pants on stardoll. To be fair, there's only so many variations in denim colours, but when it comes to prints, cuts, and different materials, you'd think they would find a way to make some things a bit more... well, different.

I've made sure to include the prices in the images this time, as some items are included in the current NELLY sale - so if they're your pick of the bunch, you'd better buy them quick!

This time, I've done things a little bit differently - I've explained the dupes, but I've also included alternatives - items with a similar style or theme that have a significant point of difference from the dupes. Make sure to tell me in the comment section whether or or not you want me to keep doing this!

Shiny Black Tights:

These aren't all of the options - just the shiniest. The only main point of difference is the graphics and waist height - which seems like a big deal, until you remember that most dolls wear their tights underneath something else, like a dress. I often wear mine with tall boots, making only the smallest section visible, and reducing any possibly difference in quality to a minimal. That, and I just don't like super shiny tights, so if I have to pick one, I'd go with the not-pictured, actually matte, starcoin ones from BASICS.

Alternative:

I picked out three alternatives - firstly, shiny socks. They're not hugely different than the dupes, but paired with a dress will give just a little tease of skin between the two. Secondly, lace up tights. I honestly adore these, it's such a small detail but adds so much more texture to any outfit. And thirdly, mesh panel tights are totally trendy and just like the socks, give a little flash of skin and also a little bit of texture to the look.

If you're keen on a fourth option, you could always try a coloured tight or legging instead.

 Black Flared Leg Long Pants:

Not my best description, I know - but then, these pants aren't the best either. Ranging from 15 to 21 sd (regular priced) there's much more cost difference than there is item difference. 

My personal preference is a tie between the Rio Chicas pair,the cheapest without discount, and the on-sale first Nelly pair. Where the Rio pants have a slightly sequined texture look to them, the Nelly pair have the most unique shape, being slightly wider at the top, plus they have a matte looking texture and shading.

Alternative:

For more of a unique, statement pant, try something that's printed and sheer. Striped pants are an absolute classic and will go with every colour in your closet. For the floral neutral pants, they're a little trickier to style, but done right can make an absolute masterpiece of an outfit.

Grey Sweatpants:

Tracksuit , joggers, drawstring or sweats, these pants by any name all ultimately look the same. The first have small rips while the second boasts the best graphics, and the lowest price - they're my no-brainer pick. The third are just a plain version of the other two.

Alternatives:

If plain grey is the way to go, look at try a deeper, tailored pant instead. If you're more into the sweatpant style, the second pair has a quirky leopard print and cropped cut, while the second has a gradient paint splatter, as well as a rolled leg to give it a little edge.

Pleat Front Pants:

Specifically, white ones.

The first and last pairs are a more off-white, with the last pair having a lower waist. They're not identical, but they're not all that different. There are a couple of other pleat front white pants that are looser, as well as similarly shaped pleat front nude pants, but these three are the most obvious looking dupes of each other. My pick are the Royalty pants, because I like the crisp white colour a lot better personally.

Alternative:

If you're into the loose white look of these pants, you can always go big! The first two are super loose and casual, again white pants with fold details. If you're more of a tailored pant person, why not go all out and got for a full body suit?

Which one will you be wearing - your trusted dupe, or a new alternative?

Click to check out the previous dupes!

Read More

Stardoll Dupes: Classic Black

I really liked looking through the catalog to find all the cool hidden gems - and it doesn't hurt that my two top posts are Faking Fendi and Free PNGs vs Stardoll.

So, since everyone likes them so much, I had to do at least one more. Maybe this will become a regular thing, who knows?

For this post, I picked out a couple of close-resembling items from the plaza, all in the colour black. If you have more, make sure to leave them in the comments!

Moto Jacket:

Left - Pals Loisa Leather Jacket (17sd)

Right - Wild Candy Wild Candy Moto Jacket (13sd)

The major issue with the Pals jacket isn't really the 17sd price tag - in fact, it's almost reasonable. In this case, it's the pose, which looks great on the Pal, but not so much on the doll. But don't worry, Wild Candy has the solution for you! With the same silver outlines, ruched sleeve, collar shape and that essential leather look, these two items could almost be based off of the same thing.

Leather Minis

Left - Wild Candy Licorice Skirt (101sc)

Middle - Rio Chicas Shiny Rocker Skirt (16sd)

Right - PPQ Patent Leather Skirt (17sd)

While the left two share a near identical shape, the right two are closer in texture. All three skirts are short, shiny, and rocker gone rogue. For once, the most expensive skirt is my personal pick - better texture, higher waist, and a reasonable price make it worthwhile. Though I'll never say no to a starcoin version.

Flare Skirt

Left - It Girls Frou Frou Skirt (9sd)

Right - Wild Candy Tulle Overlay Skirt (104sc)

If the difference between a stardollar item and a starcoin item, is just a strip of tulle, I think you already know which one I'd pick.

Zipper Decal Pants

Left - Basics Black  Cut In Two Trousers (45sc)

Right - Nelly Zip It Pants (15sd)

Back when the Nelly version was released, everyone noticed the similarities between these two. And the huge price difference. Although they're obviously different in some ways - gold vs silver, high vs low waist, catchy vs uncatchy name - they're undeniably similar. And I'd much rather spend sc than sd.

Tall Sock Tights

Left - Fallen Angel Star Punk Tights (13sd)

Middle - Evil Panda Tigh High Suspender Tights (13sd) And yes, it's "tigh high". Blame Stardoll, not me.

Left  - Evil Panda Fake Suspender Tights (8sd)

Like the pants the devil is in the detail, if you care to take a look. If not, you can pay almost half the price by going with the third option. Or you can be extra crafty and find the same thing for anywhere from 50sc to 13sd in the Bazaar's Stardesign items.

Read More