Dupes - LE

It's a bit ridiculous that this is happening so often, but here we go again. Hopefully you can still save some money, rather than make a last-minute splurge.  I actually had meant to post this ages ago but... Christmas happened and I've been too busy to get online recently. Anyway, it's here now!

The Sheer Boots:

Needless to say, I'd much rather pay 25sd than 95. And I actually like the totally-sheer, cheaper version more, because there's the ability to layer other shoes and sock with them, which for me is the reason I wear sheer in the first place.

Alternatives:

If it's white tall boots you're after, stardoll has a pretty decent supply, with loads of different detailings and styles. If it's sheer and white, there's plenty of white leggings in starcoins.

Sheer Black Bodies

Personally, I think this is the worst one yet - the scribble looks entirely random, and tricky to style with literally any other item. Currently, there's a multitude of sheer black, turtleneck tops and bodies in the plaza - but there's just as many in the bazaar too.

Alternatives:

Mix it up a bit with some sheer pieces and different silhouettes. From new tributes to everyday Nelly, there's no lack of long-sleeved, sheer items to choose from.

The Two Dozen Puffer Coats

Most are limited, and frankly, I can't be bothered searching anyone elses' suites to find them. But you know the ones.

Alternatives:

Okay, so maybe it's a cultural thing, but where I live, puffer coats are for weird tourists and overpriced gift shops - not for fashion. So I'm not about to recommend anything even mildly puffed up in this section. But, if it's brown, oversized, and different you're after, these coats should do just fine.

Did you buy these Limited Edition dupes? 

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Budget Trends #1 - ft. Leighways

Hey everyone! It's been ages since I last reviewed a trend - but I thought I'd take a loot back at some of my previous trend reviews and make some Under35 versions! My friend Leigh aka Leighways also provided some non-ss friendly, sc versions.

This is the first of several, so I hope you enjoy!

Cold Shoulders:

This is such a confusing trend for me - you can check out my review HERE - but I can't deny, it's gown on me, perhaps due to some of the very awesome Stardolls I've seen wearing it recently. 

Under 35:

In Starcoins:

Sheer:

Sheer is another trend I reviewed - and still rather like. There's just so many variations! There's lace, fishnet, regular sheer, and combos. It's classy and cute and edgy all at once.

Under 35:

In Starcoins:

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Stardoll Dupes: Shoe Edition

It's my exam season - but despite being busy, I have yet another Dupes post for you.  I focused on shoes because they often get overlooked in our outfits. I'm definitely guilty of wearing the same pairs, or buying several of the same style so I can use them in multiple rooms at a time! But we can do better than that.

Knee High Black Boots

I just adore tall black boots - but, seriously? The first three are all black wedged, with the last three being all velvet. Personally, I think the first one is just a bit of an awkward length even if it is the cheapest, so my pick this time goes to the Bonjour Dizou pair.

Alternatives:

I'm not giving up my black boots any time soon! But you can always try a buckled ankle bootie - there's even a starcoin one from Wild Candy. Or if you must skip the black, try a brown boot.

More Black Heels:

Seriously, these are just some of the pointy-toed, black heels. The rest differed in that they had a coloured strap on them, but that was about it. As it is, these are so similar it's painful. I can give them a little slack when it comes to the PPQ shoes, as they are based on the real life collection after all - but why they had to make both I will never know. If you wear pants, or a long skirt, that strap makes no difference whatsoever.

Alternatives:

Other neutrals need your love, too! Why not go nude, or white, or grey instead?

Platform Sneakers:

There have been several HotBuy and Limited versions which I couldn't include, but if you saw them, you'd be as mad about their existence as me. The third pair here almost got away with it, because it does have a white platform and tall sock, but a pair or long pants renders those differences irrelevant.

Alternatives:

There are so many cute, unique, and wearable platforms around stardoll! Buckled boots, creepers, even lace-up, contrast high tops are getting in on the action. So - go buy them!

Did you notice these dupes in the plaza?

Be sure to suggest your dupes in the comments or PM my facebook page!

Don't forget to check the previous dupes posts HERE.

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Build It Better: Singlet Shirts

 I'd rather make the combination myself.  You might say this is a spin off of the dupes post - making existing items, but better! Starting with the layer tops, I don't hate the trend - I do hate that they're not removable, or sable to be bought as seperates. Having an inbuilt bra,dress, or singlet, be in in a dress or shirt, makes styling possibilities limited for so many reasons.

They may save you money in the short term - after all, you only need to buy one piece, not two - but they limit the layering you can make and may cost more in the long term, if you want to buy a plain white shirt or separate strappy item later on.

Original Examples:

Starcoin Alternatives:

Let's face it, any amount of sd is truly too much to be paying for a white tee, no matte what else they try printing on it. So don't worry - starcoin versions can look great too!

"Reversed" Colour:

All the pre-made versions have a white shirt with the item being black or patterned - so why not swap it around?

Under Sheer & Lace:

Sure, we can layer over the top - but under sheer can look cool, too.

Striped Stylings: 

Who says patterns don't make good layers?

What item do you want to see me alter next?

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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!

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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.

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Faking Fendi : Bags

Fendi stormed into the starplaza this week, not only with the iconic bags but this time with clothes as well.

But while I was writing The Alternatives post for Stardoll Starspot, I noted a few fendi-like items that were still in the plaza. I also saw, thanks to SMW readers and Facebook, a number of old, non-plaza items that were also similar - but much more difficult to get your hands on, so let's stick with what you CAN buy for this post.

Minimalism Decor:

The names say it all. While not strictly Fendi tribute pieces, they are at least inspired by. They're both found in Minimalism  Decor, though weirdly enough, it doesn't appear on their tags.

These are very reasonably priced, though personally I find anything upwards of 18sd for a non-tribute item to be on the pricey side.

Mr:

Yes, us girls love this bag just as much as the boys. It's the totally iconic moster face bag, which Fendi is just so well known for. The backpack is also significantly the cheapest item.

However, it is as SS only item, and I personally find the yellow eyes and bulky size a little less easy to style.

It Girls:

The second cheapest on the list, this super cute and easy-to-style bag is one of my personal favourites.

It definitely doesn't have the iconic look of a Fendi bag, but it's no less cute for it.

I'm sure there's more, but that's just a couple of my personal must buys! No need to wait for Tribute season or shell out $50

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