Happy July 4th everyone!  While I don’t normally dress in holiday themes, this hi lo top is fitting for a modern take on Independence Day.  I love the dramatic, flowing draping on the back – and pared with some truly “wide-leg” pants, this ensemble makes an easy and relaxed mod summer look.

Recently I came across many online shops with some seriously stylish items at very reasonable prices.  Front Row Shop, Need Supply, Finery London, The Loeil, Style We, just to name a few.  While it’s fun to browse through chic looks at low price tags, as expected on some of these sites you will find “designer-inspired” looks.  Some are such obvious copies (The Loeil, I’m talking to you), I’m surprised they haven’t been hit with numerous lawsuits.  Inspiration is one thing, but blatant copies are a different story – especially when it involves designs by new & emerging designers.

As a general rule when shopping on these websites, I do a quick research on any high-style looks that I don’t immediately recognize as a designer copy.  I avoid anything that is a recognizable infringement of a design idea – and encourage you to do the same.  This hi-lo top seem to have made the cut, but if you do recognize the design from an original source – let me know!

Now let’s talk about these pants.  I’ve been searching for a while for the perfect pair of white, wide-leg pants, but they are always just not wide enough or have the right amount of structure, without having to spend over $1K on beauties like these.  This pair from from Ada & Vic definitely comes closest, but what I love even more is supporting and wearing pieces from emerging designers, with an ideal combination of design, quality, and price.

Have a great July 4th!

OUTFIT DETAILS

Auchan-Ai Hi-Lo tunic and another version here
Ada & Vic Wide Leg Pants
Chloe Medium Faye bag
Finery London Earrings (also love these)
Forever 21 chain Rings and tube midi rings
Gucci Striped Leather Platform Pumps