A on Wednesday, a fortnight after the Grunge collection, we had a new Callie's Picks
release. I know people have generally negative option about the store
but I actually do like it (aside from the high prices and the way the
outfits are laid out). So what if the Sonia Rykiel or the Pleather Platforms are no longer worth hundreds of Stardollars - if you were going to sell them
you ought to have done it by now; if you bought them for them an
outrageous price (like I did my platforms), that means you wanted them
so they were worth it for you; and if you are a collector your item
still has an original tag (unlike the pieces that used to be re-released
in the Archive store). Besides, he whole idea to collect and want
clothes on Stardoll because they rare is a bit odd to me (though I can
see the appeal of owning he Heidi Klum dress), when put an item on my
whishlist it's because it's beautiful and interesting not because it's
worth a lot. OK, I've shared my view on the store, now let's take a look
at the collection.
First
of all, the name - "Reddy for Fall", I know it's silly but it cracks me
up every time. My native language is Bulgarian and even though it's
reach and versatile, and quite unique, it leaves little place for puns.
This is why I'm always so impressed and fond of them, even the silly
ones as this one.
The collection
itself is impressive with it's abundance of tribute and real brand
items, a few of witch were quite rare up to their re-release. But when
you leave the brands aside, it kinda loses it's charm. The different
shades of red clash with each other in a less than flattering way, the
clothes and accessories are forced together (and I don't mean just on
the mannequins) in a common theme in very random way and more than a few
of them belong in Spring/Summer rather than in a Fall one. Not to
mention that some (such as the Marabou Vest) would've been better
off left out and forgotten all together. I thought it would be
interesting to separate the post in two parts - things that I actually
bought and things that I already had and share my thoughts about their
value.
Before
we start, I just wanna state for the record that this time I managed to
restrain myself from extravagant purchases, especially given the fact
that I had my eye on a few dresses - the Printed Bow Neck Dress (which was impeccably styled by kotka888MxD on KAMIZELKE), the Longoria Dress (the design is so interesting but the belt is so ugly, as stated by ilgd in her review on the Stardoll Broadcast ) and most importantly - the Red Satin Dress
(which would've been a must have in real life - with combat boots and a
leather jacket! - but something in Stardoll design is a bit off and I
can't put my finger on it). I only bought six items, three of which have
been on my wishlist for ages and I couldn't be happier for finally
getting my (virtual) hands on them:
1. Floral Embroidered Jkt - 15SD
I think this was originally from Bizou, I remember seeing it in the
Bazaar on rare occasions always for obscene amount of money and I've had
it on my wishlist for a about a year and a half. It's lovely - the
pattern could be either bold or adorable depending on how you style it,
and it's totally worth your money.
2. Velvet Belt - 4SD
There is nothing special about this one, I just thought it may be useful to have a simple wide belt in red.
3. Red Harlequin Bag - 9SD
This is a tricky one. It doesn't look like much - the strap fits
oddly in your doll's hand and the bag itself hangs kind of weird. BUT I
love the colours and the pattern, and I have the same one in very dark
blue (Archive, 4SD) so I know that rotated and resized it makes
for a stunning clutch. Is it worth to pay 9SD for a clutch, though?
Probably not.
4. Studded Stage Jacket - 20SD
My most expensive and least needed purchase. I love leather jackets
and I really like the collar on this one so much that I just knew I'd
regret not buying it now and end up spending even more on it in the
Bazaar once it's gone.
5. Burgundy Ruffle Blouse - 12SD
Originally from Givenchy Tribute, this
another item I've wanted for a long a time. It's not without its flaws
and I think it would look batter with a jacket on but for it's price,
it's a steal. Keep in mined that this is an elegant piece and may be
difficult to work it in a more casual or street style outfit.
6. Burgundy Shoulderbag - 12SD
And finally, my dream come true. Once I saw this bag for less than
200SD and I was considering buying it (so glad I did not!). The only
thing that stopped me was it's length, which is a tat to short for my
taste. Other than that, the design is gorgeous, the colour is stunning,
the details on it are silver and not gold (off topic rant: adding gold
is Stardoll's favourite way or changing things I like and it's also main
reason for my doll to wear a lot more gold than I do), even the buckle
on that bag is amazing! This is my absolutely favourite piece of the
collection.
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I
feel the need to complain that even though I only bought six items, I
ended up composing a hideously long post. The unconsidered purchases of
my past are haunting me (I'm looking at you, Lapin Coat!). It's
been a while since I've found myself already heaving so many things from
a Callie's Picks collection. Few of the items above have been brought
out of storage for the sake of this comparison
but most of them have a cherished place in my closet for ages. I think
it's going to be fun to see how their prices and my perception of them
has changes since the time I bought them and their current re-release. I
also need to state that some of these things have been bought on sales,
hence the unbelievably low prices.
1. Bell Sleeve Draped Jkt - Originally from Miss Sixty for 20SD; Callie’s Picks price - 22SD
I remember that I got this jacket the second it was released I
couldn't stop wearing it afterwards. I was (and still am, by the way) so
impressed with its unusual design - I'm a huge fan of wide sleeves and
large collars plus I really love dark red and burgundy. Since then it
just collects virtual dust - it's too demanding and dominating a piece.
Honestly, I can't tell if I would've bought it now had I not owned it
already - it's interesting but impractical and not so cheap.
2. Purse Inspired by Dolche Gabbana - Originally from Archive for 6SD; Callie’s Picks price - 10SD
I bought this even before it was released in Archive from Bizou.
It was a set with a really awesome pair of platforms and I do wish they
had released the shoes instead because I've gotten so much more use out
of them. On it's own the purse it's (more than) a bit tacky and
definitely not worth that much.
3. Over Knee Boots - Originally from Fallen Angel for 2SC (transferred currency); Callie’s Picks price - 10SD
Boy, these are old! I think Stardoll released those (also in black
and grey) even before the over knee boots became trendy again a few
years back. Back then they were pretty interesting new thing, now their
just old and you can tell that by the flat graphics and that strange
thing that is supposed to be a heel. I wouldn't even pay the 2SD I
originally gave for them, 10 is a robbery.
4. Sheer Dress - Originally from Sonia Rykiel Tribute for 34SD; Callie’s Picks price - 32SD
It's interesting that the current price is actually lower than the
original one - now I feel a little bit cheated. I've already said how
much I like this dress when I styled it (in a very boring way) for my
"Wear It All Challenge" (here). Most Sonia Rykiel items
are very wanted and quite rare, not to mention stunningly beautiful, so
had I not had it already I'd surely be buying it now.
5. Knit Armwarmers - Originally for Miss Sixty for 6SD; Callie’s Picks price - 6SD
I got these like five years ago when I was going through my
gothic/puck/rebel teenage phases and I was obsessed with gloves,
especially when they were fingerless. I don't think I've worn them for
years and I don't think I wouldn't have bought them now but I think they
could look good under a top or a jacket with long black sleeves and I
might just give them a try some time soon.
6. Red Signature Bag - Originally from Rio for 1SD; Callie’s Picks price - 14SD, Superstar exclusive
I'm sure this was purchased during a sale (which once upon a time was a
monthly event if I recall correctly) but even leaving that aside it's
original price could not have been more than 3SD. How it got up to 14
Stardollars and why is it a Superstar exclusive is beyond me. I only
know that it sure as hell ain't worth it!
7. Fishnet Tights - Originally from Miss Sixty for 10SD; Callie’s Picks price - 100SC
OK, now I feel more cheated. Just like 5. I bought this in my teens
when I was all about fishnet stockings and tights, now I don't think I
would pay so much for them, mainly because they are just a little too
big for my doll's legs and a fishnet so wide seems tasteless. However, I
do like how they look on the mannequin's black legs and I think I will
try to achieve similar effect on my doll with a pair of black tights
underneath. Plus, now that they are in Starcoins you may want to give
them a second glance.
8. Red Black Ride Booties - Originally from Pet-á-Porter for 7SD; Callie’s Picks price - 9SD
I really like those, even though the left one is a bit too wide at
the ankle. The design is interesting, the colours complement each other
quite nicely and I appreciate the silver detail one the sole. Had I'd
not had them I may had given some thought about buying them, especially
after the disappointing shoe selection at Nelly.
9. Port Purse - Originally from Rio for 2SC (transferred currency); Callie’s Picks price - 5SD
I'm always on the lookout for red accessories and let me tell you,
Stardoll's selection of red bags leaves a lot to be desired. And keeping
that in mind this clutch is a pretty decent piece with an interesting
design. Is it worth it? I'm really not sure - 5SD is not that much but I
doubt I would've paid that much.
10. Striped Scarf - Originally from Bonjour Bizou for 2SD; Callie’s Picks price - 6SD
In my Nelly haul I talked about my obsession with scarves and this
one is pretty damn cool - very hip, very casual, very well made. I'm
sure I would've bought it in an instant.
11. Tulle Waterfall Dress - Originally from Voile for 7SD; Callie’s Picks price - 30SD
I adore this dress - the design, the colour, the length... I simply adore it and I said so in this
post. However, I adore mine, bought for 7SD. Even if it was on 50% sale
that would still make the original price 14 Stardollars, which for it's
average texture is a reasonable price. The current one is twice as
much! And, it pains me to say that, it's simply not worth it.
12. Maroon Glitter Platforms - Originally from Rio for 61SC; Callie’s Picks price - 9SD
I have an issue with red shoes on Stardoll because even tough they
are generally nice, they are rarely great. It's the same with this pair -
it's OK but nothing special. Still, I really liked it (and still do for
that matter) because of the colour, and the chunky heel and the fact
that they look well both with pants and skirts/dresses. Of course, this
is hardly an elegant shoe but it works just fine for everyday outfits.
But the main reason I liked it was because it was in Starcoins and it
was so great to have them for such a reasonable price. No way I'd pay 9
Stardollars for them.
13. Red Lapin Coat - Originally from Young Versace for 20SD; Callie’s Picks price - 25SD
This was a very last minute purchase when the Harrods store was closing
down and I regret buying it. It's just too impractical. The problem
with statement jackets is that they are harder to wear and can either
make an outfit super cool or absolutely ruin it. Anyway, I've always
though this was a very classy piece - the colour is nice and I really
like the sleeves, the buttons I don't appreciate so much but still, I
like it. It looks amazing in all black outfits but after you style a few
of those it will get boring pretty fast. Not worth it.
14. Rose T-bar Heels - Originally from Je T'aime Pretty in Pink for 5SC (transferred currency); Callie’s Picks price - 9SD
I don't know why I've decided to buy these back in 2010, when Je T'aime Pretty in Pink
was released. I probably thought they were cute. Now that I'm older
they've lost their appeal and I don't think I would've bought them even foe Starcoins.
Over
the years these 14 items have cost me 122 Stardollars and 61 Starcoins,
if I wanted to but them in the current release that price would've gone
up to 192 Stardollars and 100 Starcoins. I hope it was interesting for you to see how much both my taste and the Stardoll economy have changed.
A.
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