The Banana Republic Kate Dress = Shameless Copy of Kate Middleton's Beige Reiss Shola Dress?

 Photo Courtesy of: Toby Melville/Getty; Courtesy of Reiss

Photo Courtesy of BananaRepublic.com

Hidden amongst the gems in Banana Republic's Spring 2012 line, is the Kate Dress, not-so-subtly hinting at the beige Reiss Shola dress made popular by Kate Middleton when she wore it to meet President Obama and the First Lady in May 2011. Although the Banana Republic version is missing the pleating detailing through the thighs, from the waist up it is a pretty good copy.  Clearly, Banana Republic is banking on a sell-out by piggy-backing on the publicity Reiss achieved. And the Reiss dress retailed for $340, while the Banana Republic version currently retails for more than $200 less at $340.

Interestingly, this isn't the first copy of the Reiss Shola dress. The U.K. retailer Tesco also retailed a version for only £30. See the article here.

Which Came First? The Mulberry Alexa Bag or the Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag?

Mulberry Oversized Alexa - $1,250

Proenza Schouler PS1 - $1,825

It is so funny how two premier designers can churn out bags that are so incredibly similar.  I would argue that as of late, the Mulberry Alexa bag has been a bit more popular than the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag (but then again, it probably depends on who you are asking).  It isn't as though one is the exact copy of the other, but they are just so darn close on so many levels -- shape, silhouette and really almost down to the choice of hardware -- that you have to wonder which one was born first . . . and whether one really inspired the other.  Mulberry is definitely more well-known for bags, while Proenza Schouler is definitely more well-known for clothes. The Mulberry is a bit cheaper than the Proenza . . . but all of that being said, which one would you pick?

Love both of the above, but don't want to spring for either one? Try this Topshop pick, the Leather Piped Satchel for $100: