There are few things in my fashion-life experience that I’ve really, truly coveted. My standards for most of my purchases are pretty high, so typically I wait until I find the perfect item (preferably on sale) because if I’m spending my scarce pennies on something, I’d better not be able to shut up about it for days – I have to love it.

This is why I don’t have very many clothes…but the clothes I do have? I could easily spend 4 hours talking about each one of them, one at a time. My latest addition to this category are my 80%20 “Lily” Patent Wedges that the girls and I bought a while back. Surely you remember them.  You know, they’re the ones with a great shock of neon orange patent leather with a seamless wedge and a delicate mary-jane strap?  The finely crafted, yet completely lightweight heel? The crinkle treatment on the patent leather that gives them a completely unique texture?

Yes. Those. I saw them again recently – well, sort of.

If you follow my other blog, Broke & Beautiful, you know how I feel when it comes to such fashion-related political issues as copyright infringement, labor conditions, and fair trade. You will likely never see a Forever 21 product, Baker’s shoe, or TopShop creation on my site, because I totally disagree with their marketing and campaign management strategies.

I can now add Aldo to this list. While browsing around the internet, looking for my next potential item-to-be-coveted, I stumbled upon Aldo’s “Venditti” Wedge.

Hmm, looks awfully familiar, don’t you think?

This shoe is identical to the Lily wedge. Although mine aren’t black (instead, a bright orange) the similarities are obvious. Need a visual?

This is the black version of the Lily wedge from Amazon. Have I convinced you yet?

So much of our society has become complacent when it comes to the issue of infringement. We spew excuses ranging from “it’s going to happen whether we like it or not” to “I can’t afford the originals, so I’m happy to have knockoffs!” and assume that the “designers are paid enough – they’re not hurting for my money.”  I must say that the one about price is utter crap, because there’s little to no bargain opportunity when you’re talking about supporting a mass produced “interpretation” of someone else’s creativity and hard work. Not to mention, this 80%20 example has proof in the numbers, too:

80%20 Lily Patent Wedges
Retail: $135
Sale: $48.08 (We purchased them on sale, not to mention they’re on sale now for $40.48…)

Aldo “Venditti” Wedge
Retail: $70
Sale: $34.98

You can’t really justify buying a known knockoff for a $14 discount, can you?

My beef is this: 80%20 is run by Ce Ce Chin, a woman who used to work for big names like Calvin Klein and Michael Kors, but then split off to begin her own fashion dream, 80%20. Not only did she break away from the grind to fulfill a passion, but she’s succeeding at it. Knowing what the world looks like right now, economically – and considering that the fashion giants that can essentially make or break a new business – this infringement is a big deal.

So, Aldo, why tear down a woman trying to make it on her own? Are you hurting for money? I’m guessing not…so what’s your justification to reach down to the independent designers and get “so inspired” that you need to completely steal an idea?

I’m disappointed to see yet another company be put on Elle’s List of Evil, but I can’t willingly support companies with this brand of scheme. Readers, vote with your dollar, and avoid Aldo!

So ladies: What do you think about the copyright infringement debate? Is it justified? Do you have anyone on your List of Evil?