Crave or Save
Um, really Steve Madden?
I know that my Crave or Save posts typically showcase two items that are relatively similar, but this is borderline criminal. Alexander Wang’s Brenda bag has been one of the hotter accessories of the season and it’s no surprise why. The distressed leather, exposed zippers and edgy chain handle make this an eye-catching bag to throw across your body. While perusing Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly sale (for this), I came across Steven by Steve Madden’s Wild Thing Mini.
What’s your take – is this a crave or save situation?
75 comments
I actually quite like the white one!
I like the steve madden one more actually, the zippers look more interesting on it.
I like Alexander Wang’s bag but.. I’d have to agree with Luphia and Jenni, I’d buy the Steve Madden one and save a pretty penny. It’s hard to find a white bag that doesn’t look cheap and actually this one looks quite good.
hmmm while I’m always inclined to go with the less expensive, I say crave in this case. Black + chain + over-sized zippers = gorgeousness.
Crave. I adore the wang bag so much!
I think the Madden looks more streamlined/classy for some reason!
Definitely save, esp since the Steve Madden is white so perfect for summer
I would snatch that Steve Madden up as quick as you can…it’s like a complete copy…I have to say I like the SM more!
Steve Madden looks better. I like the details.
I go with the crave on this one.
I say neither. The AW bag has been everywhere and on everyone already… unless you are obsessed with it, I say leave both. xo Cari http://isnotfashion.blogspot.com/
I seem a little expensive, but they are beautiful.
visiting: http://look10.blogspot.com/2009/06/przymierzalnia.html
Save – they are so similar ! – and white is so lovely and fresh for summer…
The details on the Wang version are SO much nicer … but you’re right, they are virtually the same. I’d go save!
I purchased this bag online and went to the store to pick it up. When I looked at it in person at Nordstrom and wasn’t quite sold on it. So I returned it immediately and exchanged it for a Kate Spade.
P.S. Your link directs us to a Michael Kors watch.
The Steve Madden is great, but I’m going to go with a crave on this one. The Wang is just soooo perfect.
I say the Wang bag, it’s sexier. Plus it looks more comfortable.
They both are very cute. I’m sure the Wang one is much nicer in regards to the materials and details. Steve Madden usually does such a great job of copying but why is it so pricey? It should be $65. It is Steve Madden. Did they forget that?
The very top of the Wang bag looks so much more substantial, and that’s the part that would rest against your shoulder — probably more comfortable than the bunched up top of the Steve Madden. But wow, Mr. Madden should get sent to his room for this one, to think about what he’s done …
If you’re going to wear it all the time, go for the Alex Wang. But if it’s just a summer trend, go with the Madden. I like both!
I don’t think I like this style of bag, but if pressed I’d go with save and get the SM one.
My interpretation is the white bag is much more “versatile” to wear with any outfit. The black bag screams rock n’ biker….however, the white can truely be either or – classy, casual or rock n’ roll – you name it! The white is a GO!
hmm. it’s a toughy. the copycat does have an extra zipper, I guess that’s where he switched up the design (hardly). I usually go with your saves, but I’m going with crave on this one!
i adore the AW but would never drop $725 on a bag ::sigh::
Hi! Wanted to let you know that I gave you an award on my blog
http://www.wreckedstellar.wordpress.com
I clicked on the link to see if the Steve Madden one came in any color besides white… the raspberry one is actually kind of cool!
I say save…put that money towards a classic, more versatile bag that can hold more than just a wallet and cell phone.
As you know I have the AW. (Was lucky enough to get the original at consignment for much less than retail!). I have also seen the SM one and tried it on. Although its a good relatively cheap alternative, the leather on it is v stiff which was the BIGGEST turn off and i didn’t like those particular chain straps or the leather shoulder piece.
I guess to each his own since I do understand getting the knock offs sometimes if you like the overall style. I snapped pics of the SM and was going to do a post on my blog comparing both with real pics . Its a comparison running around the blogosphere I’ve noticed and understandably so! : )
Still wondering if I should still do the post…?
Saaaaaaaaaaveeeeeeee……well, I just love white, and as summer is arriving…….why not?
definately have to go with save. I wear too much fake tan to wear any white bag! Plus the Alexander Wang just looks better. Im a black bag person xoxoox
I meant crave and save for the AW bag xoxox
Steve Madden does it again… Man oh man
I do have to say that it’s always a little alarming to see how closely a product can be ripped off. I mean, there’s really no concept that is solely one’s own and people feel inspired by everything around… but how do you differentiate between the original idea and the idea that sprung from the original? Oi!
WOW that does feel criminal! It’s pratically the same bag well, minus the position of the zippers on the smaller pockets. I like the A Wang bag better, but I love everything A Wang and I don’t like white handbags that much. If you like white this is definately a save situation.
xoxo
J
http://www.talkprettytome.blogspot.com
Hi there-both are cute, but to buy into the trend, I’d go with the Steve Madden one!
steve maddens is missing the awesome detail work wang has though… still nice, but i love that alexander wang one like crazy. would never pay $725 though… never.
Maybe they’ll end up in court! (Have you been following the F21/Trovata case as eagerly as I have?)
This is a no-brainer for me. I absolutely love my AW bag and have gotten every single penny’s worth.
oopsie, that’s what i get for reading too fast! thanks for the clarification.
these are so similar it’s crazy. i’d like to save…but i like black purses better than white…
btw, i love the black face on that gold watch!
Save! And take the extra money saved and put towards one of those great watches you are eyeing!
i actually like the raspberry steve madden myself!
Hmm I still like the black on better!
how do you choose just one?? crave AND save ??!!
Did you snatch up that watch? Gorgeous! My eye is attracted to white bags right now but I bet the leather on the AW is just sumptuous. A little pricey though. Tough call, as always.
It comes in black too! Although it’s not on sale, I think it will be a bag to carry all fall!! Love it! http://www.stevemadden.com/item.aspx?id=48677
In this case I think the real thing is the way to go. The zippers are a bit clunky on the Steve Madden and I much prefer the black. Even the top of the handle looks like it’s made better on the Alexander Wang.
Hmmm…I don’t like either. Personally I can’t stand most of AW’s stuff (not really my style) and have no idea why he charges so much. BUT if I did like that kinda thing, I would probably get the Madden…since it’s such a close knockoff, people would probably assume your bag is SM not AW. Which, you know, would bug me when you pay $700 for it!
I wouldn’t spend that kind of money for this kind of bag… it’s fun and cute but not classic or really functional. I would rather spend more and get the small Chanel quilted one on the chain strap……. I like Alexander Wang’s Tshirts, however.
Is Steven available in black? If so, I’d choose save. If not, then, alas, I will have to admit defeat and choose Crave. I love a black bag with heavy metal and chains.
Wow, another save in my opinion! I love the white.
Though the bags are similar, I’d say the Alexander version is way better. I personally don’t like the white one.
this is s toughie – i love the wang bag so much! the leather looks AMAZING!!! you can’t go wrong either way!
ps- that watch is so on my want list!
I say save. But get the cheapie one in black.
XO
My Super Sweet Fashion Diary
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I say this is a save situation – even though I like the black one better, it’ll be way out of style by next season.
i wouold say get the AW bag. it looks so much nicer (in my opinion) with more biker look in it.
I’d have to go with the crave, the black/over sized zipper combo is just genius and so beautiful and has an edgy twist to it. The Madden one is too clean looking for my taste.
Isn’t that the Wang bag that also comes in that delicious pink color? I’m drooling just thinking about it….
And, I prefer the wang over the madden. But, the white isn’t bad.
oooh love the wang, of course.
I always go with the crave on the bags. no matter how trendy they might seen they are a forever piece to be pulled out years later after being forced into hibernation in their sad little dusters.
it bothers me when the cheaper brand designs something that is WAY too similar. It is fine to take inspiration from it but to straight up just take the design just seems wrong. All I know is, Steve Madden uses really cheap leather so I’d take the A. Wang bag any day as I can’t stand cheap leather bags.
haha yeah it is criminal!
Hm… I vote for the watch!
I vote save this go ’round.
Wow – what a replica! Love the Alexander Wang bag, but I have to vote for the save. Doesn’t look cheap to me, although it’s a little uncomfortable to have that similar of a bag. -Natalie from Shop It To Me
wow…they are almost exactly the same…how sad for AW!
Love the white one, esp. for the price!
Humm.. I’m not into white bags, so I would have to go with the A. Wang black gorgeous bag !
I have the Steve Madden one and I am a HUGE bag snob but the leather is really nice — only complaint, zippers are a pain until they get broken in!
steve madden continues to rip off designers i think it’s so degrading to the integrity of the designer. go the alexander wang absolutely no second thoughts!
I would opt for the save, however I’d rather see it in black…but because they’re so alike I find it such a shame to spend that much money on it. and quite frankly I even find the steve madden sort of expensive (I have no money to spend, haha).
i think they’re both ugly, don’t by either! i think your save is more of a crave at that price! there both just so ew. but if you have to get one defintaly the alexander wang
Wang or nothing. The Steve Madden one is disgusting. I have the Wang, and it’s amazing!
You know, I’m typically indifferent when it comes to knock offs but this… this is just criminal!
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