Look for less: Proenza Schouler PS1 -> Mossimo Messenger

Saturday, March 19, 2011

I first saw this Mossimo Messenger bag (pictured below right) on Blue Paper Lanterns and Petite Early Morning Style and literally gasped out loud. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought it to be an exact replica of the Proenza Schouler PS1 (pictured below left / buy here) which I've talked about wanting in the past.


I took a trip to Target today and ran towards the shelves when I saw a display full of this bag. Boyfriend could only laugh and shake his head while following in my footsteps. Surprisingly, he turned out to be the one who really liked the bag on me, while I was the one waffling.

The price can't be beat (currently selling for $34.99) and I liked how it came in a variety of colors. However, I could not get over how strong the bag smelled -- and not in a good way. Thinking I might just had picked up the smelliest one, I went and sniffed all the other colors. Turns out they all emitted the same odor. I suppose it's what faux leather smells like, but it was worse than a bad perfume. I wonder if letting it air out would help? In the end, I didn't end buying the bag. Of course I never buy anything boyfriend likes, and what I do buy he doesn't like :) Thank goodness the bag doesn't come in the same gorgeous shade of red as the Proenza Schouler, or I would've been in big trouble.

Excuse the pregger pics below. I either have a food baby or bad posture. Probably a combination of both.

Another (better?) shot of my outfit:
top: H&M
necklace: H&M
belt: Express
jeans: LOFT

*Proenza Schouler image courtesy of bagcraze; Mossimo Messenger image courtesy of Target

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25 comments

  1. Oh no to bad bag smell! The Target dupe looks -slightly- canvas to me? Everything looks incredibly identical (bags that were twins separated from birth) with the exception that the Proenza Schouler looks like it is less stiffer and slouchy.

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  2. Oh my goodness. I go and almost buy that purse everytime Im in target. It is wonderful! I will have to do a smell check next time though. Good luck with that!

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  3. I almost ran out and bought that Mossimo bag as soon as I saw the picture...but thankfully it's 1030 here and the Target near my house has closed...and I am happy I finished reading because I am really sensitive to smells. It's really too bad though because I love the design, I guess I'll have to save up for a PS1!

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  4. Sucks that the bag has a funky smell! I would've got one myself too. The design is totally awesome. {*boo} It was just too good to be true. I've been wanting a messenger back for quite some time. Love love LOVE! Hope you have better luck finding one soon.

    <3 s.

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  5. I love the image of you running towards the shelves at Target - awesome!

    It is a great dupe but I don't think I can get past the faux leather smell either. Sadness.

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  6. Yay to a casual and cute bag but yikes to a yucky smell that accompanies it.

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  7. EEE!
    Thanks for pointing out the look alike! I've been drooling over the Proenza Schouler as well, the Target copy is perfect (er if it passes the laptop test that is)
    Hopefully the smell goes away?

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  8. Oh man, I didn't smell the bag before I put it on my wishlist :( haha, but that sucks about the smell. Hopefully it airs out!

    I saw on Target.com they're doing a buy one get one 50% off right now. I was seriously contemplating buying two... (or one and then something else) but now you got me all worried about the smell. Now I have to think twice if I really want it. I guess that's a good thing because I just bought those Old Navy jeans today (YAY for the 30% give & get!) and totally over budget now.

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  9. I bought that bag weeks ago Cee and totally love it! I first thought that I'd just buy the bag, take it home and make up my mind there. But when I got up to the register the bag rang up at $24.95 ($10.00 off!) so I haven't even thought about taking it back. Lol I didn't notice a smell though....strange. I love the red color too, it's beautiful! (Glad they don't offer that color at Target as well ;)

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  10. Cee, the bag does look very attractive. I first saw it on Callandra and loved it. But when I went into the store and took a look at the real thing, what turned me off was exactly that: the smell. Also the faux leather looked, well, faux. hehe. I think faux leather products are not created equal. I have seen better quality faux leather before. Too bad, 'cause I really like the design as well. If you have a sensitive nose like me, I'd say don't buy, because the smell really won't go away completely.

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  11. I haven't seen this in real life and not a big fan of faux leather BUT you can pull anything off Cee...LOL

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  12. @Banhannas - Oh no, another picture from my crappy camera :( The bag doesn't look canvas in real life... and doesn't look like real leather either. Definitely faux leather.

    @Hayley - Haha, good thing I don't go to Target too often, or I'll have problems resisting the bag section too!

    @Elle - Lol! You and me both, time to start a fund for the PS1 asap.

    @serenadeveryday - I've come to the conclusion a messenger bag is needed to complete my bag collection :D Do let us know if you ever find your perfect messenger bag! I could use suggestions :)

    @Kristen - Haha, I probably looked like a lunatic, but I didn't care. Nobody comes between me and bags :D

    @Nelah - Yep, the search continues!

    @ShortieK - Good question about the size. I'm not sure if a laptop would fit. A netbook definitely and perhaps even a 13" Macbook. Definitely give it a try in person to make sure!

    @kimmie - I hate deals that sucker me in when I'm waffling on a purchase. BOGO 50% off might make me give in :( Haha! I did notice that some didn't smell as strong as others, so it's quite possible that the bag could air out. Keep us updated!

    @Callandra - I just went and searched your blog and found the post with your bag. How could I forget?!?!?! I even commented on your post!! Silly me. I blame it on the slouchiness and the way you were holding the bag compared to how I was wearing it. Just didn't make the connection =/ But I've updated my post now :) I'm super jealous of your $25 and non-smelly bag. If I was faced with that situation, it'd be an almost-no-brainer :D

    @Vicky - I agree with everything you said. So logical and practical :) I needed to hear that!

    @Really Petite - Hehe, thank you Annie. It's more like I'm playing dress up and wishing I'm pulling off different looks :)

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  13. hm, it's too bad the bag smells, but it's so lovely!! hopefully the smell will go away with time. what a great find!

    cute & little

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  14. I really really wish Target would stay away from faux leather and just do canvas (maybe even nylon?) versions instead. I've liked many of the designer collabo bags but have never purchased due to the look/feel of the faux leather. That said, the design is a really good "look for less"!

    I love the casual feel of your outfit and have always been an admirer of your bow/pearl necklace :)

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  16. I don't think I've ever said it before, but I absolutely adore your Valentino flats!

    Aside from that, it's too bad that the bag has the not-so-pleasant faux leather smell. Nothing ruins a great bargain hunting shopping trip like terrible details. I'd like to say that maybe it will air out, or maybe it will go on sale, but I generally hate trying to talk myself into a purchase with thoughts like that, so I'll just say...good luck saving up for the real thing :)

    This Life, Redefined…stop by and say hi!

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  17. Sometimes things photograph better than they look (or smell) in real life. Too bad this was the case. It's funny but my hubby and I are the same way... he never likes anything I buy and I'm always dismayed at the things that he approves of!

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  18. wow they really do look so similar.. there's lots of satchel inspired bags floating around.. so yeah i'm glad you didn't get the toxic smelling bag.. it's probably not good for you health to be sniffing it while you're wearing it all day anyways hahaha..

    can i just tell you i'm so totally obsessed with your valentino flats! so cute!

    as for my boots.. ARG i wanted to do a OOTD post with them this past weekend.. but it was POURING RAIN!!! and i didn't want to ruin the suede hahah.. i promise i'll wear them and post pics soon!!

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  19. The resemblance is crazy! Funny, my boyfriend never likes what I like and I always buy what he doesn't like too! PS. I'm now following you! Feel free to stop by sometime!

    http://gorjessfashionforless.blogspot.com/

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  20. I really want the Proenza Schouler, but I have the Mulberry Alexa on my mind!! Ahh ....

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  21. @kileen - It's a pass for me. Will keep on hunting for the perfect satchel!

    @SewPetiteGal - Dare I say Bal leather has turned us into snobs? :D

    @Tara - Thanks for sending me the ASOS bag. I do like the style minus the front pockets and $. Will keep looking!

    @PetiteXXS, @GorJess Fashion For Less - Yes! Men. Sigh. *shakes head* haha

    @Lisa - So true! I hadn't thought about smelling like a bag all day. Or worse, the smell sticks to my clothes. Ewwww

    @Nadia Aboulhosn - I think it's definitely worth checking out for yourself. Maybe you won't mind the smell or will be lucky and get one with minimal smell :)

    @The Little Dust Princess - Oooh great choice. The Alexa is a classic. I'm tempted myself!

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  22. Does that H&M top have roll-cuff button short sleeves? I think I may own it as well... and have had the exact same issues with poofiness at the tummy, which keeps me from wearing it. I bought it in a hurry because I needed a white top to wear to an (Indian) funeral.

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  23. @Keilexandra - Yup, I think we have the same H&M shirt. I find it's just tad too short to tuck in comfortable, so I'll always have that pregger look. But... if I'm ever pregnant for real, you can bet I'll be wearing this top all.the.time, lol.

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  24. Would you be interested in selling the bag? I've been looking everywhere (online for it), but it's sold out! :(

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I'd love to hear from you. Constructive criticisms welcome!

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