The One About the Knockoffs...

I have that shopping gene. The one that compels me to troll the internet for bargains even though I HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED. The one that compels me to tell EVERYONE how much something costs with a maniacal satisfaction:
"Nice shoes, Meredith."
"THEY WERE ONLY $11.98!"

So, while perusing the world-wide interweb the other day, I came across these stapes of mid-century design from Overstock.com, of all places.


Wood leg white Eames knockoff chairs found here for 196.99 a pair...


Vinnie White Cradle Chair for 134.99 found here. They also have one in blue.

There's even a knockoff Saarinen tulip chair for $138.99 found here.

There's lots more, but I don't feel like making any more cabbage for Overstock.com today...

This is a complicated conundrum. When Overstock.com starts carrying Eames and Saarinen knockoffs, it means that the mid-century modern/retro trend is so mainstream that it's officially "over." Sad news for folks like us. I've been "over" the Eames chairs for awhile, not because I don't like the design, but well, because they're so trendy and ubiquitous. This is the same way I felt when grunge went National after Nirvana in the 90's and you could buy the "uniform" at Hot Topic at the mall. My friends and I SUFFERED for that look in the 80's. We painstakingly applied knox gelatin to our hair and wore safety pins for earrings. Then these mall rats come along and think they can BUY COOL? I digress...

The second part of this conundrum is the Knockoff vs. Original debate. I'm not even going to go there. You won't find any author of this blog who is sympathetic to the "original is best" side of the argument. WE'RE POOR. I may have to sell my children's organs to pay for this plumbing fiasco in my home. You won't see me in a Design Within Reach store paying $1800 for a Saarinen table. We like the designs, but don't like the prices. There have been knockoffs of these designers around since their designs debuted. And the knockoffs are collectible too. If YOU can afford the original and that's what you want, go for it.

We want you to be happy, cupcakes.