Urban Outfitters rips off indie designer necklace, while Anthropologie copies German sandals

Urban Outfitters has been known to knock off designers, but we particularly hate when they steal from the little guys. Etsy seller Stevie Koerner launched her $55 silver "World of Love" pendants years ago, and they're so adorable they became a hot item and allowed Koerner to quit her full-time job. Now Urban Outfitters has created a nearly identical line of  necklaces in mixed metal for $19 and even knocked off her product name! Koerner's pieces are called "I Heart New York," or "I Heart Texas," while the Urban  products are called "I Heart Destination Necklaces." Burn!

Koerner took to her website to discuss the theft. "I’m very disappointed in Urban Outfitters," she wrote. "I know they have stolen designs from plenty of other artists. I understand that they are a business, but it’s not cool to completely rip off an independent designer’s work. I’ll no longer be shopping at any of their stores [they also own Free People & Anthropologie], and I’m going to do my best from here on out to support independent designers & artists."

Sadly, Urban Outfitters isn't the only brand to get caught stealing this week. Their big sister, Anthropologie, also has no shame in selling blatant knockoffs. German Worishofer sandals have gained popularity here in the States over the years, and clearly Anthropologie is a fan too, since they've copied  the materials, silhouette, and even the buckle and pinholes for their Ramona Buckle Slides. Worishofers are kind of like our Dr. Scholl's slides: a classic that can last for years. Knowing the quality of Urban Outfitters brand products, their version may not last one whole summer. Also: Worishofers are available in 21 colors for $59.95 on Endless.com. Anthropologie's version come in three shades for $98. Would you pay $40 more for knockoffs of a classic shoe? We wouldn't either.

Shame on Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie for thinking we wouldn't notice or care that they made such blatant copies. We're giving them a big thumbs down.