A Case of Copycats

I have my hands full these days and just can't get around to sewing anything for summer. But since temperatures are up near 30 degrees these days I had to resort to drastic measures despite little pangs of guilt: H&M. I came home with one pair of linen shorts and this blouse:

As I was trying on this blouse in the shop there was something eerily familiar about it. I couldn't make out what it was but had a hunch on my way home. I scoured my saved pictures when I got home and indeed there it was:

This blouse was sold at ModCloth a couple of weeks ago but is no longer available on their site. It is the exact same blouse: the same ruching under the bust, the same tie collar, the same sleeves. Except for the fabric these blouses are identical. And guess what else I found on ModCloth sold at $41.99:

Salon Day Top, ModCloth

And here is what H&M currently have in their stores for €24.95:

Blouse, H&M

If that is not a copy I don't know what is. Sure, all the shops these days sell roughly the same: some ruffles here, some bows there, empire waists, skinny jeans, etc. but this is not just the same fashion inspiration. These two blouses are identical. Yes, and I think I found even more copies, only I cannot present any photographic evidence at the moment since neither of the shops are currently selling these items online. Still, what is going on? Is this normal? Who is designing this stuff? I am confused. Answers?

Norway

Dear readers,

As you may have noticed it has gone awfully quiet around this blog in the past few weeks. I have not forgotten about this blog but have been isolated in our little family hut in Norway for the past week. I'm here to work on a thesis for university which has been hanging uneasily over my head like the sword of Damocles for quite some time. I needed to give myself some room to write, plenty of fresh air, good food, nice walks and above all peace and quiet. I also have neither sewing machine nor internet at the hut (yes, that's right, no internet, these places still exist, who would have thought?!). So, blogging about sewing is pretty much impossible.

I will be back next week and have a couple of new posts to share with you. Also I will be replying to all your comments when I'm back and will hopefully have some time to read up on all the posts I missed from you.

Happy sewing to all of you and see you next week.