Don’t get me wrong: I LOVE ankle boots and all, but over the last 2 years or so I’ve become kind of sick seeing them worn with everything. Especially on the red carpet where young starlets seem to think it’s so super cool and edgy to pair chunky booties with a white frilly lace dress. Yeah, no one’s done THAT before, try-hard. Most of those girls fail when it comes to carrying off such a contrasting look.

That’s why I really appreciate when shoe designers take a different direction with the ankle bootie trend and make them look less bulky and less in-your-face. The Jimmy Choos below are a perfect example for such booties. They’re modern yet subtle, but still feminine.

Jimmy Choo Jedd Studded Booties
($1.250, NORDSTROM)

N.Y.L.A. “Kupa” Studded Eyelet Booties

UPDATE (02/08/2010): Found another great thought pricier Jimmy Choo alternative by N.Y.L.A.

N.Y.L.A. “Kupa” Studded Eyelet Booties
($124.95, Endless)

Liliana “Bandino” Studded Ankle Booties

These booties by Liliana are quite obviously a knockoff of the Jimmy Choos shown above. Don’t they look pretty awesome for $50 shoes? I think I even prefer these over the real Choos because of their rounder shape. Let alone the fact that of course I very much prefer their price which is way closer to my budget than the Choos. Another good thing: these booties also come in grey and purple (faux) suede.

Liliana “Bandino” Studded Ankle Booties
($49.90, FlyJane)

Luichiny “Passa Fy” Booties

While these studded booties by Luichiny might not be as close to the originals as the Liliana ones, I think it’s still very easy to see the inspiration behind these. They don’t have the eyelets and the upper material is faux leather instead of suede, but everything else screams “JIMMY CHOO“! Also available in brown.

Luichiny “Passa Fy” Booties
($98.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Heels.com, LoveMyShoes & Shoebuy.

The first time I saw Jimmy Choo’s “Keenan” caged sandal I knew it would be lusted after. And boy was I right. Flocks of celebrities have been wearing this style and it didn’t take long to get me my first “Keenan” Real vs. Steal requests. But at that time there just weren’t any good alternatives available and I had to put the requests on hold. That was until today when I happened to stumble upon…

Jimmy Choo Keenan Caged Sandals
($500, MyTheresa)

Celebrities Love Jimmy Choo

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Jessica Simpson “Cesarini” Caged Sandals

… a pair of caged sandals by Jessica Simpson which look like a 100% copy of the Jimmy Choos except that these here have small studs on the straps. The heels come in either black or silver. I’m so happy I can finally offer a decent steal version for the Choos. Some girls will be very, very happy today.

Jessica Simpson “Cesarini” Caged Sandals
($88.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Dillard’s.

While spending the holidays with my family and stuffing myself with cookies 24/7 I received this Real vs. Steal request from InTheirCloset reader Emily:

Hi.. I am looking for the Alexander Wang Wrap skirt but for much less.. Can you help? Thank you!
Emily

Alexander Wang Jersey Wrap Skirt
($395, NORDSTROM)

P.S.: Also available at Shopbop.

Bebe Silky Tulip Skirt

UPDATE (02/07/2010): Bebe has a skirt that is quite reminiscent of the Alexander Wang skirt.

Bebe Silky Tulip Skirt
($79, Bebe)

LA Made “Anuk” Drape Skirt

UPDATE (01/04/2010): Here’s another great Alexander Wang alternative found by J over at The Look 4 Less. Available in black, blue and grey.

LA Made “Anuk” Drape Skirt
($70, REVOLVEClothing)

Trina Turk Broome Skirt

After some research the best look 4 less option I could find was this wrap skirt by Trina Turk which also happens to be on sale for just under $100. Hope you like this find, Emily!

Trina Turk Broome Wrap Skirt
($99.99, Piperlime)

Topshop Ruched Wrap Skirt

If you want to save a bit further, this indigo wrap skirt by Topshop is also a great Alexander Wang alternative and at $65 it’s quite affordable as well.

Topshop Ruched Wrap Skirt
($65, Topshop)

Vanessa Hudgens makes casual chic look so effortless, doesn’t she? She’s just adorable, and she consistently manages to look comfy—without looking sloppy (unlike those famous twins who have elevated bag lady chic to an art form). While Vanessa likely has access to myriad designer labels and pieces, in her everyday life, she tends to keep it real. So real, in fact, that almost anyone can steal this look, as all the pieces are standard ready-to-wear, at glorious ready-to-wear prices.

Our Rating:

Free People Bohemian Flutter Sleeve Top

Free People Bohemian Flutter Sleeve Top
($49.95, Free People)

JJ Winters Buckle Fringe Leather Bag

JJ Winters Buckle Fringe Leather Bag
($239, Black Label Boutique)

P.S.: Also available at Boutique To You and Singer22.

Nudie Jeans Tight Long John Skinny Jeans

Nudie Jeans Tight Long John Skinny Jeans in Denim Stretch
($179, Tobi)

Zodiac “Panda” Boots

Zodiac “Panda” Boots
($99, Endless)

P.S.: Also available in black and taupe at Shoes.com.

There’s nothing like a simple black heel. Well, except a not-so-simple black heel—like these platforms with quirky ruched heels by Miu Miu. I’ve always loved the idea of wearing a classic silhouette or piece, then throwing something unexpected in the mix. These totally gorgeous heels are pretty standard fare, until you see the heel, and that’s what personal style is about. Adding in your own little suprise.

Miu Miu Ruched Heel Pumps
($570, SOLD OUT)

Emma Roberts Loves Miu Miu

Steve Madden “Flawwles” Platform Pumps

These platforms by Steve Madden aren’t dead-ringers for the Miu Miu pair above, but like the more expensive pair, detail on the heel also delivers an unexpected twist. They would look amazing with a pencil skirt that enables a full, unobstructed view of this shoe.

Steve Madden “Flawwles” Platform Pumps
($99.90, Zappos)

P.S.: Also available at Piperlime.

What was the best fashion development of 2009? Undeniably, it was the bootie (or shootie, as Rachel Zoe has been known to call some of them). Last year, the bootie reached the pinnacle of its existence; it was rehashed and produced in an astonishing array of heights, styles, colors, and manifestations.

The versatility of the bootie is partially why they spread like wild fire, popping up on celebrities in cutoffs and leggings—and in their most modern context, worn with a mini dress or skirt, as Natalia Vodianova did so sensationally in the photos below. How could she possibly have gone wrong with Givenchy Open Toe Zip Front booties that are oh-so-right (and also sold out)? They’re absolute winners. And it doesn’t matter that they’re no longer available—we’ve found some lovely stand-ins that will fit the bill, for a fraction of the cost.

Givenchy Open Toe Zip Front High Heel Booties
($1.430, SOLD OUT)

Natalia Vodianova Loves Givenchy

Wet Seal Western Booties

UPDATE (02/07/2010): Reader Sheryl informed us about these Givenchy inspired booties. Thanks!

Click on the link below and navigate to the Wet Seal shoes section or enter style number “41882696” in the search field to find the Givenchy inspired booties on the Wet Seal website.

Wet Seal Western Booties
Style #: 41882696
($36.50, Wet Seal)

Romantic Soles “Brielle” Peep-toe Booties

The “Brielle” leather bootie by Romantic Soles echoes the feeling of Givenchy’s bootie with a ring-topped, zip front that makes them easy-to-wear.

Romantic Soles “Brielle” Peep-toe Booties
($90.90, Zappos)

Charlotte Russe Peep-toe Booties

For $39.99, this Charlotte Russe bootie has details that are very similar to the Givenchy bootie. Sure, they’re faux leather, but style-wise, this great looking pair is likely to trick more than a few people into thinking you spent some serious change on them.

Charlotte Russe Peep-toe Booties
($39.99, Charlotte Russe)

It was love at first sight with these Christian Louboutin “Esoteri” booties. Not sure they felt the same way about me though. There’s something I love about the Victorian meets school-boy look. What do you think? The price of course makes them a little (OK a lot) out of my reach.

Christian Louboutin Esoteri Ankle Boots
(£575, MyTheresa)

Celebrities Love Christian Louboutin

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Charlotte Russe Button Booties

Luckily I found these Louboutin knock-offs at Charlotte Russe and feel that they are almost every bit as good (and much lighter on the wallet, of course).

Charlotte Russe Button Booties
($29.99, Charlotte Russe)

In the coming months, you can expect to see laser-cut designs, cutouts, and slashes on everything from jeans to dresses to accessories. The peek-a-boo look is alive and well, and a easy way to work it into your wardrobe is with a cutout ankle boot like the Kassidy by Jimmy Choo. Wearing a cutout boot or shoe is a safe way to channel the suggestive feeling of cutouts, without sending the wrong message.

Jimmy Choo Kassidy Cutout Ankle Boots
($695, Jimmy Choo)

Pierre Dumas Cage Heel Booties

HOT DEAL: Get 15% OFF your order at LuLu*s with our exclusive coupon code INTHEIRCLOSET. Offer valid until March 15th, 2010.

Wondering how cutout booties will work for you in real life? Test drive the look with a pair of Pierre Dumas Cage Heel Booties. They go with everything, they really do. Wear them with a tailored trouser and blouse to work, or with a wild, printed mini dress on the weekend. Plus, when you use the coupon code above, they’re practically free.

Pierre Dumas Cage Heel Booties
($38, LuLu*s)

Good news, fellow readers! I’d like to welcome Celine to Team InTheirCloset as an addition to our editorial and writing team. Celine will be supporting the team with her frugal finds and make your daily fashion fix here on InTheirCloset.com even more enjoyable. We’re excited to have her on board, so please give our newest team member a warm welcome!

Celine, please tell our readers a few things about yourself. Where do you come from? What are you doing for a living? What’s your favorite food & color?

C: Where I’m from: I was born in Montreal, Canada but my mother is from France (and I speak French fluently!). My family moved to NYC when I was a month old and I lived there up until about a week ago when I moved to Pensacola, Florida to be with my boyfriend who is in the Navy.

C: My favorite food: Sadly my taste in food isn’t nearly as evolved as my taste in clothes. My parents like to tell people that when I was young I wouldn’t eat anything but white food. Today I could probably live on pasta, potatoes and cheese (white cheddar, please).

C: My favorite color is definitely gray. On paper. If you look in my closet, though, you’ll see that’s a big lie. I have a ton of black. I don’t know, it just goes with everything! I definitely like neutrals above all else. Gray, white, black, leopard print (hey, it’s a neutral in my book!).

How did you get involved with fashion?

C: I was a lucky teenager. My mom kept a lot of her 80’s clothes and I had a lot of fun putting them on and looking ridiculous in them. I grew up in NYC so fashion was everywhere. I’ve always been creative (former actress here) and dressing myself became a way to express that side of me. I was never any good at drawing or… pottery making… so dressing was it. I’ve also LOVED the sound of high-heels on pavement since as far back as I can remember.

What’s your personal style? Any favorite designers?

C: I would describe my personal style as retro meets punk. I find myself drawn to shoes that “normal” people thing are hideous. But then I also look at old pictures of Marilyn Monroe or Liz Taylor and wish I could dress like them everyday. I’m a bit schizophrenic when it comes to fashion (if that wasn’t already evident). I’ve never adhered to any one particular trend/style. I also rather like the idea of being sexy in an understated way. That’s probably why I wear a lot of jeans/pants with sexy shoes.

Celine’s Ultimate Spring 2010 Outfit

C: Favorite Designers: Comme des Garcons when they were doing those bustle dresses and coats (I love that Victorian-era look as is exemplified by my next choice in designer), All Saints (deconstruction, asymmetrical hemlines, bustles!!), Marni for shoes, because I adore that chunky 70’s meets futuristic look, Martin Margiela, Nanette Lepore (so romantic), Elizabeth and James (so wearable)

How long have you been following InTheirCloset.com already and how come you wanted to write for us?

C: I’ve been reading InTheirCloset weekly for the past 4-5 months. The first time I came across it (after googling a lower priced version of a shoe I was lusting after) I knew it was meant to be. Not only is the whole idea perfect for me (because I was a young fashion-obsessed woman living in NYC but with zero money), but the actual items that were being posted about were right up my alley. I loved that shoe and that shoe and that dress. I actually pride myself on being able to find lower priced versions of the things I “have” to have. InTheirCloset is a great fit for me because it exactly mirrors my approach to fashion.

If I was a fashion-item, I’d be…

C: The Martin Margiela Ovine Wedge. A beautiful and sleekly designed shoe, with a prominent but totally manageable heel. A shoe that can be worn with a skirt, a dress, a pair of pants. It fits in anywhere.

I would never wear…

C: Sorry, Martin Margiela, but those goat toe shoes? No.

I can’t leave the house without…

C: Ha…it’s actually makeup. *Hangs my fashion head in shame*. MAC lipstick. I have about 4… in my bag. I have about 30 in my apartment.

Best Spring 2010 collection?

C: Chanel. Hands-down. Beautifully romantic, as Spring should be, but also completely wearable. I also love, love, love those 4 inch clogs. Everyone should own a pair. Several of those party/cocktail dresses were quite simply breathtaking.

Chanel Spring 2010

Your mantra for 2010?

C: If you can stay positive you can make truly great things happen.

Thank you, Celine, for taking the time to answer these questions and WELCOME TO THE TEAM! If you’re interested in reading more of Celine, visit her personal blog The Fashionable Life of a Navy Wife.

Diane Kruger always looks amazing. She is one of my very favorite celebs-with-style, because she takes risks, but never takes a look to far. She knows how to push the sartorial envelope and still look sensational instead of like the clothes are wearing her. And the photo below is a fine example. Her LBD is no simple shift, but see how her spiked Louboutins cut the sweetness of that sweetheart neckline and ruffles? That is fashion brilliance.

Our Rating:

Lipsy Chain Belt Velvet Cocktail Dress

You can recreate Diane’s look with the Lipsy Chain Belt Velvet Cocktail Dress—for less than $100, mind you. The Lipsy dress has all the details of the Balmain frock…sweetheart neckline, ruffles, chain belt…and at that price, why not give it a go?

Lipsy Chain Belt Velvet Cocktail Dress
($59.49, ASOS)

Lovely People “Aziza” Studded Pumps

OK, we all die for those spiky Lous. They are almost unrivaled in their creativity and wow-factor. But since a pair of Louboutins is about the cost of a mortgage payment, maybe consider these Lovely People “Aziza” Studded Pumps instead. There are no spikes, but the hardware ensures this pair has the same maybe-I’m-a-good-girl-maybe-I’m-not feeling.

Lovely People “Aziza” Studded Pumps
($81.55, Endless)