These black Pour La Victoire gladiator booties are certainly a fabulous find, but unfortunately a very pricey one, too.

Pour La Victoire Sacha Gladiator Bootie
($314, shopbop.com)

If you want the real deal, but can’t find shopbop selling them in your size, try it at

• Endless ($246.46, sizes 8-10)
• Nordstrom ($289.95, sizes 8.5, 9 & 9.5 available)
• Tobi ($297, limited sizes from 6-10)
• Zappos ($339, sizes between 6-10)

Going through a private recession? No problem, we have found a great and affordable alternative.

GoJane Perforated Stud Decor Shield Heel

This GoJane knockoff version is almost identical with Pour La Victoire’s “Sacha” booties. They retail for a lot less (currently on sale for $27.50) and are also available in silver.

GoJane Perforated Stud Decor Shield Heel
($27.50, GoJane.com)

Alexander Wang is some sort of fashion genius. He’s young (25), but incredibly talented (Wang scored the CFDA 200k Fashion Fund last year) and I adore his talent to mix simple silhouettes with edgy details.

This grey semi-sheer knit vest is one of his many amazing pieces which has a deep v-neck, black buttons, front pockets and twisted racerback. If you’re smitten with the vest as much as I am, you can get the real deal at 50% off at ShopJake.

Alexander Wang Knit Vest
($160, size M only, ShopJake.com)

If the vest should be sold out by the time you get to read this, take a look at:

• Shopbop ($304, sizes S-L available)
• Mick Margo ($304, sizes XS-M available)
• Nordstrom ($315, sizes S & L available)
• COOP Barney’s New York ($315, sizes S-L & P available)
• Madison Los Angeles ($317, sizes XS & S available)

Kim Kardashian in Alexander Wang

Kim Kardashian seems to have jumped on the fashionista bandwagon. I think she really tries to get rid off her Paris Hilton-esque socialite status image. Which sounds good to me. Good luck on that.

Below you can see Kim’s attempt at going the edgy chic route. She did quite well for the first time, but there’s still too much LA showing through her whole getup. Her look is too polished. When you go for Alexander Wang, it’s all about the “I barely care how I look because I’m way too cool for vanity“-attitude. That’s what makes his clothes so appealing.

Our Rating:

Alexander Wang Knit Vest 4 Less

Spending $300 on a simple grey vest sounds like a lot of money for most of us and it certainly is. But fortunately there are a few good alternatives out there that will give you the same look without breaking the bank. I’d loooove to own the original Alexander Wang vest though, it’s so simple, but oh so chic! If only I had a few hundred dollars laying around here.

Forever 21 Chantelle Knit Cardigan

This grey knit vest from Forever 21 is probably one of the closest matches when you’re trying to get Alexander Wang 4 Less. The details setting designer fashion and copycats apart are lacking of course (black buttons and no twisted racerback), but the overall look and feel is quite the same, so if you want to make a deal, get this vest for only $24.80.

Forever 21 Chantelle Knit Cardigan
($24.80, Forever21.com)

Splendid Sleeveless Buttoned Cardigan

Another great match is this sleeveless grey buttoned cardigan vest from Splendid. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the same plunge neckline as the Alexander Wang one and the buttons are too small and there are too many of them for my liking, but I do love the cute pockets, so I guess it’s a tie. As with the Forever 21 vest, this one doesn’t have the racerback as well which is too bad because it looks so sexy. The vest is a bit on the expensive side with $70 and comes also in black.

Splendid Sleeveless Buttoned Cardigan
($70, Splendid.com)

Free People Grey Sleeveless Slouchy Vest

This slouchy knit vest doesn’t have the black big buttons, BUT it does have a racerback like the Alexander Wang version. The vest originally retailed for $88, but has been reduced to affordable $29.95 and is also available in eggplant purple.

Free People Grey Sleeveless Slouchy Vest
($29.95, FreePeople.com)

Express Knit Cardigan Vest

This cardigan vest from Express is darker than the other alternatives, but it’s basically the same style (deep v-neck, pockets & big buttons) without the edgy details of the Alexander Wang version (no racerback, no black buttons). The vest comes also in black and is reasonably priced at $29.50.

If you want a looser fit just like the Alexander Wang knit vest, buy the cardigan vest one or two sizes bigger than normal. This will have the same effect.

Express Knit Cardigan Vest
($29.50, Express.com)

Which girl doesn’t dream of having a pair of Manolo Blahniks to call their own? Unfortunately, the accompanying price tag of $500 and more often keeps this dream from ever coming true. But fear not, knockoffs are always on the way. And I have found some great alternatives for those trying to save money.

If I had a multimillionaire’s budget, I would gladly spend $700 for the Manolo Blahnik “Sedaraby” d’Orsay pumps. They look terrific, are very feminine and would make a perfect bridal shoe. Manolo high heels are also considered to be pretty comfy, so if I could, I would already have these in my closet.

Manolo Blahnik “Sedaraby” D’Orsay Pumps
($715, Barney’s)

RSVP “Taran” D’Orsay Pumps

If you want a shoe in the identical style as shown above for a fraction of the price, RSVP has a great, budget-friendly alternative. Except for the straight heel, they look the same to me. And being priced at $89 they are quite a steal, too. Also available in 5 other colors.

RSVP “Taran” D’Orsay Pumps
($89, Zappos.com)

Dyeables “Onyx” D’Orsay Pumps

These Manolo Blahnik inspired d’Orsay pump by Dyeables are my personal favorites. They are a little more expensive than RSVP’s “Taran”, but overall I’d say you’ll get better quality. The upper material is a beautiful silk satin and the heel is 3″ only. Score!

Dyeables “Onyx” D’Orsay Pumps
($104.95, Onlineshoes)

Pelle Moda “Nemo” Pumps

These d’Orsay pumps by Pelle Moda are also great Manolo Blahnik Sedaraby knockoffs. The heel on there is again slightly different, but otherwise the shoes look practically identical. They also happen to be the most expensive knockoffs retailing for around $140 a pair. Available in silver, black, bronze, platinum and pewter.

Pelle Moda “Nemo” D’Orsay Pumps
($140, Amazon.com)

P.S.: Also available at Jildor and Footnotes.

After hitting the digital shelves of NET-A-PORTER a few months back for a price of 500 €, these Burberry Prorsum ruched platform pumps went like hot cakes and now are completely sold out.

Miranda Kerr vs. Kate Bosworth – Burberry Prorsum Ruched Platform Pumps

Miranda Kerr and Kate Bosworth apparently share not only the same taste in men (Orlando Bloom), but also in footwear (Burberry Prorsum). Both women donned these ruched platform peep-toes being completely decked out in Burberry.

Miranda was the first to wear these eggplant-hued heels to the GQ Man of the Year Awards 2008 in September 2008.

Kate rocked the same heels in a gold feathered Fall 2008 ensemble when she attended Fashion Group International’s 25th Annual Night of Stars one month later in October.

Seems like Miranda and Kate weren’t the only ones falling for the ruched Burberry platforms. Socialite and Reality-TV star Kim Kardashian also got her hands on the heels. She dressed them up with a one-shouldered fuchsia dress and kept it casual with leggings and oversized sunglasses.

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GoJane Peep-toe Criss Cross Maryjanes

If you want to rock a pair of your own Burberrys, but don’t have a celebrity’s budget, consider purchasing these budget-friendly Burberry knock-offs from GoJane for affordable $28.99 available in red, black and purple.

GoJane Peep-toe Criss Cross Maryjane, $28.99

High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens is quickly becoming THE style icon for fashionable youngsters. The 20-year-old actress proved her chic sense of style when she attended the High School Musical 3 photocall in Sydney back in November 2008.

Vanessa wore a purple print halter-neck top from Falls, a black skinny jean from Joe’s Jeans and – my favorite item of her outfit – a pair of to-die-for Giuseppe Zanotti t-strap stilettos in tortoise with a golden buckle on the front.

Our Rating:

Want to look as fab as Vanessa? Look no further, we have the inside scoop for you.

Go Shopping:

1. Joe’s Jeans Cigarette in Audrey (Skinny Jeans), $184
2. Falls Purple Halter Top (sorry, it’s sold out)
3. Falls Wrap Back Halter Top, $90 (was $220)
4. Giuseppe Zanotti Sandal in Tortoise (Amazon), $372.57 (45% off)

If Amazon doesn’t have the Giuseppe Zanotti heels available in your size, you might want to try your luck at:

• RevolveClothing ($388, only size 6)
• Endless ($448.85, sizes 5-10)
• FootCandy ($387.50, sizes 5.5-9.5)
• Madison LA ($388, sizes EUR 38 & 38.5)

If you can’t afford spending $200 on jeans or $400 on shoes, take a look below for a “Look 4 Less“-alternative including a great budget-friendly Zanotti knockoff.

Vanessa Hudgens’ Style – Budget Version

Go Shopping:

• JEANS: Forever 21 Ashley Skinny Jean, $27.80
• TOP: Henri Girl Ruffle Satin Halter Top in Purple, $42
• SHOES: GoJane Black Strappy Patent Stud Heel, $19.40
• NECKLACE: Charlotte Russe Marbeled Pendant Necklace, $6.99

If someone ever gave me $5.000 to spend on a designer handbag (which would never happen anyway, but we’re hypothetically speaking), I would easily choose Alexander McQueen’s “Elvie” tote. This handbag is perfection and my all-time favorite bag.

The “Elvie” handbag is available in all sorts of colors and variations like red, purple, green, gold, nude and more. Personally, I ♥ the purple one most, but of course there’s no chance you can ever go wrong with this black patent python leather version as well because it’s a classic and you can wear it with almost everything every day.

Even though the bag is already on sale at NET-A-PORTER, it’s still unreachable for most of us with a price as high as $3.228 (was $5.380).

Alexander McQueen Elvie python tote, $3.228

Celebrities with Alexander McQueen’s “Elvie”

Celebrities certainly love the “Elvie” as well. Stars like Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, Cynthia Nixon and LeAnn Rimes have been spotted carrying this neat handbag.

Songstress Christina Aguilera has her own ombré “Elvie” tote which seems to be smaller than the ones above and fades from wine red to rose. I’m on the fence whether I like Aguilera’s version or not. What do you think of it?

Alexander McQueen “Elvie” Tote 4 Less

So not everyone has five thousand dollars to splurge on a pricey designer handbag. I totally feel your pain, girls. That’s why I went into research mode to find a good and affordable alternative.

Forever 21 Jelani Reptile Handbag

Get your celeb look on with this budget-friendly Forever 21 “Jelani” faux reptile handbag which can be purchased for moderate $34.80. It isn’t a 100% identical match and the bag doesn’t look as classy as the original, but it’s a good alternative and more importantly it retails for less than 1% of the original’s price, so the choice is up to you.

Forever 21 “Jelani” Reptile Handbag, $34.80

Actress Charlize Theron stunned the crowds at the German Hancock premiere back in June 2008 when she wore a fierce black asymmetrical pleated dress from the Christian Lacroix Fall 2008 collection with matching black Dior ankle booties. Pure red carpet perfection (♥).

Our Rating:

Christian Lacroix Asymmetrical Pleat Dress

Want to turn heads like Charlize? Get your own piece of exorbitant overpriced dress luxury and outshine everyone at your best friend’s birthday party. Being overdressed & proud of it is the new thing right now (just tell everyone it’s all about the confidence).

Shell out 2.508 € ($3.330) and the dress is yours forever. Think that’s expensive? Because this is the dress’s sale price. It originally retailed for 4.180 € ($5.550). Pocket change.

Christian Lacroix Asymmetric Pleat Dress, 2.508 €

More Charlize Theron Pictures…

I absolutely adore Balmain. Christophe Decarnin’s Fall 2008 collection was simply AMAZING! A masterpiece so to say. It was so edgy and punk and quintessential rock-chick style. But I didn’t just loved all the dresses, skirts, trousers and shirts, but also the adorable fringed ankle boots that have been flaunted by the models throughout on the runway.

I’ve been wanting a pair of my own fringed booties for months, but now that they’ve hit the shelves at NET-A-PORTER, I was shocked to learn that the original Balmain boots are way out of my price range with $1025. So I searched high and low for budget-friendly knockoffs and found… a lot of copycats. Some of them which are very pretty and very similar to the original boot.

Balmain Fringed Leather Boots, $1025

So far we have found an astounding 7 8 shoe styles that are similar to Balmain’s fringed boots. The prices range from whopping $288 to incredible $3.99. Check out our list of Balmain knockoffs below.

If you happen to know of more knockoffs, let us know by writing an email to team@intheircloset.com.
Thank you!

Betsey Johnson “Tisha” Fringed Ankle Boots

Maybe these aren’t quite what you’d call a knockoff, but Betsey Johnson’s “Tisha” fringed ankle boots are certainly a good alternative that will cost you $288 ($320).

And by the way, aren’t these tassels and pink accents just to die for? So cute.

Betsey Johnson “Tisha” Fringed Ankle Boots, $288

(If Zappos doesn’t have the boots in your size, try Nordstrom or Shoe Bungalow instead. Good luck!)

AMORE Fringe Lace Boot

These fringed lace up boots from AMORE are probably the most identical Balmain knockoffs. Unfortunately, they come in brown and not black. The heel is also chunkier and not as high as the original one, but the overall style is very similar. From the type of fringes to the laces, they are quite the same except for the price which happens to be about 85% less than the original.

AMORE Fringe Lace Boot, $160

Bakers “FLARE BK” Fringed Ankle Boots

So we all know Bakers loves to copy designer shoes. And of course they had their own version of the Balmain boots called “FLARE BK” which is on sale right now for affordable $49.90 ($129.95).

Bakers “FLARE BK” Fringed Ankle Boots, $49.90

59 Seconds High Heel Fringed Ankle Boots

If you’re not the type for high heeled ankle boots but like the idea of fringed suede booties, these knockoffs from 59 Seconds are your choice. I know the boots seem to be badly manufactured from what you see on the picture, but this might be because of the harsh lighting. They have more photos of the shoes on their website and they look quite good on the model there. So if they tickle your fancy, grab them for discounted $46.80 ($75).

59 Seconds High Heel Fringed Ankle Boots, $46.80

GoJane Black Suede Lace Up Fringe Bootie

GoJane, like Bakers, love to make their own “interpretations” of popular designer shoes. This black suede fringe bootie isn’t necessarily a Balmain knockoff (more Betsey Johnson), but it’s certainly similar enough to be on this list. Shell out $30.99 and call them yours!

GoJane Black Suede Lace Up Fringe Bootie, $30.99

Black Suede Fringe Lace Up Ankle Boots

These fringed ankle boots here are, like the GoJanes above, more a knockoff of Betsey Johnson’s “Tisha” booties (I guess they originally are knockoffs of some other designer shoe), but they certainly deserve to be featured on this list because of their similiarities to the Balmain version.

They also happen to be my favorite knockoffs. I love the fringes, the tassels, the heel, the form of the shoe, everything. And you can’t argue with the price. I mean $9.99 ($62.99) for a shoe? A no-brainer.

Black Suede Fringe Lace Up Ankle Booties, $9.99

Black Suede Fringe Lace Up Moccasin Ankle Boots

And just when I thought you can’t beat $9.99 for a Balmain knockoff I came across these darlings. $3.99 – are you serious? I kind of feel this must be a joke. Like “What’s the catch?“. Are these shoes going to fall apart after 2 days of wearing? Is the material cancer-causing or something?

I’ve never seen shoes being so cheap and I don’t know if these are just China imported rubbish or a real secret bargain buy. If you own them, please feel free to comment on how good (or not) they are (quality, comfort, etc).

Black Suede Fringe Lace Up Moccasin Ankle Boots, $3.99

ASOS Leather Suede Fringe Shoe Boots

NEW: Found another Balmain knockoff from ASOS for £44.50 ($73.47). The heel is a bit thinner, but otherwise the boots are the same as the Balmains. Also available in berry.

ASOS Leather Suede Fringe Shoe Boots, $73.47