I don’t know how they do it, but Yves Saint Laurent makes some of the most iconic shoes I’ve ever seen. Especially their “Tribute” collection is a hit among celebrities, fashion connoisseurs and us totally obsessed shoe freaks. I’ve loved the Tribute sandals from the first moment I saw them, but never got the chance to go for the real deal or snap up one of the various knockoffs (check!) back then when they were considered the “It” shoe of the year. My favorite Tribute sandal was the purple suede version with gold trimming, but the black patent version is of course more versatile.

YSL Tribute Platform Sandals
($795, NORDSTROM)

P.S.: Available in various colors at NET-A-PORTER, Barneys, Harrods & farfetch.

Celebrities Love YSL

RSVP “Evelyn” T-Strap Sandals

UPDATE (05/02/2011): Here’s another great and almost identical YSL Tribute look-a-like coming from RSVP. The only noticeable difference is the lower heel. These come in black, fuchsia, red, nude, gold and silver patent. Apart from the black patent version all the other colors have been marked down to a super affordable $55.

RSVP “Evelyn” T-Strap Sandals
($99, Zappos)

Steve Madden “DAARLING” T-Strap Sandals

UPDATE (03/28/2010): Check out Steve Madden‘s second take on the Tribute sandal. Available in black, nude & natural patent, denim and leopard.

I still prefer the first one, but this heel has some major advantages. It is a) not sold out, b) cheaper and c) way easier to walk in because of the lower heel (the platform helps, too).

Steve Madden “DAARLING” T-Strap Sandals
($69.95, Steve Madden)

Steve Madden T-Bar Platform Sandals

UPDATE (12/04/2009): Woohoo! You lucky gals. ASOS is now selling the Steve Madden sandals at the amazing price of £32 at their online outlet store. That is 60% OFF the original retail price! I bought these babies full price six months ago there and they look absolutely fantastic in person. So worth the price.

YSL lovers, today’s your lucky day! These Steve Madden platform sandals have completely sold out everywhere else, but ASOS has still a few of these fabtastic heels in limited sizes available. Be quick to order because this is the final sale and probably also your last chance for a great YSL Tribute knockoff of such great quality. I love mine so much! They are absolutely amazing looking for knockoffs and while £80 were certainly not cheap, I haven’t put a second thought whether or not to buy them and ordered straight away after they added my size. My tip: if your feet are slightly wider than average I suggest you go at least half a size up so your toes won’t get squished.

Steve Madden Patent T-Bar Platforms
(£32, ASOS)

Guess Trivan T-Strap Platform Sandals

There have been countless YSL Tribute sandal knockoffs, but only a handful of them were actually decent looking. These YSL look-a-likes by Guess are one of the best knockoffs which are still being sold. So if you haven’t got the chance to grab a knockoff back then, you can now catch up on this!

Guess Trivan T-Strap Platform Sandals
($79.19, Heels.com)

Gianni Bini Uptown Platform Sandals

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, you’ll probably be happy with these Gianni Bini platforms. They are currently on sale for half the price being marked down from $98 to $49.99 and come in black or tan (my favorite!). But hurry, sizes are limited.

Gianni Bini Uptown Platform Sandals
($49.99, Dillard’s)

deb T-strap Platform Sandals

If you have a really tight shopping budget, but still crave the YSLs, get these platform sandals by deb which are currently on sale for very affordable $15.

deb T-strap Platform Sandals
($15, deb)

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Yves Saint Laurent will be always one of my favorite high fashion labels. They belong to fashion much like the Eiffel Tower belongs to Paris. Where would be without this everlasting French house of delicate fashion? In 100 years from now on most designers which are being hyped right now will be long forgotten, but I’m sure YSL will be considered iconic for its cultural and aesthetic influence in our era. And rightfully so. Evidence A: see below.

Yves Saint Laurent Imperiale Platform Pumps
($795, NORDSTROM)

Celebrities Love Yves Saint Laurent

Dollhouse “Stunning” Platform Pumps

UPDATE (10/21/2010): Finally found a non-suede YSL alternative by Dollhouse. Available in black, brown, grey, pink & tan.

Dollhouse “Stunning” Platform Pumps
($41.25, Endless)

Steve Madden “BRIGITT” Wedge Pumps

UPDATE (10/13/2010): Just stumbled upon this YSL Imperiale look-a-like by Steve Madden. Available in black or blush suede.

Steve Madden “BRIGITT” Wedge Pumps
($129.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Steve Madden.

Dolce Vita “Hayword” Platform Pumps

UPDATE (10/13/2010): These Dolce Vita pumps look exactly like the April pumps; they just seem to have renamed the shoe and re-released it. Available in black, burgundy and taupe suede.

Dolce Vita “Hayword” Platform Pumps
($155.25, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Zappos, Jildor, Shopbop, NASTY GAL, Shoes.com, ASOS, Solestruck & Karmaloop.

New Look Suedette Demi Wedges

UPDATE (10/13/2010): New Look has also an almost identical low-budget version of the YSL pumps which in either black or grey (faux) suede.

New Look Suedette Demi Wedges
(£24.99, New Look)

Qupid Roshay-01 Platform Pumps

UPDATE (07/21/2010): Here’s a cheap & chic YSL knockoff by Qupid. These pumps are available in many colors & finishes.

Qupid Roshay-01 Platform Pumps
($22.44, Amazon)

P.S.: Also available at LoveMyShoes, Ms. Heel, AmiClubWear & Alloy.

Dolce Vita “April” Platform Pumps

If you want the same style without breaking the bank, try these suede platforms by Dolce Vita which are dead ringers for the YSL Imperiale pumps. Not exactly a steal at ~$160, but still a whole lotta cheaper than the original Yves Saint Laurent heels. Also available in taupe suede and navy leather.

Dolce Vita “April” Platform Pumps
($159.95, Endless)

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I just wrote about reader requests yesterday. This one came from ITC reader Shasha from a few weeks ago where she asked for a budget-friendly alternative for a pair of Fiorentini + Baker boots.

Fiorentini + Baker 7040 Eternity Boots
($545, Jildor)

P.S.: Also available at Footnotes, National Jean Company & Farfetch.

Celebrities Love Fiorentini + Baker

Bronx “Cur Lee Q” Boots

It was quite easy to find multiple alternatives. This one by Bronx is my personal favorite and probably also the closest to the originals. Available in 5 different colors.

Bronx “Cur Lee Q” Boots
($134.75, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at LoveMyShoes, Solestruck, Overstock & Shoes.com.

Steve Madden “BUCKKIE” Buckle Boots

Steve Madden also has an inspired-by version which has a slight distressed look to it. Available in black or brown.

Steve Madden “BUCKKIE” Buckle Boots
($169.95, )

P.S.: Also available at Steve Madden & Piperlime.

Steve Madden Buckle Boots

If you prefer the light suede version as seen on Dakota Fanning, you might find yourself enamored with this second knockoff version by Steve Madden. Available in either taupe suede or black leather.

Steve Madden Buckle Boots
($148.28, ASOS)

Wanted “Combatte” Boots

Another great alternative are these buckle boots by Wanted. Good thing they’re under $100 and come in either black or brown.

Wanted “Combatte” Boots
($89.99, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Piperlime & LuLu*s.

Skechers “Hard Wear-Captive” Boots

Finally, if you don’t mind the extra buckle these boots by Skechers might fit your bill. Available in black or brown.

Skechers “Hard Wear-Captive” Boots
($154.99, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Zappos, Skechers & Dillard’s.

© 2008-2011 InTheirCloset.com loves you! Come and visit our blog.