by Vahni on August 19, 2010
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The military trend seems to still be holding, and with shoes like the Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Cuff Lace Up Booties, I am totally not surprised. How can you not love this feminine-but-tough bootie? Especially right now. No matter which hemisphere you’re in, this is the ideal boot for transitioning from summer to fall, or winter to spring. But you know Balmain means big bucks. Wah.
Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Cuff Lace Up Booties
($1.196, Bluefly)
Celebrities Love Giuseppe Zanotti
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ZiGiny “JONI” Zip Ankle Boots
If you’re thinking the Balmain bootie is just what you need, then direct your attention to the ZiGiny “JONI” Zip Ankle Boots. Balmain, schmalmain, I say. You can have virtually the same look for under $200, which leaves you with plenty of cheddar for the coming season’s hot pieces. And if you’re in the northern hemisphere, that means a shearling and skinny cargos to go with those booties!
ZiGiny “JONI” Zip Ankle Boots
($179.95, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Karmaloop
& DNA Footwear
.
by Irina on January 7, 2010
Back in 2007 Mary-Kate Olsen stepped out on the red carpet to see Antony Micallef’s “Impure Idols” LA show debut and I was madly in love with her head-to-toe getup: the quilted leather jacket, the tousled out-of-bed hair and of course her black Balenciaga gladiator wedges. This is rocker meets uptown chic at its best. See my budget-friendly take on MK’s outfit below.
Our Rating: 
| Who? | Mary-Kate Olsen |
|---|
| Where? | Antony Micallef’s “Impure Idols” |
|---|
| When? | September 18, 2007 |
|---|
| What? | Balenciaga gladiator wedges |
|---|
Marc New York Quilted Jacket
Marc New York Quilted Jacket
($237.60, Bloomingdale’s)
Dana Buchman Vala Wedge Sandals
Dana Buchman Vala Wedge Sandals
($51.99, Kohl’s)
by Irina on January 3, 2010
UPDATE: This post has been updated on January 03, 2010. Scroll down to see the new add.
I already said I’m by no means a handbag expert, but even I am acquainted with the Fendi Spy bag. This shoulder bag which is made of ultra-rich nappa leather and finished with woven double top handles, instantly became the “It” bag when it came out a few years ago. All hype aside, I certainly understand why handbag connoisseurs lusted over this delicious piece of arm candy. The design is elegant and versatile and the craftmanship absolutely exquisite. However, not everyone can justify a $2.000 handbag investment including myself.
Fendi Spy Leather Bag
($2.050, Farfetch)
Celebrities Love Fendi
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Baghaus “Spy” Bag
UPDATE (12/31/2009): Found a second, almost identical Fendi Spy bag knockoff by Baghaus which looks so close to the original they didn’t even bother to change the name. Available in black (pictured), brown, mustard, beige and pewter.
Baghaus “Spy” Bag
($49.95, Baghaus)
Handbag Heaven Classic Secret Agent Bag
If you want a great looking alternative for a fraction of the price, Handbag Heaven has a really good and budget-friendly option for all of us who can’t afford the real deal. Their “classic secret agent bag” is an almost identical copy of the Fendi bag, even the name is a tribute. The bag is made of soft leatherette and comes in either classic black, shimmering pewter or a delightfully mustard color. A great gift for your mom, sister, BFF or your own handbag lovin’ self, of course.
Handbag Heaven Classic Secret Agent Bag
($49.95, Handbag Heaven)
by Irina on January 1, 2010
I’m not a slides person by default because I need arch support in my shoes and really can’t stand it when my heels dangle in the air. However, when I first laid my eyes on these colorful cabachon slides by Miu Miu I couldn’t help but be in total awe. The embellishments are just too cute!
Miu Miu Cabachon Slides
($750, SOLD OUT)
Mary-Kate Olsen Loves Miu Miu
Carlos by Carlos Santana “Romantica” Sandals
These Carlos by Carlos Santana sandals may have a few differences (e.g. they’re not quite as colorful as the Miu Mius, made of suede + slingback version), but overall they are still a fantastic alternative if you are trying to save some cash. Available in black or red suede.
Carlos by Carlos Santana “Romantica” Platform Sandals
($118.95, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Shoes.com, Zappos
, CarlosShoes.com & Shoebuy
.
Nine West “Quincylla” Slides
Nine West also has a great look-a-like option. The gemstones are a bit dull and dark which I find a bit sad, but the shape is almost identical. Available in either black or tan (with turquoise stones).
Nine West “Quincylla” Slides
($88.95, Zappos)
P.S.: Also available at Endless
.
Vince Camuto “Emily” High Heel Sandals
If the above options didn’t cut it for you, maybe you’ll find yourself falling for these Miu Miu inspired ankle strap sandals by Vince Camuto. I really like the embellishments on these even though they could’ve been a bit more colorful like the originals. Available in black, dark brown and tan.
Vince Camuto “Emily” High Heel Sandals
($118, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Zappos
, NORDSTROM
, Heels.com & Dillard’s
.
by Irina on December 13, 2009
These over-the-top sky-high platform heels were part of Giambattista Valli‘s Spring 2008 collection and even though Spring 2008 is like a million years ago in the fashion universe I still can’t get over them. In fact, they were one of my first shoe obsessions ever. One of the things that got me interested in fashion in the first place – beyond the ocassional shopping spree in the mall or a random page flip through Vogue. Some say these heels look hooker-ish, to me – they are perfect. The embodiment of art and fashion with a hint of craziness.
Giambattista Valli Victoria Platform Heels
(~$900, SOLD OUT)
Celebrities Love Giambattista Valli
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Shiekh "Persia-01" Platform Heels
What I love about these platform heels by Shiekh is that they’ve kept the extreme proportions of the original Vallis and didn’t tone it down to make them more appealing to the masses. Yes, the platform isn’t quite as high, but that’s barely noticeable. So gorgeous, affordable & available in white/pink (pictured), black/pink, beige/yellow and grey/black.
Shiekh "Persia-01" Platform Heels
($44.97, Shiekh)
