Vanessa Minnillo

UPDATE: This post has been updated on October 14, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

Let’s be honest. When it comes to shoe shopping 9 out of 10 times when we freak out about a pair and start squealing “Oh my God! These are to-die-for!“, it’s about those gorgeous, embellished, satin peep-toe stilettos also known as the shoes we almost never wear because a) they’re too high b) not appropriate for everyday wear or c) just too precious to be worn (I mean, you don’t want to risk getting them scuffed, dusty or rained on, right?). Don’t get me wrong: I love my sky-high pink stiletto sandals with all my heart, but whenever I storm out the door I most probably am not wearing these. So last year, I wanted to be reasonable for once and thus forced myself to get flat and comfortable boots. And surprisingly, I went home with 2 beautiful pairs. Both were very similar to Frye‘s Veronica boots below and I just can’t tell you how much I love them. They’re extremely comfortable, keep me warm during winter and look super stylish as well. One of the best purchases ever! I get so much wear out of these.

Frye Veronica Slouch Boots in dark brown

Frye Veronica Slouch Bootscj
($328, Zappos)

P.S.: Also available at Endlesscj, Heels.com, Piperlimecj, Jildorcj, REVOLVEClothingcj, Footnotescj, Shoes.com, NORDSTROMls, Shopbopcj, DNA Footwearcj, PinkMascaracj, National Jean Companyls, Buy.comls, ShoeMallcj & Bloomingdale’sls.

Celebrities Love Frye

Leighton Meester, Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Minnillo in Frye Veronica Slouchy Buckle Boots

Who wore Frye best?

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Xhilaration® “Karima” Genuine Leather Boots

UPDATE (10/14/2011): Here’s another fantastic budget alternative if you covet the Frye boots but don’t have the neccessary funds. Xhilaration® comes to the rescue with their $49.99 genuine leather boots “Karima”. Available in dark brown or black.

Xhilaration® "Karima" Genuine Leather Boots in dark brown (Frye Veronica Slouch knockoffs)

Xhilaration® “Karima” Genuine Leather Boots
($49.99, Target)

Steve Madden “VERONNA” Buckle Boots

I recently discovered these Steve Madden boots and thought they’d make a wonderful budget-friendly option if you can’t afford the real deal. The style is almost identical and even the name of the boots sounds similar to Frye’s. The boots are currently marked down to $99.95 (was $159.95) and come in either black, brown or brown distressed.

Steve Madden "VERONNA" Buckle Boots in dark brown (Frye Veronica knockoffs)

Steve Madden “VERONNA” Buckle Bootscj
($99.95, Steve Madden)

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UPDATE: This post has been updated on May 30, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

I already mentioned I am by no means a handbag expert. I think I own about 10-15 bags and usually have around 2 or 3 in rotation per season which works out totally fine for me. However, from time to time I find myself obsessing over a particular handbag such as the Marc Jacobs “Stam” bag which was named after topmodel Jessica Stam. The satchel has some obvious Chanel references (e.g. the quilted leather or the gold chain), but I’d still consider it unique enough to stand on its own.

Marc Jacobs Quilted Stam Satchel in black

Marc Jacobs Quilted Stam Satchells
($1.350, NORDSTROM)

P.S.: Also available at S|SENSEcj, Barney’s, Harrodsls & Bloomingdale’sls.

Celebrities Love Marc Jacobs

Ashley Tisdale, Sophia Bush and Vanessa Minnillo wearing a black Marc Jacobs Quilted Stam Bag

Who carried Marc Jacobs best?

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BagInc “The Inescapable It Bag Of The Decade”

UPDATE (05/30/2011): Stupid name but awesome bag for an awesome price. I love that BagInc is so blunt about their bags being “designer inspired” (well, it’s a little bit beyond just the inspiration, isn’t it? ;) ). Anyway. $43. Awesome!

BagInc "The Inescapable It Bag Of The Decade" in black (Marc Jacobs Stam knockoff)

BagInc “The Inescapable It Bag Of The Decade”
($43, BagInc)

Handbag Heaven “Sami” Quilted Handbag

HOT DEAL: Use code “SPRING11” to get 15% OFF your entire order!

Don’t have $1.350 lying around? Handbag Heaven‘s “Sami” quilted satchel is an amazing and budget-friendly MJ “Stam” knockoff which comes in either black, purple, red, pewter or cream leatherette.

Handbag Heaven Sami Quilted Bag (Marc Jacobs Stam knockoff)

Handbag Heaven “Sami” Quilted Handbag
($54.95, Handbag Heaven)

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Every woman should have at least one pair of strappy stiletto sandals in every basic color (like black, white, red, nude) because a strappy sandal makes a woman’s feet look instantly sexy. It sure isn’t easy walking around in high stiletto heels without looking like a squint-eyed, drunk stork, but once you have the hang of it, you’ll agree that it very well is worth the effort and pain. The Jimmy Choo sandals below would be a great investment if you are looking for high quality shoes.

Jimmy Choo Atlas Strappy Sandals

Jimmy Choo Atlas Strappy Sandalsls
($525, theOutnet)

Celebrities Love Jimmy Choo

Sarah Jessica Parker, Vanessa Minnillo and Lake Bell wearing petrol patent Jimmy Choo Atlas Strappy Sandals

Who wore Jimmy Choo best?

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Steve Madden SELLENA Strappy Sandals

Steve Madden’s Jimmy Choo Atlas interpretation is my favorite in terms of price & look. The strappy sandals come very close to the original Choos not only in shape, but also color. If you want a rather classic color, you can purchase them in black as well.

Steve Madden Sellena Strappy Sandals in taupe (Jimmy Choo Atlas knockoffs)

Steve Madden SELLENA Strappy Sandalscj
($77, Zappos)

P.S.: Steve Madden SELLENA sandals are also available at Endlessendless.

Carlos By Carlos Santana Candy Sandal

I’m not so fond of the snakeskin print of these Jimmy Choo knockoffs by Carlos Santana, but the shape is almost identical, so I thought I’d mention them.

Carlos by Carlos Santana Candy Strappy Sandals (Jimmy Choo Atlas knockoffs)

Carlos By Carlos Santana Candy Sandalendless
($56.69, Endless)

P.S.: Zappos has the same sandals in mocha taupecj or blackcj.

Miss Me Garnet Strappy Sandal

Another great knockoff alternative, although not available in a taupe or nude color, comes from Miss Me. The strappy sandals can be purchased for around $40 in either black, red, teal or fuchsia.

Miss Me Garnet Strappy Sandals in black patent (Jimmy Choo Atlas knockoffs)

Miss Me Garnet Strappy Sandalendless
($39.95, Endless)

P.S.: LoveMyShoes also has the same sandals in black, fuchsia & black snakeskin.

Vanessa Minnillo attended Maxim’s 10th Annual Hot 100 Celebration a few days ago wearing a flirty Laila Azhar strapless two-tone dress. She accessorized her ensemble with a large silver clutch and black mesh sandals.

Vanessa Minnillo wearing a yellow black Laila Azhar Spring 2009 strapless dress

Our Rating: ★★★½☆

Who?Vanessa Minnillo
Where?Maxim’s 10th Annual Hot 100 Celebration, Santa Monica
When?May 13, 2009
What?Laila Azhar Spring 2009 yellow strapless two-tone dress

Laila Azhar Spring 2009

Laila Azhar Spring 2009 yellow black strapless pleated dress

Laila Azhar Pleated Strapless Dress
($416, shopbop.com)

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