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From the category archives:

Balmain

UPDATE: This post has been updated on July 22, 2010. Scroll down to see the new add.

These buckled ankle boots were designed by shoe design genius Giuseppe Zanotti for the hottest brand in Fashionville right now, Balmain, for their Fall 2009 footwear range. I wasn’t really a fan of this collection until I saw these badass rocker booties. My only problem: finding the pocket change to afford these. Sigh!

Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Uma Buckled Ankle Boots in black leather

Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Buckled Bootieszx
($1.338, MyTheresa)

Carlos by Carlos Santana “Admit” Ankle Boots

UPDATE (07/22/2010): Carlos by Carlos Santana provides us with yet another fabulous Balmain alternative in form of this latticed zipper ankle boots. Available in black or camel leather.

Carlos by Carlos Santana "Admit" Ankle Boots in black (Balmain knockoffs)

Carlos by Carlos Santana “Admit” Ankle Bootscj
($138.95, Zappos)

P.S.: Also available at Shoes.com & CarlosShoes.com.

ZiGiny “Triumph” Booties

UPDATE (01/19/2010): If you want an upscale knockoff of the Balmain booties, try these ankle boots by ZiGiny. They are available in black leather, black and red suede.

ZiGiny "Triumph" Booties in black (Balmain knockoffs)

ZiGiny “Triumph” Bootiesendless
($88.18, Endless)

Hypnotic “Roadtrip” Buckle Booties

UPDATE (01/03/2010): Surprise! Surprise! Yet another Balmain knockoff. This one’s by Hypnotic and the booties come in either black, grey or rust suede.

Hypnotic "Roadtrip" Buckle Booties in black suede (Balmain knockoffs)

Hypnotic “Roadtrip” Buckle Bootiesendless
($39.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Amazonamazon.

Charlotte Russe Multi-Belt Booties

UPDATE (01/03/2010): Charlotte Russe has finally joined the Balmain craze bandwagon with a faux suede zipper ankle boot.

Charlotte Russe Multi-Belt Booties in black faux suede (Balmain knockoffs)

Charlotte Russe Multi-Belt Bootiescj
($42.99, Charlotte Russe)

Wet Seal Multi Buckle Booties

UPDATE (12/10/2009): Found yet another Balmain alternative by Wet Seal.

Click on the link below and navigate to the shoes section or enter style number “41597064” in the search field to find the Balmain inspired buckle booties on the website.

Wet Seal Multi Buckle Booties in black faux suede (Balmain Fall 2009 knockoffs)

Wet Seal Multi Buckle Booties
Style #: 41597064
($36.50, Wet Seal)

Anne Michelle Savior 27 Strappy Booties

UPDATE: WHOA! Check out these amazing Balmain knockoffs by Anne Michelle. I LOVE them! Plus, get 15% OFF your entire order at LuLu*s with our exclusive coupon code “INTHEIRCLOSET“.

Anne Michelle Savior 27 Strappy Booties in black (Balmain Fall 2009 knockoffs)

Anne Michelle Savior 27 Strappy Booties
($42, LuLu*s)

Report “Lyndon” Buckle Booties

Check out these fabulous Balmain knockoffs brought to you by Report! Aren’t they just gorgeous? They’re so close to the original buckle booties. You better act fast as I predict these are going to sell out very, very quickly.

Report "Lyndon" Buckle Booties in black (Balmain for Giuseppe Zanotti Fall 2009 knockoffs)

Report “Lyndon” Buckle Bootiescj
($115.79, Zappos)

P.S.: Also available at Endlessendless & NORDSTROMls.

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UPDATE: This post has been updated on June 14, 2010. Scroll down to see the new add.

In case you wondered: Balmain is still going strong. I stumble upon Balmain knockoffs or Balmain inspired shoes & apparel on a daily basis and don’t know where to find the time needed to post all of these finds. So I have to cut back and just concentrate on the really good ones. The denim jacket below is a personal obsession of mine and even though I’d have a hard time finding an occasion where to sport this lovely thing to, I still want it in my closet so badly.

Balmain Spring 2009 Military-style Denim Jacket

Balmain Military-Style Denim Jacket
($5.075, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Balmain

Rihanna and Carrie Underwood wearing a Balmain Spring 2009 Military-style Denim Jacket

Who wore Balmain better?

View Results

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Your Eyes Lie Braided Military Denim Jacket

UPDATE (06/14/2010): If you’re still mesmerized by Balmainia, try this Balmain-esque denim jacket by Your Eyes Lie.

Your Eyes Lie Braided Military Denim Jacket (Balmain knockoff)

Your Eyes Lie Braided Military Denim Jacketls
($152.18, ASOS)

Queen’s Look Button Detail Denim Jacket

If you love the denim jacket, but don’t have $5k to spare, take a look at this Balmain knockoff by Queen’s Look (an Asian brand). It’s not a 1:1 copy, but it’s still a great budget-friendly alternative which costs only $85.50. Also available in beige, grey & black. The sizing is Korean, so make sure to take a look at the size chart first before you order.

[IMAGE NO LONGER AVAILABLE]

Queen’s Look Button Detail Denim Jacket
($85.50, YesStyle)

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I don’t know about you, but I still can’t get over the hotness that was Balmain‘s Fall 2009 collection. It was pure eye candy all the way through. Not that this collection was a practical one; it’s not like you can work a sequined micro mini dress to work. But I’ve never been a practical shopper anyway and understatement is for cowards, right, girls? The actual problem though is, where does one find the necessary 10k to acquire the real Balmain; also non-supermodels might feel a tad uncomfortable rocking a dress that short. That’s why we searched high and low to find you the best Balmain alternatives which embody the disco feeling without looking too stripperella.

Runway to Real Way - Balmain Sequined Disco Dress

Go Shopping:

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Zoe Saldana is such a beautiful woman, isn’t she? She’s got a spectacular face but also an amazing body that is perfect for showing off lovely clothes – and she chooses well (that Oscar dress!). We also love the look she put together for “The Losers” premiere in L.A. just a few days ago. The strong-shouldered Balmain dress is the perfect statement piece and she showed great restraint in choosing her accessories – a simple clutch, belt and ring made that fabulous dress the focal point – along with a pair of badass Cesare Paciotti heels.

Zoe Saldana wearing a black Balmain Fall 2010 deep v-neck dress

Our Rating: ★★★★★

Who? Zoe Saldana
Where? “The Losers” Premiere, Los Angeles
When? April 20, 2010
What? Balmain Fall 2010 v-neck dress, Cesare Paciotti heels, Judith Leiber clutch, Neil Lane jewelry

Zoe Saldana’s Look 4 Less

We love Zoe’s look, but wanted to find something more affordable (duh!) and also a little more real-world (or “real-girl” as Vahni eloquently put it in one of her posts) friendly. The Balmain dress is amazing, but, seeing as how I’m not a Hollywood starlet, where on earth am I going to wear a frock with such a plunging neckline? Never mind the price. I’m in love with this ASOS Body Con dress. The general feel is the same (strong shoulders, figure-hugging style), but it’s a lot more wearable than the Balmain. The Steve Madden “LANGLY” platforms are spot-on (see below for a 30% OFF coupon code) and the accessories we chose are perfect and CHEAP. All in all this entire look will run you well under $200. Now that’s a steal.

Zoe Saldana's Balmain Look 4 Less

Go Shopping:

Michael Antonio “Tatum” Platform Sandals

UPDATE (04/28/2010): We found a second great steal alternative to Zoe’s kickass Cesare Paciotti heels by Michael Antonio. You like?

Michael Antonio "Tatum" Platform Sandals in black

Michael Antonio “Tatum” Platform Sandalsendless
($59.95, Endless)

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When the spring/summer 2010 ready-to-wear shows debuted last fall, I was more than ready to wear the entire Balmain military-inspired collection. The leather! The epaulets! The olive green! Sure, one half of me is all stilettos and champagne—but the other half is pure Lara Croft—so there is just something about soldiers…uh…camo, combat boots, and military styling that gets me. Attennnnnn-TION! Balmain’s S/S 2010 collection is where military meets civilian in the chicest (and sexiest) way possible.

Balmain S/S 2010 Military Chic

So where my Balmain military tour comes to an abrupt end is when I remember it’s Balmain, and it’s expensive (and I’m sure I’m not the only one in that camp). But that’s the great thing about living in these times. There are scores of realistically-priced pieces available so you can unleash your inner G.I. Jane and not feel like a bomb just dropped when you open your credit card statement. And hey, you don’t even have to do the recon yourself. We’ve assembled a fantastic array of lower-priced items to help you build your military look now.

Balmain Spring 2010 Military Chic 4 Less

Go Shopping:

  1. Topshop Washed Military Shirtls, $55
  2. Forever 21 Glam Jean Chain, $7.80
  3. Super Trash Faux Leather Pantscj, $137
  4. dELiA*s Dallas Military Blazerls, $29.99
  5. Old Navy Cuffed Twill Camp Shortscj, $22.50
  6. Nine West “Mouton” Sandalsendless, $49.60
  7. J Brand Chino Pantcj, $216
  8. GUESS “Naemazza” Bootiescj, $87.50
  9. Cheap Monday Snake Cutout Tankcj, $30
  10. Wet Seal Rib Tank Top (Style #: 42302841), $6.50
  11. Alloy “Kena” Aviator Sunglassesls, $10.90
  12. Dollhouse “KENNEDY” Lace-Up Ankle Boots, $34.99
  13. Juicy Couture Military Shirt Jacketcj, $198
  14. ASOS Leather Power Shoulder Blazerls, $102.56
  15. Wet Seal Military Crop Jacket (Style #: 41915943), $26.50
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Well, I think it’s pretty safe to say that zippers are in. We’ve written several posts here that have featured decorative zippers (mostly on shoes) and more pop up every day. Balmain seems to be leading this trend and we can see why. Giuseppe Zanotti who designs the shoes for Balmain is a master. He manages to make zippers and black suede look polished and even elegant. What I really love about these embellished suede pumps is that the shape is wholly classic but the zippers add an industrial/rock edge. That means these shoes will dress up your jeans but dress down your sweet skirt. Unfortunately they’re astronomically expensive, and sold-out to boot.

Balmain Zip-Embellished Suede Pumps in black

Balmain Zip-Embellished Suede Pumps
($1.225, SOLD OUT)

Liliana Frog-1 Zip Platform Pumps

These Liliana pumps are a great alternative to the Balmains. They’re not suede, of course, but the beautiful zipper-trim is there, as is that sexy 4-inch heel. Falling somewhere between a pump and a bootie, I picture these with a multitude of outfits. Oh, and did we mention they’re only $37.95? If you’ve had your fill of black pumps, these are also available in chestnut and grey.

Liliana Frog-1 Zip Platform Pumps in black (Balmain knockoffs)

Liliana Frog-1 Zip Platform Pumpsendless
($37.95, Endless)

New Look Zip Strap Courts

Now there’s less zipper action going on with this version but I think there’s something so pretty and clean about the one cross over on the bridge of the foot. The toe is very reminiscent of the Balmain heels (looks like you’ll be getting some toe-cleavage!) and the faux suede looks very rich. Very Rock and Roll at a non-rock price. These also come in a very pretty, soft grey color. At £25.00 (that’s about $33) you might as well get both! New Look is a UK retailer but I checked out their shipping policy and it’s pretty reasonable (around $10).

New Look Zip Strap Courts in black suedette (Balmain knockoffs)

New Look Zip Strap Courts
(£25, New Look)

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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.

Diane Kruger wearing a black strapless Balmain Fall 2009 suede dress and black studded Christian Louboutin pumps

Our Rating: ★★★★½

Who? Diane Kruger
Where? Inglourious Basterds UK premiere, London
When? July 23, 2009
What? Balmain Fall 2009 suede peplum dress, Christian Louboutin Very Privé Peep-Toe Pumps

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 in black (Balmain Fall 2009 knockoff)

Lipsy Chain Belt Velvet Cocktail Dressls
($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.

endlessLovely People "Aziza" Studded Pumps in black (Christian Louboutin Very Privé knockoffs)

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

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UPDATE: This post has been updated on January 27, 2010. Scroll down to see the new add.

I love Balmain and their jeans sure look amazing, but let’s be serious: who would want to spend more than $2000 on a pair of jeans (celebrities and oil sheikh family members excluded)? I know I wouldn’t.

Balmain Spring 2009 Padded Knee Skinny Jean

Balmain Padded Knee Denim Jeans
(Price Unkown)

Alloy Indigo Saints Motorcross Stretch Skinny Jean

UPDATE (01/27/2010): Reader Slim_Goodie informed us of this Balmain look-a-like by Alloy. Thx!

Alloy Indigo Saints Motorcross Stretch Skinny Jean (Balmain knockoff)

Alloy Indigo Saints Motorcross Stretch Skinny Jeanls
($45.90-$50.90, Alloy)

LuLu*s Mad Max Boot Cut Machine Jean

UPDATE (01/27/2010): Found these black Balmain inspired jeans while surfing LuLu*s new arrivals section. And they cost only $37. Receive 15% OFF your order with our exclusive coupon code “INTHEIRCLOSET” (offer good until March 15th, 2010).

LuLu*s Mad Max Boot Cut Machine Jean in black (Balmain knockoff)

LuLu*s Mad Max Boot Cut Machine Jean
($37, LuLu*s)

Topshop Bleach Bike Skinny Jeans

UPDATE (01/18/2010): Stumbled upon this great Balmain jeans knockoff by Topshop today.

Topshop Bleach Bike Skinny Jeans (Balmain knockoff)

Topshop Bleach Bike Skinny Jeansls
($100, Topshop)

Blank Denim Motorcycle Skinny Jeans

UPDATE (09/19/2009): Here’s another Balmain jeans knockoff by Blank Denim. (Thanks Bunnae!)

Blank Denim Motorcycle Skinny Jeans in acid wash (Balmain knockoff)

Blank Denim Motorcycle Skinny Jeansls
($82, Karmaloop)

P.S.: Also available in black at Shopbopcj and Tobicj.

Vintage1 Serena Motorcycle Zipper Skinny Jean

If you can’t or don’t want to spend so much $$$ on denim, but still crave the Balmain rock chick jeans, you can buy this Balmain inspired version by Vintage1 which will save you more than 90% of the original’s price (and still they’re around $200 which is not that cheap for most of us). Celebrities like Rihanna and Cameron Diaz have been spotted wearing these Balmain look-a-like jeans.

Vintage1 Serena Motorcycle Zipper Skinny Jean (Balmain Spring 2009 knockoff)

Vintage1 Motorcycle Zipper Skinny Jean
($198, Singer22)

P.S.: Also available at The Trend Boutiquepj, Free People, Black Label Boutiquecj & Bunny Hug.

Rockstar Denim Ripped Biker Zip Bottom Jean

If you’re willing to spend a bit more to get a closer Balmain look, you might consider these jeans by Rockstar Denim to be a good alternative. As you can see, the stitching detail on the knees is almost identical though this version has a distressed, ripped look which the Balmain jeans don’t have.

Rockstar Denim Ripped Biker Zip Bottom Jean (Balmain Spring 2009 knockoff)

Rockstar Denim Ripped Biker Zip Bottom Jean
($229, Singer22)

P.S.: Also available in grey at LUISAVIAROMAcj.

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UPDATE: This post has been updated on January 18, 2010. Scroll down to see the new adds.

Balmain is all the rage right now. It gets worn a lot these days. Their Spring 2009 collection was such a success! One of the most wanted items from that collection were the studded embellished stiletto sandals. They scream BADASS! After hitting the shelves of NET-A-PORTER (priced at breath-taking $2.300) the heels completely sold out within a day or two. If you can afford the real thing, I highly recommend you invest in them. If they are way out of your budget, no need to panic! I have found a bunch of good and affordable Balmain alternatives for you.

Balmain Spring 2009 crystal embellished studded sandals with rhinestones

Balmain Crystal Embellished Studded Sandals
($2.300, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Balmain

As you can see, Hollywood is crazy for Balmain as well. Various celebrities have been wearing the sandals including Molly Sims, Jennifer Connelly (my favorite!), Rihanna and Audrina Patridge.

Molly Sims, Jennifer Connelly, Rihanna and Audrina Patridge wearing Balmain Spring 2009 crystal embellished studded sandals

Who wears their Balmain Spring 2009 rhinestoned sandals best?

View Results

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ZiGiny “Vivienne” Sandals

UPDATE (01/18/2010): And yet another Balmain knockoff by ZiGiny. Available in black and taupe.

ZiGiny "Vivienne" Sandals in black (Balmain knockoffs)

ZiGiny “Vivienne” Sandalsendless
($129.95, Endless)

Luichiny “Shock Me” Embellished Sandals

UPDATE (01/18/2010): Take a look at these super cute embellished Balmain look-a-likes by Luichiny. They come in either black faux suede and pewter or bronzeendless faux leather.

Luichiny "Shock Me" Embellished Sandals in black (Balmain knockoffs)

Luichiny “Shock Me” Embellished Sandalsendless
($119.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Shoes.com and Heels.com.

Rocawear “Imana” Sandals

UPDATE (01/18/2010): Rocawear has also a pair of Balmain knockoffs. Available in black & silver.

Rocawear "Imana" Embellished Sandals in black (Balmain knockoffs)

Rocawear “Imana” Sandalsendless
($91.95, Endless)

Wet Seal Jeweled Strappy Heels

UPDATE (11/11/2009): Reader Crystal mailed us this super budget-friendly find. Don’t expect great quality for $15, but if you’re on the hunt for a cheap chic pair of shoes then why not go for these?!

Click on the link below and navigate to the Wet Seal shoes section or enter style number “41543474” in the search field to find the Balmain inspired sandals on the Wet Seal website.

Wet Seal Jeweled Strappy Sandals (Balmain Spring 2009 knockoffs)

Wet Seal Jeweled Strappy Heels
Style #: 41543474
($15, Wet Seal)

Hypnotic “Persian” Studded Sandals

UPDATE (08/30/2009): Just found yet another Balmain knockoff by Shiekh.

If you’re still on the hunt for a pair of rhinestoned Balmain look-a-likes, but don’t have too much money to spend, try these knockoffs by Shiekh. They look very similar to the Bebe knockoffs and are a great Balmain alternative for under $50.

Hypnotic "Persian" Studded Sandals (Balmain Crystal knockoffs)

Hypnotic “Persian” Studded Sandalscj
($49.97, Shiekh Shoes)

Steve Madden “BRIGGHT” Studded Sandals

Of course it couldn’t take Steve Madden too long to come up with his own version of the Balmain heels. The “BRIGGHT” studded sandal is available for $90.75. You better be fast to order if you want to snap up a good Balmain knockoff for a steal.

Steve Madden Brigght Studded Sandal (Balmain knockoff)

Steve Madden “BRIGGHT” Studded Sandalsendless
($90.75, Steve Madden)

Jeffrey Campbell “Mel” Studded Sandals

Jeffrey Campbell also didn’t want to miss out on the Balmain craze and jumped on the bandwagon with his own knockoff called “Mel”. Available in black or beige leather for $164.95 at Solestruck. All UK and European based fashionistas can grab a pair of the Jeffrey Campbell rhinestone sandals at Bunnyhug who are selling them in either black or beige for £150. But you better hurry, there are only limited sizes left.

Jeffrey Campbell Mel Studded Sandal (Balmain Spring 2009 studded sandal knockoff)

Jeffrey Campbell MEL Studded Sandal
($164.95, Solestruck)

Zigi Majestic Studded Sandal

Zigi joined the Balmain copycat bandwagon! The “Majestic” sandal, available in either black or white, is an ode to the highly coveted Balmain studded stilettos. Best thing: they’re on sale (45% down)! Big YAY! You better be quick before they sell out like all the other Balmain knockoffs..


Zigi Majestic Studded Sandals (Balmain Studded Stiletto Knockoffs)

Zigi Majestic Studded Sandal
($125.98, LoveMyShoes)

Bebe Marianna Studded Platform Sandals

It certainly didn’t take too long until Bebe knocked off the Balmain sandals. The “Marianna” sandal is Bebe’s inspired version of the studded heels and it comes in either black or white. Shell out $169 and these Balmain look-a-likes are yours.

Bebe Marianna Studded Platform Sandals (Balmain Spring 2009 studded sandal knockoffs)

Bebe Marianna Studded Platform Sandals
($169, Bebe)

Blingstyle Shoes Studded Ankle Strap Sandals

More Balmain knockoffs! Found yet another knockoff of the Balmain studded stiletto sandal. These darlings here retail for $138 and are great look-a-likes, just as good as the sold out Bebe knockoffs, maybe even better. But you better be fast, there are only limited sizes left.

Blingstyle Shoes Studded Ankle Strap Sandals (Balmain knockoffs)

Blingstyle Shoes Studded Ankle Strap Sandals
($138, YesStyle)

Aldo “SMEAL” Studded Sandals

Aldo was one of the early adopters of the Balmain shoe trend. Their knockoff version “SMEAL” has been around for a few months now. It’s not my favorite among the Balmain knockoffs, but it’s certainly a good alternative to the real Balmains.

Aldo SMEAL Studded Sandals (Balmain Spring 2009 Crystal Studded Sandals Knockoffs)

Aldo “SMEAL” Studded Sandalsamazon
($64.98, Aldo)

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I know Balmain is supposed to be a super exclusive, high-end, ultra-luxe fashion label and even though I am used to see outraging prices for the most basic clothing I’m still apalled whenever I see the price tag of anything Balmain. I mean, come on, $13.000 for a sequin mini dress? Are you serious? As much as I adore Balmain and all of Christophe’s wonderful work for the French fashion house, there’s no way I would EVER buy it even if I had a few thousands to spare.

Balmain Fall 2009 Sequin Paillette Mini Dress in black

Balmain Paillette Mini Dress
($13.395, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Balmain

Blake Lively and Daria Werbowy wearing a black sequin Balmain Paillette Mini Dress

Who wore Balmain better?

View Results

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Lipsy Jewel Shoulder Pad Sequin Dress

Luckily, you don’t need to sell your soul in order to achieve the same glam sexy vixen look à la Balmain. Lipsy has come up with a great and 100x more affordable alternative. I wish they wouldn’t have dampened all the outstanding features that made this sequin LBD stand out (e.g. shoulder pads, plunge neck and length of the dress), but all in all it’s still a super sexy dress which goes to show that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look like a million dollars.

Lipsy Jewel Shoulder Pad Sequin Dress in black (Balmain knockoff)

Lipsy Jewel Shoulder Pad Sequin Dressls
($118.98, ASOS)

P.S.: Also available for UK fans at Lipsyls for £40 (on sale).

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