In Their Closet » Balmain

Real vs. Steal – Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Buckled Booties

Irina — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:00:19 +0000

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 Buckled Booties
($1.338, MyTheresa)

XOXO “Raven” Ankle Boots

UPDATE (11/24/2011): Just stumbled upon another very affordable buckled Balmain look-a-like by XOXO aka Wanted.

XOXO “Raven” Ankle Boots
($47.45, Shoebuy)

P.S.: Also available at Endless.

Charles Albert New 1733 Buckle Booties

UPDATE (09/08/2010): Just in time for fall I happened to stumble upon these buckled Balmain look-a-likes by Charles Albert. They have a canvas upper, but everything else is pretty much spot-on. Available in black, blue or white canvas.

Charles Albert New 1733 Buckle Booties
($39.95, Endless)

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
($89.75, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Heels.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
($65.97, 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
($39.95, Endless)

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
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 these!

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
($86.90, NORDSTROM)

Real vs. Steal – Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain NE1004 Rhinestone Strappy Sandals

Velicia Hill — Sat, 28 May 2011 12:00:15 +0000

I have a friend and her favorite saying is, “I love it, when a plan comes together.” – That’s exactly how I feel about the collaboration between Giuseppe Zanotti and Balmain. And what a beautiful plan it was. These rhinestone strappy heels are just what any hot chick on the Hollywood scene needs for the perfect partner in a fashion crime (crime to look so damn good, that is) to compliment any outfit. But of course, if your red carpet moments involve the opening of a local hotspot rather than your latest movie, then you’ll wanna keep reading for great alternatives to this ridiculously priced $1.295 heel!

Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain NE1004 Rhinestone Strappy Sandals
($1.295, Zappos)

Audrina Patridge Loves Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain

Vince Camuto “Aileen” Sandals

Well, hello Aileen! You’re not as flashy as the original, but for a fraction of the price I can learn to love the braided strappy detail; opposed to the flashiness of the rhinestones. By Vince Camuto & available in pale gold or steel gray.

Vince Camuto “Aileen” Sandals
($98, Endless)

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

Pour La Victoire “Briller” Sandals

Oh yeah, Houston we have NO problem with rocking this brilliant “Briller” sandal by Pour La Victoire! For a wee bit more money, we get the rhinestones. Not as much glitz as the Balmains (which is to be expected when you don’t drop over a grand), but these heels are still quite hot! Choose from ivory, black or silver satin fabrications.

Pour La Victoire “Briller” Sandals
($169, Endless)

Real vs. Steal – Balmain Studded Strappy Gladiator Sandals

Irina — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:00:53 +0000

I’ve been in love with these studded Balmain gladiator sandals ever since I first spotted them on NET-A-PORTER 6 months ago and dreamed of owning them, happily strutting the streets in them with leggings or skinny jeans. But as always the whopping price tag of $1.195 kept that dream fom ever coming true.

Balmain Studded Strappy Gladiator Sandals
($717.98, MyTheresa)

Celebrities Love Balmain

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Liliana Pray-1 Sandals

UPDATE (02/10/2011): Here’s another great Balmain alternative coming from Liliana. Available in black, red and silver fabric upper.

Liliana Pray-1 Sandals
(47.15, Endless)

Type Z “Lorry” Sandals

UPDATE (09/17/2010): These Balmain knockoffs by Type Z come a little late, but isn’t it amazing how they are almost identical compared to the Balmain originals? Only these are soooo much cheaper.

Type Z “Lorry” Sandals
($63, Zappos)

Wet Seal Stud Cage Booties

UPDATE (12/10/2009): Found another budget-friendly alternative by Wet Seal.

Click on the link below and navigate to the shoes section or enter style number “41500712” in the search field to find the Balmain inspired gladiator heels on the website.

Wet Seal Stud Cage Booties
Style #: 41500712
($32.50, Wet Seal)

ZiGiny “Palace” Studded Sandals

UPDATE (10/31/2009): I just stumbled upon another Balmain knockoff by ZiGiny. Good thing: They look more like the original Balmain heels (except for the platform).

ZiGiny “Palace” Studded Gladiator Sandals
($99.95, Endless)

GUESS by Marciano “Natalia” Gladiator Sandals

I’ve been waiting so long for knockoffs like these to come out and finally GUESS by Marciano answered my prayers by giving us frugal fashionistas a budget-friendly Balmain alternative. The studs on these are slightly bigger, but the shape and the elastic straps look almost identical.

GUESS by Marciano “Natalia” Stappy Gladiator Sandals
($55.63, Amazon)

Real vs. Steal – Balmain Zip-Embellished Suede Pumps

Celine — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:00:41 +0000

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
($1.225, SOLD OUT)

JustFabulous “Kara” Zip Pumps

UPDATE (02/09/2011): Found another great Balmain knockoff by JustFabulous.

JustFabulous “Kara” Zip Pumps
($59.99, Heels.com)

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
($30.91, 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
(£25, New Look)

Celebrity Look 4 Less – Ciara in Balmain

Irina — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:00:16 +0000

Back in June Ciara walked the red carpet of the 2010 BET Awards dressed to the nines in a knockout black Balmain brocade dress with gold chain detail which she paired with a matching gold studded Balmain belt and black Giuseppe Zanotti lace-up booties. I really loved her edgy runway look, but there’s no way I could shell out 22k on a dress and 2k on a pair of shoes, so I tried to recreate Ciara’s BET outfit on a more budget-friendly level. What do you think of my picks? Yay or nay?

Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Who?	Ciara
Where?	2010 BET Awards, LA
When?	June 27, 2010
What?	Balmain Fall 2010 brocade dress, Giuseppe Zanotti I07049 Lace-Up Booties

Ciara’s Balmain Look 4 Less

Go Shopping:

EARRINGS: ASOS Mini Metal Spike Drop Earrings, $6.90
DRESS: Aryn K. Laced Chains Dress, $105
LIPSTICK: Revlon Colorburst Lip in Baby Pink, $8.99
SHOES: Michael Antonio “Mercy” Booties, $75.96
BELT: Charlotte Russe Burnished Stud Waist Belt, $12.50
EYESHADOW: HiP L’Oréal Metallic Eyeshadow Duo in Energized, $7.99

Real vs. Steal – Balmain Quilted Leather Jacket

Irina — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:00:56 +0000

Everyone should own a perfectly tailored leather jacket. I think it’s a staple and will NEVER go out of style. So it’s worth making a small investment to make sure it will last you for several years, maybe even decades. I’m sure this Balmain quilted leather jacket would be still in style 10 years from now, but oh boy, 13k for a jacket? I know leather always comes at a price, but this is blatant usury.

Balmain Peak-Shouldered Quilted Leather Jacket
($13.395, SOLD OUT)

Rihanna Loves Balmain

Haute Hippie Quilted Leather Jacket

HOT DEAL: Use coupon code “CELEB10” to receive 10% OFF your entire order!

This quilted leather jacket by Haute Hippie isn’t necessarily a Balmain twin, but the influences are clearly visible, don’t you agree? The jacket is quite pricey at almost $1000 retail price, but it’s still 13x cheaper than the original.

Haute Hippie Quilted Leather Jacket
($995, The Hip Chick)

P.S.: Also available at NORDSTROM & SSENSE.

Bebe Quilted Leather Moto Jacket

HOT DEAL: Use coupon code “50OFF250” to get $50 OFF your 250+ order!

Another great alternative though not quite as close as the HH version is this quilted leather jacket by Bebe. I’m so digging this jacket, it’s ridiculous. And $259 for a real leather jacket isn’t a bad price. I even managed to find this $50 OFF coupon code for you which will take a significant chunk off the price. Yay!

Bebe Quilted Leather Moto Jacket
($259, Bebe)

Real vs. Steal – Balmain Paillette Mini Dress

Irina — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:30:17 +0000

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 Paillette Mini Dress
($13.395, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Balmain

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

French Connection Sequin Wrap Front Dress

UPDATE (09/08/2010): This Balmain knockoff by French Connection is certainly not a steal, but considering the original retails for 13k, $269.60 doesn’t seem that expensive in comparison, right? Available in black or navy.

French Connection Sequin Wrap Front Dress
($269.60, ASOS)

P.S.: Also available in black or navy at French Connection UK or French Connection USA.

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
($118.98, ASOS)

Real vs. Steal – Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Cuff Lace Up Booties

Vahni — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:00:58 +0000

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

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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.

Real vs. Steal – Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Lace-Up Studded Booties

Irina — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:00:39 +0000

Giuseppe Zanotti has been designing the shoes for Balmain ever since Christophe Decarnin took over the French fashion house in 2006. I love how Zanotti always manages to reflect the key looks of the collection in his designs. Balmain S/S 2010 was infused with military references and looking at these studded lace-up booties you can see these references here as well. The faded army green color, the shrapnel-style studs, the utilitarian zipper. Swoooooon!

Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Lace-Up Studded Booties
(Price Unknown, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

ZiGiny “Jemma” Ankle Boots

Well, the color has been exchanged, but the design of these studded lace-up booties by ZiGiny has been taken over 1:1. Don’t tell anyone, but I think the tan suede color might be a little more doable than the original green color of the originals.

ZiGiny “Jemma” Ankle Boots
($179.95, Endless)

Real vs. Steal – Balmain Military-Style Denim Jacket

Irina — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:00:19 +0000

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

Celebrities Love Balmain

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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
($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)