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Mary-Kate Olsen is quite the trendsetter. A few weeks after being spotted on MK’s feet, Stella McCartney’s mesh sandals hit the digital shelves of NET-A-PORTER, but sold out there super fast. If you are craving the real deal, you can still find them on Stella’s website or read on and let me show you some recession-proof alternatives.

Stella McCartney Mesh Basket Sandals
($995, NET-A-PORTER)

Mary-Kate Olsen Loves Stella McCartney

At the beginning of 2009, Mary-Kate Olsen was having an obsession with Stella McCartney’s mesh sandals from the Spring 2009 collection. She was wearing them to various events and when being out and about before finally moving on to another pair of lustworthy heels which she could wear to death.

BCBGMAXAZRIA “Lisa” Pumps

UPDATE (03/10/2010): Here’s yet another fabulous but slightly pricey Stella McCartney knockoff by BCBGMAXAZRIA.

BCBGMAXAZRIA “Lisa” Pumps
($250, Endless)

Nine West “Hotrock” Mesh Sandals

UPDATE (10/30/2009): Found another budget-friendly Stella McCartney alternative by Nine West.

Nine West “Hotrock” Mesh Sandals
($80.06, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Zappos & Nine West.

Bebe “Lizzy” Mesh Sandals

I always thought Steve Madden is the king of knockoffs, but after seeing so many knockoffs coming from Bebe latey, I have come to the conclusion that they deserve this title. Whenever I visit their website, new designer knockoffs have popped up just like these Stella McCartney knockoffs for example. Bebe’s “Lizzy” sandals come in 3 different colors and retail for $139.

Bebe “Lizzy” Mesh Sandals
($139, Bebe)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, everyone needs a little bling for their feet. Wear your trusty old LBD but jazz it up with some jewelry – of the foot variation. I present to you Giuseppe Zanotti’s ornamented sandals. Ink black base, 4 inch heel, blue and silver jewels affixed on delicate straps. Need I say more? The only problem is that, while these are on sale for $563.50 (what, only?), they actually retail for $1.140. Personally, I’d rather put that towards real jewelry.

Giuseppe Zanotti E90433 Ornamented Sandals
($563.50, 6pm)

P.S.: Also available at Overstock & Endless.

Martinez Valero “Carmela” Sandals

If you love the Giuseppe Zanotti Ornamented Sandals we featured above and are ready to throw down some serious cash, WAIT! Just look at these “Carmela” Sandals by Martinez Valero. They are virtually indistinguishable from the Giuseppe Zanottis – down to the multicolored gemstones – but only cost a fraction of the price. So pretty and so affordable! Also available in ivory.

Martinez Valero “Carmela” Jeweled Strappy Sandals
($154.95, Endless)

Christian Louboutin always seems to get it right, even if we’re talking espadrilles rather than sky-high pumps. Espadrilles have really seen a revival in the last couple of years but to be honest it took me a while to warm up to them. What I love about these Almeria Espadrille Wedges, however, is that they are a throwback yet totally modern at the same time. Sexy but also casual in a lovely summer-picnic kind of way. Celebrities obviously agree, as evidenced by the photos below. Clearly they’re in their budget, but are they in yours?

Christian Louboutin Almeria Espadrille Wedges
($535, Barney’s)

Celebrities Love Christian Louboutin

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Vince Camuto “Edon” Wedge Sandals

UPDATE (03/10/2010): Vince Camuto is challenging Jessica Simpson in the knock-off department with their spot-on interpretation of Louboutin’s Almeria wedges. Available in brown, ivory & black.

Vince Camuto “Edon” Wedge Sandals
($98, Zappos)

Jessica Simpson “Heathery” Espadrilles

If the answer to that question posed above was “No” but you’re still loving the idea of a cute pair of espadrilles to help you prance your way into spring, consider these sandals by Jessica Simpson. I didn’t initially have high hopes for her line of shoes, but I have to say that I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Not only are these a great price, but they’re practically identical to the Louboutins. Just throw on your favorite sundress and voilà: a perfect (and inexpensive!) look for those warmer months.

Jessica Simpson “Heathery” Espadrilles
($88.95, Endless)

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

Well this is definitely the season of the wedge. We’ve seen them pop up in countless Spring/Summer shows, in various colors and textiles. I think what makes them so popular is that they’re a versatile shoe: inherently casual but just add leather or a bow and you’ve got yourself one hot date shoe. The Miu Miu Cork and Leather Wedge Sandal embodies this perfectly. A luxe mocha leather and some exquisite details (knots, stitching, leather wrapped around the heel) make this sky-high wedge stand out from the pack.

Miu Miu Cork and Leather Wedge Sandals
($650, NET-A-PORTER)

Rosegold “Casey” Wedges

Rosegold is a company after our own heart. Only recently on our radar, they seem to be dedicated to delivering almost replica-like knockoffs of our favorite shoes. Do you recall the post back in November wherein we featured Rosegold and their Isabel Marant Otway Studded Booties knockoff? Those were excellent but take a look at these. I beg of you to spot a difference between these Casey wedges and the original Miu Miu wedges, above. Besides a slightly lower (read: more manageable) heel, they look virtually identical. At $168 they may not be a total impulse buy, but that’s still a ridiculously good price compared to the originals! Available in black and brown.

Rosegold “Casey” Wedges
($168, Endless)

Megan Fox always looks sexy, whether she’s wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt or a dress with a slit up to “there”. For this post we will be addressing the latter. Fox wore a Cavalli stunner to the Transformers 2 premiere in Berlin. It was a beautiful maroon, draped gown and had lovely jeweled detailing at the waist. Paired with that high slit and those 5 inch nude pumps, Megan looked like a million bucks.

Our Rating:

ASOS Diamante Hoop Split Front Maxi Dress

It’s not often that a “steal” version comes along that I think surpasses the original, but in this case it’s true. There’s no denying that the Roberto Cavalli dress is a stunner (especially on Ms. Fox), but what real woman is going to feel comfortable wearing a dress with a slit that high? It’s just not practical! ASOS has yet again come to the rescue. I’m really feeling their “Diamante Hoop Split Front Maxi Dress”. The real-world-friendly version of the dress comes in the most delectable, rich colors and the slit isn’t quite as high! Hooray! Best of all the dress is quite modestly priced at less than $80.

ASOS Diamante Hoop Split Front Maxi Dress
($76.92, ASOS)

Pssst! Hey you! Yes, you. Consider this your memo: gold is having a moment, and at the moment, black and gold are hot. So the Miu Miu Coffer Matelasse Leather Hobo is like tackling two trends in one. Double the hotness, right? This bag is the stuff my handbag fantasies are made of…black leather, striking hardware, pockets, multiple carrying options, and Italian craftsmanship to boot. Mmmmmmmiu Miu, I love you.

Miu Miu Coffer Matelasse Leather Hobo
($1.650, NET-A-PORTER)

Celebrities Love Miu Miu

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Diva Lili Levine Satchel

Ok, so after a cold shower I’m back. That Miu Miu Coffer Matelasse Leather Hobo had me swooning, and not just cause it’s gorge, but because it’s also $1.650. As much as I’d like to justify it with some cost-per-wear logic, that is hella high for a handbag. So instead, I’m thinking the Lili Levine Satchel by Diva is a happy medium. Same styling as the Coffer, without emptying the coffers to get it. But you knew we had a fab alternative, didn’t you? Cause at ITC, that’s how we roll.

Diva Lili Levine Satchel
($108, Baghaus)

It’s been about a year but I am now fully committed to the open-toe bootie look. I think it’s the versatility that gets me – they look equally as great with a skirt or dress as they do with pants. These Sergio Rossi Dakota booties are the perfect new addition to the trend. The basket-weave and pale wooden heel scream spring (get here, already!) but the dark leather glides you effortlessly into fall. I think these hot booties would look awesome with bare legs but also beautiful with colored tights. Unfortunately with a hefty price tag of $366 (sale price!) those outfit ideas are merely a day-dream.

Sergio Rossi Dakota Woven Booties
($366, Zappos)

Michael Antonio “Matteo” Woven Ankle Boots

UPDATE (02/28/2010): Just happened to stumble upon these Sergio Rossi inspired booties by Michael Antonio. Me likey! Available in black, tan, beige & turquoise (my favorite!).

Michael Antonio “Matteo” Woven Ankle Boots
($71.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Piperlime.

Boutique 9 “Yashi” Huarache Pumps

I was psyched when I happened upon these Boutique 9 heels. While slightly more of a pump than a bootie, these shoes totally embody the spirit of the Sergio Rossis. Some of you may actually also prefer the black heel to the tan of the originals. Available in both tan and black, I picture these worn with a full skirt and a brightly-colored printed top.

Boutique 9 “Yashi” Huarache Pumps
($149.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Zappos and Nine West & Shopbop.

N.Y.L.A. “Writhe” Huarache Pumps

For those of you that liked the deep brown color of the originals but not the price, this version by N.Y.L.A. might be perfect for you. These booties are slightly more rugged than the Dakotas but they also are considerably cheaper and still have that great basket-weave look. With a myriad of colors to choose from, you can’t go wrong.

N.Y.L.A. “Writhe” Huarache Pumps
($110.95, Endless)

Acne’s Atacoma wedges have been lusted after and obsessed over countless times after Alexa Chung has sported a pair on her now cancelled MTV show. They sold out as soon as they hit the virtual shelves of several online shops, have been restocked again, then sold out again. If you are a EU size 37 you can still get them for a steep $620 (€430) at MyTheresa. Cheap, I know!

Acne Atacoma Lace-Up Wedges
($620 or €430, MyTheresa)

Alexa Chung Loves Acne

Jeffrey Campbell “Alexa” Wedge Booties

UPDATE (03/07/2010): Jeffrey Campbell has another more exact Acne Atacoma knockoff called “Alexa” which used to sell at LF, but is now available on eBay only.

Jeffrey Campbell “Alexa” Wedge Booties
($90-$335, eBay)

Jeffrey Campbell “99″ Zip Wedges

While these wedges by Jeffrey Campbell are not as high as the Atacomas and also don’t have the silver platform, overall they are still a good and affordable alternative.

Jeffrey Campbell “99″ Zip Wedges
($140, Singer22)

P.S.: Available in an array of colors & variations at Solestruck.

Last year, I discovered the glorious versatility of the oversized grey tank. Throw it on with skinnies and it’s perfect for a summer weekend, or belt it over a skinny mini, add a blazer and strappy sandals or booties, and it’s a sexy-but-not-too date night ensemble. I can see why celebs love the KAiN Side Drape Pocket Tank. You can wear it with almost everything, to almost anywhere.

KAiN Side Drape Pocket Tank
($94, Singer22)

P.S.: Also available at Shopbop, Boutique To You & National Jean Company.

Celebrities Love KAiN

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NYC Boutique “The Shark Bite Tank”

The KAiN Side Drape Pocket Tank is a wonderful wardrobe staple, but $94 for a tank top? Come on. That’s a bit much. Luckily, we’ve found an alternative that is not only cheaper, but better. “The Shark Bite Tank” by NYC Boutique has the same flowing sides and pocket, but it is less transparent. That’s good for two reasons: a dark legging or bottom doesn’t show through the shirt, and the material holds up longer. See? I told you it was a better choice.

NYC Boutique “The Shark Bite Tank”
($34, Karmaloop)

Every woman needs that perfect dress in her closet; the dress that hugs in the right places and flows away in the wrong ones. I know generally this is a little black dress but I’m going to argue that a dash of color, on the contrary, is what will really get you noticed. Reem Acra started out as a bridal gown designer back in 1997 but eventually branched out – and perfected – the red carpet dress. Acra’s experience designing for women’s bodies is clearly evident in this satin jersey wrap dress from her Resort 2010 collection. Exquisitely draped with that aforementioned pop of color, this dress was made to flatter a woman’s body.

Reem Acra Resort 2010 Satin Jersey Wrap Dress
(Price Unknown, N/A)

Celebrities Love Reem Acra

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ABS by Allen Schwartz Crossover Pleated Dress

Now don’t get me wrong: I adore the ocean blue hue of the Reem Acra Satin Jersey Dress, above, however how delicious is the steel blue (cornflower blue?) of our ABS by Allen Schwartz knock-off? It is precisely that inability to pinpoint the shade that really renders this dress so captivating. We’re missing some of the Grecian draping of the original, but I can picture this color looking outrageously good on a whole spectrum of skin tones. Still a bit pricey at $320, but this dress is guaranteed to be your go-to frock for all fancy occasions.

ABS by Allen Schwartz Crossover Pleated Dress
($320, Bloomingdale’s)