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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)

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.

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)

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)

What I love about Eva Longoria is that she’s not one to shy away from color. Also because she can make a simple $150 frock look absolutely luxe. Yes, believe it, this hot pink sheath dress costs less than $150! Eva mastered the uptown chic to perfection and usually sticks with trusted red carpet designers for public events, that’s why I never expected her to wear such accesible fashion. Can’t say I don’t love it though!

Our Rating:

Jones New York Lotus Pink Silk Sheath Dress

Jones New York Lotus Pink Silk Sheath Dress
($149, Jones New York)

If you like Eva’s red carpet look head-to-toe and want to recreate it as a whole, check out our take on Eva’s accessories below:

Go Shopping:

• SHOES: Nine West “Ambitious” Pumps, $69
• CLUTCH: ALDO “Montelparo” Clutch, $17.98
• BRACELET: Carolee Slender Crystal Encrusted Bracelet, $45
• EARRINGS: Carolee Austrian Crystal Chandelier Earrings, $65

I mentioned in a previous post that every woman needs a brightly colored dress in her fancy-function repertoire; so how happy was I to find this picture of Camilla Belle, demonstrating that philosophy perfectly! The bright sea-green of her Max Azria ruffle-silk dress looks great with her tan and she’s got some one-shoulder/Grecian action going on, which is an insanely popular silhouette right now. She chose the perfect (minimal) accessories to compliment her statement dress: a delicate chain, earrings and bangle and a matching silver clutch and pumps. Camilla is a gorgeous girl, but I think she looks especially hot in this little number.

Our Rating:

Max Azria Ruffle-Silk Mini Dress

Max Azria Ruffle-Silk Mini Dress
($500, NET-A-PORTER)

These gold strappy sandals by Jimmy Choo were some of my favorite heels from the spring/summer collection and are still on my wish list. The hefty price tag of $735 however is way out of my regular shoe budget, so no Jimmy Choos for me.

Jimmy Choo Flynn Mirrored Leather Sandals
($735, NET-A-PORTER)

Celebrities Love Jimmy Choo

Julie Benz was recently wearing a silver of pair of the Jimmy Choos to this year’s Emmy Awards while Kristen Bell rocked her gold ones with a black jumpsuit. Heather Graham seems to be a big fan of these sandals as she has worn them to every premiere during her The Hangover promo tour.

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BCBGMAXAZRIA “Akira” Sandals

UPDATE (03/03/2010): Check out this great Jimmy Choo look-a-like by BCBGMAXAZRIA. Available in gold & anthracite.

BCBGMAXAZRIA “Akira” Sandals
($185, Endless)

Coloriffics “Lustre” Strappy Sandals

UPDATE (01/30/2010): Found another fabulous and budget-friendly Jimmy Choo knockoff by Coloriffics. The strappy sandals are available in either silver, bronze or red.

Coloriffics “Lustre” Strappy Sandals
($51.95, Endless)

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

Michael Antonio “Scottie” Sandals

Want a similar style without blowing half of your paycheck? These strappy sandals by Michael Antonio are obviously inspired by the Jimmy Choo heels even though they vary slightly because the Michael Antonio sandals have a platform and the straps differ a bit as well. Available in 3 additional colors including silver, white and black.

Michael Antonio “Scottie” Sandals
($54.95, Endless)

A good friend of mine recently bought a Mulberry Bayswater (a gift to herself on her birthday) and for a week straight everyone oohed and ahhed over it at the office. It is a spectacular bag, to be sure, but I think this new Mulberry takes the cake: the Alexa – a slouchier, more casual version of the Bayswater named after British style export Alexa Chung who is a true devotee of the Mulberry brand. If you haven’t heard tell of this bag yet, you will. Speculated to be the “It” bag of the moment, the Alexa sold out instantaneously on NET-A-PORTER after being added last week. Restocks are supposed to follow soon, but even still, this beautiful creation is way out of my sad little budget.

Mulberry Oversized Alexa Leather Bag
($1.250, NET-A-PORTER)

Alexa Chung Loves Mulberry

New Look Twist Lock Satchel

Now admittedly the knock-off potential isn’t immediately obvious here, but look closer. UK retailer, New Look, has created what is clearly their take on the Mulberry Alexa – Alexa’s younger sister, if you will. We’re loving the twist-lock and the oversized buckles. This tan/gingerbread color is a great match for the bag pictured above, but if you check out New Look’s site you’ll see that the other colors offered (brown, ecru and black) very clearly reference the Alexa; and the price is truly fantastic!

New Look Twist Lock Satchel
(£15, New Look)

I am naturally not attracted to red—I have a total of three red pieces in my wardrobe. But when I saw the red suede Jimmy Choo Fire Cut-Out Ankle Boots like Fergie’s (below), I fell in love. Fire indeed! They are totally hot. There’s just something about all those stripes of skin peeking through.

Jimmy Choo Fire Cut-Out Ankle Boots
(Price Unknown, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Jimmy Choo

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Vince Camuto “Aphrodite” Sandals

Who doesn’t love a Choo shoe? I know no woman alive who’d deny herself the pleasure if her finances could enable the experience. If only. Since most of us can’t fill our closets with boxes by Jimmy Choo (and because the Fire Cut-Out Ankle Boots are sold out anyway) here’s a nice consolation prize: the “Aphrodite” by Vince Camuto. They aren’t 100% like the Choo version, but still a shapely and sexy pair. Available in black, nude and natural…and I’m loving the natural for all those military looks planned for spring.

Vince Camuto “Aphrodite” Sandals
($119.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at NORDSTROM, Dillard’s, The Shoe Box.

Office “BASK IN GLORY” Cut-Out Booties

Also worthy of consideration are the “BASK IN GLORY” Cut-Out Booties by Office. Love this shoe for its Choo-like similarities (the buckle detail and opening at the ankle), and also for its daring differences (woven detail and trim). It’s also available in a delectable dark taupe that really showcases the lovely detail on these booties—you must click over to Office to see the 360-degree view. I’d even go so far as to say that I like the dark taupe better than the Choo booties. Now that speaks volumes, doesn’t it?

Office “BASK IN GLORY” Cut-Out Booties
(£85, Office)

If someone ever asked me how I picture my ultimate, perfect Cinderella shoe I would most probably point him or her to these lustworthy, eye-catching Swarovski crystal embellished works of art, also known as the “Eugenie” pumps by the legendary Christian Louboutin. Do I really need to tell you guys how much I adore these? Probably not. But, dear God, this gigantic price tag is giving me nightmares! And since there’s no prince in sight to bring these to me, all I can do is to keep dreaming! Damn you, Disney!

Christian Louboutin Eugenie Satin Pumps
($1.875, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Christian Louboutin

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Martinez Valero “Ozzie” Satin Pumps

I have first seen these Martinez Valero pumps in a collection preview a few weeks ago and have been on my toes ever since waiting impatiently for these to finally hit the stores, so I can show you these faux Loubies in all their shining glory. It might not be a 100% knock-off match with the “Ozzie” being a peep-toe pump, but the outstanding rhinestone detailing is spot-on! No need to spend a fortune to look like a princess with these lovely Louboutin look-a-likes on hand! They come in either black, white, ivory, aqua or pink satin.

Martinez Valero “Ozzie” Satin Pumps
($179, Zappos)

Pelle Moda “Vinessa” Peep-toe Booties

These suede open-toe booties by Pelle Moda are also obviously inspired by Louboutin’s uber-glamourous “Eugenie” pumps even if the shape has been replaced with a bootie rather than a pump. Did I mention they are on sale? So tempting! Available in black, chocolate, purple & red suede.

Pelle Moda “Vinessa” Peep-toe Booties
($166.33, Endless)