Posts Tagged ‘Embellished’
Real vs. Steal – Giuseppe Zanotti I90089 Embellished Sandals
Did you know that Italian shoemaker Giuseppe Zanotti first expressed his creative side as a DJ in the ’80s? Yeah, looking at his I90089 Embellished Sandals, I would never have guessed it either, because the man makes a sensational sandal. And an expensive one as well….the original retail price of this sublime strappy creation is $695, and frankly, even on sale at $405.32, it’s a hard purchase to justify. Of course Zanotti’s shoes are borne of old-world, Italian shoemaking standards, but that’s still a heck of a lot of euros for a sandal.
Giuseppe Zanotti I90089 Embellished Sandals
($405.32, Zappos)
BCBGeneration “Mercury” Sandals
Every so often we get lucky and hit the mother lode in terms of designer lookalikes, and today is one of those lucky days. Can you see the difference between the Zanotti sandal above, and the “Mercury” by BCBGeneration? I certainly can’t. Actually, there is one major difference: the price tag. Try $109.95 on for size…feels a whole lot better than $400+, doesn’t it? Also available in black, cream & white.
BCBGeneration “Mercury” Sandals
($109.95, Endless)
Real vs. Steal – Jimmy Choo Grant Satin Peep-toe Pumps
UPDATE: This post has been updated on March 02, 2010. Scroll down to see the new add.
Nothing says I’m dressed up like a ladylike, satin stiletto—and these Jimmy Choo Satin Peep-toe Pumps say that and then some. They are dressy, yes, but in a restrained, Upper East Side way. Can’t you just see Lily of Gossip Girl fluttering around a charity event in them?
Jimmy Choo Grant Satin Peep-toe Pumps
($895, Jimmy Choo)
RSVP “Monique” Satin Pumps
UPDATE (02/28/2010): RSVP has also a pump version that’s quite reminiscent of the Jimmy Choos. Available in blue, red, fuchsia, champagne & white satin.
RSVP “Monique” Satin Pumps
($94, Zappos)
Unlisted “Secret File” Satin Pumps
UPDATE (03/02/2010): Found yet another Jimmy Choo knockoff by Unlisted. These satin pumps however are closed and have a lower heel. They come in either black, purple (my favorite), ivory or white satin.
Unlisted “Secret File” Satin Pumps
($55, Zappos)
P.S.: Also available at Heels.com & Amazon
.
RSVP “Uma” Satin Slingback Pumps
UPDATE (02/26/2010): Randomly happened to stumble upon these Choo inspired slingbacks by RSVP. Not yet available in black, but blue, fuchsia, ivory & white satin are up for grabs.
RSVP “Uma” Satin Slingback Pumps
($93, Zappos)
Martinez Valero “Orli” Satin Peep-toe Pumps
While satin and jewels are de rigeur in the world of formal wear, thankfully, an $895 price tag is not. Next time you have a semi-formal or formal event, consider the “Orli” Satin Peep-toe Pump by Martinez Valero. Like those enviable Choos, the gleaming “Orli” exudes elegance, complete with that subtle bow-and-buckle detail. If we could get the fictional Lily to sport this pair as well, she’d have $735.05 left over to give to her pet charity. Available in black, blue, red, bronze, ivory & silver satin.
Martinez Valero “Orli” Satin Peep-toe Pumps
($159.95, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Zappos, Jildor
, Heels.com
& Piperlime
.
Real vs. Steal – Christian Louboutin Eugenie Satin Pumps
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

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)
Real vs. Steal – Giuseppe Zanotti Jeweled High Heel Sandals
Are these Giuseppe Zanotti jeweled sandals gorrr-jusss or what? I can just imagine them on a bride at a seaside wedding, or with a flowing caftan, with a summery cocktail in hand. They’re just so feminine and I love that they’re jeweled, but with a bit of an earthy feel. But $1.075? That’s practically the cost of a plane ticket to the coastal paradise where I imagine myself wearing these beauties.
Giuseppe Zanotti E00131 Jeweled High Heel Sandals
($1.075, Endless)
P.S.: Also available in black, brown
and ivory with wooden platform
at Zappos, black
at Shopbop & black with mega platform
at Farfetch.
Kelsi Dagger “Grace” Platform Sandals
A wonderful alternative to Zanotti’s Jeweled High Heel Sandals are the “Grace” Platform Sandals by Kelsi Dagger. You still get the earthy feeling and lovely details at a price anyone can justify. Available in black, taupe and nude (shown).
Kelsi Dagger “Grace” Platform Sandals
($148.95, Endless)
Faith “Laqueena” Satin Sandals
Another option are the “Laqueena” Satin Sandals by UK-based Faith. They’re more flashy than earthy, yes—but they could be the shining star in an otherwise simple (and neutral) outfit. Available in purple and orange satin.
Faith “Laqueena” Satin Sandals
(£75, Faith)
Real vs. Steal – Alexander McQueen Crystal Embellished Platform Pumps
I’ve always been kind of obsessed with everything red and sparkly. I call it the Dorothy complex. What’s not to love about a glitzy heel in the epitome of all statement colors? You can wear the most boring outfit; throw on a pair of red pumps and voilà you’re the center of attention. These red crystal embellished pumps by Alexander McQueen are haunting me. As if I didn’t have enough shoe obsessions already! Truly tempting, but the price is nothing but a nightmare.

Alexander McQueen Crystal Embellished Peep-toe Pumps
($2.074, SOLD OUT)
P.S.: Available in black at Zappos for $897 (sale price!).
Martinez Valero “Opal” Jeweled Peep-toe Pumps
Martinez Valero doesn’t have the biggest shoe portfolio, but oh boy does he deliver with the few styles he has in petto. Remember those gorgeous blue satin pumps à la Manolo Blahnik? Yeah, that was him and these gorgeous jeweled red peep-toe pumps are his newest creation. Not as delicate if compared to the real McQueen heels, but still a wonderful and budget-friendly alternative. There are only very few sizes left, but I just had to tell you about these gems. Make sure to check out both Zappos & Endless to see if they have your size stocked.
Martinez Valero “Opal” Jeweled Peep-toe Pumps
($164, Zappos)
P.S.: Available in red and bronze at Endless.
Real vs. Steal – Miu Miu Cabachon Slides
I’m not a slides person by default because I need arch support in my shoes and really can’t stand it when my heels dangle in the air. However, when I first laid my eyes on these colorful cabachon slides by Miu Miu I couldn’t help but be in total awe. The embellishments are just too cute!

Miu Miu Cabachon Slides
($750, SOLD OUT)
Mary-Kate Olsen Loves Miu Miu

Carlos by Carlos Santana “Romantica” Sandals
These Carlos by Carlos Santana sandals may have a few differences (e.g. they’re not quite as colorful as the Miu Mius, made of suede + slingback version), but overall they are still a fantastic alternative if you are trying to save some cash. Available in black or red suede.
Carlos by Carlos Santana “Romantica” Platform Sandals
($118.95, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Shoes.com, Zappos, CarlosShoes.com & Shoebuy
.
Nine West “Quincylla” Slides
Nine West also has a great look-a-like option. The gemstones are a bit dull and dark which I find a bit sad, but the shape is almost identical. Available in either black or tan (with turquoise stones).
Nine West “Quincylla” Slides
($88.95, Zappos)
P.S.: Also available at Endless.
Vince Camuto “Emily” High Heel Sandals
If the above options didn’t cut it for you, maybe you’ll find yourself falling for these Miu Miu inspired ankle strap sandals by Vince Camuto. I really like the embellishments on these even though they could’ve been a bit more colorful like the originals. Available in black, dark brown and tan.
Vince Camuto “Emily” High Heel Sandals
($118, Endless)
P.S.: Also available at Zappos, NORDSTROM
, Heels.com & Dillard’s
.
Real vs. Steal – Alexander McQueen Crystal Embellished Peep-toe Pumps
Everyone who follows this blog for a while should be aware of my everlasting love for everything Alexander McQueen – especially my love affair with his shoes. His creations are always so stunning and unique. Take these gorgeous white satin peep-toes for example. If I was to marry anytime soon, I would definitely choose these as my bridal shoes and feel like Cinderella in a fairy tale.
Alexander McQueen Crystal Embellished Satin Peep-toe Pumps
($547, Zappos)
RSVP “Lovely” Satin Peep-toe Pumps
If the real McQueen crystal heels don’t fit within your wedding/shopping budget, go for these budget-friendly satin peep-toes by RSVP instead. They’re called “Lovely” and that’s exactly what they are. Absolutely lovely! I’m so, so, so in love. Now I know they do miss the front crystals, but everything else looks almost identical. And they come in an array of adorable colors such as baby blue and fuchsia, too. I cannot make up my mind which one is my favorite!
RSVP “Lovely” Satin Peep-toe Pumps
($109, Zappos)
Real vs. Steal – Balmain Spring 2009 Strapless Embellished Dress
Today we have yet another Balmain find. I know you’re probably totally bored by all the Balmain knockoffs, but I just had to post this dress as I’m absolutely mesmerized by it. The crystal embellishments and the woven mesh effect of the dress are just to-die-for. I already picture myself wearing this LBD with a cropped leather jacket to toughen up the cuteness of the dress.

Balmain Spring 2009 Strapless Embellished Dress
(Price Unknown, N/A)
Alice + Olivia Strapless Mesh Party Dress
Alice + Olivia isn’t exactly a budget-friendly brand, but if you consider that the original Balmain dress would set you back about 8k-10k, spending $550 on a close high quality knockoff seems like a pretty good move, don’t you agree? This dress is not an exact rip-off because it misses the bottom embellishment on the skirt, but overall it’s still a great option if you are looking for a cheaper Balmain alternative.
Alice + Olivia Strapless Mesh Party Dress
($550, Shopbop)
Real vs. Steal – Balmain Fall 2008 Embellished One-Shoulder Mini Dress
Judging by all the Balmain look-a-likes coming from the high street, Balmain is still the hottest brand in town. I seriously lost count on how many Balmain knockoffs I’ve already seen this year. While most designers moved on to “interpret” the Fall 2009 collection, you can still find an occasional homage to the rock’n'roll chick collection aka Fall 2008. The majority of this collection consisted of ultra-sexy mini dresses and I adored ALL of them, especially the LWD below.

Balmain Fall 2008 Embellished One-Shoulder Mini Dress
(Price Unknown, N/A)
Allen Schwartz White Draped Cocktail Dress
Thanks to Allen Schwartz you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the same sexy look à la Balmain. This white draped cocktail dress below which was exclusively designed by Allen Schwartz for Chickdowntown.com looks downright identical compared to the Balmain LWD and it can be yours for $290. If you prefer a different color, the dress comes also in black.
Allen Schwartz White Draped Cocktail Dress
($290, Chickdowntown)
























Real vs. Steal – Giuseppe Zanotti E90433 Ornamented Sandals
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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)