Gladiators

Real vs. Steal – Prada T-Strap Platform Wedges

by Erica on March 20, 2012

UPDATE: This post has been updated on March 20, 2012. Scroll down to see the new adds.

I’m hoping summer is just around the corner, but all I see is snow outside my window! Anyway, I can’t wait to slide into a pair of corked wedges and I think Prada might just fulfill that urge! This Prada wedge is a great neutral and will definitely go with tons of your summer dresses that you’re dying to pull out for this summer! These shoes are actually pretty decently priced compared to the original price of $690. But if $552 is still too steep for your wallet, just keep on reading…

Prada T-Strap Platform Wedges in brown

Prada T-Strap Platform Wedges
($552, Bluefly)

Vince Camuto “Serafina” Wedge Sandals

UPDATE (03/20/2011): And here’s yet another but lighter Prada alternative. These Vince Camuto wedges also come in white, pale pink and snakeskin print grey.

Vince Camuto "Serafina" Wedge Sandals in tan brown (Prada knockoffs)

Vince Camuto “Serafina” Wedge Sandalsls
($118, Vince Camuto)

P.S.: Also available at NORDSTROMls, Dillard’sls & Macy’sls.

Very Volatile “Weltie” Wedge Sandals

UPDATE (03/20/2011): Here’s another Prada wedge look-a-like coming from Very Volatile. Made of faux leather and available in either beige or brown. Save 20% on $125 orders of select styles at Endless. Use promo code “SPRING20“. Discount taken at checkout. Offer ends 4/2.

Very Volatile "Weltie" Wedge Sandals in brown (Prada knockoffs)

Very Volatile “Weltie” Wedge Sandalscj
($54.99, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Piperlimecj.

Qupid Strappy Stitched Trim Wedges

UPDATE (04/09/2011): Just came across this great Prada look-a-like by Qupid. It misses a few details to be spot-on, but overall it’s still a great alternative if you’re looking to save some serious bucks. These wedges are available in cognac, black and white.

Qupid Strappy Stitched Trim Wedges in cognac (Prada knockoffs)

Qupid Strappy Stitched Trim Wedgescj
($20.95, GoJane)

Chinese Laundry “Double Dip” T-Strap Wedges

Priced at only $79 these Chinese Laundry wedges will give you the same Prada look. Yet, they’re not as tall as the Pradas nor does this shoe have the nice curvature that the Prada wedge gives you. But the Chinese Laundry wedge is budget-friendly nonetheless! Available in tan, black, green and pink.

Chinese Laundry "Double Dip" T-Strap Wedges in brown (Prada knockoffs)

Chinese Laundry “Double Dip” T-Strap Wedgescj
($55.30, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Chinese Laundrycj.

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Real vs. Steal – Chloé Cork Platform Gladiator Sandals

by Erica on October 13, 2011

UPDATE: This post has been updated on October 13, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

So I don’t think the gladiator trend is dying out anytime soon. This may be good news for some (like me) and a little disappointing for others. But you might just change your mind about the trend once you check out this Chloé Cork Platform Gladiator Sandal! I love the high back and the double closure. Yet, for the most part, I’m in love with anything that has a cork platform! It’s always the best accessory to have for the summer and nothing says summer like a cork heel. If you don’t want to dish out the $750 for this shoe, below you’ll find a second, more budget-friendly option.

Chloé Cork Platform Gladiator Sandals in brown suede

Chloé Cork Platform Gladiator Sandalsls
($750, NET-A-PORTER)

P.S.: Also available at Jildorcj & Footnotes.

Charles Albert 156666 Sandals

UPDATE (10/13/2011): Just came across this Chloé inspired faux leather gladiator high heels by Charles Albert.

Charles Albert 156666 Sandals in black (Chloé knockoffs)

Charles Albert 156666 Sandalscj
($34.95, Endless)

HK by Heidi Klum “Penny” Platform Sandals

UPDATE (06/17/2011): Found what I think is just a rebranded version of the Rosegold dupe only a few bucks cheaper. Apparently, Heidi Klum is not only designing jewelry but now can add shoes to the list. Yeah, as if. Available in black or taupe suede.

HK by Heidi Klum "Penny" Platform Sandals in taupe suede (Chloé knockoffs)

HK by Heidi Klum “Penny” Platform Sandalscj
($84, Endless)

Rosegold “Pana” Sandals

OK, so it’s not exactly the same as the Chloé gladiators, but you get the same look! I’m a little disappointed Rosegold‘s version doesn’t have the double closure, but the shoe is only priced at $168 and it comes in black, too!

Rosegold "Pana" Sandals in taupe suede (Chloé knockoffs)

Rosegold “Pana” Sandalsendless
($168, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Piperlimecj & REVOLVEClothingcj.

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Heel of the Day – Boutique 9 Keeva High-Heeled Sandals

by Irina on June 3, 2011

One word. LUST. Oh, how I am lusting after these black buckled beauties by Boutique 9! I might stray from time to time; coveting a bright wedge or a pair of cute flats but I’ll always come back for a classic black stiletto heel. Sexy black heels are the foundation of my shoe collection! Sometimes I feel guilty for having so many black heels in my closet but then again, somehow I do not.

Boutique 9 "Keeva" High-Heeled Sandals in black

Boutique 9 “Keeva” High-Heeled Sandalscj
($150, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Nine Westcj, Shoe Metrocj & Macy’sls.

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Real vs. Steal – Barbara Bui Gladiator Platforms

by Irina on May 16, 2011

UPDATE: This post has been updated on May 16, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

I remember falling in love with these Barbara Bui gladiator platforms sometime last year. They were first featured in various fashion editorials, a few weeks later I rediscovered them while flipping through Barbara Bui’s Summer 2008 collection lookbook. Sadly, I never saw them being up for sale somewhere (on- and offline) and I was so dying to get a pair like this. By now there are some pretty good “inspired by“-alternatives out there, so if you like the Barbara Bui platforms, go get your own pair of knockoffs

Barbara Bui Summer 2008 Gladiator Platforms

Black Rooster “Starla” Gladiator Platforms

UPDATE (05/16/2011): More than 2 years later I’ve found yet another Barbara Bui look-a-like by Black Rooster. Available in black, white, tan and gold.

Black Rooster "Starla" Gladiator Platforms in black (Barbara Bui knockoffs)

Black Rooster “Starla” Gladiator Platformscj
($99, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Zapposcj.

Chinese Laundry “Bounty” Platforms

Chinese Laundry jumps on the bandwagon of Barbara Bui look-a-likes with their “Bounty” gladiator sandals.

Chinese Laundry "Bounty" Platforms

Chinese Laundry “Bounty” Platformscj
($124.99, Heels.com)

Dollhouse “Simone” Huarache Platforms

A great alternative for even more less is this Dollhouse knockoff. Score them at around $60 either in black, brown or tan.

Dollhouse Simone Platform Hurachi

Dollhouse “Simone” Platform Hurachi
($62.98, LoveMyShoes.com)

Steven by Steve Madden “TESSAA” Platforms

HOT DEAL: Use promo code “SMSPRING15” to get 15% OFF + Free Shipping on your order of $75 or more! Offer valid until 06/30/12.

Of course Steve Madden could not pass up on coming up with a Barbara Bui inspired version as well. His “TESSAA” gladiators are a little pricey, but still a lot cheaper than the originals.

Steve Madden "TESSAA" Gladiator Platforms

Steven by Steve Madden “TESSAA” Platformsls
($189.95, Steve Madden)

Siren Shoes “Wave” Platforms

Australian fashionistas can also be stylish on a budget by grabbing these super close Barbara Bui knockoffs by Siren Shoes.

Siren Shoes "Wave" Gladiator Platforms

Siren Shoes “Wave” Platforms
(AUS$139.95, SirenShoes.com.au)

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Real vs. Steal – Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Luella Wedges

by Irina on March 14, 2011

UPDATE: This post has been updated on March 14, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

I have previously written about these platform wedges by Cynthia Vincent because a few months ago people were frequently mailing requests and kept asking where they could buy the cute gladiator wedges as famously flaunted by Vanessa Hudgens. These shoes sold out like hot cakes the first time round, but are now available again, so if you’re already thinking about enhancing your spring/summer wardrobe, this is your chance to grab a pair of these kickass heels everyone is gonna envy you for.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Luella Wedge Sandals

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent “Luella” Gladiator Wedgespj
($409, The Trend Boutique)

Celebrities Love Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent

Vanessa Hudgens, Amanda Bynes and Kristin Cavallari wearing Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Luella Wedge Sandals

Who wore the Luella wedge sandals best?

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Express Multi-Buckle Wedge Sandals

UPDATE (03/14/2011): After more than one year I found another great Luella alternative by Express. Just in time for spring and available in either cognac as shown below or ivory.

Express Multi-Buckle Wedge Sandals in cognac (Cynthia Vincent Luella knockoffs)

Express Multi-Buckle Wedge Sandals
($41.93, Express)

Jessica Simpson “Adreana” Wedges

UPDATE (12/29/2009): Jessica Simpson’s “Adreana” wedges are now available in a beautiful tan version at Zappos and Endless which comes pretty close to Vanessa’s version (see picture below).

When I saw these platform wedges by Jessica Simpson they instantly reminded me of the Cynthia Vincent wedges. They miss 2 buckles on the lower straps, but everything else looks almost identical. Available in tan (pictured), fudge or black.

Jessica Simpson "Adreana" Wedges in tan (Cynthia Vincent Luella knockoffs)

Jessica Simpson “Adreana” Wedgescj
($88.95, Zappos)

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