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.

If you’re looking for a sexy pair of black high heels, these Sergio Rossi zip back sandals might be what you’re looking for. The criss cross straps add interest while the zipper that goes all the way down to the heel will grant you some “Ooooh!” and “Aaaah!” moments from fellow shoe aficionados.

Sergio Rossi Zipper Back Pump
($695, The Shoe Box)

Anne Michelle CLUBBIN-09 Sandals

UPDATE (02/28/2010): Found these Sergio Rossi inspired platform heels by Anne Michelle. Available in black & red.

Anne Michelle CLUBBIN-09 Sandals
($36.98, LoveMyShoes)

Fergie “Deception” Sandals

UPDATE (02/28/2010): Another Sergio Rossi alternative by Fergie. Available in black & rose.

Fergie “Deception” Sandals
($79, Shoes.com)

P.S.: Also available at Shoebuy, FergieShoes & Zappos.

Faith “TASTIC” Criss Cross Sandals

UPDATE (02/28/2010): Check out this Sergio Rossi tribute by UK retailer Faith.

Faith “TASTIC” Criss Cross Sandals
(£60, Faith)

Jessica Simpson “Deluth” Pumps

Every second shoe style from Jessica Simpson’s shoe line is basically a knockoff. The “Deluth” pump is no exception. The heel might be thicker, but other than that they look almost like the Sergio Rossi back zip sandals.

Jessica Simpson Deluth Pump
($78.95, Endless)

Mossimo Vanya Strappy Pump

I found these knockoffs by Mossimo via The Look 4 Less (a great budget fashion blog). They miss the back zipper detail and the heel is pretty chunky, but they are a good Sergio Rossi alternative if you’re on a tight shoe budget.

Mossimo Vanya Strappy Pump
($24.99, Amazon)

Oli Zip Back Crossover Sandals

All European fashionistas (especially my British readers) can now also enjoy a great deal by opting for these sweet Sergio Rossi knockoffs from Oli. Available in either black or pale pink for £25.

Oli Zip Back Crossover Sandals
(£25, Oli)

Style Berry Cross Strap Sandals

UPDATE: I have just found another pair of Sergio Rossi knockoffs. These here retail for $60 and also come in black, but I really love them in beige actually. They do have the zipper detail on the back, but like with all the other knockoffs it’s not going down the heel unfortunately. They are still a great alternative and affordable, too.

Style Berry Cross Strap Sandals
($60, YesStyle)

These amazing platforms are from Charles Anastase’s S/S 2009 show but I guess I’m a little behind the curve because I only just discovered them. While I can’t imagine anyone actually wearing them (how did the models not break their necks strutting down the runway?) I do find them aesthetically pleasing. If only that heel was just a little shorter and I think we would have ourselves a winner.

Charles Anastase Spring 2009 Wooden Platforms
(Price Unknown, N/A)

Jessica Simpson “Dany” Platform Sandals

I was SO happy to find these Jessica Simpson “Dany” platform sandals. They are everything the originals are but in a much more digestible form. A slightly lower heel makes them more wearable and a $98 price tag means you don’t have to think twice about bringing these bad-boys home.

Jessica Simpson “Dany” Platform Sandals
($98, Macy’s)

P.S.: Also available at Endless, Zappos & Shoes.com.

The first time I saw Jimmy Choo’s “Keenan” caged sandal I knew it would be lusted after. And boy was I right. Flocks of celebrities have been wearing this style and it didn’t take long to get me my first “Keenan” Real vs. Steal requests. But at that time there just weren’t any good alternatives available and I had to put the requests on hold. That was until today when I happened to stumble upon…

Jimmy Choo Keenan Caged Sandals
($500, MyTheresa)

Celebrities Love Jimmy Choo

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Jessica Simpson “Cesarini” Caged Sandals

… a pair of caged sandals by Jessica Simpson which look like a 100% copy of the Jimmy Choos except that these here have small studs on the straps. The heels come in either black or silver. I’m so happy I can finally offer a decent steal version for the Choos. Some girls will be very, very happy today.

Jessica Simpson “Cesarini” Caged Sandals
($88.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Zappos, Onlineshoes.com and Dillard’s.

Seeing something as functional as a zipper being used for decorative purposes always makes me wonder what the inventor would say to this trend? Studding and zipping everything has become so omnipresent that I easily forget those elements were originally not intended to be used as decoration. Luckily those times are long gone because otherwise we wouldn’t be able to lust after these gorgeous zip sandals by Christian Louboutin. And wouldn’t this be a pity?

Christian Louboutin Rodita Zip Platforms
($835, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Christian Louboutin

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Jessica Simpson “Tansas” Zip Sandals

Louboutin’s “Rodita” sandals are sold out and also pretty expensive on top of that, so we are proud to present you these zip platform heels by Jessica Simpson which are just as fabulous and way more accessible than the actual Louboutins. Like the Loubies these sandals here also come in either black or white. Happy shopping!

Jessica Simpson “Tansas” Zip Sandals
($97.95, Endless)

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

I love me a hot pair of statement heels. Probably a bit too much since my shoe closet is full of impractical stilettos I rarely wear because I lack the ability to walk in them properly. Still it’s nice to know they’re there. I’d love to add these red patent slingback pumps by Christian Louboutin to my ever growing shoe collection. They are so sexy! So summery! So high! And so out of my budget!

Christian Louboutin So Private Slingback Pumps
($895, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Christian Louboutin

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Jessica Simpson “Astor” Platform Slingback Pumps

UPDATE (01/27/2010): Found another fabulous and affordable Louboutin alternative by Jessica Simpson. Available in several colors such as red, black, white, navy & sand patent as well as metallic gold and nude and pink suede (pink only available at Zappos).

Jessica Simpson “Astor” Platform Slingback Pumps
($78.95, Endless)

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

GUESS “Aero” Platform Pump Slingbacks

These beautiful platform slingbacks by GUESS will give you the same Louboutin look without the steep price tag. They retail for $89.95 exclusively at NORDSTROM and come in either red patent as pictured below, black and sand patent as well as a cute printed multi-color version. LOVE!

GUESS “Aero” Platform Pump Slingbacks
($89.95, NORDSTROM)

Alexander McQueen is one of my favorite designers of all time and I frequently find myself falling in love with almost everything he designs. And these fabulous Alexander McQueen striped leather pumps at NET-A-PORTER were absolutely no exception. The peep-toe pumps originally retailed for $805, then went on sale for still-not-very-affordable $603.75 and are now completely sold out.

Alexander McQueen Striped Leather Pumps
($805, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Alexander McQueen

Thandie Newton loves British designers and showed her love for McQueen by wearing the striped pumps to the London premiere of Run, Fat Boy, Run back in 2007. Jennifer Aniston wore the same pumps together with a beautiful black dress to the Marley & Me press conference in December 2008.

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Wet Seal Neon Cutout Pumps

UPDATE (09/04/2009): Here’s another Alexander McQueen inspired version by Wet Seal.

The cutout accents may not be white, but everything else is spot-on. Available with pink, yellow, turquoise and orange accents. Click on the link below and navigate to the shoes section or enter style number “41733103” in the search field to find the Alexander McQueen inspired pumps on the website.

Wet Seal Neon Cutout Pumps
Style #: 41733103
($26.50, Wet Seal)

White House Black Market Contrast Pumps

UPDATE (09/04/2009): Found another Alexander McQueen knockoff by White House Black Market.

White House Black Market Contrast Peep-toe Pumps
($88, SOLD OUT)

Jessica Simpson “Delsi” Pumps

Shell out $73.60 and these McQueen look-a-likes by Jessica Simpson are yours. The upper material is suede and the heel of the pump is thicker, but it’s still a great alternative to the real deal.

Jessica Simpson “Delsi” Pumps
($73.60, Amazon)

Aldo “Rabenhorst” Peep Toe Pumps

This McQueen knockoff by Aldo is a very close match to the original pumps. The heel is a bit thicker and not as high though. Plus, the material is patent faux leather.

Aldo “RABENHORST” Peep-toe Pumps
($49.98, Amazon)

Daisy Fuentes “Lala” Pumps

Of all the budget versions, these pumps by Daisy Fuentes are my personal favorites. They are the most identical ones to the original pair and the price is reasonable as well.

Daisy Fuentes “Lala” Dress Heels
($49.99, SOLD OUT)

Charlotte Russe Two-Tone Pumps

If your budget is really tight, but you’re still desperate for this very shoe style, grab a pair of these Charlotte Russe two-toned peep toe pumps for $24.99. They’re almost identical!

Charlotte Russe Two-Tone Pumps
($24.99, SOLD OUT)

ASOS Contrast Peep Toe Slingbacks

Believe it or not, but I have found another Alexander McQueen knock-off pair and they cost only $18. The ASOS knockoffs are slingbacks not pumps, but otherwise look almost the same.

ASOS Contrast Peep Toe Slingbacks
($18, SOLD OUT)

I have previously written about these platform wedges by Cynthia Vincent because a few months ago people were frequently mailing requests and asked where they could buy the cute gladiator wedges as seen on 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 be envious about.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Luella Wedges
($405, Shopbop)

P.S.: Also available at Pink Mascara, REVOLVEClothing, Free People, Endless, Singer22, Boutique To You, The Shoe Box, Lord & Taylor, The Hip Chick, Blue Heaven Boutique & The Trend Boutique.

Celebrities Love Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent

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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
($88.95, Zappos)

P.S.: Also available at Endless, Shoebuy, SHOES.com, Piperlime, NORDSTROM, Onlineshoes.com, Macy’s, Dillard’s & LoveMyShoes.

Most people either hate or love cork shoes. I belong to the latter – most probably because my mom used to have a pile of 70s style cork wedges in her closet with which I used to play dress-up with when I was little, so I guess I am a bit biased here. Giuseppe Zanotti seems to be on the cork-loving side as well since he designed a bunch of cork platform heels last spring just like these beautiful black patent platform pumps. Simple yet intriguing.

Giuseppe Zanotti E96125 Cork Platform Pumps
($315, Zappos)

P.S.: Also available at The Shoe Box.

Jessica Simpson “Taneala” Platform Pumps

If you can’t afford the real deal, these platform pumps by Jessica Simpson are an excellent and almost identical alternative. Endless is selling these in an array of different colors including a gorgeous red patent as well as gold, animal and zebra print.

Jessica Simpson “Taneala” Platform Pumps
($89, Macy’s)

P.S.: Also available at Shoebuy, Endless, LoveMyShoes, Heels.com, Dillard’s, Onlineshoes.com, The Shoe Box & NORDSTROM.

Restricted “Wildcard” Platform Pumps

These platform pumps by Restricted are also a great and budget-friendly alternative if you want Giuseppe Zanotti 4 less. They aren’t patent and the cork platform is significantly lower than on the originals, but overall they’re still a good match I think. Available in black, tan, yellow and green.

Restricted “Wildcard” Platform Pumps
($69.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Heels.com & Piperlime.

A few days ago, I received a reader request from Sarah who asked me if I ever came across Christian Louboutin Armadillo knockoffs:

I just stumbled upon your site and LOVE IT! I was wondering if in your research you ever came across a knockoff version of the Christian Louboutin Striped Satin d’Orsay sandal in blue. I would love to have this shoe to wear for my wedding but since I am paying for said wedding I can’t afford to drop a grand on shoes alone.
Thank you!

Dear Sarah,
I am sorry to say that I failed to find a knockoff in the desired color (see UPDATE #1 below), but I certainly DID stumble upon a few Armadillo knockoffs which you can find listed below. You could go for one of these, blow your budget and buy the originals or opt for a total different wedding shoe (some Manolo Blahnik Sedaraby knockoffs perhaps?)

Christian Louboutin Armadillo D’Orsay Pumps

Christian Louboutin Armadillo D’Orsay Pumps
($865, SOLD OUT)

J Loren D'Orsay Pumps

I accidentally found these Louboutin knockoffs a few weeks ago when I wrote about other knockoffs. These pumps by J. Loren are probably your best bet. They are almost identical with the Louboutins and their price ($65.98 down from $109) is not so bad either.

So you’re probably not going to pick a black wedding shoe (btw, the pumps also come in black satin, $62.98). But these knockoffs are also available in silver and gold (both $46.99). Yay!

J Loren D'Orsay Pumps
($65.98, LoveMyShoes.com)

Charlotte Russe Tiered Peep-toe D’Orsay Pumps

UPDATE #1: Look what I found today! Another Louboutin “Armadillo” knockoff coming from Charlotte Russe! Don’t they look exactly like the Louboutins (well, except for the luscious red sole, of course)? They retail for $26.99 only and if you enter AFF15PCT at checkout, you’ll get 15% OFF your order (promo code valid until June 13, 2009. YAY!

Whoa! They also have a blue version of the knocked off Louboutin pumps which also retail for $26.99 and come in either black/grey, blue, brown or fuchsia. Another yay!

Charlotte Russe Tiered Peep-toe Platform Pumps
($26.99, CharlotteRusse.com)

Jessica Simpson Staria D’Orsay Pumps

These pumps by Jessica Simpson are also pretty good Louboutin knockoffs. They retail for approx. $90 and come either in pewter or dark bronze.

Jessica Simpson Staria D’Orsay Pumps
($88.95, Endless)