Charlize Theron is one of my red carpet icons and she never fails to impress – on and off the red carpet. Last year Charlize made an appearance on David Letterman looking sultry in a black body-con dress by Narciso Rodriguez. The dress may have looked simple from the front, but Charlize’s backview revealed stunning criss-cross details. Love this look!

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Eight Sixty “Body Con” Cutout Knit Dress

UPDATE (02/23/2010): Here’s another great Narciso Rodriguez alternative by Eight Sixty.

Eight Sixty “Body Con” Cutout Knit Dress
($78, NORDSTROM)

Walter “Kristin” Little Black Dress

This Narciso Rodriguez LBD look-a-like by Walter will give you an almost identical silhouette and the same bondage effect though this dress is shorter than the original. Kristin Cavallari has been spotted wearing this dress to a fashion show a few days ago, so it can’t be too bad, right? Plus, it costs under $100 which is a steal considering you’d have to pay aproxx. $2k for the original.

Walter “Kristin” Little Black Dress
($98, eDressMe)

I think we can all agree, whether you like her or not, that Angelina Jolie is one of the sexiest women on the planet. Because she wears a lot of streamlined silhouettes and a lot of black, however, she manages to almost always look both current and classic. Now that she’s a mom she seems to gravitate towards longer, more covered dresses but not so for her hubby Brad’s premiere of Inglourious Basterds. This Michael Kors dress has a classic cut but the leather gives it the perfect “Angelina” edge. It also has pockets, which automatically wins it points in my book. Fortunately the look is simple enough that it can be easily duped.

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Mango Strapless Leather Look Dress

This Mango dress is missing some of the sweet details of the original but the basic look is there. The strapless neckline and of course the (faux) leather make this dress sexy but the suggestiveness is offset by the knee-length hemline, just like in the Michael Kors original. There’s no seam-definition at the waist but the material clearly hugs your curves in all the right places. For well under $100, this dress deserves a go.

Mango Strapless Leather Look Dress
($69.23, ASOS)

Sele Strapless Faux-Leather Dress

Now this version by Sele is probably least like the original, but it’s also my favorite. The matte faux leather might lack the “specialness” that the original has but the hint of a sweetheart neckline adds interest to the top half of the dress. I’m also a fan of the subtle darts, vertical seams and defined waist. All in all this is a well-tailored, pretty dress, and at less than $100 (again?! Man, we’re good) why not give it a whirl?

Sele Strapless Faux-Leather Dress
($89, Dillard’s)

Diane Kruger always looks amazing. She is one of my very favorite celebs-with-style, because she takes risks, but never takes a look to far. She knows how to push the sartorial envelope and still look sensational instead of like the clothes are wearing her. And the photo below is a fine example. Her LBD is no simple shift, but see how her spiked Louboutins cut the sweetness of that sweetheart neckline and ruffles? That is fashion brilliance.

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Lipsy Chain Belt Velvet Cocktail Dress

You can recreate Diane’s look with the Lipsy Chain Belt Velvet Cocktail Dress—for less than $100, mind you. The Lipsy dress has all the details of the Balmain frock…sweetheart neckline, ruffles, chain belt…and at that price, why not give it a go?

Lipsy Chain Belt Velvet Cocktail Dress
($59.49, ASOS)

Lovely People “Aziza” Studded Pumps

OK, we all die for those spiky Lous. They are almost unrivaled in their creativity and wow-factor. But since a pair of Louboutins is about the cost of a mortgage payment, maybe consider these Lovely People “Aziza” Studded Pumps instead. There are no spikes, but the hardware ensures this pair has the same maybe-I’m-a-good-girl-maybe-I’m-not feeling.

Lovely People “Aziza” Studded Pumps
($81.55, Endless)

Back in November during her promotional tour for New Moon, Kristen Stewart wowed the press in a black Elizabeth and James leather dress at the photocall in Madrid which she accessorized with her hunky co-stars and a pair of gorgeous Christian Louboutin merlot platform pumps. If you were dying to find Kristen’s dress ever since, your search is finally over because the dress can now be pre-ordered at NORDSTROM for a whopping $545. Pricey, indeed, but still sold out soon I’m pretty sure. Twilight fashionistas, get your credit cards ready! If you’re rather interested in a steal version of Kristen’s lustworthy merlot Louboutins, click here.

Our Rating:

Elizabeth and James Stiletto Leather Dress

Elizabeth and James Stiletto Ponte Knit & Leather Dress
($545, NORDSTROM)

I know Balmain is supposed to be a super exclusive, high-end, ultra-luxe fashion label and even though I am used to see outraging prices for the most basic clothing I’m still apalled whenever I see the price tag of anything Balmain. I mean, come on, $13.000 for a sequin mini dress? Are you serious? As much as I adore Balmain and all of Christophe’s wonderful work for the French fashion house, there’s no way I would EVER buy it even if I had a few thousands to spare.

Balmain Paillette Mini Dress
($13.395, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Balmain

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Lipsy Jewel Shoulder Pad Sequin Dress

Luckily, you don’t need to sell your soul in order to achieve the same glam sexy vixen look à la Balmain. Lipsy has come up with a great and 100x more affordable alternative. I wish they wouldn’t have dampened all the outstanding features that made this sequin LBD stand out (e.g. shoulder pads, plunge neck and length of the dress), but all in all it’s still a super sexy dress which goes to show that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look like a million dollars.

Lipsy Jewel Shoulder Pad Sequin Dress
($118.98, ASOS)

P.S.: Also available for UK fans at Lipsy for £40 (on sale).

When I saw Stephanie Pratt dazzling in her black sequined LBD at the Ninja Assassin premiere back in November I remember thinking that her dress would make a great New Year’s Eve dress. I was quite surprised to find out this dress was by Topshop and hence reasonably priced.

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Who?	Stephanie Pratt
Where?	“Ninja Assassin” Premiere, Los Angeles
When?	November 19, 2009
What?	Topshop Zip Back Sequin Bodycon Dress, Camilla Skovgaard A9001 Over-the-knee Wedge Boots

Oasis All Over Sequin Dress

Of course the Topshop dress sold out before I could even think of purchasing it. But imagine my delight when I stumbled upon an almost identical version for almost the same budget price. Oasis‘ version looks just as great and the only difference is that it doesn’t have the exposed zipper in the back which I kind of prefer actually.

Oasis All Over Sequin Dress
($152.97, ASOS)

P.S.: Also available at Oasis for £80.

Last month Rihanna showed up to the NOKIA X6 Launch Party in London wearing a sexy caged LBD by Funktional. RiRi paired her black number with black fishnet tights, matching biker boots and a chunky silver chain bracelet. If you want to copy Rihanna’s look, you can keep your check book in your purse as her dress is quite a steal for a celebrity fashion item.

Our Rating:

Funktional Cage Dress

Funktional Cage Dress
($85, StyleQ)

Alexander Wang presented his Pre-Fall 2010 collection a few days ago and I must honestly say that I’m not impressed. Ever since his glorious Spring and Pre-Fall 2009 collections he just couldn’t live up to my expectations. Maybe Fall 2010 will reignite my love for his designs. Until then I’ll have to keep on drooling over his past creations, one of which is this beautifully draped asymmetrical jersey dress from his Pre-Fall 2009 collection. It is sexy yet elegant.

Alexander Wang One Shoulder Goddess Dress
($595, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Alexander Wang

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LuLu*s Good Gossip Dress

HOT DEAL: Get 15% OFF your order at LuLu*s with our exclusive coupon code INTHEIRCLOSET Offer valid until January 15th, 2010.

If you want a similar style without having to blow a month’s budget, this draped one shoulder LBD by LuLu*s is a great alternative if you want Alexander Wang 4 less. Don’t forget to use our coupon code!

LuLu*s Good Gossip Dress
($56, LuLu*s)

High School Musical actress Monique Coleman attended the premiere of Michael Jackson’s “This is it” looking super hot in a black short Kova & T strapless LBD which had a beautiful leather bodice with a sweetheart neckline. Monique completed her sexy getup with sleek hair, black studded sandals and a matching studded leather clutch. Supa Fly, Miss Coleman!

Our Rating:

Kova & T Lila Dress

Kova & T Lila Dress
($517, Shopbop)

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)