Don’t get me wrong: I LOVE ankle boots and all, but over the last 2 years or so I’ve become kind of sick seeing them worn with everything. Especially on the red carpet where young starlets seem to think it’s so super cool and edgy to pair chunky booties with a white frilly lace dress. Yeah, no one’s done THAT before, try-hard. Most of those girls fail when it comes to carrying off such a contrasting look.

That’s why I really appreciate when shoe designers take a different direction with the ankle bootie trend and make them look less bulky and less in-your-face. The Jimmy Choos below are a perfect example for such booties. They’re modern yet subtle, but still feminine.

Jimmy Choo Jedd Studded Booties
($1.250, NORDSTROM)

N.Y.L.A. “Kupa” Studded Eyelet Booties

UPDATE (02/08/2010): Found another great thought pricier Jimmy Choo alternative by N.Y.L.A.

N.Y.L.A. “Kupa” Studded Eyelet Booties
($124.95, Endless)

Liliana “Bandino” Studded Ankle Booties

These booties by Liliana are quite obviously a knockoff of the Jimmy Choos shown above. Don’t they look pretty awesome for $50 shoes? I think I even prefer these over the real Choos because of their rounder shape. Let alone the fact that of course I very much prefer their price which is way closer to my budget than the Choos. Another good thing: these booties also come in grey and purple (faux) suede.

Liliana “Bandino” Studded Ankle Booties
($49.90, FlyJane)

Luichiny “Passa Fy” Booties

While these studded booties by Luichiny might not be as close to the originals as the Liliana ones, I think it’s still very easy to see the inspiration behind these. They don’t have the eyelets and the upper material is faux leather instead of suede, but everything else screams “JIMMY CHOO“! Also available in brown.

Luichiny “Passa Fy” Booties
($98.95, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Heels.com, LoveMyShoes & Shoebuy.

Balmain is all the rage right now. It gets worn a lot these days. Their Spring 2009 collection was such a success! One of the most wanted items from that collection were the studded embellished stiletto sandals. They scream BADASS! After hitting the shelves of NET-A-PORTER (priced at breath-taking $2.300) the heels completely sold out within a day or two. If you can afford the real thing, I highly recommend you invest in them. If they are way out of your budget, no need to panic! I have found a bunch of good and affordable Balmain alternatives for you.

Balmain Crystal Embellished Studded Sandals
($2.300, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Balmain

As you can see, Hollywood is crazy for Balmain as well. Various celebrities have been wearing the sandals including Molly Sims, Jennifer Connelly (my favorite!), Rihanna and Audrina Patridge.

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ZiGiny “Vivienne” Sandals

UPDATE (01/18/2010): And yet another Balmain knockoff by ZiGiny. Available in black and taupe.

ZiGiny “Vivienne” Sandals
($129.95, Endless)

Luichiny “Shock Me” Embellished Sandals

UPDATE (01/18/2010): Take a look at these super cute embellished Balmain look-a-likes by Luichiny. They come in either black faux suede and pewter or bronze faux leather.

Luichiny “Shock Me” Embellished Sandals
($119.95, Endless)

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

Rocawear “Imana” Sandals

UPDATE (01/18/2010): Rocawear has also a pair of Balmain knockoffs. Available in black & silver.

Rocawear “Imana” Sandals
($91.95, Endless)

Wet Seal Jeweled Strappy Heels

UPDATE (11/11/2009): Reader Crystal mailed us this super budget-friendly find. Don’t expect great quality for $15, but if you’re on the hunt for a cheap chic pair of shoes then why not go for these?!

Click on the link below and navigate to the Wet Seal shoes section or enter style number “41543474” in the search field to find the Balmain inspired sandals on the Wet Seal website.

Wet Seal Jeweled Strappy Heels
Style #: 41543474
($15, Wet Seal)

Hypnotic “Persian” Studded Sandals

UPDATE (08/30/2009): Just found yet another Balmain knockoff by Shiekh.

If you’re still on the hunt for a pair of rhinestoned Balmain look-a-likes, but don’t have too much money to spend, try these knockoffs by Shiekh. They look very similar to the Bebe knockoffs and are a great Balmain alternative for under $50.

Hypnotic “Persian” Studded Sandals
($49.97, Shiekh Shoes)

Steve Madden “BRIGGHT” Studded Sandals

Of course it couldn’t take Steve Madden too long to come up with his own version of the Balmain heels. The “BRIGGHT” studded sandal is available for $90.75. You better be fast to order if you want to snap up a good Balmain knockoff for a steal.

Steve Madden “BRIGGHT” Studded Sandals
($90.75, Steve Madden)

Jeffrey Campbell “Mel” Studded Sandals

Jeffrey Campbell also didn’t want to miss out on the Balmain craze and jumped on the bandwagon with his own knockoff called “Mel”. Available in black or beige leather for $164.95 at Solestruck. All UK and European based fashionistas can grab a pair of the Jeffrey Campbell rhinestone sandals at Bunnyhug who are selling them in either black or beige for £150. But you better hurry, there are only limited sizes left.

Jeffrey Campbell MEL Studded Sandal
($164.95, Solestruck)

Zigi Majestic Studded Sandal

Zigi joined the Balmain copycat bandwagon! The “Majestic” sandal, available in either black or white, is an ode to the highly coveted Balmain studded stilettos. Best thing: they’re on sale (45% down)! Big YAY! You better be quick before they sell out like all the other Balmain knockoffs..

Zigi Majestic Studded Sandal
($125.98, LoveMyShoes)

Bebe Marianna Studded Platform Sandals

It certainly didn’t take too long until Bebe knocked off the Balmain sandals. The “Marianna” sandal is Bebe’s inspired version of the studded heels and it comes in either black or white. Shell out $169 and these Balmain look-a-likes are yours.

Bebe Marianna Studded Platform Sandals
($169, Bebe)

Blingstyle Shoes Studded Ankle Strap Sandals

More Balmain knockoffs! Found yet another knockoff of the Balmain studded stiletto sandal. These darlings here retail for $138 and are great look-a-likes, just as good as the sold out Bebe knockoffs, maybe even better. But you better be fast, there are only limited sizes left.

Blingstyle Shoes Studded Ankle Strap Sandals
($138, YesStyle)

Aldo “SMEAL” Studded Sandals

Aldo was one of the early adopters of the Balmain shoe trend. Their knockoff version “SMEAL” has been around for a few months now. It’s not my favorite among the Balmain knockoffs, but it’s certainly a good alternative to the real Balmains.

Aldo “SMEAL” Studded Sandals
($64.98, Aldo)

It’s quite rare to find a designer who does not only great clothes, but also great shoes. The genius that is Alexander McQueen certainly belongs into this category. I always look forward to what he’s coming up with season after season.

His shoe designs are sometimes crazy, sometimes painfully cute or edgy or just badass like these grommet slingback booties below. But they are always unique. There is ONE thing that bugs me about his shoes though: the PRICE, of course! Despite being on sale, you’d still have to shell out more than $600 to own these kickass heels. Sadly, this is no option for me.

Alexander McQueen Studded Platform Booties
($656.10, Zappos)

Mischa Barton Loves Alexander McQueen

Wet Seal Grommet Slingback Heels

UPDATE (12/10/2009): Here’s one more budget-friendly alternative by Wet Seal.

Click on the link below and navigate to the shoes section or enter style number “41675052” in the search field to find the Alexander McQueen inspired grommet booties on the website. Wet Seal is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $15+ (offer ends December 18, 2009).

Wet Seal Grommet Slingback Heels
Style #: 41675052
($32.50, Wet Seal)

Faith “Lush” Eyelet Slingback Sandals

UPDATE (10/31/2009): Found yet another Alexander McQueen knockoff by Faith for all UK/European McQueen lovers. The slingbacks are available in either black leather or grey suede.

Faith “Lush” Eyelet Slingback Sandals
(£75, Faith UK)

Luichiny “Poke A Dot” Slingback Booties

UPDATE (10/02/2009): Yet another Alexander McQueen knockoff found. Hope you like it. Use our exclusive coupon code INTHEIRCLOSET to receive 15% OFF your entire order at Heels.com!

Luichiny “Poke A Dot” Slingback Booties
($87.99, Heels.com)

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

Gabriella Rocha “Nanuck” Grommet Booties

UPDATE (09/25/2009): Here’s another Alexander McQueen knockoff version by Gabriella Rocha.

Gabriella Rocha “Nanuck” Grommet Booties
($95, Zappos)

N.Y.L.A. “Revel” Peep-toe Slingbacks

UPDATE (08/14/2009): Found another great looking Alexander McQueen knockoff by N.Y.L.A.

N.Y.L.A. “Revel” Peep Toe Slingbacks
($109.95, Endless)

Steve Madden “TUTORR” Slingback Booties

If you want to channel your inner rock chick as well, try these suede slingback booties by Steve Madden. The platform is higher (= easier to walk in) and the stiletto has been replaced with a cone heel, but otherwise they look practically the same. Also available in blue suede.

Steve Madden “TUTORR” Grommet Peep-toe Booties
($169.95, Steve Madden)

P.S.: Also available at Endless, Nordstrom & Lord & Taylor.

Bebe Belinda Slingback Grommet Bootie

Not digging the gold hardware or the suede? Bebe’s “Belinda” Grommet Booties might fit your bill then. They have silver instead of gold grommets and the platform is hidden. These have also been messed up with a cone heel though it’s not as extreme as on the Steve Madden version.

Bebe Belinda Slingback Grommet Bootie
($104.99, Bebe)