Studs

Real vs. Steal – Balmain Studded Strappy Gladiator Sandals

by Irina on February 10, 2011

UPDATE: This post has been updated on February 10, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

I’ve been in love with these studded Balmain gladiator sandals ever since I first spotted them on NET-A-PORTER 6 months ago and dreamed of owning them, happily strutting the streets in them with leggings or skinny jeans. But as always the whopping price tag of $1.195 kept that dream fom ever coming true.

Balmain Studded Strappy Gladiator Sandals
($717.98, MyTheresa)

Celebrities Love Balmain

Lindsay Lohan and Rihanna wearing black Balmain Studded Strappy Sandals

Loading ...

Liliana Pray-1 Sandals

UPDATE (02/10/2011): Here’s another great Balmain alternative coming from Liliana. Available in black, red and silver fabric upper.

Liliana Pray-1 Sandals
(47.15, Endless)

Type Z “Lorry” Sandals

UPDATE (09/17/2010): These Balmain knockoffs by Type Z come a little late, but isn’t it amazing how they are almost identical compared to the Balmain originals? Only these are soooo much cheaper.

Type Z “Lorry” Sandals
($63, Zappos)

Wet Seal Stud Cage Booties

UPDATE (12/10/2009): Found another budget-friendly alternative by Wet Seal.

Click on the link below and navigate to the shoes section or enter style number “41500712” in the search field to find the Balmain inspired gladiator heels on the website.

Wet Seal Stud Cage Booties
Style #: 41500712
($32.50, Wet Seal)

ZiGiny “Palace” Studded Sandals

UPDATE (10/31/2009): I just stumbled upon another Balmain knockoff by ZiGiny. Good thing: They look more like the original Balmain heels (except for the platform).

ZiGiny “Palace” Studded Gladiator Sandals
($99.95, Endless)

GUESS by Marciano “Natalia” Gladiator Sandals

I’ve been waiting so long for knockoffs like these to come out and finally GUESS by Marciano answered my prayers by giving us frugal fashionistas a budget-friendly Balmain alternative. The studs on these are slightly bigger, but the shape and the elastic straps look almost identical.

GUESS by Marciano “Natalia” Stappy Gladiator Sandals
($55.63, Amazon)

{ 2 comments }

Real vs. Steal – Emilio Pucci Cutout Studded Leather Sandals

by Irina on February 7, 2011

UPDATE: This post has been updated on February 07, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

A trend refusing to die down is the ever-so-popular “rock chic“. Anything black, studded, buckled or wired fits perfectly into this category. Like these studded caged heels by Emilio Pucci for example. They might seem a little plain on their own, but look how amazing they look on Diane Kruger who paired them with a sexy white Hervé Léger number. Yummy!

Emilio Pucci Cutout Studded Leather Sandals in black

Emilio Pucci Cutout Studded Leather Sandals
($1.150, SOLD OUT)

Celebrities Love Emilio Pucci

Diane Kruger, Jessica Simpson & Kylie Minogue wearing black Emilio Pucci Cutout Studded Sandals

Loading ...

Miss Me Avery-8 Platform Sandals

UPDATE (02/07/2011): Found another great and budget-friendly Pucci alternative coming from Miss Me. Available in black, brown, grey and red faux suede.

Miss Me Avery-8 Platform Sandals
($46.95, Endless)

Promise “Rockstar” Rhinestone Heels

If you’re not in a rockband and plan to wear these statement heels out every day, but still crave some Rock ‘n Roll on your feet, why not consider these budget-friendly heels by Promise? Apart from the price tag they’re practically twins. One major difference is that these are rhinestoned and not studded, but who doesn’t love a bit of bling? Available in a plethora of colors including black, gold, silver, white, yellow and fuchsia.

Promise “Rockstar” Rhinestone Heels
($40.99, AmiClubWear)

{ 1 comment }

Real vs. Steal – Givenchy Studded Wedge Boots

by Velicia Hill on January 21, 2011

Hey stud, where ya been all my life? All black and shiny… what? What do you mean you’re sold out? Really? Wow, even at $995, those rich chicks snatched you up like you we’re only $9.95! Oh well, just when I found you, I lost you… Givenchy, say it ain’t so!

Givenchy Studded Wedge Boots in black

Givenchy Studded Wedge Boots
($995, SOLD OUT)

City Snappers 781-18 Studded Wedges

Oh snap! Just when I was lost, now I’m found – City Snappers to the rescue! These babies may not have the pretty pewter spikes, but I can deal with the gold nailheads; considering they’re only $39.98! Feel the love, ladies, in either black or brown and take this stud out on the town!

City Snappers 781-18 Studded Wedges
($39.98, LoveMyShoes)

P.S.: Also available at ModCloth.

{ 0 comments }

Real vs. Steal – Ash Lovely Studded Wedge Sandals

by Celine on January 5, 2011

UPDATE: This post has been updated on January 05, 2011. Scroll down to see the new add.

I discovered Ash only last December when I was looking for the perfect knockoff of a pair of Martin Margiela sandals that I had been in love with for the better part of a year. Aptly enough, it was InTheirCloset that eventually led me to the Holy Land, so to speak. Ash shoes are really well made and definitely have a strong point of view. I love these “Lovely” Studded Wedge Sandals, for instance. I will say that they look more fall than summer to me, but there are already so many little outfits dancing in my head at the mere thought of owning these. The rich black is hot, as is the harness and studding. Here’s the thing, though: while Ash shoes are priced rather “reasonably”, they are still out of my sad little budget.

Ash Lovely Studded Wedge Sandals
($156, Jildor)

Steve Madden “Tarin” Wedges

UPDATE (01/05/2011): Reader Jennifer informed us about these Ash look-a-likes by Steve Madden. Available in black or ivory. Thanks, Jennifer!

Steve Madden “Tarin” Wedges
($52, 6pm)

Gianni Bini “Cassie” Sandals

UPDATE (01/05/2011): Found another Ash knockoff by Gianni Bini. Available in grey or nude.

Gianni Bini “Cassie” Sandals
($99.99, Dillard’s)

Gabriella Rocha “Akella” Wedges

UPDATE (11/08/2010): Just came across another Ash knockoff by Gabriella Rocha. Available in black or tan.

Gabriella Rocha “Akella” Wedges
($68, Zappos)

N.Y.L.A. “Placido” Stud Wedges

If you, too, have a mopey little budget, but love the look of the Ash wedge sandals, we may have found just the shoe. These “Placido” wedges by N.Y.L.A. look basically identical to the originals with a slightly less exaggerated heel. I’m fairly certain that once on no one would be able to tell the difference. I know there’s not a drastic difference in price, but just consider all the things you could buy with that extra hundo! Available in black and tan.

N.Y.L.A. “Placido” Stud Wedges
($65.97, Endless)

Luichiny “Pass Ive” Studded Wedges

Now here’s a slightly different take on the studded wedge, albeit an equally as ferocious one. These “Pass Ive” wedges by Luichiny boast a super high wedge and a cord bottom and we still have the awesome harness and the studs. Even more affordable than then the N.Y.L.A’s, these are also available in a ton of colors (and by ton I mean 4: black, grey, camel & cognac suede). Even better deal? Use the code mentioned above and save yourself another $15!

Luichiny “Pass Ive” Studded Wedges
($54, 6pm)

P.S.: Also available at ShoeMall, Shoebuy, Zappos & Endless.

Not Rated “Hot Spot” Stud Wedge Sandals

If you’re a blingy kind of girl (aka the more embellishment, the better!) then these “Hot Spot” wedge sandals by Not Rated might just be for you. The general feel and shape of the sandal is the same as our Ash pick but there’s a lot more gold studding and detailing. These are also a true steal at only $33. Available in black, tan, grey & red suede.

Not Rated “Hot Spot” Stud Wedge Sandals
($50.81, Endless)

P.S.: Also available at Buckle.

Liliana “Misana” Gladiator Studded Wedges

If you’re like me you sometimes look at your closet and wonder how in the world you managed to amass so many pairs of black shoes. Well then who are we to suggest you buy yet another pair? If you’re loving the look of the Ash wedges but were wishing for a different/more summer friendly color, then wish granted! I love the cognac color of these Liliana “Misana” Gladiator Studded wedges. It feels light for summer but rich for fall. And guess what? This is our cheapest pick of the bunch! These retail for only $21.97!

Liliana “Misana” Gladiator Studded Wedges
($21.97, Endless)

{ 2 comments }

Real vs. Steal – 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Bow Studded Bag

by Celine on October 2, 2010

UPDATE: This post has been updated on October 02, 2010. Scroll down to see the new add.

Rachel Bilson is one of my style-crushes. I pretty much fall head over heels for everything she wears. I love that she is neither obsessively trendy nor yawningly classic; she lands somewhere in the middle. So naturally she would choose 3.1 Phillip Lim‘s Edie Bow Studded bag as her go-to accessory. The bow is of course unapologetically girly, but the studs add a roughness. The size, too, is perfect. Obviously Rachel agrees as she appears to carry it constantly! Rachel isn’t the only one, however; we’ve also seen this bag on the shoulders of Diane Kruger, Leighton Meester and Nicky Hilton. I’d love to add my name to that list, I really would, but it’s the same old song: too pricey and sold out.

3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Bow Studded Bag in black

3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Bow Studded Bag
($700, SOLD OUT)

Rachel Bilson Loves 3.1 Phillip Lim

Rachel Bilson carrying 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie Bow Studded Bag in black

NASTY GAL Gold Star Satchel

UPDATE (10/02/2010): Just came across another super fabulous “Edie” alternative by NASTY GAL. And it’s on sale!

NASTY GAL Gold Star Satchel
($41.99, NASTY GAL)

ModCloth Star Light, Star Bright Bag

Well, well, well, look what popped up on ModCloth? There is absolutely no denying that the Star Light, Star Bright bag was heavily inspired by the Phillip Lim Edie. From the bow to the studs to the embossed leather – ladies and gentlemen: we have a dead ringer. With the much more manageable price of $30, this bag is sure to be a huge hit.

ModCloth Star Light, Star Bright Bag
($30, ModCloth)