Jimmy Choo Mesh Sandals – Hello Stunner!

This gorgeous embellished Choo open-toe sandal has nude mesh, crystals and hardware in an exquisite design, suede trim, a ¾ inch platform and 4½ inch stiletto and a zipper on the heel cap. It is $1795.

Saks no longer has it a few short weeks after it was in the window, but here’s to hoping they’ll bring it back! Perhaps more are just being produced!! Here’s to hoping, because I’d spend my whole bonus on this.

Update:  Our SA at Nordstrom’s has these! Contact Henry at hirbod74@yahoo.com.  Tell him that ShoeBlog sent you and reference style ‘Quinze SMS’ or UPC 429482227574.

Designer Shoe Deja Vu: Gucci Tattoo Cruise Slingbacks

Some of you may recall that I liked the Gucci Cruise ’09 Heart Slingbacks quite a bit when they were available for sale last fall.

These displayed more than a little echo of Christian Audigier / Ed Hardy styling without being terribly over the top. Plus, I’m a sucker for slingbacks that make my feet look all pretty and disguise flaws while still having a bit of sassy peek-a-boo appeal, so I was double tempted than had these merely been pumps.

Alas, I passed on purchasing them since they were not in my cash-flow plan at that time.

…As a side note, I have actually managed to stick to my attempts at a budget  – for the most part.  I’m only human and things do come up – but, over the last year I have declined to make any shoe purchases over $200, and at that,  rarely.  In fact, my last shoe purchase was back at the end of February, so self control for me has been generally successful, even if it is all about staying on the cold-turkey wagon and keeping my mindset on the task of  new shoe-finds for our readers here on Shoeblog to vicariously fill my shoe needs.

Anyway, I keep reminding myself that  paying down my debt is one of my most important goals for 2010.   The road to financial stability is worth it, but temptation arises in unexpected ways.

This Martinez Valero Gucci-twin is one of those temptations.  These are copies, not counterfeits, and therefore legal; they make no claims to being an actual Gucci product. But, comparing these two products, the source shoe  is unmistakable:

Martinez Valero ‘Onaway’ $159, on sale for $55.98 at Smartbargains & $96.22 at Endless.com

I had written the Gucci’s off as an ebay aftermarket hunt for sometime in 2011, after my bills are paid off, if at all. Now temptation rears its ugly head.

Should I feel bad that I am tempted by these Valero’s? I am still undecided on the whole legal copies issue, which is much more complicated than initial observations might suggest.

Maybe my weird mental guilt issues would be calmed if I mini-splurged on the black rather than the tan since I don’t recall that color being offered by Gucci?

Or, am I over-thinking this?

Cynthia Vincent’s New Line for Target: Are These Shoes Cute?

When I wrote about Cynthia Vincent’s new line for Target, I purposefully did not include the most ubiquitous pair.

The Gladiator Wedge sandal for $29.99 at Target (currently only available in stores).

This shoe is everywhere – ads for the new line, “fashion under $100″ spreads, etc. And well, initially something just wasn’t working for me. Maybe I thought the wedge looked cheap compared to the other shoes in the line. Regardless, this week I’ve started thinking that maybe the shoe is actually rather stylish and needs a place in my wardrobe. I wasn’t quick enough with the ballet flats, and according to Target’s website that shoe is already sold-out online and in stores.

What do you think of the Gladiator Wedge? Cute or too cheap to be cute?

One to Watch: Jonathan Kelsey

Jonathan Kelsey may be our next Louboutin. His shoes are eye-catching, refined and sexy beyond belief, but with more unusual flair than classic Louboutins.

The Franz, below, is available at Saks’ brick and mortar stores but is no longer online.  It’s the mid-year sale, so it’s crazy at Saks right now! You’d better get there soon! The Franz is on sale for $576.99.

This Kelsey stunner, meanwhile, is $471.99.

Vivienne Westwood + Melissa Plastic Shoe Dreams Try-On

I’ve tried on a couple pairs of Melissa Plastic Dreams, which are not really plastic, but as I explained in an earlier post, melflex, a hypoallergenic, recyclable, flexible PVC. But I’d never tried on the high heels or so many pairs as I did recently at Bergdorf’s 5F shoe salon.

What was the verdict on the shoes that so many think will be uncomfortable, perhaps because they’ve been misnomered “plastic”?

The Vivienne Westwood + Lady Dragon Heart is available in both Ice and Gold for $149, and was rather comfortable. These pairs were much too large for me, but they flexed easily as I walked about. I wondered if they would feel hot or unbreathable on humid days.

The flats were ubercomfortable, but you need to find just the right size if there is no strap as they are so flexible that they don’t hold shape that much if it’s not close to your heel. You can purchase the Vivienne Westwood + Ultragirl Stamp Nude at Epaulet for $130 or in-store at Bergdorf 5F.

There isn’t very much arch support, but there is a little bit of grip and support on bottom.

My favorite of all of the shoes, by far, was the Melissa 3 Straps Flat for $123. They were comfortable, stayed on my feet easily and looked casual and chic.

I saw a bunch of Melissa shoes for the first time in Barcelona last year, and was superskeptical, but now I’m enthused about the cuteness and environmentalism of these shoes, as long as you try them on first to make sure they fit you right.