How many of you remember the Dior/Galliano chain-link-and-leather, caged, ankle boots from last year?

Let me refresh your memory:

Well, for those of you who are looking for a (relatively) affordable alternative, Pelle Moda has once again positioned themselves as the ‘designer inspired alternative’ with this boot:

Pelle Moda ‘Karena’ in brown or black; $196.19-217.99 at Heels.com, endless.com, & Shoebungalow

(This was in the hotel boutique when I stayed in Las Vegas last month. Yes, I tried it on. Yes it is an eye-catcher. Yes, I did leave without making a purchase)

Much like the Prada-inspired Pelle Moda shoes that I showed you previously, these are near-knock-offs; with just enough details that are different from the original to keep these from being a 100% faithful copy.

Which do you prefer, the original or the copy?

I actually find that I prefer the copy; the heel is less fussy and allows the chain-link upper to take center stage.

What about you?

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Okay, I have had a mad, crazy, lustful, crush on Roger Vivier’s Rose-n-Roll stilettos since I first saw photos of them in vivid blue at an online fashion forum late last year (Since then, seen on other blogs):

(Photo source: www.luxist.com)

Aren’t these just the most romantic shoe? I am so put in mind of Sleeping Beauty; wouldn’t these be perfect for the princess waking from her enchanted sleep?

But, alas, at £830, these beauties were never remotely anything more than a sweet and distant dream for this particular shoeblogger.

Anyway, in the process of searching for a photo of these rose-thorned stilettos to share with you, I encountered not only an affordable (and obviously inspired) style by Leg Avenue, but also a fabulous (and fabulously expensive) rose-themed shoe by Mai Lamore which pre-dates the Vivier sandals by about a year.

So, for your amusement (and thanks to Polyvore for the searchable fashion engine and set editor that created this collage), I present a small example of shoe evolution in action:

At top center, Mai Lamore’s $27,945 rose shoe has a 14K covered sculptured stiletto -  as well as hand-dyed silk rose petals at the heel; these breathtaking shoes were found in a 2007 issue of Elite Traveler.

At the bottom left are the previously mentioned Roger Vivier shoes from the 2008 fall/winter collection; this time shown in a red-and-black color combination (many other colors and combinations were produced).

At bottom right, are the Leg Avenue look-alikes to the Vivier silhouette. The Leg Avenue ‘Sangria’; these will run you $31.62-$58.32 at the Amazon Marketplace. A closed-toe pump version; the Leg Avenue ‘Thorn’ is also available for $38.95 at Shoebuy.com.

So, now I just need to find a little bit of budge in my budget. After all, how much closer am I likely to get than this to the dream shoe I drew back in October of 2008 - months before I ever set eye on any of the styles shown above.

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For those of you who have been Shoeblog readers for awhile, you may recall how I nearly swooned over last year’s Valentino line.

In particular, I would still love to own a pair of these delicious (and sold out) booties:

(Originally $945 at Saks)

But, budgets being what they are, I instead find myself turning to the Pour La Victoire brand to satisfy my lacey-shoe urges.

How are these for a lower-cost alternative?

Pour La Victoire ‘Eden’ $284 $166.25-$193.23 at Zappos.com

I think I actually prefer the lower ’shootie’ height of these inspired-by copies.  Plus, if you are looking for a lighter spring color, the tan nubuck is a great spring neutral.

(The tan is also available from Urban Outfitters for a relative steal at $158)

I also love the allover lacework on both the original Valentino and the PLV version. This open design provides plenty of ventilation to keep your tootsies cool on hot summer days.  In addition, I think this is a great interpretation of the recent open-toe bootie mini-trend; one that is lovely enough on it’s own that it will last through many years without looking dated as is likely happen with many of the more

Plus, the PLV Eden is available in grey, white (if you can find it), and an absolutely amazing blue suede (this would blend so well with my clothing wardrobe).

(Grey is $292 at Shopbop, Blue is $280 at Piperlime)

Yummy. I could use a blue summer shoe. Maybe I’ll get lucky and this will go on sale in my size, making it an ever better deal…a girl can dream. Decisions, decisions…too bad I can’t get one in each color.

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Is it designer shoe deja-vu when it is high-end borrowing from high-street and/or alternative fashion?

I have seen a lot of online rants over copycat and designer-inspired fashion. Certain consumers hate the idea of brand-dilution that they perceive to occur as trends spread out into the general populace. Others love the opportunity to get a designer look or similar style at a fraction of the runway price.

Interestingly, I rarely see discussions on brand-dilution or concerns over intellectual property when this situation  occurs in reverse. 

I’m also curious when this style-borrowing happens at the haute-couture level.  At what price range and perceived quality level do shoes move from being outrageously stripperlicious (thank you jitterbugbaby for adding that word to my vocabulary)  and instead transform into glamourous, runway-quality, high-fashion objects?  If these styles were made by anyone other than shoe-royalty, would women be lining up to own such styles?

Today’s case in point:

Christian Louboutin’s ‘multi-buckle sandals $1495 at Saks.com

This hybrid sandal boot is straight out of the ‘more buckles, more skin’ school of footwear-as-lingerie. Heck, if you are a size 6, you can get a very similar look on clearance  over at 6pm.com; and at a fraction of the above price:

Report ‘Diaz’ $87.75 $175 at 6pm.com

I actually prefer the Report boot over the current season Louboutin version. I like that the Report boot has a softer feel due to its natural leather upper and its more-rounded cut-out styling.

Anyway, I’m of the opinion that fashion is cyclical. High-fashion borrows from low and low-fashion borrows from high; this back-and-forth cycle helps keeps fashion feeling fresh and dynamic.

Here’s a question:

What type of consumer criticisms might have occurred if the Report shoes had appeared the season after the Louboutin’s instead of before?   I’ve seen enough folks cry ‘Copy!’ ‘Get your own designs!’ over the appearance of a plain black platform pump that I have to admit to being curious to the answer on this one.

I welcome your thoughts and observations.

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Last Summer, I fell in mad, unreasoning lust with this shoe:

The Moschino Rainbow T-Strap Sandal. Originally retailing at about the $400-ish mark, I reluctantly walked away from these due to a tight budget when it fell no lower than $200 at the Nordie’s Half-Yearly Clearance racks. Sigh.

This was definitely one of those cases of non-buyer’s remorse.

But look. Hurray!  

I just ran into an obviously Moschino-inspired, and decidedly in-stock, substitution:

Very Volatile ‘Kendra’ ($69.99-$85 at Endless, Piperlime, Delias, and Robyn Marie’s Shoe Closet)

Sure, it trends a bit toward Cute with the shorter 3-1/4 inch kittenish heel and matte finish while the Moschino was more of a Smokin’ 4-inch Slim-n-Sexy Patent Party Heel.  But, it has maintained that essential POP of Rainbow-Brite color that makes it a wonderfully upbeat shoe to brighten up any (and every) summer-in-blue jeans outfit or casual sundress.

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