Designer Shoe Deja Vu: Dior Knock-offs

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?

Betsey Johnson: 30th Anniversary Layla Sandal

I just ran into these shoes a few minutes ago and decided they were worth sharing.

Betsey Johnson ‘Layla’ $179.99 at Heels.com

Just look at the detail on these: the metallic heel, the little heart-shaped buckle.  These could be yet another contender for the coveted attention of the ’09 spring bride looking for her perfect pair of wedding shoes. These are a bit unusual since they are a silver satin upper with an overlay of gold-specked black mesh lace and Swarovski sparkle.  If you are looking for an unconventional sandal that can be worn again with a LBD on your anniversary, these may be the style for you.  Another added plus is that at just under $200, (and one last pair in size 10 on sale for $145 at Zappos) these shoes are friendly to a much wider range of budgets than some of our previous wedding-worthy mentions.

Oh, one last detail, these are “30′th Anniversary” Betsey Johnson sandals and have the additional unusual detail of shoe designer Betsey Johnson’s portrait on the sole.

Definitely a shoe for the more quirky brides among us.

Sunday Shoe Pick: L.A.M.B Flavia Sandal

As always, I hope our readers are having a wonderful weekend.  Here’s to time to unwind, relax, and spend time with those we love.

I am currently decompressing from my last, crazy, soccer-family weekend … that is, until it all starts back up again in the fall.  So, what did I run across today that made me smile? These gorgeous and airy cage sandals:

LAMB ‘Flavia’ woven peep-toe sandals in ivory, brown, or black $424.99 Heels.com, ($429 Zappos).

This is the kind of sandal a soccer-mom may dream of …. but can only get around to wearing after the spring soccer season is past. It must wait until she is no longer likely to find herself trudging across the kind of damp fields whose devious nature is to trap the unwary (OK, foolish) heel-wearer.  Don’t get me wrong; my brocade Skechers excel in that particular role.  But these basket-woven Maryjane beauties by LAMB?  They are a light, refreshing, and welcome, breath of spring.

Spring 2009 Shoe Trends: Natural Textures

Hello warmer weather!

As we move into another spring season, certain classic footwear trends have re-emerged as if on an annual schedule. In this case, the trend is of rope-like espadrilles and cork-soled sandals. These continue to be casual warm-weather favorites.

This spring and summer it will be tough to go wrong style-wise if your sandals include a cork sole; or perhaps rafia, bamboo, or jute details. Natural textures, warm tan and brown colors, and an earthy, Boho vibe are making a huge appearance in stores this spring.

First up - Prada’s Rafia, Cork, and Bamboo Wedges:

Prada Raffia Wedge Sandals $650 at Saks.com

Prada Bamboo Wedge Platforms $695 at Saks.com

Prada Wedge Platform Cutout Sandals $750 at Saks.com

I’m not finding myself to be much of a fan of the rafia, and I can take or leave the whole cork thing, but the bamboo is pretty intriguing.

Volatile Shoes also has a few bamboo-wrapped offerings in their spring line-up (with more of a reedy effect): (more…)

Wearing O’ The Green

Image from: Glitter Graphics

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Folks!

Are you wearing your green today? I certainly wouldn’t want to see anybody getting pinched. And why is it that this is one habit that most so-called adults that I’ve known have never outgrown?  There really are few things less dignified than adults being gleefully pinched by coworkers. Oh well ….

I’m wearing my green …. My kids made certain of that. My outfit today is primarily courtesy of my four-year old son’s foray into my closet this morning. Given that knowledge, it is not nearly as cartoonish an ensemble as one might imagine.

So, in the theme of green, here are a few earthy-green shoes for your consideration:

Boots:

French Connection ‘Holly’ $146.25 $298 at 6pm.com

Booties:

Dolce Vita ’5173-18′ $88.92 $167 at 6pm.com

Low Sandals:

Everybody by BZ Moda ‘Opal’ in Avocado $179.95 at Endless.com

And Heels:

Exchange by Charles David ‘Web’ $52.65 $99 at 6pm.com

Heels:

Kors by Michael Kors ‘Talulah’ $249 at Zappos.com

And more Heels:

Pour La Victoire ‘Pascale’ $319.99 at Heels.com

As for me, I am wearing my patiently stalked Pour La Victoire ‘Penelope’ oxfords – which I picked up on clearance at Amazon last Fall: