Some of you may remember that back during the Spring 2009 runway shows I developed a bit of a crush on these Marc by Marc Jacobs openwork granny boots. Something about them just clicked for me.

Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘693556′ lace-up sandal $384.97 at Amazon, $412.46 $549.95 at Endless.

Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘693185′ lace-up bootie $197.98-$495 at Amazon & Endless (depending on size/color combo)

Now, I have theoretically had time to gain some little bit of emotional distance from these shoes. After all, the Spring 2009 MBMJ runway show was over a year ago.  Alas, granny-boot lover that I am, these have not lost any of their hold on me.  Unfortunately, finding a way to actually purchase a pair of these will involve the moon and stars coming into the correct alignment along with positive shopping signs and portents evidencing themselves in my favor ….. or perhaps just continued careful budgeting, having good luck hold out on issues like car and home maintenance expenses, and a hoping that a size 7 1/2 will remain in stock until I can honestly say ‘this is the pay period it can happen’.

However, if my budget remains tight enough that the MBMJ’s remain an impractical splurge, I will keep the following shoes in mind as acceptable, affordable alternatives.

First we have these hardcore knock-offs from Type Z:

Type Z ‘Ritchie’ pump $81.50 $95 at Zappos.

No challenge figuring out where the inspiration for these came from…….

There are also some less literal (copied) interpretations of the openwork style that are also very cute. And, if they go on super-sale, they could become near-irresistible.

These ones are my favorite of the bunch…they are seriously vying to knock my MBMJ crush down to a number two slot. How fickle is my shoe love now?

Linea Paolo ‘Vie’ $86.90 $129.95 at Nordstrom.

I am totally digging on these and they are on equal crush footing for me on a strictly visual basis. They do have the MBMJ’s totally whipped on price, though, to this involuntary penny-pincher.

(If you like these but are not on a budget like me, you might also like these Cynthia Vincent ‘Maddox‘ sandals over at Endless.)

Other contenders for my attention are styles by Stuart Weitzman, Pour La Victoire, Dolce Vita, Type Z, and Elizabeth & James. But, I’m still liking the Nordies and original MBMJ’s the best … so, I will probably not be bookmarking these others.

Anyway, I suppose I will just have watch the sales - and also my budget…nothing new there.

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Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but shoes are this girl’s real love. And, while I love ribbons, lace, and flowers on my shoes, today I am crushing on a pair of tuxedo pumps from Harajuku lovers.

Harajuku Lovers ‘Dobson’ $94 at Zappos.com

Do these have spunk and attitude?

Yes.

Are they fun and flirty?

Again, yes.

Do these beg to be center stage of your outfit?

No question.

Do I know exactly which little black dress I would pair with these?

Of course.

Now, if only I had a convenient occasion to wear that little black dress…..

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For those of you who love Louboutin’s Eugenie pumps, but either cannot or will not pay big $$$ for a pair of shoes - no matter how fabulous - Pella Moda has yet another entry in the category of designer-inspired near-knockoff’s with their “Vinessa” bootie.

Pella Moda ‘Vinessa’ open-toed, rhinestone-embellished, suede booties $214.95;

available at endless.com in black, brown, purple, or red suede.

While these haven’t quite managed the same ‘Wow’ factor as the uber-high and glamourous Louboutin’s that are their obvious inspiration, these Pella Moda’s are definitely more friendly to your bank account. Particularly if the current recession has you singing the budgetista blues. Plus, if you are like me, you will actually wear them more if you aren’t afraid of them getting scuffed the first time you wear them.

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I will continue to wax obsessive on all things boot-like when it comes to footwear.

And, unlike yesterday’s Gucci boots or Sunday’s oh-so-lustworthy Dsquared2 styles, these little booties from Sofft are even potentially budgetable - especially if I luck out and find them on sale sometime over the next several months.

Take a look:

Sofft ‘Orlena’ $154 at Zappos, $149.94 at The Walking Co.

These little pretties have been growing on me since I first glimpsed them about a month ago.

Seriously, how cute are those buttons and the slightly-oversized cuff? And look, they come in either black leather or grey suede; both are beautiful fall options.

Delicious….and falling nicely under the unfortunately-becoming-too-common $200-$700 price range.

Plus, these are made by Sofft - which has a well-known reputation for producing styles that are comfortable as well as fashionable.

These are definitely on my mental short list for ’shoes to keep an eye out for during sales season’.

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These are not your Grandma’s boots. And, to a boot-lover like me, that is a good thing.

Gucci Riddle Lace-up Boot $1690 at Saks.com

I love the equestrian-reference of the lower lacing.  Add to that the slightly military-feel of the buckled calf details and you wind up with a boot that is not quite granny, not quite riding boot, and 100% fabulous.

I love how these boots feel like an updated classic. They are just fresh enough not to blend in as just another cookie-cutter granny boot, but are still classy and sexy enough that you can easily get years of wear-ability from them - whether they are matched with casual jeans or a hot pencil skirt.

How would you wear a pair of boots like these?

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