Lady Peep Spikes

Seriously. How does he expect us not to drool over a shoe like that? Nice work Mr. Louboutin, I just slobbered all over my keyboard!

Quilted Lita

The strangest thing just happened: I figured this version of Jeffrey Campbell's infamous (you either love them or you hate them) looked sort of Louboutin-esque. I guess it's because that fierce toecap reminds me so much of Louboutin's Asteroid. I'm still not a fan of the Litas, but if you're going to wear them, at least make them crazy-ass. These are currently out of stock, so you will not be able to spend your $185 on them, but perhaps you can still find them elsewhere.

Fifi 100

It's my birthday today (28!), and this is what I'd like to get. Perfection! I doubt they will be a part of any of my presents, but a girl can dream, right?

Milady 100

Oh, Christian Louboutin... The man understands perfection. *Le sigh*

Djaldos

At first glance I would've never guessed that these were Louboutin. Which they are. Which is one of the reasons why I love Louboutin so much as a designer. Even though he is most known for his elegant stiletto classics, he still knows how to surprise us from time to time as well. With a studded pointy ballerina shoe for example. Or this magnificent wedge.

First up, I really dig the structural shape of the wedge itself, with the narrowness of the heel that is almost like a stiletto, and the way it creates a little overhang under the ball of the foot. This wedge is edgy, and looks a even a little dangerous, in spite of the girly colour scheme.
Secondly, it's those colours that I love. The bright pink suede and the red metallic straps look like they shouldn't work together, but for some magical reason they do. If you want to be part of the magic, and I can't say that I blame you, you better hurry up, as these are only available in a couple of select sizes anymore.

Awwsome

Well well, I wonder where Steve Madden got this idea... The master imitator does it yet again. I often recognize some Louboutin in his designs. For example, who can deny that this one is basically the Bianca pump?
Obviously the real deal is much nicer, without the grainy glitter underneath the studs (overkill alert), but if you don't want to shell out the hard cash, you can get these for $150 instead.

Epoca

I'm not the biggest fan of the use of perspex in shoes, but these I think are gorgeous. Louboutin has been really hitting the mark lately, and I've been anxiously awaiting the annual Louboutin sale on The Outnet. Last year I missed it, thinking it wasn't going to happen anymore, as it was in August the year before. And then came one of our national bank holidays in November, so I slept in, and of course that's when the sale hit the interwebs. I was left empty-handed, but I'm very adamant to score some this year!

While these are certainly stunning, I think a more neutral and timeless model is more appropriate for a first pair of Loubs. And, as we're being honest (always!), a bit easier on the bank account as well.

For €865 you get to admire this stunning crystal detail on your feet everyday, so if you can justify such a purchase, please do! I'll just go sit in the corner here being jealous of you!

Isabelle

Usually when I show you Louboutins, they're all shiny and stiletto-esque, but today I thought I'd give you a different kind of treat. You see, I adore these wedges. They're from the "20 ans" anniversary collection, and at 14 centimeters they are mega high, even for a wedge.

I love the fabric, even if the design hits me as a little too "casual" for Louboutin. That said, the red ribbon is striking against the black and white motif, and the fact that the women on the print are wearing red soled shoes is just too precious. 

I also love the placement of the fabric on the heel. It's all about the wow-effect with Loubies, isn't it? Of course, for €495 you wouln't expect any less...

Cinderella

I love it when two of my favourite brands combine forces. The shoe god, mister Christian Louboutin himself, has put his own touch on Cinderella's glass slipper, in honour of the film's Diamond anniversary. Disney is rerealising the dvd this fall.

It goes without saying that Louboutin did a really good job as well. His interpretation of the infamous glass slipper involves white lace, butterflies and Swarovski crystals, and of course a 5 inch heel.

I really like the result. Beautiful, isn't it?

London calling

The Shoe Gallery at Selfridges.

I love London. I love it so much, that I try to go there at least once a year, since it’s only a 2 hours train ride away from Brussels. And it is the best place to shop. Seriously. I’m always very frustrated with Belgian sales, since you only get small discounts (almost never higher than 30 or 40 % off) and only on items that no one seems to really want (aka the “leftovers”). Not in London. You can walk into a shop like Karen Millen and find gorgeous items at a 70 % discount. Last year I scored big time at the Karen Millen store: two cocktail dresses and a winter coat, and I paid maybe £200? Anyway, back to topic.

The entree to the Louboutin "boudoir".

Yesterday I went to London for a little daytrip on my own, with exactly three things on my mind. 1. The Louboutin exhibition at the Design Museum, 20^th anniversary style. 2. The Damien Hirst exhibition at the Tate Modern (it was amazing, if you’re in the neighbourhood, be sure to check it out!). 3. SALES!! I had a marvelous time, even by myself, but in a way it was a little bit disappointing. 

The stairwell was decorated with Louboutins...

For instance, the Louboutin exhibition didn't live up to my expectations. There were gorgeous shoes to be seen of course (I especially couldn't keep my eyes off these Anemones, that were featured in a coral pink), but for a true Louboutin fan there wasn't that much added value. A lot of shoes, yes, and a hologram of Dita Von Teese performing and a little peek at Louboutin's atelier, and that was it. It took me less than an hour to see and read everything! Still, pretty shoes!

Can you say 'autch!'?

I also really wanted to check out the Louboutin store, since last year at Christmas they had sales going on. No sales this time. I did try on a couple of shoes and couldn’t make my mind up whether to buy any or not, but I decided to be a little bit more patient. You see, I have a dilemma. On the one hand, I want my first pair of Louboutins to be timeless if I’m spending that much money. On the other hand, I also want my future Louboutins to be special if I’m spending that kind of money. 

What was actually on my feet throughout the day.

I was in fact very tempted by a stunning pair of Ron Rons 100, in a buttery soft calfskin leather in the most perfect matte nude. It's the perfect shape and they were so comfy, so I'm probably going to go for a pair of Ron Rons eventually, but in a punchier colour. I also tried on a pair of metallic woven Fifis, which were to die for as well and a very similar shoe. At least now I can be sure about my CL size. I'm sure it won't be long now!

Sensuous

At first I thought these might make a good budget alternative to Louboutin's studded Pigalles. But then I noticed the studs. In closeup, they appear to be the exact same shade as the uppers, which gives the shoe a bit of a "diseased" look, like they're suffering from a weirdly uniform and probably painful skin rash or something.

So I decided not to spend my $49 on them.

Arnoeud

It's that time again: the preview of Louboutin's Fall-Winter collection. And there are beauties to be admired, such as these gorgeous little booties. They're still true to the colour blocking trend, but in a very "Mondriaan" way, so they'll still be wearable when the whole hype eventually blows over. Also: a little bow! They're 100mm, which means they should still be quite easy to walk in, and they retail for €795, which seems very reasonable for a pair of Louboutin booties.

Apart from some new "faces", some of the shoes in the new collection are updates from existing styles, such as this new take on the Lady Peep Spikes with leopard print, maroon suede and gold accents or this red tartan Lady Daf.

Shoe challenge #22: Grey+pink

No decent photos today, I'm afraid, but I blame that solely on the weather. Like it happens from time to time in good old Belgium, the sunny summery weather from last week has taken a turn towards the wet, dark and dreary. I did wear this outfit with a pair of tights by the way, both for modesty's and my body temperature's sake.
I hadn't worn this dress with pink lately, so I thought this was as good a time as any to quickly save a pair of booties. They are pretend-Louboutin (with the awesome name C'est Moi), but I took a fall a couple of months ago and I think I might have to replace them now, as they have gotten a bit beaten up. Lucky for me they were so dirt cheap, it's scandalous!

Dress Dorothy Perkins (with yellow, with red) / belt Asos / shoes eBay (seen here)

Daffodil keeps on coming

Behold, yet another brand that tries to tackle Louboutin's Daffodil. New Look's take on this instant classic comes in turquoise, fuchsia and black, and will cause only £25 worth of damage to your bank account. Unfortunately they opted for a suedette upper, which lacks the luscious feel of the original or the better copies. Another issue I have with these is the toe, which appears to be very pointed and sharp. The website does mention a rounded toe though, so maybe it's worth checking these out in person, if you have a shop nearby that is.

Snorkeling

It pains me to have to do this to monsieur Louboutin, but these are aweful. They are the worst version of a wetsuit that a shoe could be. It all hurts my eyes: the bright yellow, the bright bright orange, the big fat white zipper and of course the fact that these are actually made out of neoprene, like a real wetsuit. Oh, and I haven't even gotten to the double toe yet:

I think my eyes just bled a little.

They are already sold out in quite a few sizes, which makes me think who would ever spend $895 on these...

Paris

Now these look positively lethal, don't they? Even though I'm a huge fan of studs, these stilettos may be taking it a bit too far with the studs on the sole. For only £75, these sure do stand out in a crowd. Lundberg seem to have taken the concept of Louboutin's Asteroid a little bit further still, by adding the metal pin heel and the studs at the bottom. Come to think of it, those actually look a little bit like teeth. I would have liked these shoes better without them.

I'm pretty sure any man would want to stay on your good side, as long as you were wearing these...

Lassie

In the mood for some Louboutin for Summer, but no funds to get any redsoled babies on your feet right now? Maybe you can try this great alternative from Topshop.

Very similar to Louboutin's Super Dombasle (on top) but in a neutral nude, and at only a fraction of the cost: £55 versus £345. Not quite as striking and with a stacked heal instead of a cork one, but still a good deal if you ask me.

Lady Gres

I was supposed to be working, but then these popped into my eye sight. And I think I literally drooled. I'll probably have to keep on drooling, since I'll never be able to cough up €845 for them. These fuchsia babies are part of Louboutin's 20th anniversary collection. I already showed you the turquoise version, but these deserved a post of their own. Why do pretty things always have to be so damn expensive?!

That said, how much in love am I with the new European Christian Louboutin webshop??! So awesome to see all those beautiful shoes colour coordinated and lined up!

Isolde 160

I don't think I've ever featured Louboutins as ugly shoes, but there you have it. I think these are ugly enough to be shamed. They're monsters. Now look at that, who would ever wear these except for a dominatrix affectionado? The plethora of straps and buckles, the overload on studs, the overly shiny patent, the rhinestones, the gigantic platform... These just keep going. In the wrong direction, that is.

And then there is the 16 cm heel... Who on earth?
These are part of the 20th anniversary collection, so if you want to get them yourself (in which case: what are you thinking??), you'll have to dig deep into your pockets, because these sell for no less than $3995. Apparently it can be expensive to look cheap.

20 years Louboutin

It's been twenty years since shoe god Christian Louboutin started designing his trademark red soled shoes. To celebrate, the man himself is coming out with a capsule collection of 20 shoes and 6 bags, based on his repertoire of the last two decades. No doubt all you shoe-loving girls are seeing some familiar faces, euh shapes, up there.
The capsule collection will be available to buy at an exclusive pop-up shop in Selfridges in London from 27th February, before hitting Christian Louboutin (online) stores in March. You can catch a sneak peek at Louboutins Facebook page, where you can also subscribe yourself for an exclusive invitation to the sales.

Although there are a couple of gems in there, I'm generally a bit disappointed. This turquoise beauty has stolen my heart though. The Lady Gres combines the gorgeous design of the Greissimo with the towering platforms of the Daffodil (good for a 16 cm stiletto). Smack on a vibrant colour, and obviously yours truly is sold.

Another favourite of mine is this elegant peep toe, called the Armadillo Bride, although I would've preferred a different kind of heel instead of a metal needle one, like the one on the original version sans ankle strap.

Again the massive Daffodil platform on these ankle boots, named the Daf Booty Tag, which exude an Iron Fist vibe to me. I must be that graffiti-like print, which is also the only update from the original version of the Daf Boot. But I like them . No way I'll ever be able to pay for any of these though.
What do you think about this special collection? Which ones are your favourite? Let me know in the comments!