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.

Portrait

Some people actually did like those Acne shoes with the weirdly high vamp. I wasn't one of them. So it may come as no surprise that I'm equally appalled by this Asos attempt to do something similar. It's not done well enough to count as an actual knockoff, but similar enough to ring a bell. In my head at least.

They replaced the Thai silk by suede and mixed in some stripes, but that shape is truly gruesome. Yet Asos seemed to think we needed this shoe in not just one, but two colour ways.

Why? And more importantly: why would anyone spend €121 on such a catastrophe??!

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.

Sierra

After keeping these candy pink platforms in my wishlist for a couple of weeks, I've finally taken them out. I guess that if I haven't bought them yet, I'll never will. I do still like them though, and thought you might as well.

I think they look particularly nice from the side, as they remind me a lot of both Jessica Simpson's Dany and Jeffrey Campbell's Foxy. They have a similar shape, with a massive platform and ditto heel, and feature both the wood finishing and the exposed platform in the front, but without the T-strap. I think these have a lovely retro feel to them, and of course I'm a big fan of the pink. You can get these in nude and black as well though, and they'll only set you back £29!

A hint of McQueen

McQueen is known for its signature skull, but being designer, the brand is also rather expensive. If you can settle for just "a hint" of McQueen, I can certainly recommend these simple black pumps from New Look. Not too simple though, the little bejeweled skulls on the toe lend these a certain je ne sais quoi. And unlike a real deal, these will only set you back £28.

Studded trim

Alert the fashion police, we have found an imposter! Back in May I showed you Dauphine, a beautiful Sam Edelman flat, and complained about the hefty price tag attached. And now these Blink shoes show up, completely identical apart from the colour switch.

While the Sam Edelmans were nude with black accents, these are black with nude accents. It's a bit like looking at a photo negative. Don't believe me? Look!

Good news though, is that these will only set you back £55 (€70), as opposed to the original €126.

Carrie & Candy

Sometimes I'll just look at a shoe, and look at it some more, and wonder what I could write about it that isn't totally obsolete. Sure, I could tell you "look what a pretty shoe I'm showing you today". Or that I'm particularly taken with the studs on the back. With the contrast between the soft nude suede and the toughness of the heel. But, these photos speak for themselves, I feel.

I also feel like maybe Miss Selfridge has turned to Sam Edelman's designs for some inspiration. Especially when I saw this other shoe. The similarities are too small to actually point fingers, but still, I have a sneaky suspicion. That bow with the studs? Very Sam Edelman.

Of course, it goes without a doubt that both shoes are gorgeous. And at respectively £65 for Carrie and £58 for Candy, at least they're more affordable than Sam Edelman's shoes.

Primrose

Not quite as nicely executed as the Kandee original, but I kind of dig these Asos pumps. I love the little Daisy appliqués (deuh), but it could have done with a higher heel.

Then again, if you're not into sky high stilettos like I am, these might just be your cup of tea! At €68, they're a lot cheaper as well, so they may be a great alternative.

All fired up

Remember that awesome Prada collection for Spring 2012 with the vintage cars-inspired shoes? Well, you won't have to spend thousands of dollars/pounds/euros for a similar look. Enter these wedges from Modcloth, who emit a similar vibe for a lot less cash. Only $50 to be precise.

I love the little flames in the back (it must look like you're walking really really fast in these) and the detail on the toe isn't bad either. In fact, I rather love it.

Also right up my alley? The colours of course!

Paisley

If you are in love with Steve Madden's Beasst platforms as much as I do, and you don't want to shell out €99 for them (and you are lucky enough to be American and have access to Target), here's a more budget-friendly alternative for you. For only $30 you can get these babies in pink, black, coral, gold or with a print. Or, since they're so cheap, you can get them all!

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.

Casandra

On a budget, but in love with that trademark Charlotte Olympia platform? Don't fret anymore, because you can get the look for only £55! These Blink platforms may not cost an arm and a leg, but I'm sure they'll make you feel like a million bucks anyway! Actually, I've been contemplating an order with Nelly for a while now, I just might have to get these...

I personally prefer the touch of gold on the first pair, but these more understated black ones are definitely stunning as well. After all, a girl can't have too many black shoes...

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.

Candy kisses

A little something to conclude the day (before I go for SUSHI SUSHI SUSHI with my bff): Rupert Sanderson's ode to Marilyn Monroe. So cute! They are limited edition though, so will probably remain a dream for us, mere mortals. I'm guessing it's only a matter of time before either Lindsay Lohan or Megan Fox (both known for their fondness of the blonde bombshell) struts these around on the red carpet.

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...

Geri

Just in case someone's still out there dreaming of becoming a Spice Girl... Your dream is only £100 away.

Asos see, Asos do

I only needed a glance at these Asos Harlot sandals to know they reminded me of something else. These Carvela shoes, to be more precise. They have a single strap instead of two, and the ankle strap is placed differently as well, but I still think that there are too many similarities for them to be a coincidence. It doesn't help that both shoes are available in similar colour ways as well, namely a neutral grey or pink, and a blue version.

What bothers me the most though, is the price of the Asos pair. I have seen Asos grow increasingly expensive, and these shoes (although there isn't much to them) are no exception. They are just under €100, while the Carvela pair is currently on sale for €120 (only the blush).

On the edge of glory

It took me quite a while to appreciate them, but I've grown completely enamored with Camilla Skovgaard's trademark soles. They sort of look like the tire on a tractor, but they give an otherwise simple pump so much edge and sass. Apparently the Bronx designers like them as well, because they seem to have gotten a little "inspired".
I actually do love the rest of the shape as well, and I prefer this nude over the black version. I'd love to see them on a foot. These don't come cheap though, you can get them at New Look for £80.

Fuchsia in Winter 2.0

Remember those hot pink Alexander McQueen ankle boots? And the Kandee (kind of) lookalikes I showed you? Well, I have found a better (and cheaper!) match for those of you in dire need of some fuchsia. I guess we can still count on Steve Madden to make a knock-off of any shoes that sell. There are still certainties in life.
They're real suede, and they'll set you back €160. There's also a black version, but where's the use in that, right?