I think the Betsey Johnson Nina in cream is super-adorable, yet sophisticated, with its contrasting stripes and studded bow.  There was also a very appealing red, black and white version available at one time that appears to be sold out online.  You can get the best price on the cream pair at Heels.com, where it is on sale for $176.99 with free shipping, but few sizes are left.  Shoes.com also has them for $251.99 and coupon code MSAVE takes an additional 20% off, making them $201.59.  While this isn’t an outrageous amount of money, it’s still a big chunk of change for many of us and not always doable on a tight budget.

Enter the Not Rated In LA, which offers similar stripes - just in different colors - and a studded bow.  If given the choice (i.e. free reign to spend as much as I want), I would opt for the Betsey Johnson pair because they look higher in quality overall and I prefer the color scheme, but the Not Rated pair is definitely a cute alternative at a much lower price.  You can get this style in black or yellow at Shoes.com for $50 and the 20% off MSAVE code reduces them to $40 with free shipping.  There’s also a blue/white/red version available at Endless.com for $49.99 with free shipping.

Speaking of Not Rated, I saw this promo photo on Endless and had to find out which shoes were featured here:

And, you guessed it, they are from Not Rated as well (of note, Not Rated shoes are made by the same company as one of my fave brands, Naughty Monkey).  This is the Not Rated Inked:

These pump-boot hybrid shoes clearly look hot with boyfriend jeans and they’re nicely affordable too.  You can get these in black or cream for $60.95 (most sizes) with free shipping at Endless.  However, Shoes.com has them for $60 and the 20% MWAVE code drops them to $48 with free shipping.  They also have the yellow pair, which is now sold out at Endless.  Coupon expiration is unknown.

I know a lot of people have been interested in the dramatic red feathered heels that Kim Zolciak from The Real Housewives of Atlanta wore last season to castmate Kandi’s birthday party.  It’s been quite awhile since we saw her wear them on the Bravo show, but I’ve found that people are still looking for them, even to this day. I mentioned before that I thought they were Christian Louboutin, but wasn’t able to pinpoint the exact style. However, I’ve since found out that they are the Christian Louboutin Anemone Plume (seen here at Miss Lovely) and it doesn’t appear they were ever sold online.  In fact, it was hard to find a picture of the red version - I found the image above on the Superhero blog - and I’m guessing they are no longer available.  But, I came across this feathered shoe by Nina today, which I think is a viable alternative:

Sure, they aren’t red and they aren’t Louboutin, but the look of the Nina Xtina is quite similar and offers plenty of plumage at a fraction of the cost.  You can get these at Macy’s for $99.95 and they are also having a nice little sale right now that takes 50% off your second pair of shoes when you buy one.  If you don’t see your size or don’t plan to buy a second pair, get them for the same price at Zappos with free shipping included. 

Zappos also offers the white and ivory versions, which are particularly perfect for brides searching for a bridal feather shoe.

If only the Anemone will do, try contacting a Christian Louboutin boutique for more info on its availability.

We know that the Christian Louboutin Bridget (and the gold version, Bridget Strass) was a super-hot style for much of 2009 and one that I considered the shoe of the year based on the multitude of celebrities seen wearing it and the fact that it will be featured in the upcoming Sex and the City 2 movie, which is all but guaranteed to be a hit.  The buzz over the Bridget seems to have died down for now, since it no longer appears to be available for sale anywhere online, so I was starting to think that no one would attempt to make a lookalike for this standout pair.  But, oh yes, they did:

I was checking out Journeys today and saw the Nadara Cosmo, which is a dead ringer for the Christian Louboutin Bridget - even down to the red sole (albeit a darker red).  While the Louboutin Strass was priced at $1,785, the Nadara Cosmo is priced way lower at $49.99.  That’s over $1,700 less (if you could still get the Bridget), so I’m predicting these could sell out pretty quick.

Update: This pair is still available, but it’s on backorder until 4/1/10.

Paris Hilton

Say what you will about Paris Hilton and celebrity shoe lines in general, but I’m definitely loving the Paris Hilton Senorita.  It’s a pair I mentioned in my bridal shoes post and it has just the right mix of girly-girl and sophistication.  I don’t know, maybe I just have a weakness for bows and shoes that make your feet look like a perfectly wrapped present.  

Valentino

It’s also a lookalike for the Valentino Couture Bow D’Orsay Pump, which is clearly a gorgeous pair, but priced quite high at $695 at Neiman Marcus.  You can get the Paris Hilton Senorita in red for a fraction of the price at Zappos, where it is on sale for $77 (regularly $93).  They also have the pink and black versions for $93.  However, if you’re looking for the Paris Hilton Senorita in black, gold, pewter or grey, Shoes.com has them for $97.  Coupon code CUPID takes another 15% off, dropping them to $82.45 with free shipping.  Coupon expires 2/28/10.

Of note, the Valentino website has the similar bow slingback pump in red satin on sale for $417, reduced from $695.

I was browsing the shoes at Newport News today and noticed these white and pink neon heels for sale.  Who did I immediately think of?  Mary-Kate Olsen, who donned a similar pop of pink in her Giambattista Valli Victoria shoes (which are named after Victoria Beckham).  Although Mary-Kate wore this style a few years back, it’s always been one of my favorite looks on her and a great example of neon done right.  Try a similar look this spring by pairing a white minidress with the Newport News neon heels, which are on sale for $29 (originally $39).  They are listed as ivory/pink, so it may be more of an off-white.  Apply coupon code 503 for another 25% off, making them just $21.75.  Coupon expires 1/22/10.

If you’re looking for a Giambattista Valli Victoria knockoff for a more exact replica of the look, InTheirCloset.com found an almost identical pair offered by Shiekh Shoes for $44.97.

I previously posted about the boots Miley Cyrus wears in Sex and the City 2 in the cameo scene she shares with Kim Cattrall’s character, Samantha Jones.  They wear the exact same dress on the red carpet and the same knee-high boots, which are either the Bebe Jenna or the Dolce Vita Marilyn.  I’m not sure which one considering Bebe says on Twitter that it’s the Jenna and Dolce Vita says on their blog that it’s the Marilyn.  I tend to lean toward Dolce Vita, but they look virtually the same, so it’s hard to say.  However, the $248 Bebe Jenna is currently sold out at Bebe (coming back soon) and it’s a bit out of budget for some of us.  The same for the Dolce Vita Marilyn, which is currently priced from $207 up to $365.  However, we do have look-alikes for both of these pairs that cost way less.

Urban Originals has the Fahrenheit Kamy (pictured above) priced at just $26.99 in five color options.

There’s also the Bamboo Beat from Urban Originals, which is $31.50 and comes in four color options:

So, even if you can’t afford the exact boot seen in the movie, you can still get that fab Sex and the City style for much, much less.

This weekend, while checking out the latest issue of celeb mag In Touch, I noticed a picture of actress Sienna Miller wearing a green and black Peter Pilotto dress in a feature about wearing green and black fashion.  It’s a nice color combo and Sienna looks gorgeous (as usual), but it’s the shoes that really set the whole look off.  According to Glamour, this pair is from Isabel Marant and Sienna wore them while promoting her movie G.I. Joe earlier this year.  They must be one of her fave go-to pairs considering she also wore them to a different event just a few days prior.  It’s certainly easy to see why she loves them, but unfortunately there doesn’t appear to be a place you can buy them online.  I did, however, run across this pair:

The Rosegold Halle looks virtually identical and, although I don’t know the exact price of the shoes worn by Sienna, I imagine it’s likely quite a bit higher than the price tag on this pair.  It’s on sale for $178.75 at Jildor, marked down from $275.

There’s another look-alike at Jildor, the Jeffrey Campbell Us, which is also on sale. It’s down to $107.25, reduced from $165, but sizes are limited.  Update: Jildor is sold out, but Solestruck has the Jeffrey Campbell Us for $164.95 and Lori’s Shoes has it for $154 in limited sizes.

Update: The name of the actual boot she’s wearing is the Isabel Marant Otway and they go for $1,295.  The Wall Street Journal calls them the “it” shoe of the season and reports that they are sold out everywhere.

These $836 Yves Saint Laurent Divine eel platform pumps from Farfetch are certainly divine, as their given name suggests.  I’ve had a thing for eel ever since I was a young girl and my grandmother Millie, who was very elegant and had great taste, gifted me with a small, beautiful tan eel purse, which felt like pure luxury to me.  While eel skin may not be the most common leather people wear on their shoes, it is one of the most exotic and tends to impart an instant air of sophistication when worn.  It can also be quite expensive.  But, wearing eel shoes doesn’t have to break the bank.  Let’s take a look at a few gorgeous, but expensive, eel heels from YSL and some lower-priced eel shoes that provide all of the indulgence, but none of the guilt:

More: Yves Saint Laurent Eelskin Pump in chalk from the Cruise 2010 Collection for $775 at Nordstrom.

Less: RSVP Cassidy genuine eel pump in sand for $68.04 at Zappos.

Less: The RSVP Cassidy is also available in brown eel at Zappos for $62.72.

More: Yves Saint Laurent Eelskin Pump in coral from the Cruise 2010 Collection for $775 at Nordstrom.

Less: Moda Spana Simone eel pump in camel, dark brown or wine for $44.28 at 6pm.  Also available in very limited sizes at Overstock for $49.82.

Less: The Cindy Says Toxic pump, which is made of faux eel skin and has a very unique heel, which is described as “comma inspired” (who knew commas could be inspiring!).  It’s available at Amazon for $71.58 in mustard.  You can also get it in red or black for the same price, but sizes are extremely limited.

I’m also really hoping this Pelle Moda Vintage becomes available again.  It’s at Zappos for $115.08, but only in size 10, and I don’t see them available anywhere else.  If anyone knows where to get them, I need to know!

Today is the last day of the Nine West Friends and Family Sale, which automatically takes an extra 30% off your order at checkout.  It gets even better if you find a pair marked “Take 30% off!  Discount seen at checkout” because it means you get to double dip your discount - i.e. 30% off is taken twice.  Or, get the extra savings on top of any of their sale shoes.  For instance, the New Balance for Nine West Dahlia is on sale for $49.99, but drops to $34.99 at checkout.  I’m also checking out the Nine West Salika strappy boot (pictured), which has a similar look to the $1,195 Christian Louboutin Nitoinimoi at Barney’s, but will only set you back $110.25 (originally $225) after all of the discounts.  To top it off, shipping is also free on any purchase.  Expiration: 12/7/09

Atwood

Love the Brian Atwood Lola?  Well, Rachel Zoe certainly does, but unfortunately it doesn’t appear to be available for sale anywhere online.  Saks had it for $655 and Net-A-Porter for $680, but they are now sold out.

N.Y.L.A.

But, we do have a Brian Atwood Lola knock-off by N.Y.L.A currently available.  The N.Y.L.A. Bandit in leopard or black can be found at DSW for $89.95.  New DSW customers can get $10 off $49 with coupon code SHOP10 (exp. 11/15/09) or any customer can get $5 off $49 with code NOVPKG (exp. unknown), both stackable with free shipping on $35 for members with code SNOWMAN (exp. 1/4/10).  DSW codes typically require account login.  Update: DSW is sold out, but you can get the same pair at Amazon for $119.95 or at Endless for the same price.

Here’s another similar pair, the Paradox Sandal by Boutique for $230 at Topshop.

I really love the Christian Louboutin Dillian, but it’s $1,695 at Nordstrom and probably won’t be sitting pretty in my closet anytime soon.  I’ve done a More or Less on this pair before with the look-alike Dollhouse Soleil, but here’s another similar pair by Report Signature:

The Report Signature Dante takes the floral, ruffled look of the Dillian, tones it down a bit and gives it more edge with the zipper detail lining.  Oh, and there’s also a purple version…love:

I found a great sale price on this pair. It’s at Nordstrom for $129.90, marked down from $194.95.  Sizes are kind of limited, but you can find more sizes at 80s Purple for $213.  Get 20% off with coupon code hautemacabre until 11/13/09.  Update: There’s also good size selection at Victoria’s Secret, where this pair is $215 and you can get $30 off with coupon code FALL09 until 11/18/09.

If that’s still a little much to spend, don’t forget the Dollhouse Soleil.  It’s available in blue, black, purple and pewter at Shoes.com for $48.  Apply coupon code ENJOY09 for 20% off, making them $38.90 with free shipping.

Update: Here’s another similar option, the Vince Camuto Marcia pump in black or purple suede for $117.95 at Nordstrom.

Update 2: Another option is the Luichiny Gim for $79.95 at Endless.

McQueen

Hmm…this is kind of interesting.  You’ve probably heard the news about Steve Madden getting getting sued by Alexander McQueen for their $129 Steve Madden Syrena bootie, which McQueen says is a copy of their $1,155 Alexander McQueen Faithful bootie.  As a result, the shoe is no longer being sold at Steve Madden and everyone is waiting to see what the judge’s decision will ultimately be.

GoJane

But, one retailer isn’t waiting around to see what happens.  GoJane offers another obvious knock-off of the Faithful bootie on their site right now, the GoJane Zipper Foldover Bootie for $36.70.  GoJane is known for offering very low-priced styles that look similar to expensive designer shoes, but it remains to be seen if McQueen decides to take action against them too.  Is the GoJane pair different enough or inexpensive enough for McQueen to ignore?

Steve Madden

Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with shoes “inspired by” premium designer pairs.  The designers are looked upon to set most of the trends, but clearly they don’t serve every market, and there’s a big difference in the customer base of Alexander McQueen and that of Steve Madden.  Then again, I don’t like exact copies either.

For nearly every pair of ultra-expensive designer shoes, there’s a lower-priced, “inspired-by” counterpart.  So, the question becomes, spend more or spend less?  You decide: 

These Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain zipper boots rock, but their super-high price tag will knock your piggy bank out in no time.  If you gotta have em, get them at Shopbop for $1,975 with free shipping.

Spend less on a wedge style with the same multiple zippers, the Jeffrey Campbell Legal.  Get these at Lori’s Shoes for $186.

Spend way less on the Go Jane zipper strap boot for $38.40.  It comes in black, red or brown.

Update: Another option is the N.Y.L.A. Zipit (pictured) at Nordstrom for $146.95 or the ALDO Cousey for $140 at ALDO.

Here’s another fierce zipper boot, the Giuseppe Zanotti zipper ankle boot.  Spend $975 at Saks to add this style to your closet.

Or, spend a lot less on a similar style at Go Jane.  Their zip up bootie is $29.40 in black or red.

Kim from the Real Housewives of Atlanta wore Christian Louboutin Glitter Peep-Toe Slingbacks tonight on the show finale (drama!).  If you’re a size 7.5 or 10.5 with a fully-loaded wallet, get them at Saks Fifth Avenue for $745.  Update: Kim actually wore a closed-toe style, which is likely the Pigalle 120 crystal pump shown here on Fergie, but there are similar styles (some are sold out).  The multi-colored Christian Louboutin Glitter Slingback Platform Pump is available for pre-order at Neiman Marcus for $745 or get a red or blue Glittered Platform Pump for $775.  The Christian Louboutin Glitter Pump in nude or pink is priced at $595.  The closed-toe Christian Louboutin Ron Ron in silver is $595 at Barney’s.  Update 2: The Christian Louboutin Peep-Toe Glitter Pump in multi-platinum is $725 at Saks (some sizes are on pre-order).

If you can’t quite swing it right now, try the Coloriffics Gala Silver Glitter Peep-Toe Slingback for $54.45 at Shoebuy.  Apply coupon code FALL to get another 20% off, bringing your total down to $43.56 with free shipping, bling and all.  Coupon expires 10/31/09.

Another silver glitter heel option is the Stuart Weitzman Avalon at Zappos for $355 or at Jildor for the same price.

Here’s the Miss Me Whitney for $39.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.com.

More glitter pumps:

Oh Deer! Dorothy glitter pumps for $51.75 at 6pm

Report Signature Leather Glitter Platform Pump for $92.50 at QVC.  Update: They appear to be sold out at QVC now, but Heels.com has them for $169.99.

J.crew Starlight Sylvia Glitter Heels for $198.  This pair is on sale for $158.40 until 11/23/09.  Update: Now sold out.

See more shoes from The Real Housewives.

The Gucci Babouska, which was worn by Whitney Port on The City, is definitely a hot style.  So hot, in fact, that I couldn’t find the sandal version for sale anywhere at the time of my Whitney Port post, so it appeared to be a sold-out style.  However, it is available for sale at Bluefly.  The sandal is $995 and the ankle boot is $796, although only a couple sizes are left for each.  So, let’s face it, the limited availability and rock-star price tag hinder most of us from trying these out.

Enter Babouska look-alikes to save the day.  If the Babouska sandal and the Babouska ankle boot were to magically combine and instantly become more economical, the result would be this Colin Stuart Strappy Studded Sandal.  It’s available from Victoria’s Secret for $98 and, if your order is over $100, use coupon code FREE100 to get free shipping until 10/20/09.  Update: New Victoria’s Secret code SAVE20 takes 20% off one item until 10/18/09.  That makes this pair $78.40 instead.

Other Babouska look-alikes include this studded cage platform at Charlotte Russe for $34.99 and the criss cross stud platform heel at GoJane for $25.