I’m a self-proclaimed addict of the Real Housewives franchise on Bravo, so naturally I’m tuning in to the latest addition to the series: the Beverly Hills cast!  I’m pretty convinced that Bravo isn’t going to stop until we know just how every well-to-do woman lives, spends her money and catfights across every major city in the country (or the world, for that matter), but so far I’m along for the ride.  Of course, I could get all analytical and talk about how the show highlights the fact that money doesn’t necessarily bring happiness and security - these ladies all have their share of problems, let’s face it - but I’m much more interested in talking about the shoes.  Like previous housewives, the latest crop of ladies love their Louboutins - and who can blame them?  In the last episode, “The Art of War”, I spotted two housewives wearing the brand on the show and I had to find the shoes, along with some lower-priced lookalikes.  Let’s check it out:

Lisa VanderPump is an early fave of mine when it comes to the Beverly Hills cast.  She’s the posh, but likeable, housewife whose dog, named Giggy the Pom, blogs on Bravotv.com and has his own Twitter page - you know, just your average pooch.  While searching for what to wear to the premiere of Kelsey Grammer’s play La Cage Aux Folles on Broadway, we see Lisa wearing this shoe while trying clothes for the event:

This is the Christian Louboutin Poseidon and it was once available for $1,195 at Saks Fifth Avenue, but now appears to be sold out everywhere online.  For a similar look for less, try these shoes:

The Miss Me Jocelyn-22 for $59.95 sold by flyJane via Amazon or the Miss Me Nitron for the same price directly from flyJane.

The Carlos by Carlos Santana Pleasure in pewter for $54.45 with free 2-day shipping from Endless.

The Stuart Weitzman Avalon in natural python for $199 (regularly $398) at Jildor or in Buff Mica Python for $200 at 6pm.

Then there’s Camille Grammer, who is primarily known for being the wife of Kelsey Grammer (and we all know how that turns out), but is already making a name for herself on the show because she’s perfect for stirring up a little drama.  She vamps it up for Kelsey’s premiere in these hot pink satin Louboutins, which add a nice splash of color to her LBD (emphasis on the “L”):

This appears to be the pink version of the Christian Louboutin Greissimo, which I could only find on the UK site Cricket Liverpool.  But, here are some shoes that are very Camille and much less expensive:

This is the Bebe Lola in pink, available at Bebe.com for $149.

There’s also this feisty pink pump, the Martinez Valero Carolina for $81.75 with free shipping at Zappos.

By the way, if you found yourself seriously tempted by the chocolate Louboutins Lisa bought in an earlier episode, check out the chocolate shoes (sans red sole) over at Gayle’s Chocolates for $40 - $45 a piece.  It’s definitely a nice gift option for any shoe lover friends you might have.  Or, you know, for yourself.

Real Housewives photos from Bravotv.com.  Camille Grammer photo from Zimbio.com.

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If you like to follow trends, you know that leopard print is kind of a big deal right now.  Leopard has long had its place in fashion and animal prints are always around, but it’s been bigger than ever this fall and we’ve been seeing it everywhere.  Another ongoing trend that’s been popular for the last year or so is wearing over-the-knee boots, a style that’s typically known for being overtly sexy, but has adapted quite readily into everyday wear.  It’s always fun to follow the latest trends and show the world you know what’s up, but giving in to every fashion whim can definitely hit the wallet pretty hard.  That’s why it makes sense to combine your trends and get more bang for your buck.  The Sam Edelman James boot does just that and combines the leopard and OTK trends seamlessly.  While they are daring, the flat heel tones it down a bit, although I’d still wear them with something somewhat understated to get the ideal effect.  You can get these shoes at Karmaloop for $275 and apply coupon code SAVE20 to reduce them to $220 with free shipping.  For the black or “putty” color options, see Piperlime, Bloomingdales, Shopbop, Endless or Zappos.

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Jessica Simpson has had her share of fashion hits and misses, but I must say I love the look of the leopard shoes she wore on September 8 while leaving her hotel in NYC, seen here on the website of Ok! Magazine (more photos available there).  Jessica’s walk on the wild side is courtesy of Christian Louboutin and his Miss Fast Plato in leopard, which is available at Barney’s for $1,095 (only 1 size currently left).  We’ve seen a lot of leopard in fashion lately, but what makes this bootie stand out is the deep cut down the vamp of the shoe and the super-high 5+ inch heel.  But, it’s also good timing for me because lately I’ve been intrigued by a similar shoe and it always helps to check out how someone else wears the look.

The pair I’ve had my eye on is the Irregular Choice Bangers and Mash in leopard and it definitely isn’t what you’d call a knockoff for the Louboutin bootie - it’s a bit more casual with its lower heel and platform and it has a tiered wooden heel that adds a funky, off-beat touch - but it does feature the same super-low cut down the front and it’s a viable alternative for those who want a less expensive (or more quirky) alternative.  You can get the Irregular Choice pair at Karmaloop for $150 and apply coupon code SAVE20 to get 20% off and free shipping, which reduces the price to $130 shipped.  The expiration of the coupon is unknown.

Update: I found a couple more options that don’t have the super-low cut down the front, but do have the 5+ inch height of the Louboutins and leopard print:

Luichiny Now or Never leopard bootie for $64.99 with free shipping at Amazon.

Rock & Republic Angie in leopard for $239.20 with free shipping at Amazon.

Jessica Simpson photo from Okmagazine.com.

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If you’re on the hunt for your latest pair of cute shoes, it’s definitely a good time to shop while many stores are having shoe sales for Columbus Day.  There are plenty of ways to save while shoe shopping this weekend and I’ve gathered up some of the best bargains I’ve seen so you can keep your feet fashionable and your wallet happy (which is always a win).  Plus, I’ve thrown a bit of interesting shoes news in for good measure.  Here’s what I found:

DSW was offering a free purse with a $39.95 or more order as of yesterday, but unfortunately they have already sold out.  The good news?  They are now offering $10 off a purchase of $10 or more using coupon code 7921DSW at checkout (exp 10/12) instead and you can stack it with their 920 code for 10% off and SHIPR for free shipping on $35 or more.  That cuts the price on the Moda Spana Chase Pump in leopard pictured above from $54.95 to $39.46 shipped.  All of these codes require signing into your DSW account.

Lord and Taylor takes 15% off your order using coupon code CDAY or, if you pay with a L&T credit card, CDAYPLUS (you get another 10% off that way).  They are also having a boot sale that takes 25% off one pair or 30% off two or more automatically at checkout.  When you combine the two offers, you definitely have the potential to save big.  The military-inspired Nine West Donley pictured above is normally $129.95 and drops to $96.75 in cart after 25% off, then to $82.24 after the CDAY code.

Macy’s is also having a buy more, save more sale on their selection of shoes.  Their Great Shoe Sale takes 15% off one pair, 20% off two or 30% off three or more when you enter GREATSHOES at checkout.  Shipping is also free on $99 or more.  You can find the biggest savings in clearance shoes, which are already reduced an additional 25% right now and are also eligible for the extra savings with the coupon.  For example, the Dolce Vita Cadiz mesh bootie above is marked down from $70 to $52.50 (retail $100) and is further reduced to just $36.76 after coupon.

Nine West is taking an extra 30% off select shoes and boots during their Columbus Day Sale.  The New Balance for Nine West Celestina lace sneaker above is way too cute and you can get it for $62.30 instead of $89 after the discount.  Shipping is also free. 

Shoes.com takes an extra 25% off sale shoes with coupon code 25SALE until 10/11.

At Payless, buy one and get 50% off your second item during the last few days of their latest BOGO sale (exp. 10/11).  Get another 20% off your order with coupon code 30526 (exp. 10/31). 

Guess takes 50% off select shoes and shipping is free.

Get an extra 25% off clearance at Aldo through 10/11 and free shipping.

Now, on to some shoe news:

A Mariah Carey shoe line is coming soon.  The singer is working with HSN on a collection of jewelry, footwear and perfume with a butterfly theme, which will be available at the end of November.

Steve Madden bought out Betsey Johnson and there’s also talk of a Katy Perry Steve Madden partnership in the works.

The world’s largest shoe department - in both physical size and the number of shoes offered for sale - opened last month at Selfridges in London.  The Shoe Galleries displays over 5,000 pairs of shoes.

She plays the ultimate shoe lover as Carrie on Sex and the City, but Sarah Jessica Parker tells In Touch magazine (in the October 4 issue) that she only owns seven pair of shoes.  If true, she must do a whole lot of borrowing from the designers for all of her fab red carpet looks (and who knew she was such a minimalist?).  On the other end of the spectrum, Kimora Lee Simmons admits to having “thousands” of shoes and closets all over the country to house her collection.

That’s all for now.  Have a great weekend!

Mariah Carey photo from People.com

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Everyone knows that the MTV Video Music Awards are just as much about the fashion as they are about the music - the two literally go hand in hand. After finding one of the shoes Chelsea Handler wore while hosting the show, I’ve continued to check out more shoe styles seen on celebs at the event. Of course, Lady Gaga had to outdo everyone in the most outrageous way possible by wearing a dress and shoes made of real meat:

This is definitely a statement-making choice (to say the least), but one that I doubt anyone will want to emulate for themselves.  If you do want to get the look, see this MTV Style article for details on how they were created and consult with your local butcher (and, please, send pictures!).  In addition to wearing beef, Gaga wore the iconic Alexander McQueen armadillo shoes (pictured, top), the same style featured in her Bad Romance video, which won Video of the Year.

There isn’t anything quite like the McQueen heels, but these Senso Neve shoes in snake are a real-life alternative to get that edgy, Gaga-esque style for less.  They are also a look-alike for the Acne Admire, as I found on Nitrolicious.  Get them on pre-order for $199.95 at Solestruck.

While I do enjoy watching Gaga and her wild fashion choices, there were other stars wearing much more wearable shoes that we could all potentially rock in real life - that is, if we have the cash flow for the pricey designer brands they opt for.  That’s why I’ve also found some similar, but less expensive alternatives for those who love the looks seen at the VMAs, but need something more affordable.  Let’s check it out:

Selena Gomez wore a gorgeous silver dress and kept the metallic theme going head-to-toe with her silver Brian Atwood Kendall shoes.  I can’t find these available for sale online, but here are a couple options for less:

Charles by Charles David Risque (left) for $47.25 at 6pm and the Chinese Laundry Fire It Up (right) for $49.99 at Dillards.

Hayley Williams of Paramore wore the Miu Miu Spectator Pump, available at Bergdorf Goodman for $650.  Save some money and get a similar look with these shoes:

Samanta Amay for $199.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

Audrina Patridge opted for the Balmain Metallic Rhinestone Pump, which is available at Barneys for $2,300.  Get something much less pricey with these shoes:

Michael Antonio Reza for $98.95 at Shoebuy.  Coupon code EMLFALLKICKOFF10 takes 20% off for a limited time, making them $79.16 with free shipping.  But, there are a few sizes at Amazon for only $47.98 with free shipping.

JWoww of Jersey Shore sported a more toned-down look than usual, which looks good on her, and I’m definitely loving the shoes.  I think these are Jimmy Choo, although I couldn’t locate the exact pair.  But, here’s a sparkly option for less:

Enzo Angiolini Merryann for $79.95 at Nordstrom.

Update: It looks like she could be wearing the Jimmy Choo Crown, which is $695 at Saks:

Or, possibly, the Enzo Angiolini Sully for $88.95 at Nordstrom:

Here’s another lookalike without a peep toe, the Enzo Angiolini Smiles, which is also sold at Nordstrom:

Twighlight’s Ashley Greene and singer Kei$ha both wore closed-toe black patent pumps to the VMA’s.  I’m not sure of the designer for either of these shoes, but here’s a similar pair for an affordable price:

Aldo Moos for $80 at Aldo.com.

Any more shoes from the VMAs you want to know about?  Let me know and I’ll do my best to find them!

Images from MTV.com and Style.com.

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The Jeffrey Campbell Tick is a shoe that has taken on a life of it’s own.  It all started with the solid leather black wedge bootie version that was reinvented with the addition of a thumbtack-studded heel and it has since kept going and going, changing and morphing into various forms along the way.  Ticksters now have even more ways to get their tack on with new styles, like the Jeffrey Campbell Why Stop (pictured above) for $164 in black or brown at Karmaloop.  Yes, why stop, when there are so many possibilities for this bold look?  We have many more Tick varieties to check out, each of which are all tacked up and rarin’ to go:

Totally Futuristic: The Jeffrey Campbell Robot with metal plating for $234.95 at Solestruck.

Freddy Krueger-approved: The Jeffrey Campbell Slash Low, a scaled-down version of the Jeffrey Campbell Slash TK (almost sold out), for $179.95 in white or black at Solestruck.

More slashed-up action: The Jeffrey Campbell Giggle Tic, which sold out quickly the first time it was offered at Karmaloop, is back for $200 - and almost sold out again.

Not shy: The nude Jeffrey Campbell Tick for $164 at Karmaloop or $169.95 at Solestruck.

Closed up shop: The Jeffrey Campbell Ticket (i.e. the Tick sans peep toe) in black/silver or black/gold for $169.95 at Solestruck.

Folded Over & Zipped Up: The Jeffrey Campbell South Street for $188 at Karmaloop or $159.79 at Eilatan.

Classic: The Jeffrey Campbell Tick in black leather or natural burlap for $150 at Karmaloop or in black, natural burlap or white for $169.95 at Solestruck.

Heavy metal: The bronze Jeffrey Campbell Tick for $150 at Karmaloop or $142.79 at Eilatan.

Wild thing: The tribal Jeffrey Campbell Tick for $150 at Karmaloop or $169.95 at Solestruck.  Update: We also have the cheetah and zebra Jeffrey Campbell Tick Fur for $179.95 at Solestruck.

One more: The Jeffrey Campbell Riddle Tack for $151.29 at Eilatan.  Update: There’s also the similar Jeffrey Campbell Tickle Tack for $122.39 at Eilatan.

Note: For purchases at Karmaloop, use coupon code CLINTON to get 20% off your first order and 10% off thereafter (expiration unknown) or code 15FAB for 15% off until 7/31/10.  Solestruck offers free shipping on $99 or on any order for repeat customers (requires log in).

Freddy Krueger photo from Wikipedia.

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We bid farewell to the cast of MTV’s The Hills this week during their final episode and the after-show The Hills Live: A Hollywood Ending, which brought together the entire cast - even Lauren Conrad, but not Spencer and Heidi, who disappeared off the show earlier this season with no real explanation of where they went (besides Crazy Town, that is).  But, it was quite bittersweet for the show to be over and I, for one, actually liked the ending - the final scene where Brody and Kristin are saying their final goodbyes to each other after Kristin decides she’s moving to Europe. 

The background - which appeared to be a real outdoor locale in front of the landmark Hollywood sign - was pulled away and revealed to be a backdrop in the lot of a studio.  Then the cameras pan out to show all the behind-the-scenes action of the show: the cameras, the crew and the breaking down of the last scene.  Apparently, some people didn’t like the ending, but I appreciated the unexpected nod to all the speculation on whether the show was real or fake and the acknowledgement that it wasn’t all reality.  I think most viewers knew it was scripted - at least to some degree - and, let’s face it, a little drama engineering does wonders for the entertainment factor.  Of course, another part of the show’s appeal was checking out the fashion.  So, for my last The Hills shoes post, I’ll be checking out what designer shoes the ladies wore to the aftershow and, in the spirit of this blog, find lookalikes that cost much less.

The cast looked gorgeous at the finale and I had to notice that it was actually the dresses that took center stage this time around - no statement shoes that stole the show for the most part - but they wore the kind of shoes every girl should have in their closet: sexy platform heels in go-with-everything neutrals that serve to complement, not compete with, the entire look.  Let’s start with Kristin Cavallari:

I absolutely love Kristin Cavallari’s dress from The Hills finale, which is by Zuhair Murad and she paired it with Christian Louboutin Turbella 120 silver pumps, which were available at Net-A-Porter, but are now sold out.  I don’t see them for sale online anywhere else, but get a similar look with these: 

Nine West Every in dark or light silver for $29.95 (MSRP $78.95) at 6pm, plus 7 more color options (prices vary). 

Aldo Debellis for $75 at Aldo.  Coupon code 175926112 takes 10% off and shipping adds $5 unless your order is over $75.  The expiration of the code is 7/31/10.

Lauren “LC” Conrad may have exited the show before the final season, but she was back to celebrate during the finale and rumor has it that her taupe suede pumps are Aldo, specifically the Aldo Fawson for $49.98 at Aldo.com.  These are already affordable but, not surprisingly, close to being sold out in this color.  For more neutral suede heel options, check these out:

Nine West Marray for $88.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.  Spend at least $100 on qualifying back-to-school styles (this pair qualifies) and get an extra $20 off for a limited time.

Steve Madden Ultamit in taupe with berry colored sole on preorder at Steve Madden for $79.95 with free shipping using coupon code SMFREESHIP at checkout.

Whitney Port left The Hills for The City, but she definitely had a statement to make at the finale…with her shoes, that is.  Whitney nixed neutrals in favor of a bold and colorful cage style that had Jimmy Choo written all over it.  It’s the Jimmy Choo Quito multicolored snakeskin bootie and it appears to be sold out everywhere online.  These more affordable pairs convey a similar look:

Michael Antonio Jeana for $55.95 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

Aldo Storino on sale for $64.98 (regularly $90) at Aldo.  Get 10% off using coupon code 175926112 and shipping adds $5 unless your order is over $75.  The expiration of the code is 7/31/10.

Pour La Victoire Bethanie 1 in teal for $137.17 with free shipping at Amazon.

Audrina Patridge dared to bare plenty of skin at the finale in her tight purple cutout Boulee Ciara dress, which you can preorder at Singer22 in fuschia or black for $198 (she’s actually wearing it backwards), and her black peep toe pumps.  Her shoes are identified by Coolspotters as the Brian Atwood Wagner, but I can’t find the exact pair online.  However, we always have more black peep toe pumps on the market and here’s a couple that I like for less:

Steve Madden Flawwles for $98.95 with free shipping at Shoebuy.  Get 20% off with coupon code SUMMER at checkout (expiration unknown).  Update: There’s only a couple sizes left, but 6pm has this pair on sale for $39.98 (sale price expiration unknown).

Paris Hilton Sashay in black for $69.30 at 6pm.

Lo Bosworth looked fetching in her white dress and her Christian Louboutin Mille heels completed her sophisticated look.  Get the exact shoes at Barney’s for $895 or spend less on something similar, like these:

Boutique 9 Disco for $79.99 at Nine West or for $96 at 6pm.

Stephanie Pratt pairs platform slingback YSL Tribtoo heels, similar to this one from Saks that is now sold out, with her skintight Herve Leger dress.  Here’s a lookalike option from Bebe:

Bebe Neve in black, blue or pink for $149 at Bebe.

Another option is the Zigi Project Pumped heel in blue or black at Bakers for $79.95.

Holly Montag wore a pretty white feather dress and closed toe black patent heels.  I’m taking a guess on her shoes, which could be Christian Louboutin, Miu Miu, the Pour La Victoire Irina or none of the above (it’s hard to tell).  However, this pair is a nice option for less:

Aldo Moos for $54.98 - $75 depending on option selected.  Coupon code 175926112 takes 10% off and shipping adds $5 unless your order is over $75.  The expiration of the code is 7/31/10.

So, with that, we say goodbye to the cast of The Hills and all of the rumors, the drama, the black mascara tears, the boyfriend stealing, the name calling and cat fights, the voodoo crystals and plastic surgery, the lingering facial expressions, the ending and beginning of friendships - all of it - and, of course, the shoes.

Photos from MTV.com

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