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.

P.S. Be a friend of Fairy Shoe Princess on Facebook! Hit “Like” at the top of the page.

If you haven’t signed up for Zappos VIP program yet, now is a good time to do so.  You can feed your shoe loving tendencies even more by getting free overnight shipping for life, which will make anything you order from Zappos - already known for quick shipping - delivered even faster.  It’s basically the closest thing you can get to instant shoe gratification in the online shoe shopping world.  Zappos only offers open sign-up once in awhile, so be sure to secure your free VIP membership by 11/26/10, the deadline for this go-around, to get your free overnight shipping for all eternity.  Sweet!

I love a shoe that is completely romantic and feminine, which is why this Badgley Mischka Olaf mesh bootie immediately caught my eye while browsing the footwear at Nordstrom.  It’s a bit pricey at $200, but I can totally imagine these paired with tights in a contrasting color, which would allow the large floral lace detail in the mesh to really stand out.  Plus, it’s topped off with a large satin bow and shiny trim - what more could a girly girl want?  In addition to the nude version pictured above, it also comes in black:

You can get either color at Nordstrom for $200 and apply coupon code SHOES for free shipping on your order until 10/25.  It’s also available in black at Piperlime for the same price or at Zappos in black or nude for $204.  Shipping is free at either store.

Did you guys catch the MTV VMAs last night?  I did, and there was definitely some amazing performances, loads of celebs in attendance, and plenty of fashion to check out.  At the helm of it all was host Chelsea Handler, who I must say looked sizzling hot in her LBD and t-strap platforms in black and silver during the opening act of the show.  As an added bonus, Chelsea clearly shows that it’s always possible to defend yourself just fine, even when wearing 4+ inch heels:

You’ve gotta feel for the little red man on the receiving end of that kick.  

You can get Chelsea’s fierce Gucci Keira shoes for yourself by heading over to Neiman Marcus, where they are available for $775.  For something far less expensive, here are some more black t-strap sandals to pick from:

Fergie Joust in black for $41.24 in most sizes (prices vary based on size) at Amazon. 

Nine West Graceymai on sale for $29.99 at Nine West.

Steve Madden Glitsi in black for $39.98 at Amazon.

Nina Ulrica for $99.95 at Zappos.

Photos from MTV.com and Zimbio.com

P.S. Be a friend of Fairy Shoe Princess on Facebook! Hit “Like” at the top of the page.

Giuseppe Zanotti is a luxury brand that is highly coveted for it’s modern, sophisticated styles, but anyone with these shoes on their must-have list must get past their price tag first.  Case in point: the Giuseppe Zanotti E00330 pictured above, which retails for a hefty $695.  Luckily, we’re in the midst of end-of-season sales right now and you can get this pair for just $209.32 at Amazon (in size 6 or 9 only, as of this posting) or for $334 at Zappos.  That’s quite a reduction, but there’s a similar option for those who want to spend even less:

This is the Steve Madden Charmmer and it’s clearly a lookalike for the Giuseppe Zanotti pair, although there are a few differences - particularly in the heel - making it more of an “inspired by” version than a true knockoff.  But, there is quite a difference in price: the Steve Madden version is $109.95 at Stevemadden.com and your total gets even lower when you apply coupon code rmn20f to get 15% off and free shipping.  That adjusts the total to $93.46 shipped and it comes in black or olive.

I received an email from fellow shoe lover Rebecca, who is on the hunt for a lower-priced version of the Jimmy Choo Quinze, which can be found for $1,795 at Nordstrom in nude and for the same price at Jimmy Choo in black.  This is an absolutely gorgeous shoe, but it’s definitely a toughie to find anything that compares to it and I had to put my magic shoe wand on full throttle to find anything that even comes close.  So, are there inexpensive alternatives for the Quinze?  Unfortunately, after doing an extensive search I didn’t see any mesh, crystal-adorned booties for less.  That doesn’t mean we won’t see an inspired-by version at some point (I’ll update this post if I see one), but if anyone knows of something similar, please help Rebecca out.  In the meantime, I’ve found some shoes that incorporate at least some of the same elements of the Quinze and are viable options, at least for the time being:

There’s no mesh in sight, but the Badgley Mischka Forrester has a string of bling across the vamp that reminds me of the Quinze.  Get these for $215 with free overnight shipping at Endless.

Similarly, the Pelle Moda Favilla has beads and crystals running all they way up to the ankle strap.  Endless has this pair for $188.95 with free overnight shipping.

The Steve Madden Fanfair comes in black or blush and features plenty of jewels in various sizes along the t-strap.  Get it for $99.95 at Stevemadden.com with free shipping using code SMFREESHIP or for $89.96 with free shipping at Zappos.

The Boutique 9 Denya doesn’t have jewel or rhinestone detail, but it is a mesh bootie adorned with pretty flowers.  Get it for $129.95 at Shoebuy and 15% off with coupon code FIFTEEN for a limited time.

Get some serious sparkle for much less with the Celest Hana-08 for $28.50 at Urban Originals.

To get an even closer lookalike for the Quinze, you may have to take matters into your own hands…literally.  Get a plain mesh bootie, like the Aldo Schade (pictured above) for $44.98 or this super-cute tie-back mesh heel from Americlubwear for $27.99.  Add some super glue and loose rhinestones and go to town on the black piping for a creative DIY project.  I’m not quite sure how this will turn out, but it might just work for the crafty among us.

Any more suggestions for Rebecca?  Let us know in the comments!

Update: Here’s a pretty close lookalike for the black version: the Mojo Moxy Venus Pump for $79.95 at DSW.

P.S. Be a friend of Fairy Shoe Princess on Facebook!  Hit “Like” at the top of the page.

If you’re a bride-to-be looking for the perfect pair of shoes to wear on the big day and your “Something Blue” item, why not knock out two birds with one stone and wear a gorgeous pair of blue heels?  It’s something that’s become increasingly popular after those infamous blue satin Manolo Blahnik Something Blue heels stole the show in the first Sex and the City movie and because more and more brides are incorporating color into their look instead of sticking with all white.  I love the idea myself and I think I’d probably wear a blue pair instead of silver for my own wedding if I were to do it all over again.  I’ve definitely fallen for the Pour La Victoire Cami (pictured above), which is offered in a gorgeous shade of pale blue satin with rhinestone-covered rosette detail adding a modern twist.  You can get these at 6pm in blue, black or grey for $95.40, which is 40% the MSRP of $159.  Here are more options in various shades for those looking for their own perfect blue bridal shoes for less than $100.  Of course, you don’t even have to be a bride to appreciate and wear these blue beauties:

Me Too Jeanette in royal blue for $89 with free shipping at Zappos.  It’s also available in 6 additional color options, making it a viable bridesmaid option as well.

RSVP Zaza for $99 with free shipping at Zappos.  This is a close lookalike for the Manolo Blahnik Something Blue from SATC.  It also comes in black or gold.

I’m loving the unusually pretty hue of these blue shoes.  This is the RSVP Ivana and you can get this pair for $89 with free shipping at Zappos.  It’s also available in purple or black.

It’s your wedding day - make it sparkle with blue sequins!  The Chinese Laundry Ladybug is $88.95 with free shipping at Zappos.  It also comes in gold or black.  The RSVP Primrose is a similar option with a peep toe and you can get it at 6pm for $58.80.

I love the elegance of dark blue, so I think the RSVP Monique in navy is a sophisticated and stylish choice for brides.  These are $94 with free shipping at Zappos and also come in red or fuschia.

The whisper soft shade of blue and beautiful detailing on the back of this shoe make it as tempting and delicious as wedding cake.  Zappos has the RSVP Roma in blue, champagne or black for $84 with free shipping.

That’s all for my 7 blue bridal shoes under $100, but I also wanted to add this one to the list.  It’s over $100, but too pretty to leave out:

I love the soft shade of light blue, but if you prefer a brighter shade, the Pour La Victoire Stella also comes in royal blue satin and five other colors.  I’m loving the light pink version too.  Get these for $151 with free shipping at Zappos.

Congratulations to any bride-to-be out there and may your “Something Blue” item - whatever it may be - bring you plenty of luck!

P.S. Be a friend of Fairy Shoe Princess on Facebook!  Hit “Like” at the top of the page.