Designer Look-A-Likes

Most people these days are watching their piggy bank, but fashion is always changing and it's not cheap to keep up with. It can be a tricky battle when buying "fashionable" clothes and accessories. You have to know when to buy for quality over price. If that makes sense?!

There are certain basics/classics that should always be quality such as a trench coat, black pumps, nude pumps, black and/or brown boots, well fitted jeans, tailored trousers, a fitted blazer, white blouse and a plain genuine soft leather purse. Those types of classic items should always be on the higher end because the silhouette barely changes from season to season. They can stay in your wardrobe for years if you buy good quality.

Costume pieces, I use the word "costume" lightly because when I think costume I think Halloween, but actually costume can mean those Forever21 $20 purchases because they are low-grade quality and wont be in style for years to come. They are fad's which in turn means costume.

To help you avoid spending oodles of money on costume pieces I have found some alternative options to designer shoes. I hate supporting the knock-off stores but desperate times call for desperate measures.

A good low wedge is hard to come by these days. All wedges seem to be in the excess of 5 inches. Also, I love the bling so these Giuseppe's are at the top of my must-own list. Obviously, comfort will not be in the same calibre but Spring shoes has made a knock-off version of the Giuseppe wedges. The wedges have a huge price difference, similar style, but same patent black wedge height.

Giuseppe Zanotti - Studded Wedge - $750 - Barneys

Zanueta - $59 SALE $44.98 - Spring Shoes

We all remember the infamous Sex and the City episode when Carrie takes off her beloved Manolo's at a house party and someone steals them! Well those highly sought after pumps are unfortunately the most knocked-off.

Manolo Blahnik - Sedarby -$715 - Barneys

Laack - $80 SALE $54.98 - Aldo Shoes

Love the YSL patent black pumps but dislike the price tag? ... then here is a solution! These Ledec Aldo patent pumps have a similar stick thin heel and a generous platform minus the major price tag!

Yves Saint Laurent - Tribute Double-Platform Pump - $795 - Neiman Marcus

Ledec - $90 SALE $69.98 - Aldo Shoes

After browsing at Aldo, I fell in love with these:

Mickolick - $90 SALE $69.98 - Aldo Shoes

I am a sucker for purple! and I just thought they were the perfect shoe-bootie for going out on the town. They would be a lot of fun to wear on a girls night sipping martini's at George. They must be purchased!

This will be a 2 part post! Check back tomorrow for another list of Designer Look-A-Likes!!

Grand Opening

I'm back! I had a mild Christmas no blogging break and now I have come back to the blogesphere very refreshed. I had a wonderful Christmas with the fam and enjoyed some ultra lazy time. A boxing day tradition with my family is to avoid all malls, and go for dinner and a movie. This year we saw Sherlock Holmes which I really enjoyed! Robert Downey Jr. was fantastic and even Jude Law was pretty good. The movie night started a little weird. We had a 40 something man with his wife sitting right in front of us throwing popcorn at people below. It was extremely weird to watch a grown man act like he was 12. Then we had a group of young guys cracking their Budwiser behind us. Minus the odd surroundings the movie itself was very entertaining - Highly recommend it!

On my off day channel surfing I watched Much Music's Hotties 09 (yes I watched it... slightly ashamed). Of course, Taylor Launter and Megan Fox took number 1 but Chace Crawford was close! :) Leighton Meester and Blake Lively were definitely on the list. Leighton Meester has been a busy girl. She is definitely making the transition from Blair Waldorf to Leighton Meester the singer seamlessly.

Last night, Leighton was at the opening of Klutch Nightclub in Miami Beach along with Twilight hottie, Kellan Lutz.

As per usual, Leighton looked dapper in a black cut out dress and exquisite YSL black suede platform pumps.

She started her night in YSL and ended the night in Lanvin cap toe sneakers ($765 - Barney's).

If you are in Miami Beach for NYE, you should consider partying it up with Leighton Meester, Kellan Lutz, Boys Like Girls, Kid Sister, Steel Panther and of course Just Jared ;) at Klutch Nightclub.

Here is more info: Just Jared

Merry Christmas

I am sorry there will be no shoe post today ;) I hope you all can understand!! haha.

I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I know there are quite a few of you from different parts of the world (which I love!!!), so for those of you I tried to learn how to say Merry Christmas in your language :) I hope its right ;)

Hyvaa joulua

Froehliche Weihnachten

Joyeux Noel

Feliz Navidad

God Jul!

~Michelle

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

[Tiffany & Co. Christmas Ornament - Tiffany & Co.]

It's almost Christmas! I'm so excited! Aren't you?!

Christmas is my favourite time of year. I love seeing Vancouver at night when its all lit up and Christmas music is playing in all the stores. No matter how stressful Christmas is, when you hear your favourite Christmas song you can't help but smile.

The only downside of winter here in Vancouver is the lack of fashionable winter boots. I can walk in to tons of stores and find all different style boots but none of them are actually durable. I know that's odd to say, but I had a "near death" (slight exaggeration) experience on Friday when I ran into my school and my Italian leather boots with the smooth leather sole slipped on the hardwood and I almost bailed. I grabbed onto the desk and luckily saved myself from a tragic fall (haha.. such a drama queen). This little mishap got me thinking... there isn't many fashionable boots that give you peace of mind when walking on ice and snow.

Most people wear Uggs all winter long because their functional, but fashionable? that depends. Personally, I feel uncomfortable wearing my Ugg boots out of the house unless its for a Starbucks run, but that's because I feel like MegaMan when I wear them. I know tons of people who consider Uggs a staple in their wardrobe and that is completely fine! I think they look better on others then they do on me. So if you're like me and want to find functional fashionable boots then read on.....

Flat boots would be a smart option, but again make sure to take a close look at the sole. If the sole of the boot is soft leather they have a tendency to be extremely slippery.

After lots of research and wondering threw Browns and Holts I came to some conclusions. Here are a few examples of boots that I found to be winter savvy.

Ok, don't laugh... I saw some girl yesterday wearing these Tod's boots with Jbrand's and she looked super cute. She had the whole lumberjack theme going. When I saw them up close they actually have some very good winter weather qualities.

Tod's Zeppa Ankle Boots - $625 - Neiman Marcus

I am obsessed with these Fendi boots. Not sure how I would feel about wearing them in the snow because their $1,150 BUT their genuine leather, well made, and have a low heel.

Fendi Seleria Flat Boot - $1,150 - Neiman Marcus

Now these are for the more sophisticated woman. A little Christian Dior Initiles boots are perfect for a fashionable winter. I personally wouldn't wear them at my age, but I am sure if I was a wee bit older and more sophisticated I would definitely rock them!

Christian Dior Initiales Boots - $1,090 (on sale at Blue Fly for $741) - Blue Fly

DKNY came up with a fashionable version of a rubber boot. They made these water-resistant boots with a heel! (bonus!) They have a sturdy rubber sole and work well in snow and rain. Their also really cheap! $135 for a pair of boots. That's almost unheard of...

DKNY Bop Rubberized Boots - $135 - Shop Bop

I really love these! Trust me, I shocked myself when I walked into Geox and darted right for them. I think Geox - I think grandma, but aren't these cute?! and their perfect for winter.

Geox Cruz Boots - $250 - Piperlime

Make a Splash

A little wellies still go along way. Tamara Mellon was brilliant to team up with world renown Hunter rain boots. They were the must-have of last season. The crocodile embossed wellies with the signature Hunter insignia on the front are easy to spot.

The boots are sold online at Jimmy Choo for $508 CND.

Celebrities spotted:

Kristen Bell (the voice of Gossip Girl) walking through the Farmers Market in Cali yesterday rocking her Hunter & Jimmy Choo rain boots.

Rachel Bilson tightly holding on to her coveted boots.

Ashley Olsen wearing her wellies while running errands.

Hilary Duff holding her wellingtons after getting a pedi at Venus Nails in Los Angeles.

see an older post on the Hunter & Jimmy Choo Wellies.

Are You Prepared for NYE?!

[It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in our house :)]

After a morning from hell, I finally can post! On my Christmas list this year is a new laptop. My Mac is on the fritz.

I know eastern Canada has been hit with tons of snow but on the west we've had it pretty tame. Today is started to actually snow and by actually I mean less then a cm (sad I know..) but we will take all we can get of the pretty white stuff :)

While listening to a little Michael Buble Christmas music this morning, I hunkered down to write a post that many of you can relate to. NYE is ringing closer! (2010!! wooo) and we all know that you need the perfect COMPLETE outfit for New Years Eve. Everyone wants to look their best and its the time of year when glitter, sequins, over-the-top make up, big hair and lots of booze is fully acceptable. Some people like to find the dress first then the shoes. I seem to work the other way around. I like to find the perfect shoes and match the dress accordingly, but we all know I am a little weird so I don't blame you for doing it the "right" way.

My advice would be choose what type of garment you want to wear. If your dress is going to be a simple colour then that leaves you with free reign to accessorize and wear KILLER heels, but if you want to wear a full on gold sequin dress, that kind of restricts your accessory placement. If you don't want to spend a lot of money I would recommend getting a bold frock that way you wont need to layer necklaces or bracelets cause your dress is already the center of attention. This may be common sense for some of you but for those girls that I see at clubs wearing hot pink sequin dresses with silver heels and layers of fake diamonds and metallic make up.. this is for you! Note: you shouldn't blind people when they look at you.. no one needs THAT much sparkle.

Let's talk shoes... I have a few pumps that I think are great for NYE!

Of course you can't go wrong with Christian Louboutin heels but since not everyone can spend $700+ on NYE shoes I have added the cheaper versions. I usually avoid Aldo shoes. I HATE that they rip off the designers and they are extremely uncomfortable and WAY over priced, but for one night of partying they do in a pinch. Especially for those who are on a shoestring budget.

Christian Louboutin - Glitter Peep-toe Pump - $725 - Neiman Marcus

Christian Louboutin Look-a-likes:

Litten - $90.00 - Aldo Shoes

If you want sexy yet simple heels, these platforms are right up your alley.

L.A.M.B. - Z-Project Platform Pumps - $300 - Shop Bop

L.A.M.B. look-a-likes:

Rosemore - SALE $59.98! - Aldo Shoes

I hope some of these suggestions help you complete your perfect outfit or give you inspiration.

Five Fingers

Channing... we need to talk.

Now, I will still marry you, but you must take off those extremely ugly "shoes". No one wants to see that you have all 5 toes, we believe that you do without showing us.

These are just as bad as Crocs. They keep haunting me everywhere I go. Why must you wear them? What attracts these shoes to people? I really want to know. Cause I look at them and cringe. If someone says it's cause they are "comfy" I will die cause its like sweatpants. Sweatpants are comfy but so are denim! what looks better? walking down the street in baggy sweats? or wearing soft denim? I think the denim! That analogy works for these "shoes".

What is your opinion on these Vibram Five Finger "shoes"?

Purse Envy

Have you ever seen a purse that you just can't shake from your memory? That one bag that haunts you all day long because its just so beautiful? I hope I am not alone in this.... Over the years there have been many amazing purses but the purse envy usually passes quickly (at least for me), but this one purse has been on my mind since it came out.

After investigating into designer companies and taking a good look at how some companies (*cough* Coach *cough*) mass produce their bags, I have grown a new appreciation for handmade Italian handbags just like I have for my shoes. Coach, which is called "Couch" by one of my wise teachers, is no longer on my list of must-owns. I think that's because it is so accessible. Girls in their extremely tight Juicy Couture velour suits and Ugg boots walk with their Coach purses (some real, some fake) and think their hot stuff... *newsflash.... you're not envied!*

Givenchy knows how to make purses that turn heads. They are simplistic and just pure sophistication. Hilary Duff has been carrying my dream bag for months. I die every time I see it! I swear that girl has my dream life. She drives my dream car (Mercedes G-Class), Starred in my favourite show (Gossip Girl), and rocks my favourite bag! She's a lucky, lucky lady.

Givenchy - Medium Corset Chain Nightingale Tote - $2,075 - Barneys

(Hilary Duff has the Large Corset Chain Nightingale Tote)

Side Note:

Looking on people.com this morning, I came across this picture of Ashley Tisdale carrying two large bags of Christian Louboutin's. So... for all those aspiring actresses out there, all you need to do is dance in a musical, pretend to sing and get a nose job! and you to can carry bags full of Louboutin's. :P

Sonia Rykiel for H&M

Kate Bosworth attended Sonia Rykiel for H&M collection launch in Paris. Just like for the Jimmy Choo launch, I had planned to line up at 5 a.m. but plans changed last minute, so this time I will be lined up. Who can pass up affordable Sonia Rykiel? It's like an oxymoron.

I am just SLIGHTLY jealous of Kate Bosworth for dating Alexander Skarsgard. I don't like True Blood, but I sure do like him. I swear all Swedish people are good looking, and Sweden is rumored to be the one country with the most single people. Well, if that's true ... I'm shipping out! :)

The 26 year old wore a light tangerine dress with gorgeous bronze glitter embellishments. I love the dress and the shoes! She wore Miu Miu ankle strap satin black pumps.

Sonia Rykiel's collection for H&M comes to select stores December 5, 2009. It's coming up VERY soon ladies, so prepare yourself.

Miu Miu - $550 - Ankle Strap Pump - Barneys

Take a sneak peek at the collection: