Christian Louboutin Studded Platform Slingback

Remember those Christian Louboutin jeweled platform slingbacks I featured here a while ago? I said at the time that there was no other shoe out there like it. That’s still true, for the most part. I still haven’t seen a shoe like it, encrusted with so many jewels, but still managing to look stylish and not gaudy. And even though that shoe has been out for a while now, it’s still hot. I just saw Sarah Jessica Parker wearing it in a magazine recently, which just pissed me off. Why can’t she just stick to her Manolos and leave my lovely Louboutins alone? I don’t know how she ever got the reputation of being some sort of style icon. It can’t possibly be for the hideous things she wore on SATC, and it certainly isn’t for anything from her own closet. She needs to fire her stylist and get a real one. Or does she even have one? Maybe she’s choosing those horrible outfits herself. That would explain a lot, considering that with all the money she’s made, it took her forever to have that mole removed from her chin. Some of you out there, especially those with moles of your own, will probably say there was nothing wrong with it, to which I would respond, then why did they pile makeup on it in every movie and photo shoot she did prior to having it removed? If it was somehow adding to her looks—wow, I can’t even write that with a straight face—then why cover it up? Crap, where was I? How did I go from talking about gorgeous Louboutin shoes to SJP’s distracting mole?! Back to the good stuff. So while there’s no shoe out there just like the jeweled platform slingback, there is this equally kickass Christian Louboutin studded platform slingback.

Wasn’t I just saying the other day that white is a great color for winter? Sure, that was a Bodhi handbag, but it goes for shoes too. Ok, this isn’t true white, it’s nude, but you could also call it off-white or beige, which are still in the white family. The one hundred percent leather upper is covered from vamp to slingback with tiny silvertone studs in four sizes. They remind me of those little silver balls you sometimes see on cookies or cupcakes, and these shoes are just as yummy. Sure, you might want to wait for the weather to warm up a bit before getting back into peep toes, but if your feet can stand the cold, this shoe would look awesome with a pair of wool trousers or a tweed pencil skirt. The platform is hidden, and the slingback has just enough elastic to give a good, comfortable fit while not detracting from the design of the shoe. The four-inch heel is covered in the same leather as the upper, and of course, the sole is the signature red. If you can afford them, you can’t pass up this addition to your wardrobe. They’re $1,695 at NeimanMarcus.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

So this time, I didn’t even bother trying to find a shoe comparable to the Louboutin. It’s pointless. I went a totally different way. There was another shoe I ran across that I’ve been wanting to write about, and this seemed like the perfect time, but we’ll get to that in a minute. Right now, have a look at this L.A.M.B. Lesley stiletto sandal. The upper is gray leather, and the vamp is ruched. It’s actually very similar to the L.A.M.B. Lita T-strap from early last year. Where it gets really different is the heel. The back of the heel, to be more specific. It’s covered with feathers, and not just any feathers—Pearl Guinea Keet feathers, which are black and beautifully adorned with white spots. Then they added some paillettes for a little sparkle. This work of art sits atop a four-inch heel. The only problem? Even though there’s a small elastic insert at the top of the heel cup, I can see myself stepping right out of these shoes just while walking. There’s really nothing to hold the foot in the shoe. They’re nice and all, as long as you’re just standing or sitting. I can’t really see being able to walk comfortably or confidently in them. Still, they’re pretty, and they’re on sale. Normally $339.99, they’re just $237.99 right now at heels.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Now, these are the shoes I’ve been wanting to write about, but couldn’t really settle upon a theme to fit them into. The other thing is, they sold out before I could write a post, but they’ve since been restocked. That should tell you how popular these babies are! The Martinez Valero Carla Feather Ornamented Sandal is one of the most unusual, and most beautiful shoes I’ve ever seen. At first glance, you might think it’s just too weird, and maybe something you’d only see on a Vegas showgirl. Ostrich feathers? Really? And to be honest, this photo doesn’t do them justice. You have to see them on, and in better lighting. After you click the link below to check out the shoes, navigate to the Endless home page. The second image in the slide show is of these shoes actually on a model, and trust me, they are fabulous. What makes them even more gorgeous is that the designer made the satin upper peacock blue to complement the feathers rather than contrast with or detract from them. The shoe has a padded footbed, and a leather outsole that, with a little scuffing, will give you sure footing. The heel is 3.75 inches high, and it’s a true height since these are not platform sandals. Martinez Valero also got this shoe right by making the feathered adornment an ankle cuff. There’s no way this shoe is slipping off when you walk. I’d love to see this shoe in motion, though. I bet the feathers gently sway in the breeze created with each step. Dammit, now I’m gonna have to buy them just to see! Like I said, they already sold out once, so you’d better hurry if you’re gonna beat me to them! As gorgeous as they are, they’re only $174.95 at Endless.com.