Imitation = Flattery?

I just recieved the Nordstrom holiday catalog in the mail the other day and as I was flipping through the pages, I was stopped in my tracks by the spread for these Steve Madden boots/sandal booties.



Which also happen to come in a taupe suede as well. Why was I stopped? Not because I find them that good looking or eye-catching or even well made.





No, it was because they appear to be very poorly conceived and executed knock-offs of the Maison Martin Margiela sandal booties (worn here by Jane of Sea of Shoes)



She also has the tall boot version of these as well.



Here's a close up of the taupe verison.

These white ones were at eLuxury.

Of course the knock-offs (named Triumphh) were done by Steven Madden... the master of bad versions of good shoes.

Fall Favorites: Focus on Heels

A few days ago we looked at the "Rich Details" being seen in the Fall introductions just hitting stores. One of the next (or actually continuing) trends is focusing on the heel area to make an impact.

These Dior heels not only have mirrored insets but they also have the chunky loafer styling which is also popular this year. They also come in a few other colors, not just the tobacco leather.



As typical for Maison Martin Margiela, these nail pumps have a bit of the surreal and unusual about them. I'm not sure how comfortable these are but they're sure to get some double-takes when you are wearing them.



These Oscar de la Renta patent pumps intrigue me because I like how the tweed pattern is achieved not as fabric but a pattern in the patent leather. They also mixed it with tortoiseshell patent accents. But it is the heel that caught my eye. The heel cap reminds me of the Miu Miu Vernice Pop and Spazzolato heels.



Miu Miu and Prada were busy again this year... and leading the trends. These Miu Miu Lightning Bolt booties bridge the 1980s touch points with modern techniques. I think they look more like something that would come from Ashley Dearborn than Miu Miu.



This is more the Miu Miu I'm thinking of for this season - sequins and sculpted heels. It's as if they took the waves and fans from the main body of the shoe last year and moved them into the heel.



And, of course, Prada. Not that their embellishments were limited to just the heel, but this suede sandal in particular was be-ruffled in purple and brown and the focal point for the design. I actually had this on pre-order but ended up dropping this in favor of a Chanel pair. But wouldn't these be pretty with some dark grey tights?



And my favorite of the bunch are actually these Stella McCartney heels with the metal "armor". I know. It's so hit and miss with Stella but I think she does best when she sticks to fabric versus other materials. These would be great with a cocktail dress. I like how they add a tough element but in a classy way.



Do you have a preference?

More to come!