ShopDiary

Balmain Crystal Studded Sandals For Less

Everyone’s been going gaga over Balmain’s crystal embellished studded sandals. Giuseppe Zanotti’s diamanté and stud sandals for Balmain Spring 2009 are a runway hit (along with other pieces from the collection), they are almost sold out at Net-A-Porter and Luisa Via Roma. Not everyone can afford the staggeringly expensive $2300 price tag, however, so naturally we’re seeing lesser priced versions.


Zara (photo via Paris and Pascual) was among the first to release their version for $169. These flew off or were pulled off the shelves pretty quickly. You won’t find them in stores anymore and would be lucky if you even find them on eBay.

Aldo’s Smeal was also one of the first knock offs. They’re not as brilliant (pun intended) as the original Balmains or Zara version so, not surprisingly, they are still available for $125.

Jeffrey Campbel Mel came next and have the bling of the original. They are selling fast! Nasty Gal just got a new shipment (in sizes 6-10) and are selling for $178 so get them while you can. You can also find them in limited sizes for $169.95 at Solestruck and $160.90 at What a Pair.

Baker Shoes Derek have the toe post found in the Balmains and at $79.95 (plus an extra 25% off) are a steal compared to the above versions. They are also sold at Wild Pair.

And lastly, these shameless knock offs from South Korea have details from the original Balmains down pat they blow the competition out of the water. The suede ones pictured on the right are exact replicas sold by eBay merchant boa_82. Buyer feedback is 100% and be prepared to pay $299 and upwards for a pair. Another eBay merchant, chicby21, sells non-suede replicas (pictured on the left) for far less (bidding starts from $0.01).

What do you think? Which version would you go (or have you gone) for? Are you over Balmania or are you just getting started?