Still Obsessed - Balenciaga Buckle Strap Boots (and Look for Less)

I know, I promised the new year would be different and I'd be back blogging away. I'm sorry that I've been so absent. I had some major job stress and now it's finally over. I've started in a new position and a big weight has been lifted. Here it is, the new beginning. Thanks for being so patient, my friends.

I'm back (finally)!

Have you ever had one of those items that you long for and just can't get out of your mind, no matter how hard you try? Knowing all the time, that you'll never be able to justify spending the money. Well, Balenciaga's Buckle Strap boots are in that category for me. Back in January of 2012 (yes, two years ago), I wrote about my obsession with these boots. I've tried on many similar styles but none of the boots were close to the original. The style wasn't quite right, the leather wasn't shiny enough, the soles weren't stacked, they looked cheap. Even through all of that, I simply can't and won't spend $1,275 on a pair of shoes. No matter how much I like them and how rocker chic they are.

Balenciaga $1,275

I found these recently from Wanted shoes. They are a cool substitute but still not good enough.

Then I found these!  They are amazing and so close to the originals. Amazing right!? I'm in LOVE! They are leather, have a stacked heel and sole and the buckles are almost identical. 

Jessica Burman CRUSH Booties $159

UPDATE: Oh happy day!  Just this morning, Jessica Buurman posted a silver buckle version of the CRUSH black cut out boots to their site! I like gold but I LOVE silver! So exciting!

CRUSH booties with silver buckles!

Fall Shoe Wishes

Zara always seems to have the most incredible shoes and for some reason, I've never purchased a pair from their site or the store. I don't really have an explanation but hopefully I will remedy that this fall.  I'm loving lots of their fall styles. Each of the pairs have qualities that I love in shoes.



Click on the photos for buying information.

From the top left...

 

• Low Heeled Pointed Toe Ankle Boots - I love low heeled ankle boots. They look great with pants and skirts and this suede version is dressy enough for the office.

• Ankle Boot Sandal - A funky take on a sandal. These ankle boots have a cool rocker edge to them. The ankle straps and chunky heel are sturdy and the wide toe strap will hide my pinky toe that insists on sticking out when I wear strappy sandals.

• Red D'Orsay Flat - You know I'm loving D'Orsay flats this fall. Red ups the pretty quotient on this version.

• Nude Pointed Toe Ballerina Flats - Nude flats are so versatile. I prefer pointed toe flats to round toe flats because they lengthen your legs.  The ankle strap adds sophistication.

• Black Leather D'Orsay Kitten Heels - The cut of these D'Orsay pumps is unique. I also love kitten heels for those days when you don't really want to wear a sky high heel.

• Combination Ankle Boots - The cut out, the color blocking and the low heel of these ankle boots (yeah, you get it, I love ankle boots) create a not so typical boot. I'd wear these on the weekends, with jeans or a winter maxi skirt.

Do you have a wish list of fall shoes?

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Cut Out Boots

My crazy obsession with cut out boots has reached a breaking point. I definitely don't need another pair. They aren't in my budget and I can't buy them.  Unfortunately, that doesn't keep me from looking at and Pinning every pair I see. They are cool, funky, versatile and I love them, I can wear them year round. I snagged the pair in the upper right corner (ASOS ATTACK Leather Gladiator Ankle Boot) before they sold out.  Now I'm lusting after a tan or light colored pair. 



Click the photo above for buying information.

Jeffrey Campbell is the king of the cut out boot. They have so may great styles to choose from.  I could have filled an entire page with just JC boots.  In fact, the majority of the boots above are JC boots. Most of the options I found (that I like) are over $100, which is a bit on the pricey side. If you love this look and want a pair, consider purchasing a pair that will carry over season to season.  Select leather, with clean lines and minimal buckles. I'd recommend the ASOS boots but they are sold out.  The Jeffrey Campbell Melina Cut Outs or the Ecote Gordon Cut Out Boots from Urban Outfitters (the least expensive pair) are good choices for staying power.

What's your latest obsession?

Fashion Inspired by Heart

We decided to take a very short honeymoon trip to the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame (we're taking a longer trip later this year). It's in keeping with our rock inspired wedding and it was an economical trip after spending much of our money on the wedding.  I know Cleveland isn't everyone's ideas of a  romantic honeymoon destination but {msL} and I have a great time no matter where we go. This week the female fronted rock band, Heart will be inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.  I think it's about time. They are one of my favorite bands.  Not only did Ann and Nancy Wilson sing but they wrote the songs and played instruments too.  Trailblazers! In honor of these two talented and stylish ladies, I thought I'd show how their style is influential, event today.

Click above for info on the fashion.

The style of Ann and Nancy has evolved over the years.  They went from bohemian, to 70's tailored fashion, to 80's over the top and now they've settled into their own style.  I love their early influences, boots, pants with tuxedo stripes, chokers, fur, and lots of black eyeliner.

I'm looking forward to our visit to the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. Check out Heart's biography here.

DIY - Glitter Boots like Giuseppe Zanotti

Well it appears to be glitter week here on RGR and that was totally unintentional.  A little while ago I did a post on my winter DIY inspirations.  I've been working on all sorts of projects and I've just finished up my glitter boots. I have terrible ADD when it comes to projects.  The boots took a little longer than I expected so I've done a little at a time. I was inspired by these $625 Giuseppe Zanotti boots.

Giuseppe Zanotti Glitter Boots $625

My original idea was just to use Krylon Glitter Blast Glitter Spray.  I loved the finish but I wanted them to look just like the Giuseppe Zanotti's. It wasn't quite the chunky glitter look that I wanted to achieve and I ended up adding loose glitter. The Glitter Blast was a great base for the chunky glitter.  I didn't have to mix two types of glitter, like I've seen other people do. The boots I purchased were tan.  I painted the boots black first. I painted the heels and soles solid black.  I sprayed a thin coat of black on the rest of the boot.

Black Paint on Boots, Heels and Sole Edges

After Spraying with Glitter Blast, I Started Adding Chunky Glitter

I continued added glitter until the boot was covered. Then I sprayed with several coats of Krylon Triple Thick Crystal Clear Glaze

Finished Boots!

SUPPLIES
Tan Boots                                             $17 (Target)
Black Spray Paint                                 already owned
Krylon Glitter Blast Glitter Spray          already owned from Holiday projects
Krylon Spray Adhesive                        $4 (with coupon from Michaels)
Krylon Triple Thick Glaze                    already owned from Holiday projects
Glitter (Paillette style)                            $3 (Michaels)
Painters tape                                         already owned
newspaper
__________________________________________
                                                $24  SAVED $601

They turned out really great. I can't wait to wear them.  I just hope they hold up to a bit of wear and tear.  I may need to give them a few more coats of sealer. I'm sure I'll be wearing them in an outfit post soon. 

Moment of Lust - Balenciaga Cut Out Boots

$1,275!  That is the price of the Balenciaga Cut Out Boots, if you can even find them.  They are sold out everywhere. I can't imagine paying $1,275 for a pair of boots, no matter how much I love them.

Balenciaga Cut Out Biker Boot $1,275

I've been searching for other options for some time now and found some possibilities.

Jeffrey Campbell Roscoe $254

ASOS Leather Cut Out Ankle Boot $116