So here’s one more attempt at the YSL cage sandals. It’s a bit better than Bebe’s but still an epic failure.
Bakers, the brand who expressed their love for YSL via the brown Tribute sandals last year, threw together a pretty plastic looking cage atop a platform of the same color with a stumpy looking stilletto heel, instead of the parallel cage the YSL sandals sit on - but they do come with the zipper in back.
It comes in silver, bronze and patent leather black for a ridiculous $80.
And not a soul will mistake them for actual YSL.
Everyone always coos over everything Carine struts in on the Tuileries each season, and these amazing lattice/gladiator/bootie/sandals by none other than Alaia were no exception. It’s the perfect combination of boot and sandal, and the suede makes them totally wearable in winter (with tights of course).
Unfortunately, these ideal shoes are out of the price range for most - think around $1,500 - so when we spotted them on Baker’s on sale for $50, we were kind of excited. But then we realized:
1) They aren’t even real suede, so the shoddy quality won’t give them lasting power.
2) They lack the signature tan Alaia sole- more subtle than the notorious Louboutin red sole, but still a crucial element.
3) They won’t come in the amazing industrial-strength Alaia box that almost serves as a shoe shrine instead of simple casing.
4) You can pretend, but you won’t be able to have an actual Clueless Alaia moment.
We kind of wish we didn’t know the Baker’s version was a knock-off because they amazingly maintain the sexy vibe of the original, but really, it’s all thanks to like a totally important designer, so no.
—ALEXANDRA BEN-GURION
I am obsessed with this shoe.
Sure, it’s meant for a woman’s foot, but I’m in love with it nonetheless. It’s sleek and sophisticated, the perfect ending to any nighttime outfit in summer or fall.
So when I was walking by Baker’s yesterday and noticed my beloved Gucci Newton in the window, I immediately did a double take. It couldn’t be, right?
Wrong. Baker’s stole my shoe. The heel might be altered just a tiny bit, but the white piping and cute little shoestrings remain. All that Gucci goodness for only $69.95.
But no fear because the real Newton, left, is now on sale, too!
—KYLE HAYES
