I first saw the Valentino Rock Stud pumps on Sam at Lucky Fabb two years ago, and since then have been wishing I could some how find a $1000 surplus in my budget to make them my own. To say that I've been tempted by these OASAP knockoffs for a while would be an understatement, and I finally caved.
On their maiden voyage I took them to New Haven for an afternoon with Sean. We strolled around Yale, then around J.Crew, took a coffee break, outfit photos, and two hours later the walk back to the car was so slow and painful that Sean instructed me to sit on a bench and wait for him to retrieve the car and my flats.
I'm no stranger to uncomfortable footwear, and I know enough to stand by my choices and refrain from complaint as much as possible, but I can't help but to wonder, are the $1000 Valentino pumps comfortable? Is that what warrants the price? Could I wear them all day and be in footwear bliss?*
I could also save $900, get a pair of Birkenstocks, make Sean the happiest man alive, and be in footwear bliss, but I'm still not sure how I feel about that trend. You can't just replace a studded heel with a flat sandal and get the same results, even if it is a metallic one.
*To be fair, I have $20 heels higher than these, that I can wear comfortably to a wedding, and have had flats that were so uncomfortable one day I got home and just threw them straight into the trash. It's not just how well the shoe is made, but how the shoe fits your own two, probably slightly different sized feet.
The Rundown
Cobalt Dress Old Navy similar
Striped Blazer Loft similar
Studded Pumps c/o OASAP
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle
Hexagon Earrings c/o Metrix Jewelry
Spike Bracelet "Baby B" c/o Marrin Costello
Naomi Druzy Ring c/o Kendra Scott
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Nail Color "Big Spender" Essie
Cobalt Dress Old Navy similar
Striped Blazer Loft similar
Studded Pumps c/o OASAP
Grayson Bar Bag Linea Pelle
Hexagon Earrings c/o Metrix Jewelry
Spike Bracelet "Baby B" c/o Marrin Costello
Naomi Druzy Ring c/o Kendra Scott
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Nail Color "Big Spender" Essie
and
I am totally all about knock offs because at this point in my life I cannot even begin to justify spending that much on shoes or some of the bags I want! Also, I admit I'm not the best at taking care of my things. So until I learn to treat my clothes/shoes better, knock offs work! This is such a chic look and I really love your clutch too!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love this blue on you!! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeletexx,
La Joie de Vivre by Alecia Mariana
Facebook//Twitter//Instagram // Bloglovin
very chic outfit, beauty! Looks fabulous!
ReplyDeletewww.thefashionfraction.com
How you phrased that is so perfect! "How the shoes fit your own two." Because it's the truth! Some of my favorite and most comfortable shoes have been less than $20 while the most uncomfortable have cost me hundreds. I do wonder that though-- how much more comfortable can $1000 shoes be? I probably couldn't bring myself to wear them though if I paid that much for them.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I feel about knock offs, it's mixed feelings. I think it's very hard to escape them because high street brands are very inspired by what happening on runway.Despite everything you look gorgeous in those shoes paired with that fab dress and jacket. What a pity that they were so uncomfortable.
ReplyDelete♥
xoxo Ra
http://ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie/
I'm all for knock-offs because I tend to get tired of my clothes/shoes/purses quickly. In regards to shoe comfort, it really is so hard to tell until you've worn and walked in them for at least an hour and that's just not feasible when buying shoes. Like you and others have mentioned, some of my cheapest shoes are the my most comfortable.
ReplyDeleteso pretty! you're right; it's also about the tiny differences in our feet that can totally change the feel of shoes from one person to the next. $1000 for heels? OUCH. These are so pretty!
ReplyDeletealyson
www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
I love that blazer with the dress!
ReplyDeleteThey're so fun! Too bad they were so painful though! And yea...being a person who owns some $1000 shoes (not that I paid that much) you can usually tell the difference and they're more comfortable. If they are the right size (I also have the wrong size expensive shoes, haha...but even those aren't too bad)
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
Love this look! I think I have rocked knock-offs since I was in high school. So many of them look similar to the real thing and since I'm usually on a budget, I think it's a logical choice if you don't have the money to spend.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty much to the point where I never wear heels unless it's a chunky one and under 3 inches. I just can't - my feet hurt too damn much. And it's a shame that those ones hurt you because they are seriously really, really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteCourtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
That is one of the reasons I don't do knock offs. I prefer to get a totally different shoe altogether. I mean even those high end shoes are uncomfortable, some of them anyway.
ReplyDeleteEither way you look gorgeous and the shoes are super cute!
Dying over this ring. It is majorly on my wish list. This is one of my favorites outfits from you. I love the blue dress. Although I am not typically a big knock off person, I love these shoes. When the original is that expensive, buy the knock off!
ReplyDeletexo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
I don't think I own any type of knockoff, but when something is that expensive and if I wanted it really bad I would definitely go for one! They are really cute heels. And this is a really great look. Love the color on you.
ReplyDeleteLauren xo
Sophisticated In Style
Yep! You just never know! I have had the same experiences, though I rarely will spend full price on anything--I usually get my brand name stuff thrifted--but sometimes it is worth it. But, like you said, I have some knock off pieces that are fab and comfy. And I have some Vera Wang heels that I have been trying to break in for five years--still horrid. Who knows.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love that blue dress! The color is so pretty for fall! You look gorgeous.. the dress is so flattering on you!
ReplyDeletexo ClassToCloset
A heel is a heel no matter the price tag. All you'd be paying for is a name. Were blisters/rubbing the issue? Try band aid blister block. Or if it was a support issue try the new dreamwalk Dr Scholls inserts. They have some with and without arch support.
ReplyDeleteSara
506miles
Hehe I feel ya on the shoes--I call those kind "car to dinner" shoes--the kind you wear when that is the only walking you will be doing! But, dang, girl they do look good on you!!
ReplyDeleteTori
FashionBlingGirlyThings
This topic's always tricky for me too! I think the splurge has to payoff in more than one way, in order to justify! For instance, if you did get the Valentinos, how many different ways would you realistically wear them? But something else like a Manolo classic black pump is pricey but worth the investment!
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful in this dress & love how you styled it! All the accessories are perfection & those shoes look amazing just as good as the real ones!!
ReplyDeleteMarta, xo
www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
id rather have a dozen knock-offs than 1 original! to me they look just the same. love the blue on you by the way
ReplyDeleteDelightful Ideas
So cute! There is no way I would spend that much on the Rockstuds, but these are just as cute! And I love that dress!
ReplyDeleteNikki
thefashionablewife.com
you're pictures are beautiful! i love that blazer.
ReplyDeletexo, carli
www.puppiesandpolkadots.com
cute outfit, you look great
ReplyDeletexxx
mari
www.ilovegreeninspiration.com
I am not opposed to knock offs but I don't do pleather shoes (no matter how much people try to dress them up as vegan leather) because they hurt and when you throw them away plastic doesn't break down and leather will.
ReplyDeleteI would rather pay $100 - $300 for a good pair of shoes and not wear something once and never again. Still the $1000 for a pair of shoes seems CRAZY!
I love knock offs, and these look just like the Valentino pair! That stinks that they were so uncomfortable though.
ReplyDeletexo,
Angela
You look super ladylike and elegant in this outfit! Love the simple tailoring of the cobalt dress. Very chic.
ReplyDeleteRed Reticule
love the look! that striped blazer rocks. have a lovely day!
ReplyDeletePinkPopMash
First off - that ring is insane and I want it immediately! and I don't think there is anything wrong with saving some money and getting the knockoffs! It does stink that they aren't comfy, but they look great! I do have the rockstuds much to the dismay of my husband, and I can say that I could wear them all day long without a second thought!
ReplyDeleteMaggie
www.PolishedClosets.com
Love your this ensemble that blue dress is stunning on you.
ReplyDeletexo
PinkSole
It really varies. There are some things you can skimp on and some things you should not. Those studded shoes are so popular. I think knock offs are great for those. Great dress and jacket!
ReplyDeleteI hate painful shoes, especially when they are gorgeous! The shoes look stunning on you though..perhaps you can just wear them when you know you won't be doing too much walking or standing :) I also love the clutch and the ring!
ReplyDeletewww.dressed2dnines.com
What a bummer. Those shoes are adorable! I've seen similar ones on other bloggers and always admired them, but with all the walking I do I hadn't taken the plunge yet. They still look fabulous with your outfit. I love that ring!
ReplyDeleteI have shoes that are gorgeous but just too painful to walk long distances and they are called my sitting heels. This look with the heels is lovely though!
ReplyDeleteLove the cobalt blue on you plus the style of dress is so figure hugging and shoes off your lovely shape! Love the jacket too, you look great!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry those shoes hurt. That is the worst. I totally agree that it isn't always about price as I also have very inexpensive shoes that feel great and really expensive one that hurt to take a step in... I love this dress on you. The color is so pretty and shape is so flattering!!
ReplyDeleteNicole
Nicole to the Nines
you look gorgeous in blue! such a chic and cute look!
ReplyDeletekelseybang.com
The shoes are so amazing, such a bummer that they hurt! I have become really weird about shoes lately - I would much rather pay a little more (though not thousands!) for shoes that are comfy. I totally agree that even flats can hurt your feet. And honestly it's so hard to know until you've worn them a few hours. Gah. Anyway, they look awesome in the pictures. And the blue looks amazing on you!
ReplyDeleteI am not a prude, but I avoid knockoffs of all types and kinds if I know the designer its been taken from. Sometimes trends catch on like fire and there are tons of companies that make similar but the original stands apart for a reason..So true about cheaper shoes holding and feeling better as well though..sorry your shoes hurt..hopefully they will get better with wear or may be you should just trash it.. :(
ReplyDeleteTake it easy..
Love the color of your dress and your whole outfit! So sorry about the shoes hurting your feet. Sometimes the knockoffs are great and sometimes the real thing is really the best.
ReplyDeleteMichaela || The Monogrammed Midwesterner
knock off or not, you look impeccably chic in this outfit!!! :) head to toe amazing!
ReplyDeleteAnimated Confessions
Oh it's too bad they're so uncomfortable, those shoes are FUN! They add the perfect amount of funk to that classic look. But I totally understand, you just never know (until you wear them around for a while) with shoes.
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame that the shoes are so painful, as they do look really pretty! :)
ReplyDeleteI think inspired versions of things, like these shoes, are sometimes better than the real deal - better for my budget anyway! But unfortunately you do sometimes get what you pay for quality wise. I tend to stick to brands and styles that I know work well for me with shoes, as the wrong shoes can be horribly painful!
Away From The Blue
You look absolutely stunning in cobalt. So sorry to hear about your sore feet:( It's so disappointing to have heels that look awesome, but feel terrible in them. For what it's worth, you do look gorgeous in those heels! Oh and I LOVE that stripped blazer!
ReplyDeleteRobyn
http://feelgreatfashion.com/
I do have mixed feelings about knock off's - it's a no when it comes to handbags - I just feel like a fraudsters. I would love a pair of Valentino or Louboutins but I just can't justify spending that kind of money when I am so tough on my shoes.
ReplyDeleteBummer that these hurt. I don't think price or heel size is what makes the shoe comfy. I am not sure what it is but like you, I have heels that are comfy and flats that hurt.
Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
Stunning outfit, great shoes!!!!
ReplyDeletewww.plogstyle.com
oh my I do not know where to start! I love the dress, color and shape...the bag, the soes the jewelry!
ReplyDeletebeautiful and so stylish!
Irene
www.thedailylace.com
Blue looks wonderful on you. Yes, those shoes definitely are much easier on the wallet then the Valentinos =)
ReplyDeleteOh, I love those pumps! I really want a similar pair in nude :)
ReplyDeleteCobalt is a great color on you!
ReplyDeleteThe Rockstuds are awesome- but I'm like you, not sure I can justify the $1000 price tag for a shoe that isn't a classic (trendy and SO CUTE, for sure- but will it stand the test of time?). These OASAP's are a great alternative!
:)
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
Knock-offs don't bother me unless they're glaringly knock-offs. Usually handbags bug me. This outfit looks great though and if you hadn't mentioned the pumps being knock-offs, I wouldn't have known!
ReplyDeleteMelanie | UnraveledThreads
What a shame that such pretty shoes caused you so much pain. They look so nice with your dress and accessories! The real Valentino's are definitely out of my budget too, but I hope that because they cost so much that they somehow don't hurt to wear.
ReplyDeleteloving that striped blazer!
ReplyDeletecoffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com
I don't think I could ever spend that much on shoes so I love that you found a much more affordable alternative. You look great and it makes to so happy to see New Haven in the backdrop of these photos!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful look! That blazer is absolutely adorable and the bag is perfect for the outfit. Blue is definitely your color!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.weshopinheels.com
On the very much brighter side, these look fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI did check the original item's reviews, they mention you have to go up at least half a size to get a proper fit, the word fairly comfortable is mentioned while another said she thought she was "wearing sneakers".
So…. i think the real pair is probably a bit more comfortable.
Maybe you can wear them for an evening out where your walking time is minimal.
This is a great post, Lydia. I've always wondered about the Valentino knockoffs. They look great but as you just showed us, not so comfortable. I'm not sure if the real Valentinos are that comfy either. Anyway, I love your dress. That cobalt blue totally caught my eye. ~Cynthia
ReplyDeleteSuper fly outfit! I always love you in bold blues. The nail polish color is a great contrast to the outfit.
ReplyDeleteTiffany Ima
Style Honestly
Oh, love those beautiful heels on you! I have knockoffs Chanel earrings, I used to wear them without a thought and then someone commented on them and I stopped wearing them. :S I used to like them a lot.
ReplyDeletelove this whole look and hey we have the same heels on the blog this week! :)
ReplyDeleterhea @ rheaetcetera.com
You look great! Love the whole outfit, I can't believe the dress is from Old Navy. Also, great heels, sorry to hear that they were so uncomfortable!
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered if the $1000+ designer shoes were somehow magically more comfortable too. I've never even tried them on though. I think these knock offs are gorgeous though! I hope they get more comfortable because they look great!
ReplyDelete~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
I'm never completely sure how I feel about knock offs. In all honesty, unless I were very close to you, I would never know that these weren't the real thing. I love my Louboutins and firmly believe that they were worth the investment but that's because they are so classic and I will be able to wear them forever - the rock stud pump obsession, I fear, will not stand the test of time and therefore, to me, aren't worth the investment. Better to go for a $20 pair that are likely not much more uncomfortable, and wear them happily for as long as they last.
ReplyDeletexox,
Cee
I love them, why pay full price when you can find the same look for less. http://soworkweekchic.blogspot.com/
ReplyDelete