Luxurate

Now that I have finally settled into my new home in Los Angeles, it's time to get back to all things luxurious. I can't think of a better way to celebrate the return of Luxurate than announcing the Christian Louboutin Event beginning today at theOutnet. With over 60 styles to choose from at up to 70% off, I'm anticipating some major damage on my credit card this week.

From what I have previewed, it appears the UK ladies have several very popular styles that rarely get marked down like Mad Mary studded pumps and Catwoman 120 T-Strap stilettos. Not that those of us on this side of the pond are being shortchanged, the US offerings include the modern cult classic Rolando in natural python and the sexy gladiator inspired Neuron 100 sandals in bright fuschia.

Net-a-Porter is one of my favorite online retailers for Christian Louboutin and I'm looking forward to receiving my first package from their new authentic designer outlet, theOutnet. Have any of you bought something from theOutnet yet? What did you think of their service and packaging?

Season after season, Christian Louboutin brings us the shoes that we lust after. The Fall 2009 runway report is no exception. My favorite of the collection is a new take on the Galaxy style he presented last season. For Fall, he reintroduces it with multiple colors and a d'Orsay style. Not to be outshined, this red napa leather pump with hidden platform is certainly a treat. The vivid red is perfect for this pin-up style reminiscent of our coveted Miss Clichy. Next up is the swarovski crystal encrusted Miss Boxe. While they are certainly beautiful with all their bling, I'm not sure how well that translates to a bulky wedge heel. A stiletto heel like the Miss Clichy would better complement the jewel detail for a fabulous pair of luxury shoes.

The boots for fall are interesting. I have a love/hate relationship with Christian Louboutin boots because they just don't fit me. As much as I would love for them to, I have to stick with Chloe when it comes to boots. I would love to be able to rock these sexy over-the-knee boots, but I don't know how much walking I would actually get done.

The last of these remind me of Balenciaga. I appreciate the design of these shoes and someone who would wear them, but for me personally, I prefer heels that aren't so bulky.

The Prada Pre-Fall collection has arrived at Bergdorf Goodman. While Prada will forever be in our heart, their shoe collection can be hit or miss from season to season and we never quite know what to expect. The collection is looking nice for Fall, yet it's definitely more than a little Louboutin-esque.

The signature piece of the Fall 2009 collection is a towering 4.5" platform peep-toe mary jane heel with 5 buckle straps. While it certainly has the wow factor and will no doubt be popular,  it all looks a little too familiar. It screams Christian Louboutin - a mash up of his classic Yoyo Zeppa and the recent Lillian Triple Buckle Pumps - but lacks originality. What can I say, I love Christian Louboutin, so most things that have been well crafted and resemble his bold style, generally win my approval.

Prada's implementation of a zip up side along the interior ankle rather than having to buckle each of the 5 straps individually is impressive. The craftsmanship, curves, and lines of Prada are also quietly evident in these Louboutin lookalikes. So why do we love these lookalikes from Prada? Prada tend to cut their shoes very full and true to size for an average foot, whereas Louboutin are generally cut very narrow. These Prada heels are perfect for the girl that loves the look of Louboutins, but the comfort, fit, and pricetag of Prada. While they don't include that infamous red sole, you will save hundreds of dollars and still have a great pair of designer shoes.

Prada Black Suede Multi-Strap Platform Pump - $695
Prada Brown Suede Criss-Cross Platform Sandal - $590
Prada Red Leather Cut-out Shoe Platform Bootie - $695 read more »