Prada’s espadrille platform brogues have been on everyone’s hot list, but not everyone that fancies this new flat can go down the nearly $800 route.  For the rest of us, we [thankfully] have the high street, which has latched onto this style like a rabid beast. Like their brands, they range in height, color and how the espadrille style has been interpreted (or lack thereof). Let’s begin!

First off is Jeffrey Campbell’s Ad Long triplets; they are the tallest and most daring of the group, available in nude/red, black/white and brown/orange.  For the girlies looking to add the most height and get the most confused looks, the JC route is definitely the option for you.  A close second is Modekungen’s green Creepy, though be warned they are the only pair below that aren’t real leather.

The in betweeners are definitely Asos’ Monroe collection.  I’m loving how daring the pink style is, though that may be a bit Pepto for the masses.  For a more subdued look the brown is definitely a blender, though if you like to get clown shit crazy, the mixed metallic is a best bet.

We’ll finish off with Topshop’s Kingston duo, the safest yet most wearable of the entire group.  While these do not feature any espadrille roping (a pro for some of us), they do feature a single color platform as a standout. There is the brown/green or more standout-ish black/pink – either way, these are the mots FW11 ready if you’re one of those who like to buy ahead of the seasonal change.

As I was perusing AllSaints as I tend to do, I came upon their new Rhyder cross body bag.  As I was staring at it, all I could think was this is a strappier version of Kmrii’s bags.

The Rhyder is not a cheap accessory; it’s $450 for the piece, though if you’re comparing to a Kmrii piece, you’re looking at less $200-400 in the price department.  This is an excellent casual bag that is not only very wearable accessory, but will look even more ace when it starts to show some wear.

Pamela Love floats my boat, but not everyone has over six bills to drop on a bracelet, amazing though it may be.

Fast fashion may not be providing the most high quality accessory pool, but for those that want to represent a style, at least we’re being given the option.  Topshop has a take on PL’s cuff.

At $40, it’s reasonably priced.  Whether you approve or not of trickle down items,

While Stella McCartney rips off Mark Fast, Camilla Skovgaard has been totally nipping on Nicholas Kirkwood’s signature platform steeze.

Check out the diagonal cut out shaping on both platforms; they look nearly identical.  While this may be a small detail to many, it is Nicholas Kirkwood’s signature platform shape.  This has appeared on so many Kirkwood pumps, that is has become synonymous with the Kirkwood brand – that is, until Camilla Skovgaard muddied the waters.

What say you.. innocent design coincidence or total funny business?

If you’re in the market for a mid calf buckle boot that will turn heads without turning your wallet into an empty house of broke, check out Steve Madden’s Buckkie boots. These moto inspired classics are triple buckled and leather wrinkled to provide the perfect effect for an affordable price – $160 US.

They look really similar to Fiorentini & Baker’s buckle boots, only the Madden pair are $565 less.  Pretty awesome, right? The Buckkie is currently on pre-order and available in sizes 6 through 10 (halfies included!)

If you’ve ever wanted a fake leather and likely uncomfortable version of the Jeffrey Campbell 99, Forever 21 has your back!  F21′s zip up wedges may only be $23.80, but I can’t imagine there would be any sort of padding in the sole.. you may as well strap planks of wood to your feet.

Alexander Wang’s minimalistic platform boot is a hell of a shoe, and while it’s perfectly delicious on so many levels, it’s also a bit of a purseload.

While it isn’t close to the perfection of the Wang, ASOS’ Alesha bootie has the basics covered – platform, tapered heel, pull on heel tab and almond shaped toe.  Not bad for just over $100 US, and oh so classic.

I’ve been mulling over Senso’s Neve wedge for a while now, and I couldn’t put down exactly what was so familiar about them.  After going cross eyed at my laptop screen, it finally hit – the wedge shape was incredibly similar to Acne’s Admire buckle booties.

Though the Senso pair are a wee bit shorter, the shape of the boot is definitely alike.  For the money value, Australia’s Senso are the clear choices.. that is, unless you happen to have $900 laying around for a new pair of kicks.

Where Jeffrey Campbells Meeker wedge bears heel architectural similarity, there is no doubting the influence AllSaints’ designers were experiencing when they created their Kalman wedge was Finsk.

While the heels are quite similar, the coloring of the two pieces is identical – both pairs have stained black wood, as well as a natural wood color.  It all depends what you’re looking for; a shoe or a boot, and an AllSaints or a Finsk!

If you’re into everything that Markus Lupfer creates (and who isn’t!), then you’re going to be quite into his new metallic leggings.  They may look a bit familiar, and you would be right – American Apparel’s crowd pleaser disco pant happen to be incredibly similar.

The price point is a crowd pleaser too – the AMAP discos run $237 less than the Lupfer pair.  I think we have ourselves a winner!

Steve Madden is the king of ‘inspiration’ pieces, and it just so happens that SM got inspired by AllSaints’ Damisi buckle boot.  In turn, he has created the ALLEYY; a boot very similar in design and accessory, but slightly varied in price point.

The ALLEYY runs at $190, whereas the Damisi spots at $280.  Time to decide if you think that AllSaints extra is worth an extra $100!

Vivienne Westwood’s iconic pirate buckle boots have been a style staple for decades, which means that the design is in it for the long haul and they’re a solid investment.

If you can’t bear to part with just over $500, Topshop has taken the liberty of knocking off Viv’s black suede version, priced at $145 and dubbed the Darko.  If all you’re looking for is a surface look without the history, Topshop has your booties, and they’re waaaaiting for you.

If you were checking out House of Holland’s Boob Circles tee and wondering why it looked familiar, it’s because the character Regina George in Mean Girls wore a sabotaged tank that is incredibly similar.

The hole print on the HOH shirt is even the same purple hue as in the movie.  Perhaps Henry Holland was taking inspiration from the modern classic?

We’ve all been yearning for the Proenza Shouler PS1 satchels, but who on this good, green Earth has $1,500 to spend on a bag, even if the bag is fab?!

Oasis has a solution for all of us wanting the PS1 but living in the real world – the Sasha satchel.  The Oasis Sasha has very similar rectangular satchel style, top handle, shoulder strap and even a similar blue shade.  The one thing to note that while the Sasha is only $58, it is made from PVC.

If you’ve seen any of Sass & Bide’s SS10 RTW collection, you’re familiar with their tribal beading style.

Now check out ASOS’ Tribal Metal Shift dress ($305) – it features similar long gold beads, tribal appeal and effect.  The only aesthetic difference is the eyeline of the beading pattern is straight, versus Sass & Bide’s round shapes.

If you’re fancying a little bit of Sass at an ASOS price point, round up this dress before they sell out.

Balmain is a tricky thing – the label has been so unbelievably popular and has produced some truly museum worthy pieces, yet the price points for these pieces are beyond even the above average buyer’s aspirations.  Even if you were in the financial position to purchase current season Balmain (lucky you!), it wouldn’t be an advisable spend since Balmain goes out as fast as it goes in (Quiet your pervy minds, please!)

Yes, the fashion conscious still care much about Balmain, yet the smart shoppers know how to acquire the trends that make the label’s collections what they are on a budget.  It’s about comparisons, and deciding what statement styles you want to get into since you can’t be in them all.  This brings us to our ‘just like Balmain’ collection – similar enough for the discerning high street shopper, yet are still close enough to the chest that everyone knows what designer you’re channeling.

Chain mail layered under distressed cotton is seen often throughout the collection; RVCA x Erin Wasson’s shorts reflect the same trend yet are much more affordable.  Shakuhachi’s studded denim waistcoat, Heaven Sent’s denim bike jacket and Topshop’s bike style skinnies all play with Balmain’s current denim principles – bike inspired, and studded.

Denim isn’t the only thing Balmain has inspired to be bedazzled with studs; leather is just as prevalent.  Balmain’s brand of studding isn’t limited to the atypical metal additions; their studs are multi color and multi shape.  Studs of this style can be found in ASOS’ Dune clutch and Marc by Marc Jacobs’ studded cross body, though single metallic belts such as Joe Jeans’ and ASOS’ bullet detail belt.

Olive is also a pinpoint of Balmain’s collection; Topshop’s sequin bodycon skirt evokes a destroyed sequin dress from the collection worth over $18,000! X-Ray’s military button up is also an excellent piece for the trends, and AllSaints’ Earl military trousers just require a few tears to get right on trend.  Cover these pieces with a lace patchwork shrug from Topshop, and you’ve got a feminine touch to the hardness of fatigues.

The finishers are the studded leather sandals; Ash’s Monoi ankle strap sandals or Ioannis’ studded gladiator flats are not only perfectly fitting with Balmain’s look, but they are affordable and pieces you can wear with absolutely anything!

Jeffrey Campbell loves to take inspiration from the most culturally relevant shoes, and most recently he has done a take on Camilla Skovgaard’s razor tooth sole, only his doesn’t compress while you walk.

It’s the Fang, and while it may appear to be minimalistic, this shoe would be an excellent addition to the stylista that craves difference on a budget.  The Fang is $135 at Solestruck, and is available in sizes 6 through 10.

Alexander McQueen‘s electric blue asymmetrical cardigan is a delicious basic, though not a realistic buy at just over $1,500.  Allsaints has created a similar piece in many respects; an asymmetrical button line, side pockets and a long torso cut – the Lindy cardigan has all the qualities of the McQueen piece, at a realistic price point.

The color of the Lindy is perfect for this summer’s olive fatigues.  It has rough aspects, yet is a civilized cut and refined in its silhouette… a perfect spin to the traditional cardi.

Through their brand re-invention, it appears that French Connection appears to have adopted Henry Holland’s ‘loud letter rhymes on t-shirt’ shtick from his first collection.

In case you’re wondering, House of Holland did this top trend three years ago, and nearly every high street retailer followed suit – in 2007.

French Connection, these design choices are truly painful.

We all know Parisian luxury brand Balmain is exactly that – a luxury – yet there are more attainable brands out there echoing their designs for the peons with realistic budgets.

This time around it’s J Brand and their tapered Houlihan cargo trousers; they are very close to the Balmain design, the only major design difference is the lack of secondary top zipper pocket.

While the Balmain versions are over $2000, the Houlihans are a decent $231.