I am a firm believer in investment pieces – classic, quality styles that are timeless and can be worn for years. Classic designer sandals to invest in, for example. It’s impossible to constantly splurge on the latest trends that bombard your social media. Marketing campaigns leveraging influencers are designed to create “it” items and the urgency to buy in order to own products that are deemed to be the season’s most sought after.
Designers and brands work hard to create beautiful products and the ones who do it well are able to disrupt the trends and dictate styles that are cascaded down to contemporary and accessible luxury brands. There’s a difference when it comes to actively seeking out copycat dupes that are creating fakes of designer items (which is a no-no) and purchasing products from contemporary brands that incorporate the trends that are set by these designer brands. It’s a fine line.
The latest fashion girl’s obsession? Crystal embellished shoes with flared heels courtesy of Amina Muaddi and jeweled oversized bows on feminine stilettos à la Mach & Mach. Everyone recognizes these codes as part of their designs but for those who aren’t able (or willing) to spend $1K on a pair of shoes that may or may not stand the test of time, there are a few contemporary shoe brands that leverage this embellished trend without copying every detail of the original shoes. You can still participate in the trend by purchasing from brands that are good quality shoes you can keep rather than supporting knock-offs from fast fashion or unknown online sources. Remember, these are inspired by Amina Muaddi and Mach & Mach heels, not dupes.
WHAT ARE THE BEST SHOES INSPIRED BY AMINA MUADDI AND MACH & MACH?
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Paley Embellished Pointed Toe Mules: $425
Sarah Jessica Parker’s shoe line takes after her own style, but some seem to channel Carrie Bradshaw. These mules feature a fuchsia satin upper with an oversized crystal embellished bow at the toe, a trend Mach & Mach popularized.
Buy SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Paley Embellished Pointed Toe Mules
Loeffler Randall Margi Cappuccino Bow Heel: $350
Loeffler Randall’s heeled sandal has rhinestone embellishments on the knotted bow design, taking inspiration from Mach & Mach’s popular crystal embellished bow heels and square toe heeled sandals.
Buy Loeffler Randall Margi Cappuccino Bow Heels
Jeffrey Campbell x Revolve Apresdouze Heel: $195
These feature the crystal embellished oversized bows on the heels with embellished wrap around straps inspired by those from Mach & Mach.
Buy Jeffrey Campbell x Revolve Apresdouze Heel
Good American Cinder-f*cking-rella Pump: $195
Good American’s take on Cinderella heels takes inspiration from the translucent color of Cinderella’s shoes that also appear in Amina Muaddi designs, as do the crystal embellishment at the toe.
Buy Good American Cinder-f*cking-rella Pump
Tony Bianco Franki Satin Heels: $180
A great alternative to the Mach & Mach double bow crystal embellished satin mules are these Franki satin heels from Tony Bianco. With a 10.5cm (or about a 4inch) heel, this is a sleek shoe with a touch of glam to dress up your next outfit.
Buy Tony Bianco Franki Satin Heels
Tony Bianco Eros Satin Heels; $180
Another Tony Bianco heel option, inspired by Mach & Mach’s double bow crystal embellished satin point-toe pumps, these come in a few different colors on site but the black is a closet staple.
Buy Tony Bianco Eros Satin Heels
Tony Bianco Shy Gold Nappa Metallic Heels: $189
Also inspired by the Amina Muaddi Gilda heels, these pumps from Tony Bianco have the flared heel details and diamente detailing. This is the perfect shoe to finish off a cocktail look.
Buy Tony Bianco Shy Gold Nappa Metallic Heels
Jeffrey Campbell Demonica Ankle Strap Sandal: $149.95
Similar to the Amina Muaddi Gilda heels, these feature crystal embellished straps on a feminine heel. The great part is the thicker heel that flares at the base for any occasion you need to walk on grass or unpaved paths.
Buy Jeffrey Campbell Demonica Ankle Strap Sandal
Schutz Arceli Patent Leather Sandal: $98
Taking inspiration from Amina Muaddi’s Anita and Karma heels, Shcutz’s Arceli sandals feature a flared bock heel and tie-up wrap ankle detailing.