ZARA (GIVENCHY KNOCK-OFF) STUDDED ZIP-FRONT HEEL

I love a good knock off for a few reasons: First, you get a chance to rock a runway trend that you couldn't afford in a million years without breaking your budget. Secondly, alot of the time these runway trends aren't classic and timeless, so a cheaper version of the real thing will suffice for a few months before they go to the back of the closet. Lastly, I just love the thrill of finding an identical copy of a runway staple and having people think it's real. There's some serious hunting involved in finding a good knock off, and fooling the general public is just so satisfying.

Givenchy is one of my favorite labels of all time and lead designer Riccardo Tisco has elevated the label to rockstar status. The bondage black silhouettes and metal spiked and studded accessories made the Fall 2009 show one of my all time favorites. But even more amazing was the street style application of the runway trends. I just melted when I saw Miss Vanessa Traina spotted in her black crocodile skin heels and metal spiked headband outside of the shows last fall. But one of my must-have accessories from the shoe was the studded zip-front heels that were seen throughout the entire show.

So one day while I was at the Grove, I decided to pop by the new Zara that had just opened, anticipating buying yet another black leather jacket or something I didn't need, until I saw these shoes. They were exactly what I wanted in a knock-off: Similiar concept to the original, but totally affordable, and just screamed Givenchy. Though they aren't the real deal, they have satiated my Givenchy desires for Fall 2009, and I can't wait to hunt for yet another knock-off for next season.

The full Givenchy F2009RTW Show

Photographer: Jessica Currie

Outfit- Topshop Cosmo Dress, Vintage Fringe shirt (worn over the dress), Luv Aj brass chain necklace