Spotted the Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Zipper Sandals on comedic actress Kristen Wiig about a week ago:

Kristen Wiig arrives at the premiere of “Despicable Me” on June 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California

The sandals are currently on sale at Shopbop.com at 50% off:

Balmain Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Zipper Sandals, $497.50 (was $995.00)

These Balmain sandals have a very dead-on lookalike though and Leighton Meester was seen wearing them on an episode of Gossip Girl:

Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf filming an episode for the third season of Gossip Girl

Leighton’s / Blair’s sandals are these Petra Zipper Sandals from Pour La Victoire:

Pour La Victoire Petra in black

They’re on sale too at $200.00 marked down from $385.00.

I’d probably pick the Pour La Victoire sandals over the Balmains because I like the chunky heels and the platform soles on them better. Plus, the Pour La Victoire sandals are less expensive. But I can’t knock down the huge discount Shopbop is offering for the Balmains and getting a pair of Balmain shoes at that price is probably a really good deal.

The Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Zipper Sandals vs. the Pour La Victoire Petra Zipper Sandals – which would you pick?

Vs.

I don’t remember anymore which one I saw first, just that when I saw one of these thong sandal booties, it instantly reminded me of the other!

The first gladiator is the Sigerson Morrison Thong Wedge Booties with Western Buckles. It’s got a 1-inch wedge heel and a 6-inch tall shaft which qualifies this sandal as a bootie. It’s most interesting detail are the 3 engraved western-style buckles with straps that reveal the heel and the back of the ankles. At $495.00, this gladiator sandal/bootie hybrid is a splurge.

The one below is the MIA Chariot sandal. It doesn’t have the wedge heel anymore, the shaft is slightly shorter, and it has one less buckle, but it’s essentially the same leather thong sandal bootie. At only $69.95, this is a save.

Based on the pictures alone, the Sigerson Morrisons are obviously better made and have better quality leather. Those 3 western buckles must be really heavy but it doesn’t weigh down the sandal like on the MIAs. But at over 400 dollars less, you can get the same style on the Sigerson Morrison sandals with the MIA sandals plus you can choose from 2 colors, either black or brown. The first sandals are only available in black.

Would you splurge or would you save on these thong sandal bootie gladiators?

Purchase the Sigerson Morrison Thong Wedge Booties at Shopbop.com or the MIA Chariot sandals at Zappos.com.

Remember the 2010 Kids Choice Awards held last March 27?

Well, pretty teen sensation Selena Gomez was spotted attending the event; a definite must for a young actress like her whose fan base consists of cute and giggling tweens and little girls.

The Wizards of Waverly Place and Nickelodeon Princess was spotted walking down the orange carpet (yup, you heard that right; not red) looking very chic in a sunny yellow short draped number cinched at the waist with a braided gold belt, and paired with some uber exquisite high-heeled snakeskin gladiator sandals from Sergio Rossi.

Selena Gomez

(2010 Kids Choice Awards)

The look was soft, delicate, feminine, with an unexpected toughness brought on by the sandals; quite a delightful mix that has earned her the approval of fashion critics and fans alike.

You can shop Selena’s look by purchasing the following:

Alice + Olivia Twisted Halter Dress, on sale for US$257 (Shopbop.com)

(With the detailing on this dress, you won’t need the braided belt)

Sergio Rossi Girandola Bis Gladiator Sandals, US$755

Now, if you are on a really tight budget, don’t worry. We found these very affordable pieces:

Genux Women’s Ruffle Trim Tank Dress, US$52

(Because the design of this dress is more basic, you can afford to put on a gold belt and a pair of embellished gladiator sandals)

B-Low The Belt Brady 1″, US$99

Pleaser Women’s Enchant-53, US$50