Tim Gunn can lambast Kim Kardashian’s fashion all he wants, but the huge amount of media hype and the massive public attention surrounding Kim is undeniable. Just check out these pictures of the reality TV star in Miami, Florida last March 19:

Do you see all those people behind her? And those are just the curious people passing by. Imagine what the paparazzi on the other side of the camera that took this picture looks like.

Here’s another shot from that day that shows just how crazy people are about her:

Okay, even with all the attention I gotta admit I’m with Tim Gunn when it comes to some of Kim’s outfits. This is one of them. I think one-piece rompers should be worn exclusively by babies and should not be touched with a ten-foot pole by 30-year olds.The belt Kim is wearing over the romper is serving absolutely no purpose other than to hang on to her waist and the hair, though luscious, is too much for such a casual outfit.

Her lace up gladiator sandals on the other hand, are a totally different matter. They are gorgeous:

Close-up of Kim’s shoes

From the red soles alone, you know they’re Louboutins.

These Christian Louboutin Platform Lace-Up Booties with tassel ends are originally priced at $1,195.00. They’re already marked down to $537.00 at the Neiman Marcus website but unfortunately, they’re not available anymore.

Here are two similar alternatives from Chinese Laundry and Type Z, at even lower prices than the already marked down Louboutins:

Type Z Lavey Sandal, $69.00

Chinese Laundry Lucky Strike, $80.00

Do you like Kim Kardashian’s style?

Tired of the same ol’ t-straps on gladiators? Have had enough of dealing with so many buckles and straps on sandals? Think gladiator sandals are so last decade?

Then think again. The gladatior sandal continues to be reinvented this 2010, adopting such fashion forward trends like cutouts, motorcycle boots, and even clogs (see it to believe it).

We think the gladiator sandal is fast on its way to becoming a closet mainstay rather than just a trend, especially if it keeps up this chameleon-like change season after season.

Check out these 4 new and fresh silhouettes that the gladiator sandal has taken on for this year:

#1 ANGULAR STRAPS

Guess Shoes Iola

Throwing the t-straps out, the gladiator sandal now shows off its sexy shape. The straps now embrace the foot in such a way that they create flattering – not height-cutting (!) – angles. These Guess Shoes Iola heels in pewter lea are $119.99 at Heels.com.

#2 MOTORCYCLE BOOTS

Ash Lotus Cutout Booties

This shoe actually shows not one but two trends: the motorcycle boot and the extreme wedge. First seen on trendsetters like Mary Kate Olsen and Alexa Chung, the motorcycle wedge will surely be the shoe shape to watch out for this year. The gladiator sandal slips into this new shape with ease. Ash Lotus Cutout Booties are $240.00 at Shopbop.com.

#3 CUTOUTS

Sigerson Morrison Flat Slash Suede Booties

We’ve featured these sandals before in our 2010 trend forecast. And now that it’s 2010, that forecast is now a reality. We’re seeing cutouts in everything from bathing suits to sleeves to the backs of dresses, so why not on gladiator sandals? And judging from these Sigerson Morrison Flat Slash Suede Booties, they look like they were made for each other. The end result is a silhouette that is very now, and we get the strappy look without the actual straps. These sandals are $465.00 at Shopbop.com.

#4 CLOGS

Frye Darcy Peep

The thick leather straps take the place of the rounded toecaps on these clogs, but they are undeniably gladiator-inspired. Clogs are supposedly the dreaded trend to make a comeback this 2010, but if they look as luxurious (and as comfy – they have a cork footbed) as these chunky wooden heels, then maybe it’s not going to be that bad. These Frye Darcy Peep clogs are $218.00 at Zappos.com.

Still think you’ll be sticking with the old gladiator sandals or will you be willing to try out these fresh, new silhouettes? Try ‘em out for size – you never know, you might end up liking them!