Leather and Lace: Who does it better, Choo or Valentino?

I’m sure it was purely coincidence that both the Jimmy Choo Nexus Snakeskin and Lace Sandals (left) and the Valentino Studded Lace Pumps (right) both showed up on Net-a-Porter’s new arrivals page on the same day, but their timely advents made it impossible for me to not compare them. I know which one I like better; do you?

Although the Jimmy Choo option tried to reel me in with exotic skin, and despite the fact that I’m generally a bit bored with Valentino’s lace-bows-studs gimmick, I can’t help but choose the Valentino pumps. The shape and material are so staunchly ladylike that the studs on the patent trim are an actual surprise, and the bow doesn’t seem out of place on this design like it does on many of the bow-decked Valentino pieces I’ve seen in the past couple of months. Both options seem overly expensive for what you get, but I guess that could be said of most of the shoes we feature here.

Buy the Choos via Net-a-Porter for $1295.
Buy the Valentinos via Net-a-Porter for $995.

couturecoco

Not to be contrary but the Jimmy Choos would get more wear for me so it would be my choice. Plus I think there’s just a little too much going on in the Valentino pumps.
http://www.couturecoco.wordpress.com
Merve

I think the Valentinos are overkill….bows, lace, studs ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I prefer the Choos but i still cant get my head around lace peep toe booties, in what season am i supposed to wear them?
Chris

As for the Valentinos, Tim Gunn would say to the designer:”This is a lot of look. You need to edit it. ” The Jimmy Choos are beautiful.
Hrisoula

I always associate bows and lace with Valentino, I know I’m int he minority, but I like the Valentinos too….love the Choos, guess I’d take both.

http://theshoeplayground.blogspot.com
shueaddict

how about neither – studs are a bit last season, even dressed up with lace …
Sharon

Like I could afford either — but if I could, it would be the Choos. I’d have to wait for a couple of season changes before wearing them, though. Winter in Minnesota, especially this winter, is not the time for open toe shoes.
mochababe73

I don’t like the booties for the simple fact that women wear them with dresses which I hate. And, peep toe booties are just Evil.
Minus the studs, I would definitely go for the Valentino.
19yearslater

I like both but the Valentino pair get my vote.
Redo My Shoe

I just really don’t like anything Jimmy Choo ever does. These are no exception. I just think they’re a tad ugly. I think the Valentinos would be nice without the studs, though. They get my vote.

http://redomyshoe.blogspot.com/
Stylista

Ooo leather and lace! What a luscious combination! Yum! I say both are really nice, but the booties get my vote.

http://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/
Lushiekittycat

Hmmmm…. I would have to go with the Valentino’s but I think they would be better without the studs.