Prada made lace the hallmark of her Fall 2008 collection, and now everyone's carrying some form of the openwork fabric. Our intention with these "runway to real way" posts isn't to bastardize the work of great designers - we get it, there's no comparing apples and oranges - but we think inspiration can and should be drawn from the "source." The look on the left isn't something most of us could wear without feeling a bit ridiculous (ok, really ridiculous) in our fabulous, everyday lives - yet the look on the right is not only wearable, it's downright chic. A lace skirt, feminine blouse and on-trend patent oxford booties make lace work for, say, the office and drinks afterwards.

Top: Fitted cotton long-sleeve shirt at BananaRepublic.com, $59
Skirt: Modern Vintage Lace Skirt at Forever21.com, $29.80
Shoes: Tate Oxford Bootie at Payless.com, $24.99

We really want to like the alice + olivia for Payless collection, we really do, but so far this designer collaboration has had far more "misses" than "hits." Remember the goofy looking polka-dotted clown flats back in Spring '08? I rest my case. And so it was with some trepidation that I perused the Fall 2008 offerings, and what did my eyes behold? This red patent monstrosity (shown above) called the alice + olivia for Payless Rivington Ankle Boot, $48. The product description says it will "take your style to new heights" - but I'm afraid it will sink them to deep, dark lows. Part of me appreciates the space-age styling, zip front closure and funky little shield that snaps on one side, all of which make this ankle boot rather fierce. But another part of me fears the staggering 4.5" wedge heel with an additional 1" platform makes this shoe seriously tranny, or possibly just plain fug. And the provocative peep-toe (provocative in a bad way) certainly isn't helping, either.

Am I alone in thinking this ankle boot is a tranny "nay"? Help me out: Fierce or tranny?

Browse the entire alice + olivia for Payless Fall 08 collection here.

Blazers are perfect wardrobe staples year-round, but they're especially helpful for transitioning into fall. This contrast trim blazer by Sanctuary (left) - inspired no doubt by last season's Balenciaga runways - exudes style, yet it's basic enough to go with most anything in your closet. At $189, it's not entirely unreasonable for something you'll wear time and time again. The AE blazer on the right, however, costs a more manageable $59.50 and looks oh-so-similar. What's more, both options will be right in step with this Fall's "country life" trend, whether you hail from the hood or the highlands.

Left: Sanctuary Mademoiselle Blazer at RevolveClothing.com, $189
Right: Contrast Trim 2-Button Blazer at AE.com, $59.50