I love Elizabeth and James — even if I think that the line’s quality isn’t always on par with their relatively high prices. So, I was excited when I heard they were coming-out with shoes. However I was a little worried when I heard that they were being designed in collaboration with Steve Madden (they’ll be the first Steve Madden line to be carried by luxury retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Intermix, and Neiman Marcus). Steve Madden not only blatantly knocks-off designer shoes, but the brand’s shoes are so horribly made you’re almost guaranteed to end-up with blisters and soars! Turns-out I was right to be a bit wary. I checked-out the line which just hit the web and I’m sorely disappointed. Though the prices aren’t too bad — between $195 and $500 — the styles are bland and seem almost entirely gladiator-inspired (I thought we were done with that trend last year!). The Elizabeth and James Core is pictured above in the middle and retails for $265, while the Luella High Heel Gladiator Bootie (shown above in Pewter and Camel), retails for $325. What do you think: Snob or Slob?