it’s a shoe-in

Christina Aguilera's shoe closet (courtesy of mizztissa.com)

A while back, I told you I’d be on the look-out for budget-friendly versions of the hottest heels on the market.  The nice thing (or dangerous thing) for shoe freaks like me, is that every time I turn around there’s something new to love.

I’d buy these with a clear conscience….

Kate Middleton (sorry, Duchess of Cambridge) loves her LK Bennett Maddox wedges (about $250).

Hillary (sorry, Duchess of Bargain Hunting) loves Antonio Melani Tate Pumps; $89.99, www.dillards.com

Christian Louboutin's Belle Zeppa suede ankle boots; $995. Me likey.

Pour La Victoire Chaney boots; $154.99, www.zappos.com. Me likey a lot.

Michael Antonio Cane Wedge Bootie; $39.95, www.dsw.com. Me likey even more.

To die for: YSL Palais suede-and-metallic slingbacks; $845.

And now I'm in heaven: Halston's Ruby suede-and-metallic slingback; $49.99, www.bakershoes.com (only $37.49 after you add them to your shopping bag, she says...happily)

Brown and basic: Pedro Wedge Sandal; $460

Beige and budget-friendly: Dolce Vita Julie Wedge Sandal; $175, www.amazon.com

Hello Dolly! Charlotte Olympia Dolly Pumps; $875

Goodbye, Dolly! Dolce Vita Boston Pump; $51, www.amazon.com

The perfect spring sling: Prada slingback sandal; $570.

But these keep my budget steady....Envy Steady Sandal; $54, www.dsw.com

Christian Louboutin's appropriately-titled "Very Riche" Pump; $3,700

Benjamin Adams Charlize Wedding Shoe; $400, www.myglassslipper.com

Nikki Heel; $180, www.dnafootwear.com.

Enzo Angiolini Show You Pumps; $160, www.macys.com

Madden Girl Lutzer Pump; $50, www.dsw.com

Prada Suede Mary Jane Pumps; $483

Jessica Alba wearing Prada Suede Mary Jane Pumps

And for the rest of us: Nicole Miller Mary Jane Pumps;$24, www.jcpenney.com

And closely on its heels: Softspots Studio Suede Mary Jane; $16, www.jcpenney.com

Prada Contrast Bow Slingback; $500

Bandolino Brindel Pump; $40, www.dsw.com

Guiseppe Zanotti Colorblock Platform Sandal; $795

Nickeya by Boutique Nine; $150, www.ninewest.com

Steven by Steve Madden Angels Pump; $159, www.hsn.com

Am I saying that these lookalikes are as fabulously made as their high-end counterparts? Likely, no. Are they always fashioned from the very best materials? Maybe not. But unless a shoe is totally industrial (read: your everyday, basic leather walking shoe or ankle boot), I actually don’t WANT to be wearing it ten years from now. And as far as I’m concerned, that’s the only way to justify a thousand bucks for a pair of heels.

Am I alone on this one? What is the most YOU’D pay for a shoe? (A fun and fancy shoe….!)

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2 Comments
  • debbi

    WOW!! Fabulous finds!!

    January 23, 2012 at 8:04 am
  • Robin

    What a great read! Who doesn’t like a good shoe bargain?

    January 26, 2012 at 7:20 am