The Look for Less: Designer Shoe Shopping Guide

Posted by Jasmine Javier on Dec 22, 2014 5:00:00 AM

pile_of_shoes

I’ve always had an obsession with shoes. When I was six, my mother bought me a pair of miniature heels, and I refused to take them off. I would walk around the house, the grocery store, and day care with those heels on. My mother said I was born to be in heels. For about 18 years, I bought every beautiful shoe I laid my eyes on. In high school, my closet was filled with Juicy Couture, Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs.

But in college, I entered the fashion world to discover luxury footwear from Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, and Jimmy Choo. With the cost of tuition, my parents could no longer supply me with a steady supply of new designer footwear. As a broke college freshman, I couldn’t pay $1,000 for a pair of Manolo Blahniks; I couldn’t even afford a pair of $100 Michael Kors flats. I had a retail job that paid barely over minimum wage and soon resorted to seeking cheaper look-a-likes.

I’ve compiled a list of five designer shoes that I want but can’t afford – I think you’ll be interested too.

 

1. Black Over-the-Knee Boots

Tom_Ford_Over_the_Knee_Boot-1The Original

Designer: Tom Ford

Price: $2,950

Material: Nappa Leather with Gold Metal Heel

110 mm heel (approx. 4.25 inches)

Made in Italy

Retailer: Tom Ford

 

Nina_Over_the_Knee_Boots

The Alternative

Brand: Nina

Price: $99

Material: Leather

2.5 inch heel

Imported

Retailer: Zappos

 

2. Suede Fringe Sandal in Statement Colors

Prada_Suede_Fringe_Sandal

The Original

Designer: Prada

Price: $850 (sale price: $637)

Material: Suede with leather lining and sole

4.5 inch heel

Made in Italy

Retailer: Neiman Marcus 

 

Steve_Madden_Suede_Fringe_Sandal-1

 

The Alternative

Brand: Steve Madden

Price: $129.99

Material: Suede with manmade lining and sole

4.75 in. heel

COO not listed

Retailer: Steve Madden (pre-order only)

 

3. Black Ankle Strap Sandal with Lock Detail

Givenchy_Shark-Lock_Ankle_Strap_Sandal

The Original

Designer: Givenchy

Price: $975

Material: Calfskin Leather

4.5 inch heel

Made in Italy

Retailer: Bergdorf Goodman

 

Steve_Madden_Shark_Lock_Ankle_Strap_Sandal

 

The Alternative

Brand: Steve Madden

Price: $135.00 (sale price: $67.50)

Material: Faux Leather (PU)

4.5 inch heel

Imported

Retailer: Nasty Gal

 

4. Black Patent Leather Pointed-Toe Pump

Christian_Louboutin_Pointed_Toe_Heel

The Original

Designer: Christian Louboutin

Price: $695

Material: Patent Leather

120 mm heel (approx. 4.75 inches)

Made in Italy

Retailer: Barneys New York

 

 

Tony_Bianco_Pointed_Toe_Heel

 The Alternative 

Brand: Tony Bianco

Price: $159.95

Material: Patent Leather with synthetic lining

COO not listed

12 cm heel (approx. 4.75 inches)

Retailer: Tony Bianco

 

 

5. Black Suede Ankle Boot

Jimmy_Choo_Side_Zip_Suede_Ankle_Boot

 

The Original

Designer: Jimmy Choo

Price: $1,150

Material: Suede with leather sole

3.5 inch heel

Made in Italy

Retailer: Neiman Marcus

 

Aldo_Suede_Ankle_Boot

The Alternative 

Brand: Aldo

Price: $79.99 (sale price: $41.99)

Material: Microfiber

4 inch heel

COO not listed

Retailer: Aldo

Topics: budget, fashion budget, shopping, luxury brands, shoes, givenchy, christian louboutin, boots, prada, steve madden, tom ford, shopping guide, jimmy choo, aldo, footwear, heels, look for less

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