Footwear trends come and go, and so far, Spring 2016 has brought along plenty of its own. In the upcoming months, we’re eagerly awaiting lace-up sandal, low, chunky heels and spring fringe. And while we would love to put everything on the plastic and act like the bill isn’t coming, sometimes practicality is required.
We know many of you frown upon copycats, and trust us, we get it. Exclusively is part of what attracts people to luxury goods, and contemporary brands look to the luxury market for influence and reinterpret a specific luxury aesthetic for consumers who aren’t in the market for luxury. Some consumers can’t or won’t spend hundreds on shoes but still closely follow trends and want to look stylish.
I will admit, I have luxury taste on a contemporary budget, and writing for PurseBlog, you can imagine how tempted I am to splurge on a daily basis. As much as I love my Gucci, Fendi and Prada (and Chanel, Céline, Dior– you get the idea), my wallet and guilty adult conscience don’t always favor the luxury price tags. Sometimes I’m all about treating myself without breaking my budget, and these look for less options prove that it’s possible.
Right: Gianvito Rossi Embellished Suede Sandals $1,495 via Net-a-Porter
Right: Valentino Rockstud Knee-High Gladiator Sandal $1,475 via Bergdorf Goodman
Right: Saint Laurent Jodie Studded Leather T-Strap Sandal $995 via Bergdorf Goodman
Right: Stuart Weitzman Nudistsong Ankle Strap Sandal $398 via Nordstrom
Right: Gianvito Rossi Laser-Cut Open-Toe Leather Knee Boot $2,745 via Bergdorf Goodman
Right: Isabel Marant Leo Studded Lace-Up Ballerina Flat $510 via Bergdorf Goodman
Right: Aquazzura Belgravia Lattice Suede Sandal $725 via Bergdorf Goodman
Right: Valentino Love Latch Leather Flats $975 via Forward by Elyse Walker
Right: Céline Padded Band Sandals $810 via Céline
Glass Glitter Dot Pointed Toe High Heel Pumps $365 via Bloomingdale;s
Right: Christian Louboutin Follies Strass Pump $1,195 via Bergdorf Goodman
Right: Rag & Bone Wyatt Perforated Suede Sandals $450 via Rag & Bone
Right: Aquazzura Wild Thing Sandals $785 via ShopBop
Right: Alexander Wang Lovisa Leather Pointed-Toe Pump $495 via Bergdorf Goodman
Steve Madden makes blatant carbon copies. Those shoes go beyond being “inspired” and straight into “copyright infringement.”