How many times have you heard me joke that I have champagne taste on a beer budget? It’s never been more so true than when it comes to shoes. They’re my ultimate wardrobe kryptonite; the one thing I seem to constantly desire despite the abundance of styles in my closet. With all the years I’ve spent hunting down the best basics for my closet, I’ve found that good quality comes at every price. You just need to know where to look. Given my love of shoes, today I wanted to share a new batch of designer shoe dupes so you can get the luxe look for much, much, less.
Jimmy Choo Saeda Embellished Pumps
First up is a dupe for the Jimmy Choo Saeda Embellished Pumps. These shoes caught my eye, mostly for the crystal chain strap at the ankle. Must be the magpie in me – I’m always drawn to shoes with a bit of sparkle. Absolutely floored when I spotted this exact match on Amazon. A much more affordable option for a shoe that to me, almost looks like it’s a car to dinner shoe.
The Row Bare Sandals
Another pair of shoes that are on my personal wishlist; The Row Bare Sandals. They’re giving me 90s minimalism, and I am here for it. The best dupe I’ve seen are these ones here from Tony Bianco (also love that they come in fun colours). I also have a flat sandal alternative from Aeyde which are worth checking out. I can speak to their comfort and the quality is exceptional!
Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers
A while back I did a video on the “best basic” sneakers, and the Golden Goose Superstars were by far and away my personal favourite. Lived up the hype, but at the high price tag I felt like there were other alternatives worth spending on. It was just recently that I noticed these Oliver Cabell sneakers bore a striking resemblance, at a much more friendly price point. Having owned shoes from Oliver Cabell in the past, I can speak to the quality. They’re comfortable to boot, too!
The Row Geri Sandals
One of my favourite recent sale purchases are The Row Geri Sandals. A serious splurge at full price, but I managed to snag them for a steal at 70% off. These were one of the items I took with me on my recent trip to Dallas. Worth every penny. Super comfortable, and I loved what they added to my outfits. Always felt balanced, plus the plummy hue is tres chic. For something a little more affordable, try this pair from Dough. Love that they come in a white leather, burgundy, and black suede option. You can use the code Mademoiselle2022 for an extra 12% off.
Mach & Mach Double Bow Crystal Pumps
Glitzy and glamorous is how I’d describe the Mach & Mach Double Bow Crystal Pumps. Like a moth to a flame, I was again taken in by the sparkly nature of these shoes. But for something that I know won’t get many outings – at least for my lifestyle – I’m not sure I could ever justify splurging on the real thing. I spotted two fab alternatives. Firstly, these ones from Tony Bianco. Love that they come in both neutral and brights, plus the brand is known for making quality shoes. Then, these ones are another Amazon find. Super affordable, and having seen them in the flesh, I assure you that they’re incredibly convincing. So much so that I’ve decided to purchase a pair for myself!
By Far Tanya Mules
Definitely a favourite of mine when it comes to pulling together a dressier look. The By Far Tanya Mules have this barely there look, combined with an interesting and architectural shaped heel which I love. The fact that it’s a block heel makes them comfortable, though admittedly the patent has given me blisters in the past (and I’ll always recommend buying the leather options if springing for the real deal). Again, I have two designer shoe dupes for you. Firstly are these ones from JAMES | SMITH. Love that the heel is a wooden stacked heel, plus the straps are leather so these should be a near sight more comfortable than the By Far ones. Alternatively are these jelly ones from Jeffrey Campbell. Currently 50% off too, making them a real steal!
Valentino Petal Heels
Normally I wouldn’t be drawn to a shoe that’s quite as feminine as these, but I just love the pretty rose leather appliqué at the toe of the Valentino Petal Heels. They’re a bit of a showstopper in their own right. I’ve found two fantastic dupes. These ones from Nina Armando which are so good I’m tempted to add them to cart, immediately. Along with this pair from Linea Paolo – great if you prefer a flat shoe!
Gucci GG Tom Crystal Slingback Heels
Of all the shoes in this designer shoe dupes post, this is the pair currently topping my wishlist; the Gucci GG Tom Crystal Slingback Heels. Wow. Love the slingback. Love the walkable kitten heel. And I LOVE the glitz. When I saw this dupe from Mango I was floored. Such a great alternative at a fraction of the price point. Plus I appreciate that there’s no logo on them too. Currently sold out in my size so will be patiently awaiting a restock…
Jil Sander Whipstitch Ballet Flats
Another pair of shoes that has been on my wishlist (are we sensing a theme here…?). Jil Sander is one of those brands which constantly seems to catch my eye, and the Whipstitch Ballet Flats seem like an elevated and fresh take on a longstanding classic. I’ve tried these in the heeled version which just weren’t it for me, but the flats I think would work much better; not to mention be more practical for my lifestyle. I stumbled across this pair from COS and couldn’t help but see the inspiration here. The leather on the COS pair is actually nicer; super buttery and soft. They run a full size large so would recommend sizing down. They’ll feel snug at first but stretch out within an hour of wear.
Tods Catena Chain Loafers
Chunky loafers have been on trend for a while now, and personally I am enjoying the way they bring about balance to an outfit. Especially when wearing a fluid trouser. I chose to buy into the trend with the Tods Catena Chain Loafers, but you don’t need to break the bank to get that look. Edward Meller have this pair available, which are a dead ringer for my Tods ones. A great option if you love this look but don’t want to spend a huge portion of your seasonal wardrobe budget on it.
Valentino Pyramid Roman Stud Sandals
Valentino’s classic rockstud shoes got a bit of a makeover this year, with a chunkier pyramid-esque stud adorning many of their new shoes and bags. If you’ve had your eye on the Valentino Pyramid Roman Stud Sandals but perhaps want something a little more low key, then I think these flats from Witchery are a good alternative. You get that same gladiator sandal vibe, minus the embellishment.
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Pumps
We’re probably all familiar with that classic scene in Sex and the City, with Carrie and her Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Pumps. They’re iconic. The crystal embellished plate at the toe acting as a serious focal point. I have a couple of great alternatives. The first being these flats from Linea Paolo. I like that these have tread on the bottom (practical), they’re suede, and they have that elasticated heel so they’ll hug the back of the foot snugly. For something that feels more so inspired than a spot on dupe, I love these pointed toe pumps from Kate Spade.
Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Ballet Flats
Last of the designer shoe dupes I have to share today is for the Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Ballet Flats. Another classic style that has been around forever. I recall having these on my wishlist in my early fashion blogging days (I’m talking a decade ago here…). For a more affordable alternative, try these from Nina Armando. I swear you can barely tell the difference between them, right down to the cherry red hue of the patent leather!
